Air conditioner, control method thereof, and control program thereof

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner, etc. that can prevent the inside of an installation room for an indoor unit from getting wet with water during a water discharge inspection for water housed in a drain pan.SOLUTION: An air conditioner 1 comprises: a case 11 comprising a suction port 11a and a discharge port 11b, and arranged in a computer room; indoor heat exchangers 12 and 13 arranged in the case 11; a drain pan 14 arranged in the case 11, and including a water housing part 36 for receiving water generated in the indoor heat exchangers 12 and 13; a water tank 32 to which water from a water pipe 41 is supplied; a water passage 34 for guiding water in the water tank 32 to the water housing part 36; a water valve 35 for adjusting water flowing from the inside of the water tank 32 to the water housing part 36; an operation part 76 capable of executing opening / closing operation of the water valve 35; and a control device 20 for controlling the water valve 35 so as to perform the opening / closing operation corresponding to a signal indicating the opening / closing operation of the water valve 35 from the operation part 76 on the basis of the signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, an air conditioner control method, and an air conditioner control program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, an indoor unit of an air conditioner includes a heat exchanger disposed within a case, a drain pan disposed within the case to receive condensed water that is generated in the heat exchanger and drips, and a drain pump for discharging the condensed water contained in the drain pan to the outside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6614389 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the indoor air of the indoor unit of an air conditioner, various foreign objects such as organic matter, dust, and microorganisms are suspended, and these foreign objects sucked into the indoor unit along with the air are accumulated in the indoor unit such as the drain pan and drain pump. Furthermore, the indoor unit is humid, and the drain pan and drain pump are wet with drain water for a long time, and due to the proliferation of microorganisms, a sticky slime is formed on the surface of the drain pan. When the foreign objects and slime accumulate and become large, the drainage parts such as the drain pump become easily clogged, and the drain water overflowing from the drain pan causes water leakage into the room. In addition, if the drain pump deteriorates over time and the pumping power of the drain pump decreases, the drain water overflowing from the drain pan may cause water leakage into the room.

[0005] For this reason, it is necessary to periodically conduct tests to check the drainage performance of the condensed water stored in the drain pan. This test is carried out, for example, by a maintenance worker carrying a bucket filled with water to the vicinity of the air conditioner, and then using a manual pump (oil pump (kerosene pump)) to move the water from the bucket to the drain pan, and visually checking the drainage operation of the moved water.

[0006] In this test method, when moving the bucket or when moving the water using a manual pump, water may splash or scatter, causing the room in which the indoor unit is located to get wet and become dirty with the water. In particular, if the air conditioner is a free-standing package air conditioner whose indoor unit cools information devices (servers, workstations, etc.) installed in a computer room or server room, getting the room wet with water is not permitted as it could lead to the breakdown of the information devices.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner, a control method thereof, and a control program thereof that can prevent the room in which the indoor unit is installed from getting wet with water during a drainage inspection of the water contained in the drain pan. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the air conditioner of the present disclosure comprises a case having an intake port and an exhaust port and arranged indoors, a heat exchanger arranged within the case, a drain pan arranged within the case and including a water storage section that receives water produced by the heat exchanger, a water tank to which water is supplied from a water pipe, a water passage that guides water in the water tank to the water storage section, a water valve that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank to the water storage section, an operating unit capable of performing opening and closing operations of the water valve, and a control device that controls the water valve based on a signal representing the opening and closing operation of the water valve from the operating unit to perform the opening and closing operation corresponding to the signal.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, water can be automatically supplied from the water pipe to the water tank, and further, when performing a drainage test, a person can open and close the water valve by simply operating the operation unit, and water can be supplied from the water tank to the drain pan. Therefore, there is no need for a person to carry water using a bucket or the like, and there is no need to transfer water to the drain pan using a manual pump. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the room in which the indoor unit is installed from getting wet during a drainage test of the water contained in the drain pan.

[0010] In addition, the present disclosure may include a sensor that detects when water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section, and the control device may control the water valve to close when it receives a signal from the sensor indicating that water has reached the predetermined water level.

[0011] According to this configuration, when the water reaches a predetermined water level in the water storage section of the drain pan, water is not supplied to the water storage section. Therefore, water does not overflow from the water storage section during the drainage inspection, and water overflowing from the water storage section can be prevented from wetting the room where the indoor unit is installed.

[0012] In addition, the present disclosure may include a cleaning liquid tank for storing cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid passage for guiding the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section, and a cleaning liquid valve for adjusting the cleaning liquid flowing from the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section, wherein the operating unit is capable of opening and closing the cleaning liquid valve, and the control device may control the cleaning liquid valve based on a signal representing the opening and closing operation of the cleaning liquid valve from the operating unit to perform the opening and closing operation corresponding to the signal.

[0013] According to this configuration, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank can be supplied to the drain pan. Therefore, the cleaning liquid can easily dissolve and remove foreign matter (slime, etc.) in the drain pan and the drainage path located downstream of the drain pan. In addition, after supplying the cleaning liquid, water from the water tank can be supplied to the drain pan, in which case the dissolved foreign matter can be efficiently discharged.

[0014] In addition, the case may be installed in the room in which the information equipment is installed in order to cool the information equipment, and the intake opening may be provided on the upper end surface of the case, while the exhaust opening may be provided on the bottom surface of the case.

[0015] As described above, computer rooms and server rooms are not allowed to get wet because there is a risk of information devices breaking down if they get wet. In this context, in rooms where information devices are installed, for example, indoor units of air conditioners installed in computer rooms and server rooms, the intake openings are generally provided on the upper end surface of the case while the exhaust openings are provided on the bottom surface of the case in order to efficiently cool the information devices.

[0016] According to this configuration, the room in which the information equipment is installed, for example, the computer room or the server room, does not get wet during the water drainage inspection, and therefore the effect of preventing the room from getting wet is exceptionally remarkable.

[0017] In the present disclosure, the water tank may be disposed adjacent to an upper side wall of the case in the horizontal direction.

[0018] With this configuration, the opening of the suction port is located on the upper end surface of the case, and water is supplied from the water tank to the drain pan by its own weight, so the room in which the information device is installed is not wetted with water and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0019] In addition, the present disclosure may include a second sensor that detects whether a predetermined amount of water is contained in the water tank, and a water supply control valve that controls the water supplied to the water tank from the water pipe and is located outside the room, and when the control device determines based on a signal from the second sensor that the water tank does not contain a predetermined amount of water, it controls the opening of the water supply control valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, whereas when the control device determines based on the signal from the second sensor that the water tank contains a predetermined amount of water, it controls the opening of the water supply control valve to fully closed.

[0020] According to this configuration, the water to be supplied to the water tank can be temporarily blocked outside the room, so that even if the water pipes are damaged, the room can be prevented from being flooded with water.

[0021] The operating unit may also include a valve opening operation operating unit for setting the water valve to a predetermined opening degree other than fully closed, and a valve closing operation operating unit for setting the water valve to fully closed.

[0022] According to this configuration, a person can supply water to the drain pan by using the valve opening operation unit, and can stop the supply of water to the drain pan by using the valve closing operation unit. Therefore, for example, a person can easily perform a visual inspection of the water drainage.

[0023] In addition, in the present disclosure, the operating unit includes a test operation unit for performing a test to determine whether the drainage amount per unit time of water flowing into the water storage unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and further includes an alarm unit for notifying that the drainage amount is less than the predetermined amount, and when a test start operation is performed using the test operation unit, the control device controls the opening of the water valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed to start the test, and if the water does not reach the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the test started, the control device controls the opening of the water valve to fully closed after the predetermined time has elapsed since the test started, and the test is terminated, whereas if the water reaches the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the test started, the control device controls the opening of the water valve to fully closed, and the control device causes the alarm unit to execute an alarm to indicate that the drainage amount is less than the predetermined amount.

[0024] According to this configuration, a person can easily and accurately perform a drainage test of the water contained in the drain pan by simply operating the test operation unit.

[0025] Also, in the present disclosure, the operation unit includes a test operation unit for executing a test as to whether or not the amount of water discharged per unit time that has flowed into the water storage unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and further includes a cleaning liquid tank for storing a cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid passage for guiding the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage unit, a cleaning liquid valve for adjusting the cleaning liquid flowing from the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage unit, and a notification unit for notifying that the amount of discharge is less than a predetermined amount, and when a test start operation is performed using the test operation unit, the control device controls the opening of the cleaning liquid valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed only for a first predetermined time period to start the test, and a predetermined amount of the cleaning liquid flows into the water storage unit. and when a second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the control device controls the opening of the water valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, so that water pouring into the water storage section begins, and if the water does not reach the predetermined water level before a third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the water pouring, the control device controls the opening of the water valve to fully closed when the third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the water pouring, so that the test ends. On the other hand, if the water reaches the predetermined water level before the third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the water pouring, the control device controls the opening of the water valve to fully closed, and the control device causes the alarm section to execute an alarm to the effect that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount.

[0026] The drainage performance test is preferably performed after the cleaning liquid dissolves the slime and other foreign matter in the drainage path. In addition, the cleaning liquid is preferably discharged together with the dissolved foreign matter and the water in the water tank after dissolving the slime and other foreign matter, i.e., after a predetermined time has elapsed since the cleaning liquid was supplied to the drain pan.

[0027] The above-mentioned predetermined time may be any time equal to or greater than 0 hours, and 0 hours is included in the above-mentioned predetermined time.

[0028] According to this configuration, the water drainage inspection can be performed after the cleaning liquid dissolves at least a part of the foreign matter such as slime in the drainage path, and a high-quality drainage inspection can be performed after removing foreign matter that can be easily removed. In addition to the water drainage inspection, the drain pan and the drainage path downstream of the drain pan can also be cleaned with the cleaning liquid. Therefore, maintenance of the air conditioner can also be performed.

[0029] Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the notification unit may include a display unit, and while the test is being performed, the display unit may display a message indicating that the test is being performed, and if the water does not reach the specified water level from the start of the test to the end of the test, the display unit may display a message indicating that the drainage performance of the water contained in the drain pan is normal, while if the water reaches the specified water level during the test, the display unit may display a message indicating that the amount of drainage is less than a specified amount.

[0030] According to this configuration, a person can know for sure that the drainage test is in progress and that the drainage performance is normal, which gives a sense of security to the person. Also, the person can recognize that the drainage volume is less than a predetermined volume, and in that case, the person can recognize that an action such as cleaning is necessary.

[0031] In addition, in the present disclosure, the notification unit may include a display unit, and the operation unit and the display unit may be provided in a remote controller for controlling air conditioning.

[0032] According to this configuration, a situation will not occur in which a person does not know where the operating unit is located, and the person can reliably receive a notification regarding the drainage test.

[0033] Further, a control method for an air conditioner according to the present disclosure is an air conditioner control method comprising: a drain pan including a water storage section that receives water generated in a heat exchanger; a water tank to which water is supplied from a water pipe; a water passage that guides water in the water tank to the water storage section; a water valve that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank to the water storage section; a sensor that detects when water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section; a test operation section that performs a test to determine whether or not a drainage amount of water flowing into the water storage section per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount; and an alarm section that notifies the user that the drainage amount is less than the predetermined amount. The control method for an air conditioner includes: a drain pan including a water storage section that receives water generated in a heat exchanger; and a second step of executing a first fully closed control, in which the computer controls the opening of the water valve to a predetermined opening other than fully closed, when the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has not reached the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, and a second step of executing a second fully closed control, in which the computer controls the opening of the water valve to fully closed after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, when the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has reached the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, and an alarm control, in which the alarm section issues an alarm indicating that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount.

[0034] According to the present disclosure, a person can easily and accurately perform a drainage test of the water contained in the drain pan by simply operating the test operation unit.

[0035] Further, a control program for an air conditioner according to the present disclosure is an air conditioner control program that causes a computer that receives a signal from the test operation unit and a signal from the sensor in an air conditioner that includes a drain pan including a water storage unit that receives water generated in a heat exchanger, a water tank to which water from a water pipe is supplied, a water passage that guides water in the water tank to the water storage unit, a water valve that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank to the water storage unit, a sensor that detects when water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage unit, a test operation unit that performs a test to determine whether or not a drainage amount of water flowing into the water storage unit per unit time is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and an alarm unit that notifies the user that the drainage amount is less than the predetermined amount, the control program for the air conditioner causes a computer to control the water valve and the alarm unit, the computer receiving a signal from the test operation unit and a signal from the sensor in the air conditioner. When a signal indicating the start of a test is received from an operating unit, the computer is caused to execute an opening control that controls the opening of the water valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, and when the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has not reached the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer is caused to execute a first full-close control that controls the opening of the water valve to fully closed after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, while when the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has reached the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer is caused to execute a second full-close control that controls the opening of the water valve to fully closed, and an alarm control that causes the alarm unit to execute an alarm indicating that the discharge amount is less than a predetermined amount.

[0036] According to the present disclosure, a person can easily and accurately perform a drainage test of the water contained in the drain pan by simply operating the test operation unit. Effect of the Invention

[0037] According to the air conditioner, the control method thereof, and the control program thereof disclosed herein, it is possible to prevent the room in which the indoor unit is installed from getting wet with water during a drainage test of the water contained in the drain pan. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an overview of a computer room in which an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a main configuration of an indoor unit of the air conditioner. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the air conditioner, which is a simplified refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating only main components. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of parts related to a drainage performance test of the drain pan of the air conditioner. [Diagram 5] 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the control device when a first test operation unit of the air conditioner is operated. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the control device when a second test operation unit of the air conditioner is operated. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an overview of a computer room in which an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a modified example is installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Hereinafter, the embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, when multiple embodiments and modified examples are included below, it is assumed from the beginning that new embodiments will be constructed by appropriately combining the characteristic parts of those. In addition, in the following examples, the same components are given the same symbols in the drawings, and duplicated explanations are omitted. In addition, multiple drawings include schematic diagrams, and the dimensional ratios of length, width, height, etc. of each member between different drawings do not necessarily match. In addition, among the components described below, components that are not described in the independent claim showing the highest concept are optional components and are not essential components. In addition, when the word "approximately" is used in this specification, it is used in the same sense as the word "roughly speaking", and the requirement of "approximately ~" is met if a person looks roughly ~. For example, the requirement of approximately circular is met if a person looks roughly circular.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a computer room (server room, installation room) 5 in which an indoor unit 10 of an air conditioner 1,1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed. In FIG. 1, the movement of hot air is indicated by solid arrows, and the movement of cold air is indicated by dotted arrows. In the following, the computer room 5 may be expressed as an installation room 5, or simply as a room 5. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, a plurality of servers 3 are arranged in one direction in the computer room 5, and each server 3 dissipates heat generated by electronic components built in the server 3. The air conditioner 1,1 arranged in the computer room 5 cools the computer room 5, for example, to maintain the temperature in the computer room 5 at a constant temperature, and prevents the electronic components in the server 3 from thermally deteriorating.

[0041] The computer room 5 has an above-floor room 5a and an under-floor room 5b, and the above-floor and under-floor rooms 5a, 5b are separated by a mesh-like floorboard 6 with multiple (numerous) through-holes. Hot air generated by heat released from each server 3 flows upward from the server 3 as shown by arrow a, then flows along the path shown by arrow b, and is sucked into the indoor unit 10 through an intake port provided on the upper side of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioners 1,1, and is cooled within the indoor unit 10. The indoor unit 10 blows out cool air downward, in the direction shown by arrow c, from an outlet provided on the lower side.

[0042] The cold air blown out from the indoor unit 10 flows into the underfloor room 5b through multiple through holes provided in the floorboard 6 on the lower periphery of the indoor unit 10, and then flows in the direction indicated by arrow d and collides with the bottom of the servers 3 through multiple through holes provided in the floorboard 6 on the lower periphery of each server 3. The servers 3 are cooled by the collision of the cold air.

[0043] Since precision machinery such as a server 3 is placed in the computer room 5, it is not permitted for the computer room 5 to get wet with water. Therefore, for example, a number of water leakage sensors (not shown) are installed below each air conditioner 1,1 to constantly and strictly monitor for water leakage from the air conditioners 1,1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, indoor units 10 of two air conditioners 1,1 of the same structure are installed in the computer room 5, but it goes without saying that the number of indoor units of the air conditioners installed varies depending on the size of the computer room. The cooling operation by the indoor units 10 will be explained in detail later.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the main components of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1. The internal configuration of the indoor unit 10 is not visible and should be shown by dotted lines, but is shown by solid lines for ease of understanding. The air conditioner 1 is a so-called floor-standing package air conditioner. As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor unit 10 includes a main body 15, a water supply device 30, and a cleaning liquid supply device 60. The main body 15 includes a box-shaped case 11 placed on the floor board 6, indoor heat exchangers 12 and 13, a drain pan 14, a blower 17, a first sensor 19, and a control device 20. The case 11 has an intake port 11a on the top board and an outlet port 11b on the bottom board. The drain pan 14 receives condensation water that is generated and drips from the indoor heat exchangers 12 and 13 during the cooling operation described below.

[0045] The blower 17 is disposed at a position facing the air outlet 11b in the case 11, and blows air drawn in from the air inlet 11a through the indoor heat exchangers 12 and 13, and then blows it out from the air outlet 11b. The first sensor 19 detects whether the water level stored in the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14 has reached a predetermined water level, and outputs a signal including information for determining whether the water level has reached the predetermined water level to the control device 20. The first sensor 19 may be any sensor capable of detecting the water level, and may be, for example, a water pressure type water level gauge, a light wave type water level gauge, a float type water level gauge, or a capacitance type water level gauge. The control performed by the control device 20 will be described in detail later.

[0046] Next, the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1 will be briefly described. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner 1 is provided with an outdoor unit 25 outside the computer room 5, and the outdoor unit 25 has one or more compressors, one or more outdoor heat exchangers, an expansion valve, etc. Fig. 3 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the air conditioner 1, which is a simplified refrigerant circuit diagram showing only the main components. When performing cooling operation, the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 25 is driven in response to a signal from the control device 20 and discharges gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 reaches the outdoor heat exchanger 22 of the outdoor unit 25.

[0047] Since the temperature of the refrigerant is high, even in the extremely hot air of summer (air at 30 to 40 degrees), the refrigerant is cooled by the outdoor heat exchanger 22, and the gas refrigerant is converted into liquid refrigerant by removing heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 22. This liquid refrigerant passes through the expansion valve 23. By passing through the expansion valve 23, the liquid refrigerant becomes mist-like low-temperature liquid refrigerant, and then flows into the indoor heat exchangers 12 and 13. The mist-like low-temperature liquid refrigerant that flows into the indoor heat exchangers 12 and 13 removes heat from the indoor heat exchangers 12 and 13 to cool the air in the computer room 5, while being given heat by the indoor heat exchangers 12 and 13 to vaporize. In this way, the refrigerant removes heat from the indoor heat exchangers 12 and 13 while releasing heat to the outdoor heat exchanger 22, thereby cooling the interior of the computer room 5. The vaporized gas refrigerant flows from the indoor heat exchangers 12 and 13 into the suction port of the compressor 21. In the cooling operation, this series of operations is repeated.

[0048] 2 again, the water supply device 30 includes a water tank 32, a water passage 34, a water valve 35, a second sensor 37, and a water supply control valve 39. The water tank 32 is a container capable of containing water, and is fixed to the upper side of one widthwise side wall of the box-shaped case 11 using attachment means such as fastening members, welding, adhesives, etc. The water passage 34 extends downward from the water tank 32 toward the drain pan 14, and guides the water in the water tank 32 to a water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14.

[0049] The water passage 34 has two water passage sections, first and second water passage sections 34a and 34b, and the water valve 35 connects the first water passage section 34a and the second water passage section 34b. More specifically, the first water passage section 34a connects the water tank 32 and the water valve 35. The upper end of the second water passage section 34b is connected to the water valve 35, and the second water passage section 34b guides water from the water valve 35 to the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14. Therefore, when the water valve 35 is not fully closed, the water in the water tank 32 flows into the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14 via the first water passage section 34a, the water valve 35, and the second water passage section 34b. The amount of water flowing per unit time varies depending on the opening degree of the water valve 35.

[0050] Water is supplied to the water passage 34 from a water pipe 41. A water supply control valve 39 is connected to the water pipe 41, and the amount of water supplied to the water tank 32 can be adjusted by controlling the opening of the water supply control valve 39. The water supply control valve 39 is disposed outside the computer room 5. The water valve 35 and the water supply control valve 39 are each composed of an electromagnetic valve or an electric valve whose opening is electrically controlled, and the opening of each valve 35, 39 may be controlled by a control signal from the control device 20. The second sensor 37 is disposed, for example, in the water tank 32, detects whether the water has reached a predetermined water level in the water tank 32, and outputs a signal including information that can determine whether the water level has reached the predetermined water level to the control device 20. The second sensor 37, like the first sensor 19, may be configured as any sensor capable of detecting the water level, and may be configured as, for example, a water pressure type water level gauge, an optical wave type water level gauge, a float type water level gauge, or a capacitance type water level gauge.

[0051] The air conditioner 1 further includes a cleaning liquid tank 62, a cleaning liquid passage 64, and a cleaning liquid valve 65. The cleaning liquid tank 62 is a container capable of storing cleaning liquid, and is fixed to the upper side of the side wall on the other widthwise side of the box-shaped case 11 using attachment means such as fastening members, welding, adhesives, etc. The cleaning liquid tank 62 has a lid 62a at its upper part, and the lid 62a is fastened to the main body 62b of the cleaning liquid tank 62 by, for example, screwing. When a person rotates the lid 62a to one side, the lid 62a is removed from the main body 62b, and the cleaning liquid tank 62 can be refilled with cleaning liquid.

[0052] The cleaning liquid passage 64 extends downward from the cleaning liquid tank 62 toward the drain pan 14, and guides the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank 62 to the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14. The cleaning liquid passage 64 has two, first and second cleaning liquid passage sections 64a and 64b, and the cleaning liquid valve 65 connects the first cleaning liquid passage section 64a and the second cleaning liquid passage section 64b. More specifically, the first cleaning liquid passage section 64a connects the cleaning liquid tank 62 and the cleaning liquid valve 65. In addition, the upper end of the second cleaning liquid passage section 64b is connected to the cleaning liquid valve 65, and the second cleaning liquid passage section 64b guides the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid valve 65 to the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14.

[0053] Therefore, when the cleaning liquid valve 65 is not fully closed, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank 62 flows into the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14 via the first cleaning liquid passage section 64a, the cleaning liquid valve 65, and the second cleaning liquid passage section 64b. The flow rate of the cleaning liquid per unit time varies depending on the opening degree of the cleaning liquid valve 65. The cleaning liquid valve 65 is composed of a solenoid valve or an electric valve whose opening degree is electrically controlled. The opening degree of the cleaning liquid valve 65 may be controlled by a control signal from the control device 20.

[0054] The air conditioner 1 further includes a drain pump 70 and a timer 71. The drain pump 70 has a tip portion 70a including an intake port housed in a lower area within the water storage portion 36, and when water reaches the tip portion 70a, it sucks up the water and discharges it outside the air conditioner 1, preventing the water from rising to a predetermined water level in the water storage portion 36. In addition, the timer 71 starts timing when it receives a signal indicating the start of timing from the control device 20, and outputs time information from when timing started to the control device 20.

[0055] The air conditioner of the present disclosure does not need to include a drain pump. In this case, for example, a slope may be provided on the bottom surface of the water storage section so that water accumulates in a specified area of ​​the water storage section, and the air conditioner may further include a pipe extending from the bottom of that area to the outside of the air conditioner. For example, this pipe extends so that the height of the installation position gradually decreases with distance from the water storage section. In this way, the water in the drain pan can be smoothly flowed to the outside of the air conditioner without using a drain pump.

[0056] Next, the control performed by the control device 20 during the drainage performance test of the drain pan 14 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of parts related to the drainage performance test of the drain pan 14. Referring to Fig. 4, the control device 20 is preferably configured by a computer, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a control unit 73 and a storage unit 74. The control unit 73, that is, the processor, includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 74 is configured by a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor memory, etc., and the semiconductor memory is configured by a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 74 may be configured by only one storage medium, or may be configured by a plurality of different storage media. The CPU reads out and executes a program, etc., stored in advance in the storage unit 74. The non-volatile memory stores a control program, a predetermined threshold value, etc. in advance. The volatile memory temporarily stores the read program and processing data.

[0057] As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the air conditioner 1 includes a remote controller (hereinafter simply referred to as remote control) 75, and the remote control 75 includes an operation unit 76 and a display unit 77 as an example of a notification unit. The operation unit 76 is composed of a touch panel, a plurality of push buttons, etc., and the display unit 77 is composed of a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, etc. The remote control 75 is configured to perform two-way wireless communication with the control device 20. As the wireless communication, for example, infrared communication or wireless communication using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard can be adopted. The operation unit 76 includes a water valve opening operation unit 81, a water valve closing operation operation unit 82, a cleaning liquid valve opening operation operation unit 83, a cleaning liquid valve closing operation operation unit 84, a first test operation unit 85, and a second test operation unit 86.

[0058] When a person operates the water valve opening operation operation unit 81, the control unit 73, which receives a signal from the water valve opening operation operation unit 81, refers to the control program stored in the memory unit 74 when the water valve opening operation operation unit 81 is operated, and controls the water valve 35 so that the opening degree of the water valve 35 is a predetermined opening degree other than fully closed (for example, fully open opening degree). Also, when a person operates the water valve closing operation operation unit 82, the control unit 73, which receives a signal from the water valve closing operation operation unit 82, refers to the control program stored in the memory unit 74 when the water valve closing operation operation unit 82 is operated, and controls the water valve 35 so that the opening degree of the water valve 35 is 0 (fully closed state).

[0059] Furthermore, when a person operates the cleaning liquid valve opening operation operation unit 83, the control unit 73, having received a signal from the cleaning liquid valve opening operation operation unit 83, refers to the control program stored in the memory unit 74 when the cleaning liquid valve opening operation operation unit 83 is operated, and controls the cleaning liquid valve 65 so that the opening degree of the cleaning liquid valve 65 becomes a predetermined opening degree other than fully closed (for example, fully open opening degree). Furthermore, when a person operates the cleaning liquid valve closing operation operation unit 84, the control unit 73, having received a signal from the cleaning liquid valve closing operation operation unit 84, refers to the control program stored in the memory unit 74 when the cleaning liquid valve closing operation operation unit 84 is operated, and controls the cleaning liquid valve 65 so that the opening degree of the cleaning liquid valve 65 becomes 0 (fully closed state).

[0060] Furthermore, when a person operates first test operation unit 85, control unit 73 receives a signal from first test operation unit 85, refers to a control program stored in memory unit 74 for when first test operation unit 85 is operated, obtains information about the water level in water storage unit 36 ​​from first sensor 19, communicates bidirectionally with timer 71, and further controls water valve 35 and display unit 77. Specific control when first test operation unit 85 is operated will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0061] Furthermore, when a person operates second test operation unit 86, control unit 73 receives a signal from second test operation unit 86, refers to a control program stored in memory unit 74 for when second test operation unit 86 is operated, obtains information about the water level in water storage unit 36 ​​from first sensor 19, communicates bidirectionally with timer 71, and further controls water valve 35, cleaning liquid valve 65, and display unit 77. Specific control when second test operation unit 86 is operated will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0062] Furthermore, when the control device 20 recognizes based on the signal received from the second sensor 37 that the water level in the water tank 32 is below a predetermined water level, it controls the water supply control valve 39 to be fully open to supply tap water to the water tank 32, while when it recognizes that the water level in the water tank 32 is equal to or higher than the predetermined water level, it controls the water supply control valve 39 to be fully closed to stop the supply of tap water to the water tank 32. This makes it possible to prevent a shortage of water in the water tank 32. By providing the water supply control valve 39 outside the computer room 5, the flow of water into the water tank 32 can be temporarily stopped outside the computer room 5. This makes it possible to prevent the computer room 5 from being flooded due to damage to the water pipe 41, etc.

[0063] Next, the control executed by the control device 20 when the first test operation unit 85 is operated will be described. Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing procedure executed by the control device 20 when the first test operation unit 85 is operated. Referring to Fig. 5, when a person operates the first test operation unit 85, the control starts, and in step S1, the control device 20 controls the water valve 35 so that the opening degree of the water valve 35 is a predetermined opening degree that is not fully closed, and then in step S2, the display unit 77 is caused to display a message that means that a test is being performed, such as a message such as "drainage test in progress".

[0064] In step S3 after step S2, the control device 20 determines whether or not the water level in the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14 has reached a predetermined water level based on a signal from the first sensor 19. If a positive determination is made in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4, where the control device 20 controls the water valve 35 so that the opening degree of the water valve 35 is 0 (fully closed), and then the process proceeds to step S5, where the display unit 77 displays a message meaning that the drainage amount is less than a predetermined amount, such as "Drainage performance is not normal," and then the control ends.

[0065] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S3, the process proceeds to step S6, where the control device 20 judges whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test based on a signal from the timer 71. If a negative judgment is made in step S6, steps S3 and onwards are repeated. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step S6, the process proceeds to step S7, where the control device 20 controls the water valve 35 so that the opening degree of the water valve 35 is 0 (fully closed), and then the process proceeds to step S8, where the display unit 77 displays a message indicating that the drainage performance is normal, such as "Drainage performance is normal," and then the control ends.

[0066] Next, the control executed by the control device 20 when the second test operation unit 86 is operated will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure executed by the control device 20 when the second test operation unit 86 is operated. Referring to Fig. 6, when a person operates the second test operation unit 86, the control starts, and in step S11, the control device 20 controls the cleaning liquid valve 65 so that the opening degree of the cleaning liquid valve 65 is a predetermined opening degree that is not fully closed for a first predetermined time, and then in step S12, the display unit 77 is caused to display a message indicating that a test is being performed, such as a message such as "drainage test in progress".

[0067] Thereafter, in step S13, the control device 20 determines whether a second predetermined time has elapsed since the cleaning liquid valve 65 became a predetermined opening degree that is not fully closed, based on information from the timer 71. If a negative determination is made in step S13, step S13 is repeated. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S13, the process proceeds to step S14, where the control device 20 controls the water valve 35 so that the water valve 35 becomes a predetermined opening degree that is not fully closed.

[0068] In step S15 after step S14, the control device 20 determines whether or not the water level in the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14 has reached a predetermined water level based on a signal from the first sensor 19. If a positive determination is made in step S15, the process proceeds to step S16, where the control device 20 controls the water valve 35 so that the opening degree of the water valve 35 is 0 (fully closed), and then the process proceeds to step S17, where the display unit 77 displays a message meaning that the drainage amount is less than a predetermined amount, such as "Drainage performance is not normal," and then the control ends.

[0069] On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S15, the process proceeds to step S18, where the control device 20 judges whether or not a third predetermined time has elapsed since the opening degree of the water valve 35 became a predetermined opening degree that is not fully closed. If a negative judgment is made in step S18, steps S15 and onward are repeated. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step S18, the process proceeds to step S19, where the control device 20 controls the water valve 35 so that the opening degree of the water valve 35 becomes 0 (fully closed), and then the process proceeds to step S20, where the display unit 77 displays a message indicating that the drainage performance is normal, such as "Drainage performance is normal," and then the control ends.

[0070] As described above, the air conditioner 1 according to the present disclosure includes a case 11 having an intake port 11a and an exhaust port 11b and arranged in a computer room (room) 5, indoor heat exchangers 12, 13 arranged in the case 11, and a drain pan 14 arranged in the case 11 and including a water storage section 36 that receives water produced in the indoor heat exchangers 12, 13. The air conditioner 1 also includes a water tank 32 to which water is supplied from a water pipe 41, a water passage 34 that guides the water in the water tank 32 to the water storage section 36, a water valve 35 that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank 32 to the water storage section 36, an operation unit 76 that can execute the opening and closing operation of the water valve 35, and a control device 20 that controls the water valve 35 based on a signal representing the opening and closing operation of the water valve 35 from the operation unit 76 so as to perform the opening and closing operation corresponding to the signal.

[0071] According to the present disclosure, water can be automatically supplied from the water pipe 41 to the water tank 32, and further, when a drainage test is performed, a person can open and close the water valve 35 simply by operating the operation unit 76, and water can be supplied from the water tank 32 to the drain pan 14. Therefore, there is no need for a person to carry water using a bucket or the like, and there is no need to transfer water to the drain pan 14 using a manual pump. This makes it possible to prevent the installation room 5 of the indoor unit 10 from getting wet during a drainage test of the water stored in the drain pan 14.

[0072] In addition, the air conditioner 1 may be provided with a first sensor 19 that detects when water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section 36, and the control device 20 may control the water valve 35 to close when it receives a signal from the first sensor 19 indicating that the water has reached the predetermined water level.

[0073] According to this configuration, when the water reaches a predetermined water level in the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14, no more water is supplied to the water storage section 36. Therefore, water does not overflow from the water storage section 36 during a drainage inspection, and water overflowing from the water storage section 36 can be prevented from wetting the interior of the installation room 5 of the indoor unit 10.

[0074] Although this configuration is preferably adopted, it does not have to be adopted, and the air conditioner does not have to have the first sensor. In this case, a person may use, for example, the operation unit to open the water valve 35 to a degree that is not fully closed only for a predetermined period of time to introduce water into the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14. Then, the drainage performance of the drain pan and the area downstream thereof may be inspected by visually observing the amount of water decreasing from the drain pan.

[0075] The air conditioner 1 may also include a cleaning liquid tank 62 that contains cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid passage 64 that guides the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank 62 to the water storage section 36, and a cleaning liquid valve 65 that adjusts the cleaning liquid flowing from the cleaning liquid tank 62 to the water storage section 36. The operating section 76 may be capable of opening and closing the cleaning liquid valve 65, and the control device 20 may control the cleaning liquid valve 65 based on a signal indicating the opening or closing operation of the cleaning liquid valve 65 from the operating section 76 so as to perform the opening or closing operation corresponding to the signal.

[0076] According to this configuration, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank 62 can be supplied to the drain pan 14. Therefore, the cleaning liquid can easily dissolve and remove foreign matter (slime, etc.) in the drain pan 14 and in the drainage path located downstream of the drain pan 14. In addition, after the cleaning liquid is supplied, water from the water tank 32 can be supplied to the drain pan, in which case the dissolved foreign matter can be efficiently discharged. Note that, although it is preferable to adopt this configuration, it is not necessary, and the air conditioner does not need to be equipped with a cleaning liquid tank.

[0077] Furthermore, in the air conditioner 1, the case 11 may be installed in a computer room 5 in which information equipment is installed in order to cool the information equipment. Furthermore, the opening of the air inlet 11a may be provided on the upper end surface of the case 11, while the opening of the air outlet 11b may be provided on the bottom surface of the case 11.

[0078] As described above, computer rooms and server rooms are not allowed to get wet because there is a risk of information devices breaking down if they get wet. In this context, in rooms where information devices are installed, for example, indoor units of air conditioners installed in computer rooms and server rooms, the intake openings are generally provided on the upper end surface of the case while the exhaust openings are provided on the bottom surface of the case in order to efficiently cool the information devices.

[0079] According to this configuration, the inside of the room 5 in which the information equipment is installed, for example, a computer room or a server room, does not get wet during a drainage inspection of the water contained in the drain pan 14. Therefore, the effect of preventing water from getting inside the room 5 is exceptionally remarkable.

[0080] The indoor unit of the air conditioner of the present disclosure may be placed in any room other than the computer room 5, for example, in a company showroom or on the inside of a cruise ship. The intake opening does not have to be provided on the top end surface of the case, and may be provided anywhere on the air conditioner, and the exhaust opening may also be provided anywhere on the air conditioner, for example, on the front surface of the case.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 2, the water tank 32 may be disposed adjacent to the upper side wall of the case 11 in the horizontal direction.

[0082] According to this configuration, the opening of the suction port 11a is located on the upper end surface of the case, and a configuration can be easily realized in which water is supplied from the water tank 32 to the drain pan 14 by the weight of the water. Therefore, the room 5 in which the information device is installed is not wetted with water, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0083] The water tank does not have to be arranged horizontally adjacent to the upper side wall of the case. For example, as described above, the opening of the suction port may be provided at a location other than the upper end surface of the case, but in that case, it is preferable to arrange the water tank above the upper surface of the main body of the air conditioner, which allows for a compact and stylish air conditioner to be configured. The water tank may be configured to be placed on the mounting surface of the air conditioner, and when the water in the water tank is used, the water in the water tank may be sent to the water storage section of the drain pan located above using a pump. In this way, water may be reliably prevented from pouring down from above if the water pipe is damaged.

[0084] The air conditioner 1 also includes a second sensor 37 that detects whether a predetermined amount of water is contained in the water tank 32, and a water supply control valve 39 that controls the water supplied to the water tank 32 from the water pipe 41 and is located outside the room 5. When the control device 20 determines based on the signal from the second sensor 37 that the water tank 32 does not contain a predetermined amount of water, it controls the opening of the water supply control valve 39 to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, whereas when the control device 20 determines based on the signal from the second sensor 37 that the water tank 32 contains a predetermined amount of water, it controls the opening of the water supply control valve 39 to fully closed.

[0085] According to this configuration, the water supplied to the water tank 32 can be temporarily blocked outside the room 5. Therefore, even if the water pipe 41 is damaged, the room 5 can be prevented from being flooded with water. Note that this configuration does not have to be adopted, and the flow of water supplied from the water pipe may be controlled only by the water valve located downstream of the water tank 32.

[0086] The operating unit 76 may also include a water valve opening operation operating unit 81 for setting the opening of the water valve 35 to a predetermined opening degree other than fully closed, and a water valve closing operation operating unit 82 for setting the opening of the water valve 35 to fully closed.

[0087] According to this configuration, a person can supply water to drain pan 14 using water valve opening operation unit 81, and can stop the supply of water to drain pan 14 using water valve closing operation unit 82. Therefore, for example, a person can visually pour an appropriate amount of water into drain pan 14 using these operation units 81, 82, and can easily perform visual water drainage inspection.

[0088] The operation unit 76 may include a first test operation unit 85 for performing a test to determine whether the amount of water discharged per unit time that has flowed into the water storage unit 36 ​​is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and may further include a display unit (notification unit) 77 for notifying that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount, and when a test start operation is performed using the first test operation unit 85, the control device 20 may control the opening of the water valve 35 to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed and start the test. If the water does not reach the predetermined water level in the water storage unit 36 ​​before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the control device 20 may control the opening of the water valve 35 to fully closed after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, and the test may end. On the other hand, if the water reaches the predetermined water level in the water storage unit 36 ​​before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the control device 20 may control the opening of the water valve 35 to fully closed, and cause the display unit 77 to execute a notification that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount.

[0089] According to this configuration, a person can easily and accurately perform a drainage test of the water contained in the drain pan 14 by simply operating the first test operation unit 85. In the above embodiment, the notification unit includes the display unit 77, and when the amount of drainage is less than the predetermined amount, the display unit 77 displays a message indicating that the amount of drainage is less than the predetermined amount. However, when the amount of drainage is less than the predetermined amount, the display unit may notify the user by using an image to indicate that the amount of drainage is less than the predetermined amount, or the notification unit may not include a display unit. In this case, when the water reaches a predetermined water level in the water storage unit 36 ​​before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the notification unit may notify the user that the water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage unit 36 ​​before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test by outputting a sound such as an alarm sound in addition to the notification by the display unit. Alternatively, if the water reaches a predetermined water level in the water containing section 36 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the notification section may notify the user that the water has reached the predetermined water level in the water containing section 36 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test by outputting a sound such as an alarm instead of using the display section. Also, the air conditioner does not need to have the first test operation section.

[0090] Also, in the present disclosure, the operation unit 76 may include a second test operation unit 86 for performing a test to see whether the amount of water discharged per unit time that has flowed into the water storage unit 36 ​​is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and the air conditioner 1 may further include a cleaning liquid tank 62 that stores cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid passage 64 that guides the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank 62 to the water storage unit 36, a cleaning liquid valve 65 that adjusts the cleaning liquid flowing from the cleaning liquid tank 62 to the water storage unit 36, and a display unit (an example of a notification unit) 77 that notifies that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount. Furthermore, when a test start operation is performed using the second test operation unit 86, the control device 20 may control the opening of the cleaning liquid valve 65 to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed only for a first predetermined time period to start the test and a predetermined amount of cleaning liquid flows into the water storage unit 36, and when a second predetermined time period has elapsed since the start of the test (the second predetermined time period may be any time period equal to or greater than 0 hours, for example, 1 hour or 1 day), the control device 20 may control the opening of the water valve 35 to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed to start pouring water into the water storage unit 36. Then, if the water does not reach the predetermined water level in the water storage unit 36 ​​before a third predetermined time period has elapsed since the start of water pouring, the control device 20 may control the opening of the water valve 35 to fully closed when the third predetermined time period has elapsed since the start of water pouring, and the test may end. In addition, if the water reaches a predetermined water level in the water storage section 36 before the third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the water pouring, the control device 20 may control the opening of the water valve 35 to fully close, and cause the display section 77 to issue an alert indicating that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount.

[0091] The drainage performance test is preferably performed after the cleaning liquid dissolves the slime and other foreign matter in the drainage path. In addition, the cleaning liquid is preferably discharged together with the dissolved foreign matter and the water in the water tank after dissolving the slime and other foreign matter, i.e., after a predetermined time has elapsed since the cleaning liquid was supplied to the drain pan.

[0092] According to this configuration, water drainage inspection can be performed after the cleaning liquid dissolves at least a part of the foreign matter such as slime in the drainage path, and high-quality drainage inspection can be performed after removing easily removable foreign matter. In addition to the water drainage inspection, the drain pan 14 and the drainage path downstream of the drain pan 14 can also be cleaned with the cleaning liquid. Therefore, maintenance of the air conditioner 1 can also be performed. Note that the air conditioner does not need to have the second test operation unit.

[0093] The notification unit may also include a display unit 77, and while the test is being performed, the display unit 77 may display a message indicating that the test is being performed, and if the water does not reach a predetermined water level in the water storage unit 36 ​​from the start of the test to the end of the test, the display unit 77 may display a message indicating that the drainage performance of the water stored in the drain pan 14 is normal, while if the water reaches the predetermined water level in the water storage unit 36 ​​during the test, the display unit 77 may display a message indicating that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount.

[0094] According to this configuration, a person can know for sure that the drainage test is in progress and that the drainage performance is normal, which gives a sense of security to the person. Also, the person can recognize that the drainage volume is less than a predetermined volume, and in that case, the person can recognize that an action such as cleaning is necessary.

[0095] Furthermore, the notification unit may include a display unit 77, and the operation unit 76 and the display unit 77 may be provided in a remote control 75 for controlling air conditioning.

[0096] According to this configuration, a situation will not occur where a person does not know the location of the operation unit 76, and the person can reliably receive a notification regarding the drainage test. The operation unit does not necessarily have to be provided on the remote control, and may be provided on the outer surface of the case of the air conditioner, and the display unit may also be provided on the outer surface of the case. Also, the notification unit (display unit) does not have to exist.

[0097] It is also preferable to use a control method and a control program for an air conditioner 1 that satisfy the following conditions. More specifically, the control method for the air conditioner 1 includes a drain pan 14 including a water storage section 36 that receives water generated in the indoor heat exchangers 12 and 13, a water tank 32 to which water is supplied from a water pipe 41, a water passage 34 that guides water in the water tank 32 to the water storage section 36, a water valve 35 that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank 32 to the water storage section 36, a first sensor 19 that detects that water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section 36, a first test operation section 85 that performs a test to determine whether the amount of water discharged per unit time that has flowed into the water storage section 36 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and a display section (notification section) 76 that notifies the user that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount. The control method for the air conditioner 1 controls the water valve 35 and the display section 77 using a computer that receives a signal from a first test operation section 85 and a signal from a first sensor 19.

[0098] In addition, the control method of the air conditioner 1 includes a first step in which, when the computer receives a signal indicating the start of a test from the first test operation unit 85, the computer executes an open control to control the opening of the water valve 35 to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, and a second step in which, when the computer determines based on the signal from the first sensor 19 that the water has not reached a predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer executes a first fully closed control to control the opening of the water valve 35 to fully closed after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, while, when the computer determines based on the signal from the first sensor 19 that the water has reached the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer executes a second fully closed control to control the opening of the water valve 35 to fully closed, and an alarm control to cause the display unit 77 to execute an alarm to indicate that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount.

[0099] In addition, the control program for the air conditioner 1 is a control program for the air conditioner 1 that controls a computer that receives a signal from a first test operation unit 85 and a signal from the first sensor 19 in the air conditioner 1, the air conditioner 1 being equipped with a drain pan 14 including a water storage section 36 that receives water produced in the indoor heat exchangers 12, 13, a water tank 32 to which water is supplied from a water pipe 41, a water passage 34 that guides the water in the water tank 32 to the water storage section 36, a water valve 35 that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank 32 to the water storage section 36, a first sensor 19 that detects when the water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section 36, a first test operation unit 85 for performing a test to see whether the amount of water discharged per unit time that has flowed into the water storage section 36 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and a display unit (alert unit) 77 that notifies that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount, and causes a computer to control the water valve 35 and the display unit 77.

[0100] In addition, the control program of the air conditioner 1 causes the computer to execute an open control that controls the water valve 35 to a predetermined opening degree other than fully closed when it receives a signal indicating the start of a test from the first test operation unit 85, and causes the computer to execute a first fully closed control that controls the water valve 35 to fully closed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test when the computer determines based on the signal from the first sensor 19 that the water has not reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section 36 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, while causing the computer to execute a second fully closed control that controls the water valve 35 to fully closed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test when the computer determines based on the signal from the first sensor 19 that the water has reached the above-mentioned predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, and an alarm control that causes the display unit 77 to execute an alarm indicating that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount.

[0101] As is clear from the description of the above embodiment, by using these methods and programs, a person can easily and accurately perform a drainage test of the water contained in the drain pan 14 by simply operating the first test operation unit 85.

[0102] The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment and its modified examples, and various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents. For example, in the above embodiment, the water passage 34 and the cleaning liquid passage 64 are separate passages, but the water passage and the cleaning liquid passage may be connected downstream to form a single passage portion.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the air conditioner 1 is an air-cooled packaged air conditioner. However, the air conditioner may be a water-cooled packaged air conditioner. In detail, as shown in FIG. 7, that is, a schematic diagram showing an overview of a computer room (server room, installation room) 105 in which the indoor unit 110 of the modified air conditioner 101, 101 is installed, the hot liquid refrigerant may be cooled by water cooled in a cooling tower 140 using a heat exchanger 130 composed of a water-cooled condenser (for example, a double-pipe water-cooled condenser) or the like. Even in this case, by installing a water tank 32 in the air conditioner 101, it is possible to prevent the installation room 105 of the indoor unit 110, or the computer room 5 in the case shown in FIG. 7, from getting wet with water during a drainage inspection of the water stored in the drain pan. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1,101 Air conditioner, 3 Server, 5,105 Computer room (server room, installation room), 10,110 Indoor unit, 11 Case, 11a Intake port, 11b Outlet port, 12,13 Indoor heat exchanger, 14 Drain pan, 19 First sensor, 20 Control device, 21 Compressor, 22 Outdoor heat exchanger, 23 Expansion valve, 25 Outdoor unit, 30 Water supply device, 32 Water tank, 34 Water passage, 35 Water valve, 36 Water storage section of drain pan, 37 Second sensor, 39 Water supply control valve, 41 Water pipe, 60 Cleaning liquid supply device, 62 Cleaning liquid tank, 64 Cleaning liquid passage, 65 Cleaning liquid valve, 70 Drain pump, 71 Timer, 73 Control unit, 74 memory unit, 75 remote control, 76 operation unit, 77 display unit, 81 water valve opening operation operation unit, 82 water valve closing operation operation unit, 83 cleaning liquid valve opening operation operation unit, 84 cleaning liquid valve closing operation operation unit, 85 first test operation unit, 86 second test operation unit, 130 heat exchanger, 140 cooling tower.

Claims

1. a case having an intake port and an exhaust port and being placed indoors; A heat exchanger disposed within the case; A drain pan is disposed in the case and includes a water storage portion for receiving water generated in the heat exchanger; a water tank supplied with water from a water pipe; a water passage for guiding water in the water tank to the water storage portion; a water valve for adjusting the flow of water from the water tank to the water storage section; An operation unit capable of opening and closing the water valve; a control device that controls the water valve based on a signal representing an opening / closing operation of the water valve from the operation unit so as to perform the opening / closing operation corresponding to the signal; Equipped with the water tank stores water to be supplied to the water storage section, A cleaning liquid tank for containing a cleaning liquid; a cleaning liquid passage for guiding the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage portion; a cleaning liquid valve for adjusting the cleaning liquid flowing from the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section, the operation unit is capable of opening and closing the cleaning liquid valve, The control device controls the cleaning liquid valve based on a signal representing an opening / closing operation of the cleaning liquid valve from the operation unit so as to perform the opening / closing operation corresponding to the signal.

2. a sensor for detecting when water reaches a predetermined water level in the water storage section; 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the water valve to close when the control device receives a signal from the sensor indicating that the water has reached the predetermined water level.

3. the case is installed in the room in which the information equipment is installed in order to cool the information equipment; The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air inlet opening is provided in an upper end surface of the case, and the air outlet opening is provided in a bottom surface of the case.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3 , wherein the water tanks are arranged adjacent to an upper side wall of the case in a horizontal direction.

5. a second sensor for detecting whether a predetermined amount of water is contained in the water tank; a water supply control valve that controls the water supplied from the water pipe to the water tank and is disposed outside the room; An air conditioner as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein when the control device determines based on the signal from the second sensor that a predetermined amount of water is not contained in the water tank, it controls the opening of the water supply control valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, and when the control device determines based on the signal from the second sensor that a predetermined amount of water is contained in the water tank, it controls the opening of the water supply control valve to fully closed.

6. An air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operating unit includes a valve opening operation operating unit for setting the opening of the water valve to a predetermined opening degree other than fully closed, and a valve closing operation operating unit for setting the opening of the water valve to fully closed.

7. the operation unit includes a test operation unit for performing a test as to whether or not a drainage amount per unit time of the water flowing into the water storage unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, Further, a notification unit is provided that notifies the user that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount, When a test start operation is performed using the test operation unit, the control device controls the opening of the water valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, and the test is started, The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein if the water does not reach the specified water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the control device controls the water valve to fully close when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, and the test ends, whereas if the water reaches the specified water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the control device controls the water valve to fully close and causes the alarm unit to execute an alarm to indicate that the discharge amount is less than a predetermined amount.

8. a case having an intake port and an exhaust port and being placed indoors; A heat exchanger disposed within the case; A drain pan is disposed in the case and includes a water storage portion for receiving water generated in the heat exchanger; a water tank supplied with water from a water pipe; a water passage for guiding water in the water tank to the water storage portion; a water valve for adjusting the flow of water from the water tank to the water storage section; An operation unit capable of opening and closing the water valve; a control device that controls the water valve based on a signal representing an opening / closing operation of the water valve from the operation unit so as to perform the opening / closing operation corresponding to the signal; Equipped with the water tank stores water to be supplied to the water storage section, a sensor for detecting when water reaches a predetermined water level in the water storage section; the control device controls the water valve to close when the control device receives a signal from the sensor indicating that the water has reached the predetermined water level; the operation unit includes a test operation unit for performing a test as to whether or not a drainage amount per unit time of the water flowing into the water storage unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, A cleaning liquid tank for containing a cleaning liquid; a cleaning liquid passage for guiding the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage portion; a cleaning liquid valve for adjusting the flow of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section; and a notification unit that notifies the user that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount. When a test start operation is performed using the test operation unit, the control device controls the opening of the cleaning liquid valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed only for a first predetermined time period, thereby starting the test and causing a predetermined amount of the cleaning liquid to flow into the water storage unit, When a second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the control device controls the opening of the water valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, and water pouring into the water storage section begins; If the water does not reach the predetermined water level before a third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the water pouring, the control device controls the water valve to fully close when the third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the water pouring, and the test ends. On the other hand, if the water reaches the predetermined water level before the third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the water pouring, the control device controls the water valve to fully close, and the control device causes the notification unit to execute a notification indicating that the drainage amount is less than a predetermined amount. When the test start operation is performed, a water drainage inspection is performed after the cleaning liquid dissolves at least a part of the foreign matter in the drainage path.

9. The notification unit includes a display unit, While the test is being performed, the display unit displays a message indicating that the test is being performed; 9. The air conditioner of claim 7 or 8, wherein if the water does not reach the specified water level from the start of the test to the end of the test, the display unit displays a message indicating that the drainage performance of the water contained in the drain pan is normal, while if the water reaches the specified water level during the test, the display unit displays a message indicating that the drainage amount is less than a specified amount.

10. The notification unit includes a display unit, 10. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein the operation section and the display section are provided in a remote controller for controlling air conditioning.

11. The drain pan includes a water storage section that receives water produced in a heat exchanger, a water tank that receives water from a water pipe and stores water to be supplied to the water storage section, a water passage that guides water in the water tank to the water storage section, a water valve that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank to the water storage section, a sensor that detects when water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section, a test operation section that performs a test to determine whether the amount of water discharged per unit time from the water storage section is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and a test function that detects whether the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount. a cleaning liquid tank for storing cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid passage for guiding the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section, and a cleaning liquid valve for adjusting the cleaning liquid flowing from the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section, wherein an operation section is capable of opening and closing the cleaning liquid valve, and a control method for an air conditioner is provided, the control method comprising the steps of: controlling the water valve, the notification section, and the cleaning liquid valve using a computer that receives signals from the test operation section, signals from the sensor, and signals from the operation section, the method comprising the steps of: A first step of executing an opening control in which the computer controls the opening degree of the water valve to a predetermined opening degree other than a fully closed position when the computer receives a signal indicating a start of a test from the test operation unit; a second step in which, when the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has not reached the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer executes a first full-close control to control the opening of the water valve to fully close after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, while, when the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has reached the predetermined water level before the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer executes a second full-close control to control the opening of the water valve to fully close and an alarm control to cause the alarm unit to issue an alarm indicating that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount; and a third step in which the computer controls the cleaning liquid valve based on a signal representing the opening / closing operation of the cleaning liquid valve from the operating unit so as to perform the opening / closing operation corresponding to the signal.

12. a drain pan including a water storage section for receiving water produced in a heat exchanger; a water tank for receiving water from a water pipe and storing water to be supplied to the water storage section; a water passage for guiding water in the water tank to the water storage section; a water valve for adjusting water flowing from the water tank to the water storage section; a sensor for detecting when water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section; a test operation section for executing a test as to whether the amount of water discharged per unit time that has flowed into the water storage section is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount; and an alarm section for notifying that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount. a cleaning liquid tank for storing cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid passage for guiding the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section, and a cleaning liquid valve for adjusting the cleaning liquid flowing from the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section, wherein an operation section is capable of opening and closing the cleaning liquid valve, the control program for an air conditioner causes a computer that receives signals from the test operation section, the sensor, and the operation section to control the water valve, the notification section, and the cleaning liquid valve, When the computer receives a signal indicating a start of a test from the test operation unit, the computer executes an opening control for controlling the opening of the water valve to a predetermined opening other than a fully closed opening; When the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has not reached the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer executes a first full-close control that controls the opening of the water valve to fully close after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, while when the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has reached the predetermined water level before the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer executes a second full-close control that controls the opening of the water valve to fully close and an alarm control that causes the alarm unit to issue an alarm indicating that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount; A control program for an air conditioner, which, when the computer receives a signal representing an opening / closing operation of the cleaning liquid valve from the operating unit, causes the computer to execute the opening / closing operation of the cleaning liquid valve corresponding to the signal.

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