Refrigerant sensing device and air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model discloses a refrigerant induction device and an air conditioner, and the refrigerant induction device comprises a power supply communication interface which is used for connecting an indoor unit; the external power supply interface is used for connecting an external power supply; when the refrigerant sensing control loop receives that the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant detection sensor exceeds the set concentration, the signal output port outputs a prompt signal used for prompting a user of refrigerant leakage; the first power supply loop is connected with the power interface and the power supply port; and the second power supply loop is connected with the external power interface and the power supply port, and the first power supply loop and the second power supply loop can be switched and communicated. According to the utility model, reliable power supply is carried out on the refrigerant induction device, and the problem that the refrigerant induction device cannot work normally when the indoor unit is powered off or breaks down is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of household appliances, in particular to a refrigerant sensing device and an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] Currently, air conditioners primarily use R32 refrigerant. While this refrigerant has a low carbon equivalent, it is somewhat flammable. Therefore, domestic and international safety standards require that if this refrigerant is used, the refrigerant concentration in the air must not exceed the required value in the event of a refrigerant leak. If the refrigerant concentration in the air exceeds the required value, it can form an explosive mixture with the air in the air, posing a risk of combustion and explosion in the presence of heat sources or open flames.

[0003] Air conditioners contain circuit parts and high-pressure parts of the refrigeration system pipelines, and have many joints. Under normal circumstances, the probability of refrigerant leakage is very small. However, as the air conditioner continues to use for a long time, the vibration caused by long-term operation, or the aging of the refrigeration pipelines, the copper pipes of the refrigeration system pipelines may crack or the joints may become loose, resulting in refrigerant leakage problems. The refrigerant is colorless and odorless, and once it leaks, it is not easy to be detected. At the very least, it affects your health and the air conditioner cannot cool normally. At worst, when the concentration of the refrigerant gas leaked into the air reaches a certain level, it will ignite when it encounters sparks or open flames, causing a fire, threatening the user's personal and property safety.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to monitor refrigerant leakage in a timely manner to avoid the above-mentioned safety hazards.

[0005] In the existing technology, the refrigerant sensing device is mostly directly installed on the air-conditioning indoor unit, powered by the indoor unit, and sends detection information to the indoor unit at any time. When a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit, the refrigerant sensing device detects the refrigerant leak and transmits the information to the indoor unit. The indoor unit then communicates with safety devices such as the exhaust fan and shut-off valve, and the corresponding safety devices are activated.

[0006] However, this detection method prevents the refrigerant sensor from functioning if the indoor unit loses power or fails, rendering it unable to provide power. This means the sensor cannot detect or provide an alarm. In particular, in a multi-split air conditioner, if the current indoor unit fails or loses power while the other indoor units continue to operate normally, this can lead to continued refrigerant leakage in the space where the faulty indoor unit resides, creating safety concerns. Utility Model Content

[0007] In response to the problems pointed out in the background technology, the present application provides a refrigerant sensing device, which avoids the problem of the refrigerant sensing device not being able to work normally when the indoor unit is powered off or fails by designing a reliable power supply method for the refrigerant sensing device.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose of the utility model, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:

[0009] Some embodiments of the present application relate to a refrigerant sensing device, comprising:

[0010] A power supply and communication interface, which is used to connect to the indoor unit and has a power supply interface and a communication interface;

[0011] External power interface, used for connecting to an external power source;

[0012] A refrigerant sensing control circuit, comprising a communication port, a signal receiving port, a signal output port, and a power supply port, wherein the communication port is connected to the communication interface, the signal receiving port receives a detection signal from a refrigerant detection sensor, and when the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant detection sensor and received by the refrigerant sensing control circuit exceeds a set concentration, the signal output port outputs a prompt signal for prompting a user of a refrigerant leak;

[0013] A first power supply circuit, which is used to connect the power interface and the power supply port;

[0014] The second power supply circuit is used to connect the external power interface and the power supply port, and the first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit can be switched and connected.

[0015] The technical solution involved in this embodiment has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0016] By switching the first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit, it is ensured that at the same time, either the indoor unit supplies power to the refrigerant sensing control circuit through the first power supply circuit, or the external power supply supplies power to the refrigerant sensing control circuit through the second power supply circuit, thereby ensuring uninterrupted and reliable power supply to the refrigerant sensing control circuit and real-time monitoring of refrigerant leakage in the space where the indoor unit is located.

[0017] When the indoor unit fails or loses power, the fan, shut-off valve and other safety devices cannot be driven through the indoor unit communication. At this time, the refrigerant sensing control circuit is powered by the second power supply circuit, and the refrigerant sensing control circuit can output a prompt signal at the signal output end. In this way, the user will also know that there is a refrigerant leakage, avoiding safety hazards and ensuring the user's personal safety.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present application, the first power supply circuit includes:

[0019] a first relay, whose coil is connected to the power interface, and whose normally open switch is connected to a first power supply line from the power interface to the power supply port;

[0020] The second power supply circuit includes:

[0021] The second relay has a coil connected in parallel with the coil of the first relay, and a normally closed switch connected to a second power supply line from the external power interface to the power supply port.

[0022] The technical solution involved in this embodiment has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0023] The first relay coil and the second relay coil are connected in parallel to ensure that the first relay and the second relay are energized at the same time. However, since the normally open switch of the first relay is set in the first power supply line that supplies power to the refrigerant sensing control circuit, and the normally closed switch of the second relay is set in the second power supply line that supplies power to the refrigerant sensing control circuit, the first power supply line and the second power supply line can be switched to connect, so that the external power supply and the indoor unit can selectively switch to supply power to the refrigerant sensing control circuit, ensuring reliable and uninterrupted power supply.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present application, the refrigerant sensing device further includes:

[0025] The alarm circuit receives the prompt signal and outputs an alarm signal.

[0026] The technical solution involved in this embodiment has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0027] When the concentration of the leaked refrigerant exceeds the set concentration, an alarm signal is sent through the alarm circuit to remind the user of the refrigerant leakage so that the user can deal with it in time to avoid serious consequences.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present application, the alarm circuit includes an acoustic alarm element, a light alarm element, or an acoustic alarm element and a light alarm element arranged in parallel.

[0029] The technical solution involved in this embodiment has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0030] Alerts are issued to users through visual light and / or auditory sound, making it easy for users to receive and handle them in a timely manner.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present application, the external power supply is an uninterruptible single-phase AC power supply; the refrigerant sensing device further includes:

[0032] The switching power supply module, the second power supply circuit is provided between the external power supply interface and the input end of the switching power supply module, and the output end of the switching power supply module is connected to the power supply port.

[0033] The technical solution involved in this embodiment has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0034] When the external power supply is a single-phase AC power supply, in order to meet the power supply needs of the refrigerant sensing control circuit, it needs to be converted into a stable DC power supply through a switching power supply module to provide reliable power supply for the refrigerant sensing control circuit.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present application, the refrigerant sensing device further includes:

[0036] A diode, an anode of which is connected to the output end of the switching power supply module, and a cathode of which is connected to the power supply port.

[0037] The technical solution involved in this embodiment has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0038] A diode is provided to prevent the current at the power supply port of the refrigerant sensing control circuit from flowing back to the output end of the switching power supply module, thereby ensuring stable and reliable power supply to the refrigerant sensing control circuit through the switching power supply module, thereby achieving reliable operation of the refrigerant sensing control circuit.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present application, the external power supply is an uninterruptible direct current power supply.

[0040] The technical solution involved in this embodiment has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0041] When the external power supply is an uninterruptible DC power supply, it can directly provide reliable power supply for the refrigerant sensing control circuit.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present application, the refrigerant sensing device further includes:

[0043] A diode, an anode of which is connected to one end of the second power supply loop connected to the power supply port, and a cathode of which is connected to the power supply port.

[0044] The technical solution involved in this embodiment has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0045] A diode is provided to prevent the current at the power supply port of the refrigerant sensing control circuit from flowing back to the output end of the switching power supply module, thereby ensuring stable and reliable power supply to the refrigerant sensing control circuit through the switching power supply module, thereby achieving reliable operation of the refrigerant sensing control circuit.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present application, the present application also relates to an air conditioner, comprising:

[0047] The indoor unit is used to provide cooling or heating to the indoor space when the air conditioning system is working. The indoor unit includes an indoor main control board having an indoor communication port and an indoor power supply port.

[0048] A power supply and communication interface, comprising a power supply interface and a communication interface, the power supply interface and the communication interface being connected to the indoor communication port;

[0049] External power interface, used for connecting to an external power source;

[0050] A refrigerant sensing control circuit, comprising a communication port, a signal receiving port, a signal output port, and a power supply port, wherein the communication port is connected to the communication interface, the signal receiving port receives a detection signal from a refrigerant detection sensor, and when the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant detection sensor and received by the refrigerant sensing control circuit exceeds a set concentration, the signal output port outputs a prompt signal for prompting a user of a refrigerant leak;

[0051] A first power supply circuit, which is used to connect the power interface and the power supply port;

[0052] The second power supply circuit is used to connect the external power interface and the power supply port, and the first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit can be switched and connected.

[0053] The technical solution involved in this embodiment has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0054] By switching the first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit, it is ensured that at the same time, either the indoor unit supplies power to the refrigerant sensing control circuit through the first power supply circuit, or the external power supply supplies power to the refrigerant sensing control circuit through the second power supply circuit, thereby ensuring uninterrupted and reliable power supply to the refrigerant sensing control circuit and real-time monitoring of refrigerant leakage in the space where the indoor unit is located.

[0055] When the indoor unit fails or loses power, the fan, shut-off valve and other safety devices cannot be driven through the indoor unit communication. At this time, the refrigerant sensing control circuit is powered by the second power supply circuit, and the refrigerant sensing control circuit can output a prompt signal at the signal output end. In this way, the user will also know that there is a refrigerant leakage, avoiding safety hazards and ensuring the user's personal safety.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present application, a sensor interface is arranged on the indoor main control board, and the sensor interface has:

[0057] A sensor power supply terminal connected to the indoor power supply port and the power interface;

[0058] The sensor communication terminal is connected to the indoor communication port and the communication interface.

[0059] The technical solution involved in this embodiment has the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0060] By setting up a sensor interface on the indoor main control panel, it is convenient for line connection and also convenient for disassembly / repair of the refrigerant sensing device.

[0061] After reading the specific embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other features and advantages of the present invention will become more clear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0063] Figure 1 It is a principle block diagram of an embodiment of a conventional air conditioner;

[0064] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction of a conventional air conditioner embodiment during cooling operation;

[0065] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction of a conventional air conditioner embodiment during heating operation;

[0066] Figure 4 The principle of the refrigerant sensing device embodiment proposed in this application Figure 1 ;

[0067] Figure 5 The principle of the refrigerant sensing device embodiment proposed in this application Figure 2 ;

[0068] Figure 6 A circuit diagram of the first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit in an embodiment of the refrigerant sensing device proposed in this application;

[0069] Figure 7 The circuit of the refrigerant sensing device embodiment proposed in this application Figure 1 ;

[0070] Figure 8 The circuit of the refrigerant sensing device embodiment proposed in this application Figure 2 ;

[0071] Figure 9 The principle of connecting the refrigerant sensing device embodiment proposed in this application with the indoor unit Figure 1 ;

[0072] Figure 10 The principle of connecting the refrigerant sensing device embodiment proposed in this application with the indoor unit Figure 2 ;

[0073] Reference numerals:

[0074] 100. Refrigerant sensing device; 110. Refrigerant sensing control circuit; 120. Refrigerant detection sensor; 130. First power supply circuit; 140. Second power supply circuit; 150. External power supply interface; 160. Alarm circuit; 170. Power communication interface; 180. Switching power supply module; 200. Indoor unit; 210. Indoor main control board; 220. Sensor interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0076] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application.

[0077] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. Throughout this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0078] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0079] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0080] The disclosure below provides many different embodiments or examples for realizing different structures of the present invention. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the components and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the present invention may repeat reference numbers and / or reference letters in different examples. Such repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present invention provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0081] See also Figure 1 The air conditioner performs the refrigeration cycle by using a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. The refrigeration cycle consists of a series of processes involving compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation to cool or heat the indoor space.

[0082] Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant enters the compressor, which compresses it into high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, releasing heat into the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0083] The expansion valve expands the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser to a lower-pressure liquid. The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve and returns the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. The evaporator achieves cooling by utilizing the latent heat of evaporation to exchange heat with the material being cooled. Throughout this cycle, the air conditioner regulates the temperature of the indoor space.

[0084] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner refers to a portion of a refrigeration cycle including a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor unit of the air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger, and an expansion valve may be provided in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit.

[0085] The indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger function as a condenser or an evaporator. When the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, the air conditioner functions as a heater in heating mode, and when the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the air conditioner functions as a cooler in cooling mode.

[0086] See also Figure 2 , which shows the refrigerant flow direction when the air conditioner is in cooling operation.

[0087] The compressor compresses the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure state, which enters the outdoor heat exchanger. After heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger, it condenses and releases heat to become liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant then passes through the throttling element and enters the indoor side.

[0088] The refrigerant entering the indoor heat exchanger on the indoor side evaporates and absorbs heat, turning into gas. The refrigerant coming out of the indoor heat exchanger is finally sucked into the compressor for compression, completing the refrigeration cycle.

[0089] See also Figure 3 , which shows the refrigerant flow direction when the air conditioner is in heating operation.

[0090] The compressor compresses the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure state and enters the indoor heat exchanger.

[0091] After heat exchange inside the indoor heat exchanger, it condenses and releases heat to become liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant is then throttled to a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid state through a throttling element. The two-phase refrigerant enters the outdoor heat exchanger, evaporates, absorbs heat, and becomes gaseous.

[0092] The refrigerant coming out of the outdoor heat exchanger is finally sucked into the compressor for compression, completing the heating cycle.

[0093] See also Figures 4 to 8 In order to improve the reliability of refrigerant leakage detection and avoid the problem that the refrigerant sensing device 100 cannot be powered on and work when the indoor unit is powered off or fails due to a malfunction of the indoor unit, the present application relates to a refrigerant sensing device 100.

[0094] Generally, the indoor unit 200 supplies power to the refrigerant sensing device 100 , and the refrigerant sensing device 100 communicates information of refrigerant leakage sensed to the indoor unit 200 .

[0095] In some embodiments of the present application, the refrigerant sensing device 100 includes a refrigerant sensing control circuit 110 and a power communication interface 170 .

[0096] The refrigerant sensing control circuit 110 has a communication port (not shown), a signal receiving port (not shown), a signal output port (not shown) and a power supply port (not shown), and the power communication interface 170 has a power interface (not shown) and a communication interface (not shown).

[0097] The signal receiving port receives the detection signal of the refrigerant detection sensor 120. When the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant detection sensor 120 received by the refrigerant sensing control circuit 110 exceeds the set concentration, the signal output port outputs a prompt signal for prompting the user of refrigerant leakage.

[0098] The prompt signal can be an alarm signal to promptly notify the user when a refrigerant leaks; the prompt signal can also be a high-level control signal to control safety devices such as exhaust fans and shut-off valves, so that safety measures can be taken in a timely manner when a refrigerant leak occurs, etc.

[0099] The communication port of the power communication interface 170 is connected to the indoor unit 200 for communication, and is also connected to the communication port of the refrigerant sensing control circuit 110, and is used to send communication information to the indoor unit 200 when the refrigerant sensing control circuit 110 receives a refrigerant concentration exceeding the set concentration, so that the indoor unit 200 can communicate, for example, to start safety devices such as exhaust fans and shut-off valves.

[0100] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments of the present application, the refrigerant sensing device 100 further includes an external power supply interface 150 , which is used to connect an external power source to realize external power supply to the refrigerant sensing control circuit 110 .

[0101] In some embodiments of the present application, the refrigerant sensing device 100 further includes a first power supply circuit 130 and a second power supply circuit 140 .

[0102] In some embodiments of the present application, the power interface of the power communication interface 170 is connected to the power supply port of the refrigerant sensing control circuit 110 through the first power supply circuit 130, and the first power supply circuit 130 is used to supply the electric energy output by the indoor unit 200 to the power supply port through the power interface.

[0103] The external power interface 150 is connected to the power supply port via the second power supply circuit 140 , and the second power supply circuit 140 is used to supply the power output by the external power supply to the power supply port.

[0104] Among them, the first power supply circuit 130 and the second power supply circuit 140 can be switched and connected, that is, at the same time, one of the electric energy output by the indoor unit 200 and the electric energy output by the external power supply supplies power to the power supply port, that is, when the first power supply circuit 130 is connected, the second power supply circuit 140 is disconnected, and when the second power supply circuit 140 is connected, the first power supply circuit 130 is disconnected.

[0105] In some embodiments of the present application, the first power supply circuit 130 is connected to a first power supply line connecting the power interface and the power supply port, and the second power supply circuit 140 is connected to a second power supply line connecting the external power interface 150 and the power supply port.

[0106] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 6 , the first power supply circuit 130 includes a first relay K1.

[0107] The coil of the first relay K1 is connected to the power port of the power communication interface 170 , and the normally open switch is connected to the first power supply line between the power interface and the power supply port.

[0108] In some embodiments of the present application, the first power supply circuit 130 includes a second relay K2 .

[0109] The coil of the second relay K2 is connected in parallel with the coil of the first relay K1 , and the normally closed switch of the second relay K2 is connected to the second power supply line between the external power interface 150 and the power supply port.

[0110] When the indoor unit 200 is powered, the coil of the first relay K1 is energized and the coil of the second relay K2 is also energized. The normally open switch of the first relay K1 is closed and the normally closed switch of the second relay K2 is disconnected. At this time, the first power supply line is connected and the second power supply line is disconnected. The indoor unit 200 supplies power to the refrigerant sensing device 100 through the first power supply line.

[0111] When the indoor unit 200 fails or loses power, the coil of the first relay K1 and the coil of the second relay K2 are not energized, the normally open switch of the first relay K1 is disconnected, and the normally closed switch of the second relay K2 is closed. At this time, the first power supply line is disconnected and the second power supply line is connected. At this time, the external power supply supplies power to the refrigerant sensing device 100 through the second power supply line.

[0112] In this way, by switching and connecting the first power supply circuit 130 and the second power supply circuit 140, reliable power supply of the refrigerant sensing device 100 can be ensured when the indoor unit 200 is powered on or off, so that the refrigerant sensing device 100 can detect the refrigerant concentration online in real time.

[0113] In some embodiments of the present application, the first power supply circuit 130 may also include a first controllable switch, and the second power supply circuit 140 may include a second controllable switch.

[0114] A refrigerant sensing control circuit 110 can be used to control the closing / opening of the first controllable switch and the closing / opening of the second controllable switch by detecting the current on the first power supply line, so that either the external power supply or the indoor unit 200 can be used to power the refrigerant sensing control circuit 110.

[0115] In some embodiments of the present application, in order to promptly remind the user that a refrigerant leak has occurred, see Figure 5 The refrigerant sensing device 100 further includes an alarm circuit 160 .

[0116] The alarm circuit 160 receives the prompt signal outputted from the signal output port of the refrigerant sensing control circuit 110 . The prompt signal is sent to the alarm circuit 160 , causing the alarm circuit 160 to issue an alarm reminder.

[0117] In some embodiments of the present application, the alarm circuit 160 may include an acoustic alarm element.

[0118] When the alarm circuit 160 includes an acoustic alarm element, when the refrigerant sensing control circuit 110 receives an output prompt signal indicating that the refrigerant concentration exceeds the set concentration, the acoustic alarm element emits an audible alarm to remind the user that the current refrigerant concentration exceeds the limit and needs to be handled in a timely manner.

[0119] The sound alarm element is a buzzer, a voice broadcast unit, or a music playing unit.

[0120] In some embodiments of the present application, the alarm circuit 160 may include a light alarm element.

[0121] When the alarm circuit 160 includes a light alarm element, when the refrigerant sensing control circuit 110 receives an output prompt signal indicating that the refrigerant concentration exceeds the set concentration, the light alarm element emits a light alarm, visually reminding the user that the current refrigerant concentration exceeds the limit and needs to be handled in time.

[0122] The light alarm element is an alarm indicator light or a flashing light.

[0123] In some embodiments of the present application, the alarm circuit 160 may include an acoustic alarm element and a light alarm element arranged in parallel.

[0124] When the alarm circuit 160 includes an acoustic alarm element and a light alarm element, when the refrigerant sensing control circuit 110 receives an output prompt signal indicating that the refrigerant concentration exceeds the set concentration, the acoustic alarm element emits an audible alarm and the light alarm element emits a light alarm, using both visual and auditory means to remind the user that the current refrigerant concentration exceeds the limit, which is more conducive to reminding the user to pay attention to this prompt.

[0125] The sound alarm element is a buzzer, a voice broadcast unit, or a music player unit, and the light alarm element is an alarm indicator light or a flashing light.

[0126] In some embodiments of the present application, the refrigerant sensing device 100 can be independently configured as an independent module to facilitate repair and maintenance.

[0127] In order to facilitate the connection between the refrigerant sensing device 100, the indoor unit 200 and the external power supply, the power communication interface 170 and the external power supply interface 150 can adopt pluggable terminal blocks.

[0128] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 7 , the external power supply can choose uninterruptible single-phase AC power supply.

[0129] Since the refrigerant sensing control circuit 110 requires a DC +5V power supply, when the external power supply is a single-phase AC power supply, it is necessary to use the switching power supply module 180 to convert it into DC power and send it to the power supply port.

[0130] In some embodiments of the present application, the switching power supply module 180 and the first power supply circuit 130 are connected in series on the first power supply line between the external power interface 150 and the power supply port.

[0131] In some embodiments of the present application, the switching power supply module 180 is an AC / DC converter.

[0132] In some embodiments of the present application, a diode D1 is further provided on the first power supply line, the anode of the diode D1 is connected to the output end of the switching power supply module 180, and the cathode of the diode D1 is connected to the power supply port.

[0133] The diode D1 is provided to ensure that the power output by the switching power supply module 180 flows to the power supply port and avoid reverse flow.

[0134] In some embodiments of the present application, the external power supply may be an uninterruptible direct current power supply (eg, +12V).

[0135] Since the refrigerant sensing control loop 110 requires a DC +5V power supply, a DC / DC converter is required to convert the voltage into +5V and send it to the power supply port.

[0136] The use of a DC / DC converter can stably supply power to the power supply port.

[0137] In some embodiments of the present application, the DC / DC converter and the first power supply loop 130 are connected in series on the first power supply line between the external power interface 150 and the power supply port.

[0138] In some embodiments of the present application, a diode is further provided on the first power supply line, the anode of the diode is connected to the output end of the switching power supply module 180, and the cathode of the diode is connected to the power supply port.

[0139] The diode D2 is provided to ensure that the electric energy outputted by the DC / DC converter flows unidirectionally to the power supply port, and to avoid reverse flow.

[0140] In some embodiments of this application, see Figure 8 , the external power supply can choose an uninterruptible DC power supply (such as +5V).

[0141] The external DC power supply directly supplies power to the power port.

[0142] In some embodiments of the present application, a diode D2 is further provided on the first power supply line, an anode of the diode D2 is connected to the external DC power supply, and a cathode of the diode D2 is connected to the power supply port.

[0143] The setting of the diode D2 ensures that the electric energy output by the external DC power supply flows unidirectionally to the power supply port, while preventing reverse flow.

[0144] In some embodiments of the present application, an air conditioner is also provided. Figure 9 The air conditioner includes an indoor unit 200, which is used to provide cooling or heating to the indoor space when the air conditioning system is working.

[0145] The indoor unit 200 includes an indoor main control board 210 . The indoor main control board 210 has an indoor communication port (not shown) and an indoor power supply port (not shown).

[0146] The air conditioner further includes a refrigerant sensing device 100 , which includes a power communication interface 170 , an external power interface 150 , a refrigerant detection sensor 120 , and a refrigerant sensing control circuit 110 .

[0147] The indoor communication port is connected to the communication interface, and the indoor power supply port is connected to the power supply interface, so that the power communication interface 170 receives power from the indoor unit 200 and communicates with the indoor unit 200.

[0148] The power communication interface 170 , the external power interface 150 and the refrigerant sensing control circuit 110 are respectively as described above.

[0149] The refrigerant sensing device 100 can be set as an independent module, connected to the main control board of the indoor unit 200 and set in the indoor unit 200, wherein the refrigerant detection sensor 120 is located at a position where refrigerant leakage is easy to occur, so as to detect refrigerant leakage accurately and timely.

[0150] In order to facilitate the wiring connection between the refrigerant sensor device 100 and the indoor main control board 210, see Figure 10 The indoor main control board 210 is provided with a sensor interface 220 , and the sensor interface 220 has a sensor power supply terminal (not shown) and a sensor communication terminal (not shown).

[0151] The sensor power supply end is connected to the indoor power supply port on the indoor unit 200 side, and is also connected to the power interface of the power communication interface 170 in the refrigerant sensing device 100 .

[0152] The sensor communication terminal is connected to the indoor communication port of the indoor unit 200 and is also connected to the communication interface of the power communication interface 170 in the refrigerant sensing device 100 .

[0153] The wiring between the sensor interface 220 and the power communication interface 170 is used to realize power supply and communication between the indoor unit 200 and the refrigerant sensing device 100 .

[0154] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0155] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to them. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included in the scope of protection of the present utility model. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present utility model should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerant sensing device, characterized in that: include: A power supply and communication interface, which is used to connect to the indoor unit and has a power supply interface and a communication interface; External power interface, used for connecting to an external power source; A refrigerant sensing control circuit, comprising a communication port, a signal receiving port, a signal output port, and a power supply port, wherein the communication port is connected to the communication interface, the signal receiving port receives a detection signal from a refrigerant detection sensor, and when the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant detection sensor and received by the refrigerant sensing control circuit exceeds a set concentration, the signal output port outputs a prompt signal for prompting a user of a refrigerant leak; A first power supply circuit, which is used to connect the power interface and the power supply port; The second power supply circuit is used to connect the external power interface and the power supply port, and the first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit can be switched and connected.

2. The refrigerant sensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first power supply circuit includes: a first relay, whose coil is connected to the power interface, and whose normally open switch is connected to a first power supply line from the power interface to the power supply port; The second power supply circuit includes: The second relay has a coil connected in parallel with the coil of the first relay, and a normally closed switch connected to a second power supply line from the external power interface to the power supply port.

3. The refrigerant sensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerant sensing device further includes: The alarm circuit receives the prompt signal and outputs an alarm signal.

4. The refrigerant sensing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The alarm circuit includes an acoustic alarm element, a light alarm element, or an acoustic alarm element and a light alarm element arranged in parallel.

5. The refrigerant sensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external power supply is an uninterruptible single-phase AC power supply; the refrigerant sensing device also includes: The switching power supply module, the second power supply circuit is provided between the external power supply interface and the input end of the switching power supply module, and the output end of the switching power supply module is connected to the power supply port.

6. The refrigerant sensing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The refrigerant sensing device further includes: A diode, an anode of which is connected to the output end of the switching power supply module, and a cathode of which is connected to the power supply port.

7. The refrigerant sensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external power supply is an uninterruptible direct current power supply.

8. The refrigerant sensing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The refrigerant sensing device further includes: A diode, an anode of which is connected to one end of the second power supply loop connected to the power supply port, and a cathode of which is connected to the power supply port.

9. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: The indoor unit is used to provide cooling or heating to the indoor space when the air conditioning system is working. The indoor unit includes an indoor main control board having an indoor communication port and an indoor power supply port. A power communication interface, comprising a power interface and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is connected to the indoor communication port, and the power interface is connected to the indoor power supply port; External power interface, used for connecting to an external power source; A refrigerant sensing control circuit, comprising a communication port, a signal receiving port, a signal output port, and a power supply port, wherein the communication port is connected to the communication interface, the signal receiving port receives a detection signal from a refrigerant detection sensor, and when the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant detection sensor and received by the refrigerant sensing control circuit exceeds a set concentration, the signal output port outputs a prompt signal for prompting a user of a refrigerant leak; A first power supply circuit, which is used to connect the power interface and the power supply port; The second power supply circuit is used to connect the external power interface and the power supply port, and the first power supply circuit and the second power supply circuit can be switched and connected.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that The indoor main control board is provided with a sensor interface, which has: A sensor power supply terminal connected to the indoor power supply port and the power interface; The sensor communication terminal is connected to the indoor communication port and the communication interface.

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