Air conditioning device

Abstract

To improve maintenance performance by reducing unevenness of the inside of a water storage container in a water level detection technology used for an air conditioning device.SOLUTION: An air conditioning device includes: a water storage container 19 provided to a cavity part 10 covered with a separation wall 39 in a body case 2 to store water; an electrostatic sensor 40 mounted on the separation wall 39 to detect electrostatic capacity; and a control part 5 storing the electrostatic capacity detected by the electrostatic sensor 40. The electrostatic sensor 40 is disposed on the separation wall 39 via the side surface of the water storage container 19 so as to face the water in the water storage container 19. The water storage container 19 has a distance change part 42 where a distance from the electrostatic sensor 40 at a first water level 41a to the water in the water storage container 19, and a distance from the electrostatic sensor 40 at a second water level 41b higher than the first water level 41a to the water in the water storage container 19 is changed. The control part 5 determines that the water level in the water storage container 19 is defined as the first water level 41a on the basis of change in the electrostatic capacity detected by the electrostatic sensor 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner that humidifies an air conditioner by blowing air onto a filter immersed in water from a water storage container, thereby evaporating the retained moisture. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional air conditioning devices include a water storage container for storing water, a filter for retaining the water in the water storage container, a float part with buoyancy, a detection part for detecting the position of the float part, and a control part for controlling the water supply part based on a detection signal from the detection part (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-120790 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This type of conventional water level detection technology for air conditioners is comprised of a buoyant float, a detection unit that detects the position of the float, and a control unit that controls the water supply unit based on the detection signal from the detection unit. However, because the float must be rotatable within the water storage container, there are many irregularities within the water storage container, which makes it difficult to maintain.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has an object to provide an air conditioner that reduces unevenness inside the water storage container and improves ease of maintenance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve this object, the air conditioning apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a main body case having an air intake and an air outlet; a water storage container provided in a hollow portion of the main body case that is partially surrounded by the partition wall and configured to store water; and a filter disposed so that a lower end thereof is immersed in the water in the water storage container. a blower that blows air drawn in through the air intake port through the filter to the air outlet; an electrostatic sensor provided on the isolation wall and configured to detect electrostatic capacitance; a control unit that stores the capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor, the electrostatic sensor is provided on the isolation wall so as to face the water in the water storage container via a side surface of the water storage container; the water storage container has a distance change unit that changes a distance between the electrostatic sensor and the water in the water storage container at a first water level and a distance between the electrostatic sensor and the water in the water storage container at a second water level higher than the first water level, The control unit determines that the water level in the water storage container is the first water level based on the change in capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor, thereby achieving the intended purpose. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to detect the water level in a water storage container with few irregularities, which has the effect of improving ease of maintenance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the air conditioning apparatus with the panel open. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioning apparatus as viewed from the right side toward the front. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of the air conditioning apparatus; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of the air conditioning apparatus; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a tank member of the air conditioning apparatus; [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a tank member of the air conditioning apparatus; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a water storage container of the air conditioning apparatus; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a water storage container of the air conditioning apparatus; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a water storage container of the air conditioner. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of the air conditioning apparatus; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a water storage container of the air conditioner. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a water storage container of the air conditioning apparatus; [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment 1) A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] 1 and 2 are perspective views of an air conditioning apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 1 is a view of the air conditioning apparatus viewed from diagonally above the front side. Fig. 2 is a view of the air conditioning apparatus 1 with the panel open viewed from diagonally above the front side. Fig. 3 is a view showing the cross-sectional configuration of the air conditioning apparatus 1 viewed from the right side as you face the front.

[0011] In the following, the vertical direction when the air conditioning apparatus is installed (hereinafter also referred to as the "installed state") as shown in Fig. 1 may be referred to as the up-down direction, and the horizontal direction as the left-right direction. In the following, in the installed state, the side of the air conditioning apparatus on which panel 9 is provided will be referred to as the "right side," and the side facing the right side of the air conditioning apparatus will be referred to as the "left side." When viewed from the right side of the air conditioning apparatus, the left side is the "front," and when viewed from the right side of the air conditioning apparatus, the right side is the "rear."

[0012] The following describes the detailed configuration of the air conditioner 1. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the air conditioner 1 of this embodiment includes a substantially box-shaped main body case 2, a blower 3, an air conditioning unit 4, a control unit 5, and an operation unit 6.

[0013] The main body case 2 has a generally vertically long box shape, and is provided with an air intake 7, an air outlet 8, and a panel 9.

[0014] The air intakes 7 are provided on the left and right side surfaces of the main body case 2.

[0015] The air outlet 8 is provided on the rear side of the top surface of the main body case 2. An operation unit 6 is provided on the front side of the top surface of the main body case 2.

[0016] An openable panel 9 is provided on one side surface of the main body case 2. When the panel 9 is opened, the air conditioning unit 4 is located inside the main body case 2.

[0017] 3, an air passage 11 (indicated by an arrow) is provided inside the main body case 2, connecting the air intake 7 and the air outlet 8. In the air passage 11, in order from the air intake 7, the air conditioning unit 4 (including a water storage container 19 and a filter portion, which will be described later), the blower 3, and the air outlet 8 are provided. are.

[0018] The blower 3 is provided in the upper part of the main body case 2, and includes a motor section 12, a fan section 13 rotated by the motor section 12, and a scroll-shaped casing section 14 surrounding these.

[0019] The motor unit 12 is a single-shaft motor, and a rotation shaft 15 of the motor unit 12 extends from the front side to the rear side of the main body case 2.

[0020] The fan unit 13 is a sirocco fan, and is fixed to the tip of a rotary shaft 15 that extends horizontally from the motor unit 12.

[0021] The casing unit 14 is provided with an outlet 16 and an inlet (not shown). The outlet 16 is provided on the top surface of the main body case 2 of the casing unit 14. The inlet is provided on the back surface of the main body case 2 of the casing unit 14. When the fan unit 13 is rotated by the motor unit 12, air outside the casing unit 14 flows into the casing unit 14 through the inlet, and is blown out of the casing unit 14 through the outlet 16.

[0022] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the air conditioning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, with the panel 9 open and the tank member 20 removed, and the air conditioning apparatus 1 viewed from diagonally above the front side. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the air conditioning apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, with the panel 9 open and the water storage container 19 removed, and the air conditioning apparatus 1 viewed from diagonally above the front side.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the air conditioning unit 4 is provided in a hollow portion 10. The hollow portion 10 is a hole recessed from one side surface (right side surface) of the main body case 2 to the other side surface (left side surface) of the main body case 2. The air conditioning unit 4 can be removed from inside the hollow portion 10 to the outside of the main body case 2. The air conditioning unit 4 includes a water storage container 19, a tank member 20, and an air-liquid contact portion 21.

[0024] The water storage container 19 is made of resin, has a bowl shape with an open top, and is structured to store water. One example of the material is ABS resin. The water storage container 19 is arranged at the bottom of the main body case 2, and is arranged so that it can be attached and detached by opening the panel 9 and sliding horizontally from the cavity 10. The water storage container 19 stores water supplied from the tank member 20.

[0025] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the tank member 20 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the tank member 20 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the water storage container 19 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of the tank member 20 attached to the water storage container 19 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] 6 to 9, the tank member 20 is installed at the bottom inside the main body case 2 and has a structure that allows it to be attached to and detached from the water storage container 19. The bottom surface of the water storage container 19 is provided with a tank holding portion 23 that protrudes upward.

[0027] The tank member 20 is attached to the tank holder 23 provided on the bottom surface of the water storage container 19. The tank member 20 has a tank 24 for storing water, an opening 24a provided on the bottom surface of the tank 24 that connects the inside of the tank 24 to the outside of the tank 24, and a lid 25 that covers the opening 24a.

[0028] The center of the lid 25 is provided with a hole 25b that communicates in the vertical direction, a valve portion 26 that opens and closes the hole 25b, and The cover 25 includes a cylindrical tube portion 25a that surrounds the hole 25b, has a central axis extending in the vertical direction, and protrudes downward from the cover 25. The hole 25b is disposed at the center of the tube portion 25a when viewed in the direction of the central axis.

[0029] In the above configuration, when the tank member 20 is attached to the tank holding portion 23 of the water storage container 19 with the opening 24a of the tank 24 facing downward, the valve portion 26 is opened by the tank holding portion 23. In other words, when the tank member 20 is filled with water and attached to the tank holding portion 23, the valve portion 26 is moved upward by the tank holding portion 23, and the hole 25b of the lid 25 is opened. When the hole 25b of the lid 25 is opened, water in the tank 24 is supplied to the water storage container 19 through the hole 25b of the lid 25, and water accumulates in the water storage container 19.

[0030] When the water level in water storage container 19 rises and reaches the upper end of notch 25c at the lower end of tubular portion 25a of lid 25, hole 25b in tank member 20 is sealed with water, and water supply stops. Water remains inside tank member 20, and whenever the water level in water storage container 19 drops, water from inside the tank is supplied to water storage container 19. In other words, the water level in water storage container 19 is kept constant.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the water storage container 19 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure with the gas-liquid contact portion 21 attached thereto.

[0032] 8 and 10, the gas-liquid contact portion 21 is a member that brings the water stored in the water storage container 19 into contact with the indoor air drawn into the main body case 2 by the blower 3. The gas-liquid contact portion 21 has a filter 27, a filter frame 28, and a drive unit (not shown).

[0033] The filter 27 is cylindrical and has holes around its circumference that allow air to pass through. The filter 27 is attached to a filter frame 28 so that one end of the filter 27 is immersed in the water in the water storage container 19.

[0034] The filter frame 28 is rotatably supported by a bearing portion 30 provided in the water storage container 19. The filter 27 and the filter frame 28 are configured to be rotated by a drive portion 29.

[0035] Indoor air drawn into the main body case 2 through the air intake 7 by the blower 3 is blown to the filter 27, the lower end of which is immersed in the water stored in the water storage container 19. The air blown to the filter 27 comes into contact with the water held in the filter 27, becoming humid air, which is then blown from the air outlet 8 into the room outside the main body case 2.

[0036] The control unit 5 controls the drive unit 29 of the gas-liquid contact unit 21 and the motor unit 12 of the blower 3. Specifically, the control unit 5 controls the operation of the drive unit 29 of the gas-liquid contact unit 21 and the rotation speed of the fan unit 13 of the blower 3, etc., in response to the operation of the operation unit 6.

[0037] When fan unit 13 is rotated by motor unit 12 of blower 3, air is sent to air passage 11. As fan unit 13 rotates, outside air that has entered main body case 2 through air intake 7 passes through filter 27, blower 3, and air outlet 8, and is then blown out of main body case 2. By sending air to filter 27, which is immersed in water in water storage container 19, air conditioning device 1 vaporizes the moisture held by filter 27, thereby humidifying the air.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the panel 9 is opened and the tank member 20 is removed, and the air conditioner 1 is viewed obliquely from above on the side. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the water storage container according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the gas-liquid contact portion is removed. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a water storage container according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] As shown in Figures 3, 11, 12, 13, and 14, the main body case 2 has a cavity 10 therein. The cavity 10 is a hole recessed inward from one side (right side) of the main body case 2, and is partially surrounded by a partition wall 39. The partition wall 39 is made of resin, and one example of such a material is ABS resin. The partition wall 39 is configured to surround at least a portion of the rear side, left side side, and front side of the main body case 2 in the water storage container 19. The water storage container 19 is detachably provided within the partition wall 39. The partition wall 39 is provided with an electrostatic sensor 40 that detects capacitance. The main body case 2 contains a control unit 5 that stores the capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 40 and determines that the water level in the electrolytic cell is a first water level based on a change in the capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 40. The control unit 5 also controls the operation of the blower 3 and the drive unit 29 of the gas-liquid contact portion 21.

[0040] Specifically, the electrostatic sensor 40 is provided on a side surface of the partition wall 39 that is perpendicular to the water surface, facing the water in the water storage container 19 across the side surface of the water storage container 19. The electrostatic sensor 40 is provided on the rear side of the main body case 2 on the partition wall 39. The electrostatic sensor 40 mainly detects the electrostatic capacitance of the water in the water storage container 19. One example of an electrostatic sensor 40 is a sensor that detects static electricity generated by an object being charged, converts it into an electrical signal, and can be used to detect the presence and position of an object without touching it. The electrostatic sensor 40 has a pair of electrodes, and electrostatic capacitance exists between the electrodes. The electrostatic capacitance changes depending on the distance between the electrostatic sensor 40 and the water. The electrostatic capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 40 decreases as the distance between the electrostatic sensor 40 and the water increases.

[0041] The water storage container 19 has a distance change unit 42 that changes the distance between the electrostatic sensor 40 and the water in the water storage container 19 at a first water level 41a and the distance between the electrostatic sensor 40 and the water in the water storage container 19 at a second water level 41b that is higher than the first water level 41a. The control unit 5 stores the capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 40 and detects the first water level 41a based on the change in the capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 40.

[0042] Specifically, the distance between the electrostatic sensor 40 and the water in the water storage container 19 at the first water level 41a is longer than the distance between the electrostatic sensor 40 and the water in the water storage container 19 at the second water level 41b. The control unit 5 stores a first predetermined value and a second predetermined value higher than the first predetermined value as the detection value of the electrostatic sensor 40. When the water level in the water storage container 19 changes from the second water level 41b to the first water level 41a, the detection value of the electrostatic sensor 40 changes from being higher than the second predetermined value to being lower than the first predetermined value. When the detection value of the electrostatic sensor 40 changes from being higher than the second predetermined value to being lower than the first predetermined value, the control unit 5 determines that the water level in the water storage container 19 is the first water level 41a. The first water level 41a is the drought level. When the water in the tank 24 runs out, the water level in the water storage container 19 drops. When the control unit 5 determines that the water level in the water storage container 19 is at the first water level 41a, it stops the operation of the blower 3 and the drive unit 29 of the gas-liquid contact portion .

[0043] Further, the distance changer 42 is a recessed portion 43 recessed inward into the water storage container 19 on the opposing side surface 19a, which is the side surface of the water storage container 19 closest to the electrostatic sensor 40 that the electrostatic sensor 40 faces. The dimension of the recessed portion 43 in the lateral direction (left-right direction) along the opposing side surface 19a of the water storage container 19 is greater than the dimension of the electrostatic sensor 40 in the lateral direction (left-right direction) along the opposing side surface 19a of the water storage container 19. In the lateral direction (left-right direction) along the opposing side surface 19a of the water storage container 19, the electrostatic sensor 40 is located within the recessed portion 43. In other words, the electrostatic sensor 40 is not located outside the recessed portion 43 in the lateral direction (left-right direction) along the opposing side surface 19a of the water storage container 19. The recessed portion 43 is recessed inward into the water storage container 19 as it extends downward from the top surface of the recessed portion 43. The inward recessed dimension of the water container 19 increases.

[0044] First water level 41a is a water level slightly lower than the upper surface of recessed portion 43. Recessed portion 43 creates a structure in which the water in water storage container 19 rapidly moves away from electrostatic sensor 40 at first water level 41a, which is the drought level, making the output of electrostatic sensor 40 steeper and increasing the change in capacitance. As a result, the first predetermined value can be set significantly different from the second predetermined value, which has the effect of improving the accuracy of water level detection.

[0045] The upper surface of the recessed portion has a flat portion 44. The first water level 41a is slightly lower than the flat portion 44. As a result, when the water level in the water storage container 19 drops from a level higher than the flat portion 44 to a level lower than the flat portion 44, the water in the water storage container 19 suddenly moves away from the electrostatic sensor 40 at the first water level 41a, which is the drought level. Furthermore, water is less likely to accumulate near the electrostatic sensor 40, i.e., on the upper surface of the recessed portion 43, which reduces false detection and improves the accuracy of water level detection.

[0046] Further, recessed portion 43 is provided between electrostatic sensor 40 and filter 27 at first water level 41a. Cylindrical filter 27 is provided in water storage container 19 so as to be rotatable up and down around a central axis extending laterally. The rotation axis of cylindrical filter 27 is provided parallel to opposing side surface 19a of water storage container 19, which has recessed portion 43. The distance from opposing side surface 19a of water storage container 19 to the periphery of flat portion 44 on the filter 27 side is longer than the distance from the periphery of flat portion 44 on the filter 27 side to the circumferential surface of filter 27.

[0047] This increases the distance from the opposing side surface 19a of the water storage container 19 to the periphery of the flat portion 44 on the filter 27 side, moving the water farther from the electrostatic sensor 40 at the first water level 41a than at the second water level 41b, making it easier to detect changes in the output value, reducing false detections, and improving the accuracy of water level detection.

[0048] The flat portion 44 slopes downward from the opposing side surface 19a of the water storage container 19 toward the filter 27 side.

[0049] As a result, when the amount of water decreases and the water level in the water storage container 19 drops from a level higher than the flat portion 44 to a level lower than the flat portion 44, the inclination of the surface of the flat portion 44 causes the water to flow to the side farther from the electrostatic sensor 40, making it even more difficult for water to accumulate on the upper surface of the recessed portion, causing the detection value of the electrostatic sensor 40 to decrease rapidly and improving the accuracy of water level detection.

[0050] The electrostatic sensor 40 may also be provided on the partition wall 39 that is perpendicular to the water surface so as to face the side surface of the water storage container 19 and the water in the water storage container 19 via the partition wall 39. The electrostatic sensor 40 may also be provided on the outer surface of the side surface of the partition wall 39.

[0051] As a result, water storage container 19 is surrounded by isolation wall 39, which is made of resin. In other words, since isolation wall 39 is provided between the water in water storage container 19 and electrostatic sensor 40, the water in water storage container 19 does not come into contact with the charged part of electrostatic sensor 40, allowing the product to be used safely. [Industrial Applicability]

[0052] The present disclosure is expected to be used as an air conditioning device for home or office use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1. Air conditioning equipment 2 Main unit case 3. Blower 4. Air Conditioning Department 5. Control section 6 Control section 7 Air intake 8 Air outlet 9 Panels 10 Cavity 11 Wind path 12 Motor section 13 Fan Club 14 Casing 15 Rotation axis 16 Outlet 19 Water storage container 20 Tank components 21 Gas-liquid contact part 23 Tank holder 24 Tank 24a aperture 25 Lid 25a tube part 25b hole 26 Valve section 27 Filters 28 Filter Frame 29 Drive unit 30 Bearing section 39 Isolation Wall 40 Electrostatic Sensor 41a 1st water level 41b 2nd water level 42 Distance change unit 43 Concave part 44 Flat area

Claims

1. a main body case having an air intake port and an air outlet; a water storage container provided in a hollow portion of the main body case that is partially surrounded by the partition wall and configured to store water; and a filter disposed so that a lower end thereof is immersed in the water in the water storage container. a blower that blows air drawn in through the air intake port through the filter to the air outlet; an electrostatic sensor provided on the isolation wall and configured to detect electrostatic capacitance; a control unit that stores the capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor, the electrostatic sensor is provided on the partition wall so as to face the water in the water storage container via a side surface of the water storage container; the water storage container has a distance change unit that changes a distance between the electrostatic sensor and the water in the water storage container at a first water level and a distance between the electrostatic sensor and the water in the water storage container at a second water level higher than the first water level, The control unit determines that the water level in the water storage container is the first water level based on the change in capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the distance changer is a recessed portion recessed inward into the water storage container on a side surface of the water storage container that faces the electrostatic sensor.

3. 3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the recessed portion has a flat portion on an upper surface thereof.

4. The air conditioning apparatus of claim 3, wherein the recessed portion is provided between the electrostatic sensor and the filter at the first water level, and the distance from the opposing side of the water storage container to the periphery of the flat portion on the filter side is longer than the distance from the periphery of the flat portion on the filter side to the filter.

5. 5. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the flat portion slopes downward from the opposing side surface of the water storage container toward the inside of the water storage container.

6. 5. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the electrostatic sensor is provided on the partition wall that is perpendicular to the water surface so as to face the water in the water storage container via a side surface of the water storage container and the partition wall.

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