Alarm systems and remote inspection systems

Abstract

The alarm (6) is a device that, when it receives a signal indicating a refrigerant leak from a refrigerant leak detection sensor (5) that detects a refrigerant leak, lights up a light unit (62) to keep it lit or flashes, and includes a power supply circuit (63) that supplies power to light up the light unit (62) when it receives a signal requesting the start of an inspection, and a determination unit (65) that determines whether or not the light unit (62) is lit during the inspection based on electrical parameters, which are the state of the voltage or current supplied from the power supply circuit (63) to the light unit (62).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an alarm for an air conditioning system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, air conditioners perform air conditioning through a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducer, and an evaporator are connected in sequence to circulate a refrigerant. Some refrigerants used in air conditioners are flammable. In particular, if a refrigerant leaks from an indoor unit in the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant accumulates indoors, so it is required to notify the user of the refrigerant leakage. Therefore, it is required to install a refrigerant leak detection sensor inside or near the indoor unit of an air conditioner, and also install an alarm that issues an alarm to the user when the refrigerant leak detection sensor detects refrigerant. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an alarm that issues an alarm through an alarm sound and lighting of a light when a refrigerant leak is detected.

[0003] Furthermore, for an alarm that issues an alarm when a refrigerant leak detection sensor detects a refrigerant leak, it is necessary to periodically inspect whether the alarm operates normally after installation. For alarms that issue alarms via light, the inspection worker visually checks the alarm to confirm that the alarm is operating normally.

[0004] In order to efficiently perform alarm inspection work, it is required to be able to confirm that the alarm is operating normally without the worker having to travel to the alarm installation location. As a technology for a worker at a location distant from equipment to check the status of the equipment, Patent Document 2 describes that an imaging unit such as a camera is installed, and image data obtained by imaging the equipment status is transmitted to a terminal owned by the worker, so that the worker can grasp the status of the equipment.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] In the inspection of an alarm system that emits an alarm using light, if an inspector located away from the alarm system applies the technology described in Patent Document 2 to confirm the alarm system's operation and installs a camera to image the alarm system, there are costs associated with installing the camera, as well as the need to secure space for the camera.

[0007] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an alarm that emits an alarm by light when a refrigerant leak is detected, which allows for efficient inspection of whether the alarm is functioning correctly without the inspection worker having to go to the location where the alarm is installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The alarm device relating to this disclosure is an alarm device that, upon receiving a signal indicating a refrigerant leak from a refrigerant leak detection sensor that detects refrigerant leaks, illuminates a light unit in a state of continuous illumination or flashing, and communicates with a terminal device held by an inspection worker performing a remote inspection via a network and communication device, and includes a power supply circuit that supplies power to illuminate the light unit when it receives a signal from the terminal device via the communication device requesting the start of an inspection, and an electrical parameter which is the state of the voltage or current supplied from the power supply circuit to the light unit when it receives a signal from the terminal device via the communication device requesting the start of an inspection. However, depending on whether the voltage or current value is above a threshold set based on the illuminance level at which the user notices the light is on, The system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the indicator light is lit, and if it determines that the indicator light is lit, it sets the inspection result to normal; if it determines that the indicator light is not lit, it sets the inspection result to abnormal, and transmits the inspection result to a terminal device via a communication device.

[0009] Furthermore, the remote inspection system relating to this disclosure is a remote inspection system for an alarm, comprising: an air conditioning system comprising an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, refrigerant piping connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, a refrigerant leak detection sensor installed in the air-conditioned space where the indoor unit is installed and which detects refrigerant leaks, and an alarm that, when it receives a signal indicating a refrigerant leak from the refrigerant leak detection sensor, lights up or flashes a light unit; and a communication device that communicates via a network with a terminal device held by an inspection worker performing a remote inspection, and when it receives a signal from the terminal device requesting the start of an inspection of the alarm, it transmits a signal to the alarm requesting the start of an inspection, wherein the alarm comprises a power supply circuit that supplies power to light up the light unit when it receives a signal requesting the start of an inspection, and electrical parameters which are the state of the voltage or current supplied from the power supply circuit to the light unit during the inspection. However, depending on whether the voltage or current value is above a threshold set based on the illuminance required for the user to notice that the light is on, The system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the indicator light is lit, and if it determines that the indicator light is lit, it sets the inspection result to normal; if it determines that the indicator light is not lit, it sets the inspection result to abnormal, and transmits the inspection result to a terminal device via a communication device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, for an alarm that emits an alarm by light when a refrigerant leak is detected, it is possible to provide an alarm that allows for efficient inspection of whether the alarm is emitting an alarm properly without an inspector having to go to the installation location of the alarm, by using electrical parameters, which are the voltage or current supplied to the lighting part of the alarm. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the remote inspection system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerant circuit in an air conditioning system. [Figure 3] This is an external view of an operating device equipped with an alarm according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a functional configuration diagram of the alarm device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This graph shows the relationship between the voltage applied to the lighting unit and the illuminance of the lighting unit. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram showing the flow of performing a remote inspection in the remote inspection system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing a modified example of the remote inspection system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This graph shows the time change of the voltage value applied when the lighting unit according to Embodiment 2 is lit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments for carrying out the subject matter of this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are simplified or omitted as appropriate. The subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below, and it is possible to combine the embodiments or modify or omit any components as long as it does not depart from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0013] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of the remote inspection system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The remote inspection system 100 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The alarm 6 emits an alarm with light when the refrigerant leak detection sensor 5, which detects refrigerant leaks in the indoor unit 2 of the air conditioning system 1, detects a refrigerant leak. The remote inspection system 100 allows for remote inspection work to confirm that the alarm 6 is functioning correctly. The remote inspection system 100 comprises the air conditioning system 1, a communication device 4, and a terminal device 21 carried by an inspection worker who performs inspections of the air conditioning system 1, which is connected to the communication unit 10 via a network 20.

[0014] The network 20 is a wide-area network that enables communicative connection between the communication device 4 connected to the air conditioning system 1 and the terminal device 21 located remotely from the site where the air conditioning system 1 is installed. The network 20 is, for example, the Internet, or a mobile communication line such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 3G (Generation), 4G, and 5G. Note that communication between the communication device 4 and the terminal device 21 may be performed via the management server 22.

[0015] The management server 22 is a computer including at least one processor and at least one memory. The management server 22 transmits a control signal indicating control content of the air conditioning system 1 to the air conditioning system 1 via the network 20. The control signal is generated by a program executed on the management server 22. Alternatively, the control signal is generated by the management server 22 based on a signal transmitted from the terminal device 21 described later to the management server 22. When the air conditioning system 1 communicates with the management server 22, the management server 22 can record the usage status of the air conditioning system 1, reflect the record in automatic control of the air conditioning system 1, and detect an abnormality of the air conditioning system 1.

[0016] The terminal device 21 is a PC terminal, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like owned by an inspector of the air conditioning system 1. A program for inspecting the air conditioning system 1 is installed in the terminal device 21. Note that the terminal device 21 may be provided in a management center that remotely manages the air conditioning system 1 using the management server 22. Further, the terminal device 21 may be configured integrally with the management server 22.

[0017] An air conditioning system 1 is configured of an operating device 7 including an indoor unit 2, an outdoor unit 3, a refrigerant pipe 9 (not shown in FIG. 1), a refrigerant leakage detection sensor 5 and an alarm device 6. In the present embodiment, the operating device 7 that accepts various setting items for operating the air conditioning system and the alarm device 6 are integrally configured. Note that the operating device 7 and the alarm device 6 may be configured as separate devices. The indoor unit 2, the refrigerant leakage detection sensor 5 and the alarm device 6 are installed in an air conditioning target space 8, which is a space where the air conditioning system 1 performs cooling or heating. The outdoor unit 3 is installed outdoors.

[0018] The indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioning system 1 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 9 through which refrigerant flows, and constitute a refrigerant circuit. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system 1. The refrigerant circuit implements air conditioning such as cooling or heating of the air conditioning target space 8 by performing a refrigeration cycle. A refrigerant circuit included in the air conditioning system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0019] The outdoor unit 3 internally includes a compressor 3a, a four-way valve 3b, an outdoor heat exchanger 3c, an expansion valve 3d, an outdoor fan 3e, and an outdoor control unit 3f. The indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 2a, an indoor fan 2b, and an indoor control unit 2c.

[0020] The refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system 1 is configured by sequentially connecting the compressor 3a, the four-way valve 3b, the outdoor heat exchanger 3c, the expansion valve 3d, and the indoor heat exchanger 2a via the refrigerant pipe 9. The outdoor unit 3 and the indoor unit 2 are connected by the refrigerant pipe 9.

[0021] The refrigerant circuit is configured such that during cooling operation, refrigerant circulates in the order of the compressor 3a, the four-way valve 3b, the outdoor heat exchanger 3c, the expansion valve 3d, the indoor heat exchanger 2a, and the four-way valve 3b. Solid arrows shown in FIG. 2 indicate the flow of refrigerant during cooling. Furthermore, the refrigerant circuit is configured such that during heating operation, refrigerant circulates in the order of the compressor 3a, the four-way valve 3b, the indoor heat exchanger 2a, the expansion valve 3d, the outdoor heat exchanger 3c, and the four-way valve 3b. Broken arrows shown in FIG. 2 indicate the flow of refrigerant during heating.

[0022] The compressor 3a compresses the inhaled refrigerant and discharges it in a high-temperature, high-pressure state. For example, the compressor 3a is a positive displacement compressor that can change its operating capacity and is driven by a motor controlled by an inverter.

[0023] The four-way valve 3b has the function of switching the flow path of the refrigerant. During cooling operation, the four-way valve 3b is configured to connect the refrigerant discharge side of the compressor 3a to the outdoor heat exchanger 3c, and to connect the indoor heat exchanger 2a to the refrigerant suction side of the compressor 3a. On the other hand, during heating operation, the four-way valve 3b is configured to connect the refrigerant discharge side of the compressor 3a to the indoor heat exchanger 2a, and to connect the outdoor heat exchanger 3c to the refrigerant suction side of the compressor 3a.

[0024] The outdoor heat exchanger 3c performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside the heat transfer tubes of the outdoor heat exchanger 3c and the air passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 3c. During cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 3c functions as a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, and during heating operation, it functions as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant.

[0025] The indoor heat exchanger 2a performs heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing inside the heat transfer tubes of the indoor heat exchanger 2a and the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 2a. During heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 2a functions as a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, and during cooling operation, it functions as an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant.

[0026] The expansion valve 3d reduces the pressure by expanding the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 3c or the indoor heat exchanger 2a, which functions as a condenser. For example, it is composed of an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is variably controlled. During cooling operation, the expansion valve 3d reduces the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 3c, and during heating operation, it reduces the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 2a.

[0027] The outdoor fan 3e is positioned near the outdoor heat exchanger 3c and generates an airflow that passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 3c, allowing heat exchange to occur between the air and the outdoor heat exchanger 3c. The air that has exchanged heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 3c is then blown out of the outdoor unit 3 through an outlet (not shown) of the outdoor unit 3 to the outside.

[0028] The indoor fan 2b is positioned near the indoor heat exchanger 2a and draws in air from the air intake (not shown) of the indoor unit 2 into the space to be air-conditioned 8, and causes heat exchange between the air and the indoor heat exchanger 2a. The indoor fan 2b then blows the conditioned air, which has exchanged heat with the indoor heat exchanger 2a, out of the air outlet (not shown) of the indoor unit 2 into the space to be air-conditioned 8. In other words, the indoor fan 2b generates an airflow that passes through the indoor heat exchanger 2a.

[0029] The refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit is often flammable, such as R32. Therefore, if a refrigerant leak occurs in the air conditioning system 1, detecting the leak and notifying users in the air-conditioned space 8 is one of the safety measures.

[0030] Examples of refrigerants circulating in the refrigerant circuit include fluorine-based refrigerants or hydrocarbon-based refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP). Other examples of refrigerants include single refrigerants such as R1234yf, R1234ze, R32, and R290, or mixtures of two or more of these, or mixtures of one of these with other refrigerants. Other examples of refrigerants include mixtures containing R1132(E) or R1123. Still other examples of refrigerants include mixtures of R516A, R445A, R444A, R454C, R444B, R454A, R455A, R457A, R459B, R452B, R454B, R447B, R447A, R446A, and R459A.

[0031] The outdoor control unit 3f and the indoor control unit 2c each consist of at least one processor and at least one memory. The processor is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP, and functions as a central processing unit that executes each program. The memory consists of non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM. The outdoor control unit 3f controls the rotation speed of the motors that drive the compressor 3a and the outdoor fan 3e, the switching of the four-way valve 3b, and the opening degree of the expansion valve 3d. The indoor control unit 2c controls the indoor fan 2b. The indoor control unit 2c is connected to the operating device 7, which will be described later, by wire or wireless connection.

[0032] Returning to Figure 1, the refrigerant leak detection sensor 5 is connected to the alarm 6, described later, via wired or wireless communication. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the refrigerant leak detection sensor 5 and the alarm 6 are connected via the indoor unit 2. The refrigerant leak detection sensor 5 detects the refrigerant concentration in the air and, when the detected refrigerant concentration exceeds a threshold, transmits a refrigerant leak detection signal to the alarm 6 indicating that a refrigerant leak has occurred. The refrigerant leak detection sensor 5 is installed inside the indoor unit 2. The refrigerant leak detection sensor 5 may also be installed in the air-conditioned space 8 to detect refrigerant that has leaked from the indoor unit 2 and flowed into the air-conditioned space 8. If the refrigerant leak detection sensor 5 is installed in the air-conditioned space 8 instead of inside the indoor unit 2, it is desirable to install the refrigerant leak detection sensor 5 at a height of 30 cm or less from the floor, as refrigerant is denser than air and tends to accumulate on the floor.

[0033] The communication device 4 is a communication interface that receives signals to the air conditioning system 1 via the network 20. The communication device 4 forwards the signals received via the network 20 to each component of the air conditioning system 1 according to the destination. In the example in Figure 1, the communication device 4 is configured to communicate with the control device 7 by wire or wireless, and communicates with the indoor unit 2 via the control device 7. The communication device 4 and the outdoor unit 3 also communicate via the control device 7 and the indoor unit 2. The communication device 4 also receives signals to be sent from each component of the air conditioning system 1 to the terminal device 21 or the management server 22, and forwards them to the network 20.

[0034] Figure 3 is an external view of the operating device 7 equipped with an alarm 6 according to this embodiment. The operating device 7 comprises an operating unit 71 and a display unit 72. The operating device 7 is connected to the indoor control unit 2c of the indoor unit 2 by wire or wireless. The operating device 7 also communicates with the outdoor control unit 3f via the indoor control unit 2c. The operating unit 71 of the operating device 7 receives various setting items from the user of the air conditioning system 1 for operating the air conditioning system 1, such as turning the power of the air conditioning system 1 on / off, switching between cooling and heating, and setting the target temperature. The operation details are transmitted by the operating device 7 to the outdoor control unit 3f and the indoor control unit 2c. Based on the signals received from the operating device 7, the outdoor control unit 3f controls the rotation speed of the motors that drive the compressor 3a and the outdoor fan 3e, the switching of the four-way valve 3b, and the opening degree of the expansion valve 3d. The indoor control unit 2c also controls the indoor fan 2b based on the signals received from the operating device 7. The display unit 72 of the control device 7 displays various setting items, such as the set temperature of the air conditioning system 1. The display unit 72 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The control device 7 is installed in the air-conditioned space 8 so that it can be easily operated by users of the air-conditioned system 1 in the air-conditioned space 8. The control device 7 is, for example, fixed to the wall of the air-conditioned space 8. Hereafter, communication between the outdoor control unit 3f of the outdoor unit 3 and the indoor control unit 2c of the indoor unit 2 may be simply referred to as communication between the outdoor unit 3 and the indoor unit 2.

[0035] The functions of the alarm 6, which is integrated with the operating device 7, will now be described. Figure 4 is a functional configuration diagram of the alarm 6 according to this embodiment.

[0036] The alarm device 6 comprises a control device 61, a lighting unit 62, and a power supply circuit 63. The control device 61 consists of at least one processor and at least one memory. The processor is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory consists of non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM. The control device 61 also includes a port 66 for inputting and outputting various signals. Furthermore, the control device 61 includes a lighting control unit 64 and a determination unit 65 as functional units.

[0037] The lighting unit 62 is a light-emitting element. The light emitted by the lighting unit 62 is either continuously lit or blinking, and the state in which the lighting unit 62 is continuously lit or blinking is referred to as the lit state. The lighting unit 62 is, for example, an LED. In this embodiment, the lighting unit 62 is the backlight of the liquid crystal display which is the display unit 72 of the operating device 7. That is, in this embodiment, when the alarm device 6 issues an alarm, the display unit 72 of the operating device 7 is turned on. The power supply circuit 63 supplies power from a power source (not shown) to turn on the lighting unit 62.

[0038] The lighting control unit 64 controls the power supply circuit 63 and changes the power supplied to the lighting unit 62, thereby turning the lighting unit 62 on or off. When the alarm 6 receives an inspection start request from the communication device 4, the lighting control unit 64 controls the power supply circuit 63 and turns on the lighting unit 62. Also, when the lighting control unit 64 receives a signal indicating a refrigerant leak from the refrigerant leak detection sensor 5 via the indoor unit 2, it controls the power supply circuit 63 and turns on the lighting unit 62. In this embodiment, where the backlight of the liquid crystal display, which is the display unit 72, is used as the lighting unit 62, the lighting control unit 64 may also turn on the lighting unit 62 according to the function of the operating device 7, such as when a user operates the operating unit 71.

[0039] Port 66 consists of multiple ports for inputting and outputting various signals to the control device 61. Port 66 includes an analog input port 67 (labeled as A / D port in the diagram) which incorporates an analog-to-digital converter that converts voltage values ​​into digital values. The analog input port 67 receives the voltage value of the power input from the power supply circuit 63 to the lighting unit 62. The analog input port 67 converts the voltage value into a digital value. The analog input port 67 functions as a monitoring unit that monitors the voltage input to the lighting unit 62.

[0040] The determination unit 65 uses the digital value converted by the analog input port 67 according to the voltage value (hereinafter referred to as the voltage-converted digital value) to determine whether the lighting unit 62 is lit or not. Figure 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the voltage applied to the lighting unit 62 and the illuminance of the lighting unit 62. As shown in Figure 5, the lighting unit 62 does not conduct and does not emit light when the applied voltage value is lower than threshold A. When the voltage value exceeds threshold A, it starts to emit light, and the illuminance increases as the voltage value increases. Note that the higher the voltage value applied to the lighting unit 62, the larger the current flowing through the lighting unit 62 becomes, which can cause the lighting unit 62 to malfunction. Therefore, the lighting unit 62 has an appropriate operating voltage range.

[0041] In this embodiment, the alarm will be described as being triggered by the continuous illumination of the lighting unit 62. If R is the illuminance sufficient for the user to notice that the lighting unit 62 is lit, the first threshold value is the value obtained by converting the voltage value required at that time into a digital value via the analog input port 67. The first threshold value is pre-set in the alarm device 6 according to the characteristics of the lighting unit 62. The determination unit 65 determines that the lighting unit 62 is lit if the voltage conversion digital value is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. When the lighting unit 62 is an LED, as shown in Figure 5, there is a range of voltage values ​​within which the lighting unit 62 can be operated practically. Also, if there is some abnormality in the lighting unit 62 and it does not light up, no voltage is applied to the lighting unit 62. Therefore, the determination unit 65 can determine whether or not the lighting unit 62 is lit using the voltage value applied to the lighting unit 62.

[0042] The value used by the determination unit 65 to determine whether the lighting unit 62 is lit may not be a voltage-converted digital value, but rather the voltage value applied to the lighting unit 62, i.e., the analog value before conversion to a digital value. In this case, the voltage value required for sufficient illuminance R for the user to notice that the lighting unit 62 is lit is set as the first threshold. The alarm device 6 includes a monitoring circuit for the voltage value input to the lighting unit 62. The determination unit 65 determines that the lighting unit 62 is lit if the voltage value detected by the monitoring circuit is equal to or greater than the first threshold. In this case, the monitoring circuit for the voltage value input to the lighting unit 62 functions as a monitoring unit.

[0043] Furthermore, the value used by the determination unit 65 to determine whether the lighting unit 62 is lit may not be a voltage value, but rather a current value input to the lighting unit 62. The lighting unit 62 conducts and begins to flow current when the applied voltage value exceeds threshold A in Figure 5, and the larger the current value flowing through the lighting unit 62, the higher the illuminance of the lighting unit 62. When the determination unit 65 uses a current value, the current value required for an illuminance R sufficient for the user to notice that the lighting unit 62 is lit is set as the first threshold. The monitoring unit monitors the current value input to the lighting unit 62. The determination unit 65 determines that the lighting unit 62 is lit when the current value detected by the monitoring unit is equal to or greater than the first threshold. Moreover, the current value used by the determination unit 65 to determine whether the lighting unit 62 is lit may be a digitally converted value. Here, the voltage or current value supplied from the power supply circuit 63 to the lighting unit 62 and the digitally converted value according to the voltage or current value are defined as the voltage or current state, and the voltage or current state is defined as an electrical parameter. The determination unit 65 determines whether the lighting unit 62 is in a normal lighting state based on the electrical parameters.

[0044] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of performing a remote inspection in the remote inspection system 100 according to this embodiment. Referring to Figure 6, the flow of inspecting the alarm 6 from a terminal device 21 located remotely on the air conditioning system 1 will be explained.

[0045] First, in step S101, the terminal device 21, at the operation of the inspection worker, sends an inspection start request, which is a signal requesting the start of the inspection, to the management server 22 via the network 20.

[0046] In step S102, the management server 22, having received a request to start inspection from the terminal device 21, sends the inspection start request to the communication device 4 via the network 20. Note that the terminal device 21 and the communication device 4 may communicate without going through the management server 22.

[0047] In step S103, the communication device 4 transmits a request to start the inspection to the alarm device 6.

[0048] In step S104, when the alarm 6 receives a request to start inspection, the lighting control unit 64 controls the power supply circuit 63 to illuminate the lighting unit 62.

[0049] In step S105, the voltage value to be input to the lighting control unit 64 is input to the analog input port 67, which is the monitoring unit.

[0050] In step S106, the monitoring unit, which is the analog input port 67, converts the input voltage value into a digital value and obtains a voltage-converted digital value.

[0051] In step S107, the monitoring unit, which is the analog input port 67, inputs a voltage-converted digital value to the determination unit 65.

[0052] In step S108, the determination unit 65 determines whether the lighting unit 62 is lit or not based on the voltage conversion digital value. Specifically, the determination unit 65 determines that the lighting unit 62 is lit if the voltage conversion digital value is equal to or greater than a preset first threshold, and determines that it is not lit if the voltage conversion digital value is less than the first threshold.

[0053] In step S109, the determination unit 65, having completed its determination, notifies the lighting control unit 64 that it has finished its determination.

[0054] In step S110, the lighting control unit 64 controls the power supply circuit 63 to stop the lighting of the lighting unit 62, in other words, to end the lighting state of the lighting unit 62 and turn it off.

[0055] In step S111, the determination unit 65, having completed its determination, determines the inspection result to be normal if it determined in step S108 that the lighting unit 62 is lit, and abnormal if it determined that the lighting unit 62 is not lit, and transmits the inspection result to the communication device 4.

[0056] In step S112, the communication device 4, having received the inspection results, transmits the inspection results to the management server 22 via the network 20.

[0057] In step S113, the management server 22, having received the inspection results, transmits the inspection results to the terminal device 21 via the network 20. Note that communication between the terminal device 21 and the communication device 4 may also be performed via the network 20 without going through the management server 22. With the above processing, the remote inspection of the alarm device 6 is completed.

[0058] Furthermore, the inspection results received by the terminal device 21 in step S113 can be stored as an inspection record along with the date and time in the terminal device 21 or the management server 22. By inspecting the alarm device 6 regularly, such as once a year, user safety is maintained. Inspection workers can check the inspection record and perform the next inspection. By storing the results of remote inspections as an inspection record, it is possible to prove that remote inspections are performed at an appropriate frequency.

[0059] The refrigerant used in the air conditioning system 1 is often colorless and odorless, making it difficult for users to notice refrigerant leaks. Therefore, in order to notify users of refrigerant leaks, the alarm 6 must be able to emit an alarm when the refrigerant leak detection sensor 5 detects a leak. By enabling the alarm 6 of the air conditioning system 1 to be inspected remotely and periodically, the alarm 6 can be kept in proper working order, ensuring the safety of users.

[0060] Furthermore, if the inspection results received by the terminal device 21 in step S113 indicate an abnormality, the inspection worker can urge the manager of the air conditioning system 1 to repair or replace the alarm 6.

[0061] With the above process, inspection personnel can check whether the alarm 6 is functioning correctly using a remote terminal device 21, without having to go to the location where the air conditioning system 1 is installed. Furthermore, the burden on the air conditioning system 1 manager is reduced because they do not need to allow inspection personnel into the room, which is the air-conditioned space 8.

[0062] Furthermore, even when an inspection worker travels to the building where the air conditioning system 1 is installed to perform the inspection, the alarm 6 of this embodiment allows for efficient inspection. If multiple alarms 6 are installed in the building, the inspection worker had to visually check whether each alarm 6 being inspected was lit or not. The alarm 6 of this embodiment uses electrical parameters to determine whether it is lit or not and transmits the inspection result to the communication device 4. Therefore, if multiple alarms 6 are connected to the communication device 4, the inspection worker only needs to check the inspection result received by the communication device 4, and does not need to visually check multiple alarms 6.

[0063] Furthermore, the terminal device 21 may be configured as an integral part of the management server 22. That is, the inspection worker may operate the management server 22 and send an inspection start request to the alarm device 6 via the communication device 4 to perform a remote inspection of the alarm device 6. Alternatively, the system may be configured so that the management server 22 automatically sends an inspection start request to the alarm device 6 via the communication device 4 at regular intervals (for example, once a year) without any operation by the inspection worker, and performs a remote inspection of the alarm device 6.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operating device 7 and the alarm 6 are integrated. By using the display unit 72 of the operating device 7 as the illumination unit 62 of the alarm 6, the cost associated with installing the alarm 6 can be reduced. In addition, the operating device 7 is installed in a position that is easy for users to operate within the air-conditioned space 8. That is, the operating device 7 is often installed at the user's eye level. Therefore, the display unit 72 of the operating device 7 is in a position suitable for users to see, and by illuminating the display unit 72 and issuing an alarm, it can be easily noticed by users.

[0065] As described above, the alarm 6 according to this embodiment is an alarm 6 that lights up or flashes a light unit 62 when it receives a signal indicating a refrigerant leak from a refrigerant leak detection sensor 5 that detects a refrigerant leak, and includes a power supply circuit 63 that supplies power to light up the light unit 62 when it receives a signal requesting the start of an inspection, and a determination unit 65 that determines whether or not the light unit 62 is lit during the inspection based on electrical parameters, which are the state of the voltage or current supplied from the power supply circuit 63 to the light unit 62.

[0066] With this configuration, when inspecting the alarm device 6, the inspector does not need to visually confirm whether the indicator light 62 of the alarm device 6 is lit up correctly. Therefore, the inspector can efficiently check whether the alarm device 6 is sounding an alarm correctly without having to go to the installation location of the alarm device 6.

[0067] Furthermore, the electrical parameter used by the determination unit 65 for determination is the voltage value supplied to the lighting unit 62. The alarm device 6 further includes a monitoring unit that monitors the voltage value, and the determination unit 65 determines whether or not the lighting unit 62 is lit based on the voltage value detected by the monitoring unit. With this configuration, the determination unit 65 can determine whether the voltage value supplied to the lighting unit 62 is within a range of voltage values ​​suitable for the lighting unit 62, and can determine whether or not the lighting unit 62 is lit.

[0068] Furthermore, the monitoring unit is an analog input port 67 that incorporates an analog-to-digital converter that converts voltage values ​​into digital values. When the lighting state is continuous lighting, the determination unit 65 determines that the lighting unit 62 is lit if the digital value converted by the analog input port according to the voltage value is greater than a preset first threshold. The determination unit 65 monitors the voltage applied to the lighting unit 62 and can obtain a digital value corresponding to the voltage value from the analog input port. The determination unit 65 can use the digital value to determine whether or not the lighting unit 62 is lit.

[0069] Furthermore, the remote inspection system 100 according to this embodiment comprises an air conditioning system 1 comprising an indoor unit 2, an outdoor unit 3, refrigerant piping 9 connecting the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3, a refrigerant leak detection sensor 5 installed in the air-conditioned space 8 where the indoor unit 2 is installed and which detects refrigerant leaks, and an alarm 6 which, when it receives a signal indicating a refrigerant leak from the refrigerant leak detection sensor 5, sets a lighting unit 62 to a state of continuous lighting or flashing, and a communication device 4 which communicates with a terminal device 21 via a network and transmits a signal to the alarm 6 to start inspection when it receives a signal from the terminal device 21 requesting the start of inspection of the alarm 6, wherein the alarm 6 comprises a power supply circuit 63 that supplies power to set the lighting unit 62 to a state of lighting when it receives a signal requesting the start of inspection, and a determination unit that determines whether the lighting unit 62 is in a state of lighting based on electrical parameters, which are the state of the voltage or current supplied from the power supply circuit 63 to the lighting unit 62 during inspection.

[0070] In this way, for alarm devices 6, which do not require visual confirmation by an inspection worker to ensure that the lighting unit 62 is properly lit, a signal instructing inspection of the alarm device 6 is sent from the terminal device 21 via the network. This allows an inspection worker located remotely from the installation location of the alarm device 6 to check whether the alarm device 6 is properly sounding an alarm.

[0071] Furthermore, the alarm 6 is integrated with the operating device 7 of the air conditioning system 1, which is equipped with a refrigerant leak detection sensor 5, and the illumination unit 62 is the backlight of the liquid crystal display. The air conditioning system 1 often includes an operating device 7 equipped with a liquid crystal display. In this way, by using the backlight of the liquid crystal display of the operating device 7 as the illumination unit 62 of the alarm 6, the cost of installing the alarm 6 can be reduced. In addition, since the operating device 7 is often installed in a position suitable for users to see, illuminating the backlight of the liquid crystal display, which is the display unit 72 of the operating device 7, and issuing an alarm makes it easier for users to notice.

[0072] (modified version) In this embodiment, the alarm 6 and the operating device 7 are described as being configured as a single unit. However, the alarm 6 and the operating device 7 may be configured as separate devices. Figure 7 is a configuration diagram showing a modified example of the remote inspection system 100 according to this embodiment. In Figure 7, the alarm 6 is connected to the operating device 7. In the remote inspection system 100 in which the alarm 6 and the operating device 7 are configured as separate devices as shown in Figure 7, the alarm 6 receives a signal indicating refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant leakage detection sensor 5 via the operating device 7. The alarm 6 also receives an inspection start request from the management server 22 via the communication device 4. Thus, even in the remote inspection system 100 in which the alarm 6 and the operating device 7 are configured as separate devices, remote inspection of the alarm 6 can be performed in the same manner as in Figure 6.

[0073] In Figure 7, the alarm 6 is connected to the operating device 7, but it may also be connected to the communication device 4, the indoor unit 2, or the refrigerant leak detection sensor 5.

[0074] Embodiment 2. Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. In this embodiment, the configuration of the remote inspection system 100 and the alarm device 6 are the same as in Embodiment 1, so their description will be omitted. In this embodiment, the alarm device 6 issues an alarm by flashing the lighting unit 62.

[0075] Figure 8 is a graph showing the time change of the voltage value applied to the lighting unit 62 in the lit state according to this embodiment. The flashing of the lighting unit 62 alternates between being lit when the illuminance is R or higher, and being off when the illuminance is zero or too low for the user to see. The second threshold value is the value obtained when the voltage value applied to the lighting unit 62 at which the illuminance is R or higher is converted to a digital value by the analog input port 67. The third threshold value is the value obtained when the voltage value at which the illuminance is zero or too low for the user to see is converted to a digital value by the analog input port 67. The second and third threshold values ​​are set in advance in the alarm device 6 according to the characteristics of the lighting unit 62. As shown in Figure 8, the lighting unit 62 can be made to flash by controlling the power supply circuit 63 so that the voltage value applied to the lighting unit 62 alternates between a state greater than the second threshold and a state less than the third threshold at regular time intervals. Here, the flashing period of the lighting unit 62 is denoted as T. The second threshold value may be the same as the first threshold value. Furthermore, the third threshold may be zero.

[0076] The determination unit 65 determines that the lighting unit 62 is lit when it determines that the voltage conversion digital value is alternately greater than the second threshold and less than the third threshold at regular time intervals. Specifically, if the voltage conversion digital value acquired from the monitoring unit, the analog input port 67, is greater than the second threshold, the determination unit 65 acquires the voltage conversion digital value again after T / 2 has elapsed and determines whether it is less than the third threshold. If the voltage conversion digital value is less than the third threshold, the determination unit 65 acquires the voltage conversion digital value again after T / 2 has elapsed and determines whether it is greater than the second threshold. The determination unit 65 repeats the above process, and determines that the lighting unit 62 is lit when the voltage conversion digital value alternates between being greater than the second threshold and being less than the third threshold a certain number of times (for example, 10 times).

[0077] Furthermore, the value used by the determination unit 65 to determine whether or not the lighting unit 62 is lit may not be a voltage-converted digital value, but rather the voltage value applied to the lighting unit 62, i.e., the analog value before conversion to a digital value. In this case, the monitoring circuit for the voltage value input to the lighting unit 62 functions as a monitoring unit.

[0078] In an alarm device 6 that emits an alarm using light, flashing light creates a visual change and is more likely to attract attention, making it easier for users to notice than a steady light. In this embodiment, the determination unit 65 can determine the steady state, which is the flashing state of the lighting unit 62, so an alarm device 6 can be configured that emits an alarm by the flashing of the lighting unit 62.

[0079] As described above, the alarm 6 according to this embodiment is an alarm 6 that lights up by flashing a light unit 62 when it receives a signal indicating a refrigerant leak from a refrigerant leak detection sensor 5 that detects a refrigerant leak. The alarm 6 includes a power supply circuit 63 that supplies power to light up the light unit 62 when it receives a signal requesting the start of an inspection, a determination unit 65 that determines whether the light unit 62 is lit up or not based on the voltage value supplied to the light unit 62 from the power supply circuit 63 during the inspection, and a monitoring unit that monitors the voltage value. The monitoring unit includes an analog input port 67 with a built-in analog-to-digital converter that converts the voltage value to a digital value. The determination unit 65 determines that the light unit 62 is normally lit up when the digital value converted by the analog input port according to the voltage value alternately repeats a state where it is greater than a preset second threshold and a state where it is less than a third threshold which is less than the second threshold.

[0080] With this configuration, when inspecting the alarm device 6, which emits an alarm by the flashing of the indicator light 62, the inspector does not need to visually confirm whether the indicator light 62 of the alarm device 6 is lit up correctly. Therefore, the inspector can efficiently check whether the alarm device 6 emits an alarm correctly without having to go to the installation location of the alarm device 6. [Industrial applicability]

[0081] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an alarm that emits an alarm with light when a refrigerant leak is detected, which allows for efficient inspection of whether the alarm is functioning correctly without requiring an inspector to go to the location where the alarm is installed. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1 Air conditioning system, 2 Indoor unit, 2a Indoor heat exchanger, 2b Indoor fan, 2c Indoor control unit, 3 Outdoor unit, 3a Compressor, 3b Four-way valve, 3c Outdoor heat exchanger, 3d Expansion valve, 3e Outdoor fan, 3f Outdoor control unit, 4 Communication device, 5 Refrigerant leak detection sensor, 6 Alarm, 7 Operating device, 8 Air-conditioned space, 9 Refrigerant piping, 20 Network, 21 Terminal device, 22 Management server, 61 Control device, 62 Lighting unit, 63 Power supply circuit, 64 Lighting control unit, 65 Judgment unit, 66 Port, 67 Analog input port, 71 Operating unit, 72 Display unit, 100 Remote inspection system.

Claims

1. An alarm device that, upon receiving a signal indicating a refrigerant leak from a refrigerant leak detection sensor, illuminates a light unit that stays lit or flashes, and communicates with a terminal device held by an inspection worker performing a remote inspection via a network and communication device, A power supply circuit that supplies power to the lighting unit to bring it to the illuminated state when it receives a signal from the terminal device via the communication device to request the start of inspection, Alarm device comprising: a determination unit that, upon receiving a signal from the terminal device via the communication device requesting the start of an inspection, determines whether the lighting unit is lit based on whether an electrical parameter, which is the state of the voltage or current supplied to the lighting unit from the power supply circuit, is greater than or equal to a threshold set based on a voltage or current value that results in an illuminance level at which a user would notice the lighting unit is lit; determines if the lighting unit is lit if it is determined to be lit, determines the inspection result to be normal, determines if the lighting unit is not lit if it is determined to be abnormal, and transmits the inspection result to the terminal device via the communication device.

2. The aforementioned electrical parameter is the voltage value supplied to the lighting unit, The alarm device further comprises a monitoring unit that monitors the voltage value, The alarm device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the lighting unit is in the lit state based on the voltage value detected by the monitoring unit.

3. The monitoring unit includes an analog input port with a built-in analog-to-digital converter that converts the voltage value into a digital value. When the aforementioned lighting state is continuous lighting, The alarm device according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines that the lighting unit is in the lit state when the digital value converted by the analog input port according to the voltage value is greater than a preset first threshold.

4. The monitoring unit includes an analog input port with a built-in analog-to-digital converter that converts the voltage value into a digital value. When the aforementioned lighting state is blinking, The alarm device according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines that the lighting unit is in the normal lighting state when the digital value converted by the analog input port according to the voltage value alternately repeats a state in which it is greater than a preset second threshold and a state in which it is less than a third threshold which is less than the second threshold.

5. An air conditioning system comprising: an indoor unit; an outdoor unit; refrigerant piping connecting the indoor unit and the outdoor unit; a refrigerant leak detection sensor installed in the air-conditioned space where the indoor unit is installed and detecting refrigerant leaks; and an alarm that, when it receives a signal indicating a refrigerant leak from the refrigerant leak detection sensor, illuminates a light unit continuously or flashes. A remote inspection system for an alarm device, comprising: a communication device that communicates via a network with a terminal device held by an inspection worker performing a remote inspection, and when it receives a signal from the terminal device requesting the start of the inspection of the alarm device, it transmits a signal to the alarm device requesting the start of the inspection, The alarm system comprises: a power supply circuit that, upon receiving a signal requesting the start of the inspection, supplies power to the lighting unit to bring it into the illuminated state; and a determination unit that, during the inspection, determines whether the lighting unit is in the illuminated state based on whether an electrical parameter, which is the state of the voltage or current supplied from the power supply circuit to the lighting unit, is equal to or greater than a threshold value set based on the voltage or current value necessary to achieve an illumination level that the user will notice is in the illuminated state; if it is determined that the lighting unit is in the illuminated state, the inspection result is normal; if it is determined that the lighting unit is not in the illuminated state, the inspection result is abnormal, and the inspection result is transmitted to the terminal device via the communication device.

6. The alarm according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the alarm is configured integrally with the operating device of the air conditioning system on which the refrigerant leak detection sensor is mounted, and the illumination unit is the backlight of the liquid crystal display provided in the operating device.

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