air conditioning unit

Abstract

An air conditioning device comprises: a housing; a drain pan attached to the housing to receive wastewater generated within the housing; an outlet module attached to the housing with an inlet port through which wastewater remaining in the drain pan is admitted, the outlet module being configured to discharge wastewater from the inlet port; and a water level sensor configured to detect when the wastewater reaches a preset water level higher than the inlet port of the outlet module.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning device that detects a drainage error or fault in the drainage of wastewater. State of the art

[0002] An air conditioning device is known that detects a drainage error in the wastewater. Generally, the following applies: Among the abnormalities that occur in a drain pan, a drainage error in the wastewater, caused by factors such as biofilm, is particularly likely to occur in summer. Examples of a drainage error in the wastewater include a case where wastewater does not drain properly due to clogged drainage pipes, as well as a malfunction in the rotation of a drainage pump. If the wastewater cannot drain or is not discharged properly, the water level of the wastewater in the drain pan rises. In this case, the air conditioning device switches to a stop mode when the wastewater in the drain pan reaches a predetermined water level.

[0003] Therefore, the following applies: If the wastewater is not properly drained and the water level rises and reaches the predetermined level, the air conditioning unit will automatically shut down. In this case, immediate maintenance is required, such as cleaning the drain pan and the drainage pipe. If the wastewater is frequently not properly drained during the summer, the maintenance workload will consequently increase.

[0004] An air conditioning device is known that detects the water level of the drain water based on the activation state of a drain outlet device that discharges the drain water, as a technique for reporting the occurrence of a drain fault before the air conditioning device forcibly interrupts operation. Patent 1 discloses an air conditioning device equipped with an ultrasonic water level sensor located above a drain pan. Patent 1 also discloses an air conditioning device equipped with a capacitive water level sensor located on an outer wall surface of the drain pan. These water level sensors each detect continuous changes in the water level without physical contact.

[0005] According to patent literature 1, the following applies: Whether a drainage error occurs in the drain pan is determined by comparing the activation state of the drainage outlet device with changes in the water level during normal operation. Here, in patent literature 1, the drainage water outlet device is activated when the drain pan is in a state where no drainage water remains in the drain pan due to evaporation, and the activation state of the drainage outlet device and changes in the water level during normal operation are compared. Patent literature 1 also compares changes in the water level of the water that is returned when the drainage outlet device is interrupted with changes in the water level during normal operation. Based on this determination, the occurrence of a drainage error is reported. Bibliography Patent literature

[0006] Patent literature 1: Japanese unexamined patent application publication JP 2008 - 96 002 A Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0007] The air conditioning device disclosed in patent literature 1 is, however, incapable of detecting the occurrence of a drain fault under conditions such as during commissioning, immediately after the drain outlet is activated from a state where drain water is present, until the water level stabilizes; during continuous operation; and during heating and fan operation, in which drain water is rarely present. That is to say, patent literature 1 states the following: Since the presence of a drain fault is not always detected during operation of the air conditioning device, there is a possibility that the drain water level reaches a predetermined level and the operation of the air conditioning device is interrupted before the drain fault is detected, and that the subsequent detection of the occurrence of the drain fault is delayed.It is possible that a user or administrator may not recognize the occurrence of the runtime error until the operation of the air conditioning unit is interrupted and immediate maintenance is required.

[0008] The present invention was designed to solve the problem described above. It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioning device that does not require immediate or sudden maintenance. Solution to the problem

[0009] An air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing; a drain pan arranged on the housing and receiving drain water generated in the housing; an outlet module arranged on the housing and having an inlet port through which drain water remaining in the drain pan is admitted, the outlet module being configured to discharge drain water from the inlet port; and a water level sensor configured to detect that the drain water reaches a preset water level higher than the inlet port of the outlet module. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the target water level of the water level sensor is positioned higher than the inlet port of the outlet module. In a case where the wastewater is not properly discharged, it will not drain easily—regardless of whether the wastewater was initially left in the drain pan—and the water level will rise above the inlet port. Therefore, if the water level sensor detects that the wastewater has reached the target water level, it will be determined that the wastewater is not being properly discharged. As described above, it is possible to detect the occurrence of a wastewater drainage error at any time, such as during commissioning, continuous operation, and decommissioning. Therefore, immediate or sudden maintenance is no longer necessary. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating an air conditioning device according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process for detecting a water level according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a water level sensor according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates changes in the water level of the drain water in a state where drain water is present in a drain tray when the air conditioning device according to embodiment 1 starts cooling operation, wherein the water level when the drain fault is not present and the water level when the drain fault is present are different from each other. Fig. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates changes in the water level of the drain water in a state where drain water is present in the drain pan when the air conditioning device according to embodiment 1 starts cooling operation, wherein the water level when the drain fault is not present and the water level when the drain fault is present are essentially the same. Fig. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates changes in the water level when the drainage fault is absent and when the drainage fault is present, in a state where there is almost no drain water in the drain pan. Fig. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates changes in the water level when the drain fault is absent and when the drain fault is present, after the air conditioning device according to embodiment 1 has operated for a specified period. Fig. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates changes in the water level when an outlet module is operated after the air conditioning device according to embodiment 1 has stopped operation, both when the drain fault is absent and when the drain fault is present. Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process for detecting a water level according to embodiment 2. Fig. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating changes in the water level of the drain water in a state where drain water is present in a drain pan when an air conditioning device according to embodiment 2 starts cooling operation, wherein the water level when the drain fault is absent and the water level when the drain fault is present are essentially the same. Description of embodiments

[0011] Embodiments of an air conditioning device of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the relative size of a component in the drawings illustrated below may vary. Fig. 1 includes, from whose actual size. Furthermore, in the explanation below, directional terms used appropriately to facilitate understanding of the present invention serve only to clarify the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to such directional terms. Examples of directional terms include: "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "front", and "rear". Design 1

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating an air conditioning device 40 according to embodiment 1. The air conditioning device 40 is a device that conditions the air in an interior space, and it features—as shown in Figure 1—a circuit diagram illustrating an air conditioning device 40 according to embodiment 1. Fig. Figure 1 shows an outdoor unit 41 and an indoor unit 42. The outdoor unit 41 includes, for example, a compressor 50, a flow switching device 45, an outdoor heat exchanger 46, an outdoor air outlet 47, and an expansion module 48. The indoor unit 42 includes, for example, a heat exchanger 4, an indoor air outlet 49, and a control unit 30.

[0013] The compressor 50, the flow switching device 45, the outdoor heat exchanger 46, the expansion module 48, and the heat exchanger 4 are connected by means of a refrigerant line 44, thereby forming a refrigeration circuit 43. The compressor 50 draws in refrigerant at a low temperature and low pressure, compresses the drawn-in refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure, and then discharges the refrigerant. The compressor 50 is, for example, an inverter compressor capable of capacity control.

[0014] The flow switching device 45 reverses the direction in which the refrigerant flows in the refrigeration circuit 43 and is, for example, a four-way valve. The outdoor heat exchanger 46 exchanges heat, for example, between the outdoor air and the refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger 46 serves as a condenser in cooling mode and as an evaporator in heating mode. The expansion module 48 is a pressure-reducing valve or an expansion valve that decompresses and expands the refrigerant. The expansion module 48 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is adjustable.

[0015] The heat exchanger 4 exchanges heat, for example between the interior air and the refrigerant. The heat exchanger 4 serves as an evaporator in cooling mode and as a condenser in heating mode. The interior air outlet 49 is a device that sends or directs interior air to the heat exchanger 4.

[0016] It should be noted that the air conditioning device 40 may also not include the flow switching device 45. In this case, the air conditioning device 40 serves only as a cooling unit or only as a heating unit. Water level detection

[0017] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process for detecting a water level according to embodiment 1. The detection of the water level is described next. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, within a housing 20 of the indoor unit 42, in addition to the heat exchanger 4 and the control unit 30, a drain tray 1, an outlet module 2, a drainage line 5, a humidification unit 14, and a water level sensor 3 are arranged. The drain tray 1 receives the wastewater 9 generated within the housing 20. The drain tray 1 is located below the heat exchanger 4 and the humidification unit, and it receives condensate 10 generated at the heat exchanger 4 and the humidification unit 14.

[0018] The outlet module 2 discharges the wastewater 9 that remains in or on the drain pan 1 and is located above the drain pan 1. An inlet connection 12 is formed at the lower end of the outlet module 2. The wastewater 9 remaining in the drain pan 1 is drawn in through the inlet connection 12. When the water level of the wastewater 9 remaining in the drain pan 1 rises above the position of the inlet connection 12, the outlet module 2 draws the wastewater 9 in from the inlet connection 12. The outlet module 2 discharges the wastewater 9 drawn in from the inlet connection 12 into the drainage pipe 5. The drainage pipe 5 is connected to the outlet module 2, and the wastewater 9 discharged from the outlet module 2 flows through it. The humidification device 14 is attached to a wall surface of the drain tray 1.

[0019] The water level sensor 3 is of the float switch type (on / off switch) using a reed switch. It should be noted that the water level sensor 3 can also be of the continuous water level detection type, such as the capacitive or ultrasonic type. The water level sensor 3 can also detect the water level by contacting the outlet water 9, and it can also detect the water level without contacting the outlet water 9. The water level sensor 3 detects the water levels at at least two points. The present embodiment 1 represents by way of example a case in which the water level sensor 3 detects the water levels at two points.

[0020] The water level sensor 3 detects a predetermined water level and a target water level. The predetermined water level is positioned at the higher of two points and is set near the level at which the drain water 9, which collects in the drain pan 1, reaches its full capacity. The air conditioning device 40 shuts down when the water level sensor 3 detects that the drain water 9 has reached the predetermined water level. This configuration prevents the drain water 9 from leaking out of the drain pan 1.

[0021] The target water level is positioned at the lower of the two points and is located above the inlet port 12, which is formed on the outlet module 2. It should be noted that the location above the drain pan 1, where the water level sensor 3 is installed, is not limited, as long as the location falls within an area where the water level of the drain water 9 is detectable. Here, the drain water 9, which is generated during cooling operation, is, as described above, the condensate 10 produced at the heat exchanger 4 and the humidification unit 14.

[0022] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the water level sensor 3 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the water level sensor 3 has a lower float 3A and an upper float 3B, each surrounding a shaft 3C. The lower float 3A is used to detect the occurrence of a drain fault. The upper float 3B is used to detect a full state, where the water level of the drain water 9 in the drain pan 1 reaches the predetermined water level. In a case where the upper float 3B is activated, the operation of the air conditioning device 40 is interrupted. Control 30

[0023] Next, the controller 30 is described. The controller 30 controls the operation of the air conditioning unit 40. Here, the hardware configuration of the controller 30 is described. The controller 30 is formed by a processor circuit. The processor circuit is formed by dedicated hardware or a processor. Examples of dedicated hardware include circuits such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor executes a program that is stored in memory. The controller 30 has memory that is not shown. The memory is non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory, such as random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, and erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), or a disk, such as a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, and an optical disk.

[0024] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the controller 30 comprises a water level output circuit 6, a determination circuit 7, and a transmission circuit 8. The water level output circuit 6, the determination circuit 7, and the transmission circuit 8 are implemented, for example, by algorithms. The water level output circuit 6 receives and outputs detection results from the water level sensor 3. The determination circuit 7 determines that the drainage fault occurs at the outlet module 2 when the information indicating that the drainage water 9 has reached the setpoint water level is output by the water level output circuit 6. The determination circuit 7 also determines that the drainage fault occurs at the outlet module 2 when the drainage water 9 reaches the setpoint water level after a predetermined time threshold has elapsed following the commencement of operation of the outlet module 2.

[0025] The transmission circuit 8 transmits determination results from the determination circuit 7 to an external component. The external component is, for example, a display module 13 located outside the air conditioning unit 40. The display module 13 is, for example, a display medium located on a remote control or in the cloud. A user can see the determination result of a drainage error displayed on the display module 13. Therefore, prompt action is enabled to address a drainage error of the drain water 9 before the error causes the drain water 9 remaining in the drain tray 1 to reach the predetermined water level and thus interrupt the operation of the air conditioning unit 40. Causes of the process error

[0026] Next, causes of the drainage error are described. Examples of causes of the drainage error include biofilm 11. Biofilm 11, also referred to as slime, is a compound aggregate that, in addition to bacteria or mold, also contains adhesive polysaccharides produced by the metabolism of the bacteria or mold, and impurities present in the air. Biofilm 11 is viscous. If it deposits and accumulates on a wall surface of the outlet module 2, the drainage pipe 5, or the drain pan 1, the wastewater 9 cannot be discharged or drained away. Water level status of the drain pan

[0027] Next, the water level status of the drain pan 1 is described. While the air conditioning unit 40 is operating in cooling mode, wastewater 9 is generated by the heat exchanger 4 and the humidification unit 14, and this wastewater 9 is discharged by the outlet module 2. Even while the wastewater 9 is being discharged, it remains in a constant state in the drain pan 1 during cooling operation. Subsequently, when the air conditioning unit 40 stops operating and the outlet module 2 is also deactivated, the wastewater 9, which is present in the drain line 5, flows back into the drain pan 1 while the wastewater 9 is pumped up.

[0028] With this backflow, the amount of drain water 9 present in the drainage line 5 is added to the drain water 9 originally present in the drain pan 1, and the water level of the drain water 9 in the drain pan 1 rises. The drain water 9 remaining in the drain pan 1 after the air conditioning device 40 has been switched off gradually evaporates, particularly if the air conditioning device 40 is not operated for an extended period, and then the drain water 9 enters a state of non-presence in the drain pan 1. Therefore, the state in the drain pan 1 at the start of cooling operation can be either a state in which the drain water 9 has evaporated but is still present, or a state in which the drain water 9 has completely evaporated and is then no longer present.Furthermore, the amount of drain water 9 present in the drain tray 1 is not always constant, as the amount is influenced by the operating status and the installation environment of the air conditioning device 40. Detection of the drainage error in the case where drainage water 9 remains after commissioning.

[0029] Next, the detection of a drain fault under the commissioning condition is described, specifically when the air conditioning unit 40 is activated. This condition refers to a state where the time between the previous shutdown of the air conditioning unit 40 and the current start of its cooling operation is short, and the drain water 9 in the drain tray 1 has barely evaporated. In this state, the water level of the drain water 9 is above the inlet port 12 of the outlet module 2 at commissioning.

[0030] If a water level L above the position of the inlet connection of the drain water 9 is specified, i.e., if a switch that turns the lower float 3A on and off is specified (preset water level), then the lower float 3A of the water level sensor 3 moves into the on state upon commissioning. Here, the water level can be higher when the drain fault is present than when the drain fault is absent, and in another case, the water level when the drain fault is absent and the water level when the drain fault is present are the same. Case in which the water level is higher when the drainage error is present than the water level when the drainage error is not present.

[0031] Fig. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram that shows changes in the water level of the drain water 9 in a state where the drain water 9 is present in the drain tray 1 when the air conditioning device 40 according to embodiment 1 starts cooling operation. The water level shown is different when the drain fault is absent and when the drain fault is present. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, after the air conditioning unit 40 starts cooling operation, the outlet module 2 is activated, and the drain water 9 in the drain tray 1 begins to run out.

[0032] When the amount of condensate 10 produced by the heat exchanger 4 and the humidification unit 14, and the amount discharged by the outlet module 2, reach equilibrium, the water level of the drain water 9 at the inlet port 12 of the outlet module 2 becomes constant. Therefore, if the drainage fault does not occur, the float switch 3A from the on state to the off state.

[0033] Conversely, if a drainage error occurs, the water level of the drain water 9 is higher than when the drainage error does not occur. Therefore, even if the outlet module 2 is activated and the drain water 9 begins to flow out into the drain tray 1, the position at which the water level becomes constant is the position at which the lower float 3A is in the on state. By referring to whether the lower float 3A is in the on or off state when the water level is constant, it is therefore possible to determine whether a drainage error has occurred or not. In the case where the lower float 3A is in the on state, the determining circuit 7 determines the possibility of a drainage error.

[0034] The information determined by the control circuit 7 is sent to the transmission circuit 8, and the transmission circuit 8 then sends the information to the display module 13, which is located outside the air conditioning unit 40. This configuration allows the user to detect the occurrence of a drainage fault. Once notified, the user can perform maintenance according to the operating instructions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the drainage water 9 from reaching the predetermined water level, from reaching its full capacity, and from the air conditioning unit 40 unexpectedly shutting down. It should be noted that information about the time the drainage fault occurred and data about the water level at that time can be collected in the cloud. Case in which the water level is the same when the drainage error is absent and the water level is the same when the drainage error is present.

[0035] Fig. Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram that shows changes in the water level of the drain water 9 in a state where the drain water 9 is present in the drain tray 1 when the air conditioning device 40 according to embodiment 1 starts cooling operation. The water level is essentially the same when the drain fault is absent and when the drain fault is present. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the behavior when the process error does not occur is the same as that shown in Figure 5. Fig. Figure 4 is shown. On the other hand, if a process error occurs, two behavioral patterns are taken into account.

[0036] The first pattern is the case in which the occurrence of the drainage fault reduces the discharge velocity of the drain water 9, causing the water level, which is thereby kept constant, to rise above the water level L. The second pattern is the case in which the outlet module 2 does not discharge any drain water 9, or in which the generation rate of the condensate 10 from the heat exchanger 4 and the humidification device 14 is greater than the discharge velocity of the drain water 9 through the outlet module 2, and the water level of the drain water 9 appears to rise. In each case, in both the first and second patterns, the lower float 3A remains in the switched-on state.

[0037] Based on whether the lower float 3A is in the on or off state when the water level is constant, it is therefore possible to detect the presence or absence of a drainage fault. In the case where the lower float 3A is in the on state, the detection circuit 7 determines the possibility of a drainage fault. The information determined by the detection circuit 7 is sent to the transmission circuit 8, and the transmission circuit 8 sends the information to the display module 13, which is located outside the air conditioning unit 40.

[0038] With this configuration, a user can detect the occurrence of a drainage error. Once notified, the user can perform maintenance according to the operating instructions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the drainage water from reaching the predetermined water level (9), from reaching its full capacity, and from the air conditioning unit (40) unexpectedly shutting down. It should be noted that information about the time the drainage error occurred and data about the water level at that time can be collected in the cloud. Detection of the drainage error in the case where the drainage water 9 is almost non-existent at commissioning

[0039] Fig. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates changes in the water level when the drainage fault is absent and when it is present, in a state where the drain water 9 is almost non-existent in the drain tray 1 when the air conditioning device 40 according to embodiment 1 starts operation. This condition refers to a state in which the time between the previous shutdown of the air conditioning device 40 and the current start of its cooling operation is long, and the drain water 9 in the drain tray 1 evaporates. In this state, the water level of the drain water 9 is below the inlet port 12 of the outlet module 2 at startup. If a water level L above the position of the inlet port of the drain water 9 is specified, i.e.,If a switch that turns the lower float 3A on and off is predefined (preset water level), then the float 3A of the water level sensor 3 goes into the off state upon commissioning.

[0040] In the absence of a drainage fault – after cooling operation has started – the outlet module 2 does not discharge any drain water 9, and the condensate 10, generated by the heat exchanger 4 and the humidification unit 14, remains in the drain tray 1. For this reason, the rate at which the condensate 10 is generated by the heat exchanger 4 and the humidification unit 14 is higher than the discharge velocity of the drain water 9, and the water level of the drain water 9 appears to rise. Once the rate at which the condensate 10 is generated and the discharge velocity of the drain water 9 stabilize, the water level of the drain water 9 subsequently becomes constant. That is, in the absence of a drainage fault, the lower float 3A remains in the off state.

[0041] In the event of a drainage fault, the following occurs: After cooling operation has started, the outlet module 2 does not discharge any wastewater 9, or the rate at which condensate 10 is generated by the heat exchanger 4 and the humidification unit 14 is greater than the discharge rate of the wastewater 9 through the outlet module 2. As a result, the condensate 10 generated by the heat exchanger 4 and the humidification unit 14 remains in the drain tray 1, and the wastewater level 9 rises. If a drainage fault is present, the water level of the wastewater 9 rises, and the lower float 3A switches to the on state. Therefore, by observing whether the lower float 3A is in the on or off state when the water level is constant, it is possible to determine whether a drainage fault has occurred or not.In a case where the lower float 3A is in the switched-on state, the determining circuit 7 determines the possibility of the existence of the run-out error.

[0042] The information determined by the control circuit 7 is sent to the transmission circuit 8, and the transmission circuit 8 then sends the information to the display module 13, which is located outside the air conditioning unit 40. This configuration allows the user to detect the occurrence of a drainage fault. Once notified, the user can perform maintenance according to the operating instructions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the drainage water 9 from reaching the predetermined water level, from reaching its full capacity, and from the air conditioning unit 40 unexpectedly shutting down. It should be noted that information about the time the drainage fault occurred and data about the water level at that time can be collected in the cloud. Detection of the process error during continuous operation

[0043] Next, the detection of the occurrence of the drain fault is described under the condition that the air conditioning device 40 is operated continuously for any given time. If a water level L above the position of the drain water inlet 9 is specified, i.e., if a switch that turns the lower float 3A on and off is specified (preset water level), then the lower float 3A of the water level sensor 3 moves into the on state upon start-up.

[0044] Fig. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates changes in the water level when the drain fault is absent and when it is present, after the air conditioning device 40 according to embodiment 1 has been operated for a specified period. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, during the continuous operation of the air conditioning device 40 and in the absence of the drainage fault, the amount of condensate 10 produced by the heat exchanger 4 and the humidification device 14 and the amount discharged by the outlet module 2 reach an equilibrium state, and the water level is constant.

[0045] If the drainage fault is present, the discharge velocity of the drain water 9 through the discharge module 2 decreases, the generation rate of the condensate 10 increases, and as a result, the water level of the drain water 9 appears to rise. That is, if the drainage fault is not present, the lower float 3A remains in the off state. If the drainage fault is present, the water level of the drain water 9 rises, and the lower float 3A switches to the on state.

[0046] Based on whether the lower float 3A is in the on or off state, it is therefore possible to detect the absence and presence of a drainage fault. In the case where the lower float 3A is in the on state, the detection circuit 7 determines the possibility of a drainage fault. The information determined by the detection circuit 7 is sent to the transmission circuit 8, and the transmission circuit 8 sends the information to the display module 13, which is located outside the air conditioning unit 40.

[0047] With this configuration, a user can detect the occurrence of a drainage error. Once notified, the user can perform maintenance according to the operating instructions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the drainage water from reaching the predetermined water level (9), from reaching its full capacity, and from the air conditioning unit (40) unexpectedly shutting down. It should be noted that information about the time the drainage error occurred and data about the water level at that time can be collected in the cloud. Detection of the process error after decommissioning

[0048] Next, the detection of a drain fault is described under the condition where the air conditioning unit 40 shuts down. This condition applies to a case where the water level L is preset above the position of the drain water inlet 9, i.e., where a switch that turns the lower float 3A on and off is preset (preset water level), and the rise in the water level due to the backflow of the drain water during shutdown causes the lower float 3A of the water level sensor 3 to switch to the on state. A time T at which the outlet module 2 resumes operation is also preset in the controller 30.

[0049] Fig. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates changes in the water level when the drain fault is absent and when it is present, when the outlet module 2 is operated after the air conditioning device 40 according to embodiment 1 has stopped operating. When the air conditioning device 40 stops operating and the outlet module 2 is also deactivated, the drain water 9, which is pumped up and is present in the drain line 5, flows back. With this backflow, the amount of drain water 9 present in the drain line 5 is added to the amount of drain water 9 that was originally present in the drain pan 1, and—as shown in Figure 8—the water level changes when the drain fault is present. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates - the water level of the drain water 9 in the drain tray 1 rises.

[0050] If no drainage error is present, the following applies: When outlet module 2 is reactivated, the wastewater 9 is discharged through outlet module 2. As with the absence of a drainage error, if a drainage error is present, outlet module 2 is activated and the discharge of the wastewater 9 begins. However, the discharge rate of the wastewater 9 is lower than when the drainage error is absent. This is because the presence of the drainage error reduces the discharge rate of the wastewater 9.

[0051] The determining circuit 7 determines the absence of a drainage fault when the drainage water 9 is released from the outlet module 2 and the lower float 3A switches to the off state. Conversely, if the water level is higher than the water level L, i.e., when the lower float 3A is in the on state, then the determining circuit 7 determines the possibility of a drainage fault.

[0052] Therefore, depending on whether the lower float 3A is in the on or off state, it is possible to detect the absence and presence of a run-down error. When the lower float 3A is in the on state, the detection circuit 7 determines the possibility of a run-down error. The information determined by the detection circuit 7 is sent to the transmission circuit 8, and the transmission circuit 8 sends the information to the display module 13, which is located outside the air conditioning unit 40.

[0053] With this configuration, a user can detect the occurrence of a drainage error. Once notified, the user can perform maintenance according to the operating instructions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the drainage water from reaching the predetermined water level (9), from reaching its full capacity, and from the air conditioning unit (40) unexpectedly shutting down. It should be noted that information about the time the drainage error occurred and data about the water level at that time can be collected in the cloud.

[0054] As described above, the following applies in every state: In a case where the lower float 3A is in the on state, the determining circuit 7 determines the possibility of a run-down error. Simply by determining whether the lower float 3A is in the on state or the off state, it is possible to detect the absence and presence of a run-down error.

[0055] According to the present embodiment 1 of the present invention, the setpoint water level of the water level sensor 3 is positioned higher than the inlet port 12 of the outlet module 2. In a case where the wastewater 9 is not properly discharged, it will not drain easily—regardless of whether the wastewater 9 initially remained in the drain pan 1—and the water level will rise above the inlet port 12. Therefore, if the water level sensor 3 detects that the wastewater 9 has reached the setpoint water level, it will be determined that the wastewater 9 is not being properly discharged. As described above, it is possible to detect the occurrence of a wastewater 9 drainage error at any time, such as during commissioning, continuous operation, and decommissioning.

[0056] Therefore, immediate or sudden maintenance is no longer necessary. This configuration makes it possible to detect the occurrence of the run-down error at an early stage, which in some air conditioning units 40 remain undetected until it interrupts operation. It is also possible to determine whether the run-down error occurs for each air conditioning unit 40, limited to just one of the following conditions: during commissioning, during continuous operation, and during shutdown. Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether the run-down error occurs under two conditions, such as during commissioning and during shutdown. The operating states can be freely combined. Design 2

[0057] Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process for detecting the water level according to embodiment 2. The present embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in the configuration of the water level sensor 3. Components in the present embodiment 2 that are the same as in embodiment 1 have the same reference numerals and are not described below. The main differences compared to embodiment 1 are described.

[0058] Fig. 9 corresponds Fig. 3 from embodiment 1. The water level sensor 3 detects the water levels at at least two points. However, its type differs from that in embodiment 1. The water level sensor 3 uses, among the switch types of switch 3D, a float switch type with three or more on / off switches, or a continuous type, such as a float type, a capacitive type, or an ultrasonic type. As in Fig. Figure 9 illustrates a float switch type equipped with three or more on / off switches, or a continuous type (a float type), which has a float 3D surrounding the shaft 3C. For example, with the electromagnetic induction type, the float 3D moves up and down, and the water level is thereby continuously detected. Also, in a case where a continuous type is used, the water level sensor 3 detects the water level when the drain water 9 is present in the drain pan 1 while the air conditioning device 40 is operating. Case in which the water level is the same when the drainage error is absent and the water level is the same when the drainage error is present.

[0059] Fig. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram which—in a state where the drain water 9 is present in the drain tray 1 when the air conditioning device 40 according to embodiment 2 starts cooling operation—shows changes in the water level of the drain water 9, where the water level when the drain fault is absent and the water level when the drain fault is present are essentially the same. As shown in Fig. Figure 10 illustrates a case in which the water level is the same when the drainage error is absent and when the drainage error is present.

[0060] The controller 30 determines that the drain fault occurs at the outlet module 2 when a change in the water level, detected by the water level sensor 3, differs from a pre-stored change in the water level when the drain fault is not present. The water level sensor 3 continuously detects changes in the water level from the moment the indoor unit 42 is activated. The water level at which the drain pan 1 is full is preset for the water level sensor 3. When the water level sensor 3 detects this water level, the air conditioning unit 40 stops.

[0061] The control unit 30's detection circuit 7 compares a change in the water level, continuously detected by the water level sensor 3, with a change in the water level when the drainage fault is absent. The control unit 30's detection circuit 7 determines the possibility of a drainage fault if the change in water level received from the water level sensor 3 does not correspond to the change in water level when the drainage fault is absent. It should be noted that the control unit 30 can also learn specific patterns of drainage states in advance. The information determined by the detection circuit 7 is sent to the transmission circuit 8, and the transmission circuit 8 sends the information to the display module 13, which is located outside the air conditioning unit 40.

[0062] With this configuration, a user can detect the occurrence of a drainage error. Once notified, the user can perform maintenance according to the operating instructions. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the drainage water from reaching the predetermined water level (9), from reaching its full capacity, and from the air conditioning unit (40) unexpectedly shutting down. It should be noted that information about the time the drainage error occurred and data about the water level at that time can be collected in the cloud.

[0063] It should be noted that the determination of the occurrence of the process error in embodiment 2 also depends on Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 is applicable in embodiment 1. Reference symbol list 1 drain tray 2 Outlet module 3 Water level sensor 3A lower float 3B upper float 3C shaft 3D Swimmer 4 heat exchangers 5 Drainage pipe 6 Water level output circuit 7 Determination circuit 8 Transmission circuit 9 Drainage water 10 Condensation 11 Biofilm 12 Inlet connection 13 Display module 14 Humidification unit 20 cases 30 Control 40 air conditioning unit 41 Outdoor unit 42 Indoor unit 43 Refrigerant circuit 44 Refrigerant line 45 Flow switching device 46 outdoor heat exchangers 47 Outdoor air emission device 48 Expansion module 49 Indoor air outlet device 50 Compressor QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] JP 2008 - 96 002 A

[0006]

Claims

[1] Air conditioning device comprising the following: a case; a drain tray that is attached to the housing and receives drain water that is generated in the housing; an outlet module arranged on the housing and having an inlet port through which wastewater remaining in the drain pan is admitted, the outlet module being configured to discharge wastewater from the inlet port; and a water level sensor configured to detect that the outflow water has reached a preset water level that is higher than the inlet port of the outlet module. [2] Air conditioning device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit comprising: a water level output circuit configured to receive and output a detection result from the water level sensor, and a determining circuit configured to determine that a drainage error occurs at the outlet module in a case where information indicating that the drainage water has reached the target water level is output by the water level output circuit. [3] Air conditioning device according to claim 2, wherein the determining circuit is configured to determine that a drain fault occurs in the outlet module in a case where the drain water reaches the target water level when a predetermined time threshold has elapsed after the outlet module has started operation. [4] Air conditioning device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control further comprises a transmission circuit configured to transmit a determination result from the determination circuit to an external component. [5] Air conditioning device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control is configured to cause an external display module to display information transmitted by the transmission circuit. [6] Air conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water level sensor is configured to detect that the drain water reaches the set water level and a predetermined water level at which the drain water is prevented from overflowing from the drain tray. [7] Air conditioning device comprising the following: a case; a drain tray that is attached to the housing and receives drain water that is generated in the housing; an outlet module arranged on the housing and having an inlet port through which wastewater remaining in the drain tray is admitted, wherein the outlet module is configured to allow wastewater to escape from the inlet port; a water level sensor configured to detect the water level of the drain water in the drain pan; and a controller which has a determination circuit configured to determine that the drain fault occurs at the outlet module in a case where a change in the water level detected by the water level sensor differs from a change in the water level when the drain fault is not present, which is stored in advance.

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