Air Treatment Equipment

Abstract

To acquire an air treatment device capable of contributing to allowing a user to know the timing of maintenance without having a component which is unnecessary for functioning.SOLUTION: An air treatment device 51 includes: water supply means 5 capable of switching presence / absence of execution of an operation for supplying water into a machine or an operation for generating water; a drain pan 18 for holding the supplied water or the generated water; water level detection means 4 for detecting the water level inside the drain pan 18; drain means 6 capable of switching presence / absence of execution of an operation for draining water to the outside of the machine; and a control part 1 which includes a memory and a timer function, and which measures water supply inspection time and drain inspection time, based on the presence / absence of execution of the operation of the water supply means 5 and the drain means 6 and the water level detected by the water level detection means 4. The control part 1 estimates water supply capacity based on the measured water supply inspection time and a preset water retention amount, and estimates drain capacity based on the estimated water supply capacity and the measured drain inspection time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to an air treatment device with drainage capabilities. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in air treatment devices such as ventilation equipment with air conditioners and humidifiers, parts gradually become dirty as they are operated, and the drainage capacity of the drainage system decreases with age. Therefore, it is generally considered advisable to perform maintenance such as cleaning and replacing parts every certain period of operation. By performing maintenance periodically, the air treatment device can be preserved. To encourage the implementation of maintenance, some devices notify users of the need for maintenance over time.

[0003] In air treatment equipment with a drainage function, a decrease in the drainage capacity of parts such as the drain pump that drains the drain water from inside the equipment to the outside directly leads to a malfunction such as water leaking outside the equipment. However, it is not realistic to install a flow meter to check the drainage capacity of the equipment, so notifications of abnormalities from water level sensors, etc. are often used to determine when to replace parts.

[0004] Maintenance and inspections are left to the user, and maintenance is rarely carried out due to the desire to keep costs to a minimum. In reality, maintenance is sometimes not carried out until a malfunction occurs, so there is a demand for air treatment equipment that can determine whether maintenance is necessary and the appropriate timing for maintenance.

[0005] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a system has been proposed that has an imaging unit that captures images of the drain pan inside the casing, and estimates the timing of maintenance regarding dirt on the drain pan based on the image data obtained by the imaging, operating data, environmental data, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6944962 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires an imaging unit and estimates the timing of maintenance using information on the rotation speed and operating time of the drain pump, so more accurate information on the timing of maintenance can be obtained. However, with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the air treatment device requires components such as an imaging unit that are not functionally necessary.

[0008] Furthermore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 utilizes environmental data and machine learning, and accurate data input and the accumulation of past data affect the accuracy of estimating the timing of maintenance. Therefore, although the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the advantage of being able to monitor the drain pan using an imaging unit, there are issues with the accuracy of the estimated information.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an air treatment device that can contribute to informing users when maintenance is required without having functionally unnecessary components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the air treatment device of the present disclosure includes a water supply means that can switch between supplying water into the device and generating water, a drain pan that holds the supplied water or generated water, a water level detection means that detects the water level inside the drain pan, a drainage means that can switch between discharging water outside the device, and a control unit that includes a memory and a timer function and measures a water supply test time and a drainage test time based on whether the water supply means and the drainage means are operating and the water level detected by the water level detection means. The control unit estimates the water supply capacity based on the measured water supply test time and a predetermined water retention volume, and estimates the drainage capacity based on the estimated water supply capacity and the measured drainage test time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The air treatment device according to the present disclosure has the advantage of being able to contribute to informing the user when maintenance is due without having any functionally unnecessary components. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] Functional block diagram showing a control unit of the air treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air treatment device according to embodiment 1. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure for estimating a drainage capacity performed by a control unit of an air treatment device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calculating a water supply capacity in estimating a drainage capacity according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calculating drainage capacity in drainage capacity estimation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air treatment device according to embodiment 2. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for estimating the drainage capacity performed by a control unit of an air treatment device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8]10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for calculating the water supply capacity in estimating the drainage capacity according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for calculating drainage capacity in drainage capacity estimation according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air treatment device according to embodiment 3. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for estimating the drainage capacity performed by a control unit of an air treatment device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for measuring water supply time in drainage capacity estimation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for measuring drainage time in drainage capacity estimation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air treatment device according to embodiment 4. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for estimating the drainage capacity performed by a control unit of an air treatment device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for measuring water supply time in drainage capacity estimation according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for measuring drainage time in drainage capacity estimation according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] Functional block diagram showing the configuration of a ventilation device according to embodiment 5 [Figure 19] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of a ventilation device according to embodiment 5. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a processing circuit in the case where some or all of the functions of the timer unit, water supply capacity calculation unit, and drainage capacity calculation unit of the control unit of the air treatment device according to the first embodiment are realized by the processing circuit. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a processor in the case where at least some of the functions of at least some of the means, including the input interface, output interface, water level detection means, water supply means, and water drainage means, of the air treatment device according to the first embodiment are realized by the processor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an air treatment device according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a control unit 1 of an air treatment device according to embodiment 1. Fig. 1 shows an outline of the internal configuration of the control unit 1 and an outline of the input and output of information for the control unit 1. The control unit 1 has an input interface 2, an output interface 3, and a microcomputer 7. Fig. 1 also shows means other than the components of the control unit 1.

[0015] The input interface 2 receives information on the water level detected by the water level detection means 4 and remote controller operation information 12 including maintenance information input from a control remote controller. The water level detection means 4 is included in the air treatment device. The remote controller is not shown. Information from the control unit 1 is output to the outside as output device information 13 through the output interface 3. The water supply means 5 and the drainage means 6 operate in response to commands from the control unit 1. The water supply means 5 and the drainage means 6 are included in the air treatment device.

[0016] The water supply means 5 is a device that receives an output signal from the microcomputer 7 and turns on or off a solenoid valve to supply water from outside the machine to the air treatment device or to stop the water supply, thereby enabling the supply of water into the machine. More specifically, the water supply means 5 is a means that can switch between supplying water into the machine and generating water.

[0017] The drainage means 6 is a device that receives an output signal from the microcomputer 7 and performs the operation of draining or stopping water from the air treatment device to the outside of the device by turning the drain pump on or off, etc., thereby making it possible to discharge water outside of the device. More specifically, the drainage means 6 is a means that can switch between performing and not performing the operation of draining water outside of the device.

[0018] The output device information 13 is maintenance information, and is output to a terminal as a remote controller display 14 upon receiving an output signal from the microcomputer 7. The terminal is not shown. The output device information 13 is information such as whether maintenance is required, and is output to the outside as a contact signal 15. The external device can use the contact signal 15. The external device is not shown. The output device information 13 is detailed numerical data, and is output to the outside as a communication signal 16. The external device can collect and process the detailed numerical data. The output device information 13 may be output to the outside by means other than those described above, as long as it is information that can be processed by the control unit 1.

[0019] The microcomputer 7 performs the drainage capacity estimation according to the first embodiment based on the water level information and setting information received from the input interface 2, outputs a signal to the output interface 3, and processes the information.

[0020] The microcomputer 7 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and a timer. The microcomputer 7 has, as functional units, a timer unit 8 that counts time based on water level information and water supply and drainage status, a maintenance information storage unit 9 that stores setting information for selecting output device information based on the estimated drainage capacity and setting information related to drainage capacity estimation, a water supply capacity calculation unit 10 that calculates the water supply capacity, and a drainage capacity calculation unit 11 that calculates the drainage capacity. The maintenance information storage unit 9 is realized by the above-mentioned memory.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air treatment device 51 according to the first embodiment. The air treatment device 51 includes a casing 17 and a control unit 1 that estimates the drainage capacity and performs input and output. The control unit 1 has a memory and a timer function, and measures the water supply inspection time and the drainage inspection time based on whether the water supply means 5 and the drainage means 6 are operating and the water level detected by the water level detection means 4. The control unit 1 estimates the water supply capacity based on the measured water supply inspection time and a preset water retention volume, and estimates the drainage capacity based on the estimated water supply capacity and the measured drainage inspection time. The control unit 1 may also estimate the drainage capacity based on the measured water supply inspection time and drainage inspection time and the preset water retention volume.

[0022] The control unit 1 uses either or both of the estimated water supply capacity and the estimated drainage capacity to determine whether maintenance is required for the water supply means 5 or the drainage means 6 and whether the operating state is normal or not. The control unit 1 may use the estimated drainage capacity to determine either or both of whether maintenance is required for the water supply means 5 or the drainage means 6 and whether the operating state is normal or not. If the control unit 1 determines that maintenance is required or that the operating state is abnormal, it performs protective operation by stopping, intermittently, or reducing the output of the water supply means 5 until the affected part is replaced or until normal operation is restored.

[0023] The air treatment device 51 further includes a water supply means 5 that supplies water to the interior of the device according to an output from the control unit 1, a humidifier 20 that performs humidification processing using the water supplied from the water supply means 5, a water supply path 21 for guiding water supply 19 from a water supply source to the humidifier 20 via the water supply means 5, and a drain pan 18 for holding drain water generated inside the device, such as water discharged from the humidifier 20. The drain pan 18 holds the supplied water or water generated.

[0024] Air treatment device 51 further includes water level detection means 4 for detecting the water level inside drain pan 18, drainage means 6 for performing a drainage operation to discharge the water inside drain pan 18 to the outside of the device in response to an output from control unit 1, and drainage path 23 for draining 22 drain water generated inside the device to the outside of the device. Fig. 2 shows only the components necessary for performing drainage capacity estimation, and does not show components that are not related to drainage capacity estimation, even if they are components of a general air treatment device, such as a blower and an air intake port.

[0025] The humidifier 20 has a plurality of sheet-like humidifying bodies made of a porous material. The plurality of humidifying bodies are stacked on top of each other. Each of the plurality of humidifying bodies is spaced apart from the adjacent humidifying body. In the humidifier 20, water supply 19 is dripped onto the plurality of humidifying bodies from above, soaking each humidifying body. Air is blown over the surface of each humidifying body, and the moisture evaporated from each humidifying body humidifies the air. The remaining water, excluding the amount of water that has evaporated from each humidifying body and the moisture retained in each humidifying body, drips into a drain pan 18 as drain water.

[0026] Humidifier 20 is not limited to a drip-type humidifier in which supply water 19 is dripped from above. For example, humidifier 20 may be a humidifier that has a plurality of bag-shaped humidifiers formed from a moisture-permeable membrane, stores supply water 19 from water supply means 5 in the bag of each humidifier, further has a drain pipe connecting the bottom of each humidifier bag to drain pan 18 and a drain valve provided on the drain pipe, and drains water into drain pan 18 when the water supply valve and drain valve provided on water supply means 5 are opened.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure for estimating the drainage capacity performed by the control unit 1 of the air treatment device 51 according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Step S1 is a water supply capacity inspection step, in which the control unit 1 estimates the water supply capacity based on the amount of water supplied to the machine, which varies depending on the installation state and the state of the equipment, and the measurement time of the water amount.

[0029] Step S2 is a drainage capacity inspection step, in which the control unit 1 uses the water supply capacity and drainage time estimated in step S1 to estimate the drainage capacity for water discharged outside the machine, which varies depending on the construction status and equipment status, etc.

[0030] In step S3, the control unit 1 outputs the device information estimated in steps S1 and S2 to the outside. The device information includes information indicating the water supply capacity estimated in step S1 and information indicating the drainage capacity estimated in step S2.

[0031] After completing the output of the device information in step S3, the control unit 1 stores information indicating the estimated drainage capacity in the memory of the microcomputer 7, and resets the timer information when the estimation of the drainage capacity is completed.

[0032] 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure for calculating the water supply capacity in the drainage capacity estimation according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 shows the details of the water supply capacity inspection step S1 in FIG.

[0033] In step S4, the control unit 1 operates the water supply means 5 to supply water to the on-board humidifier 20. In Fig. 4, the operation of step S4 is indicated by the phrase "water supply means = ON." Note that before the water supply operation is performed, there is no water in the drain pan 18, or the drainage is complete and the amount of water remaining in the drain pan 18 is a known amount.

[0034] In step S5, the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts the water supply time T in1 The timer unit 8 may directly count the time, or may count the number of times at an arbitrary cycle.

[0035] In step S6, the control unit 1 determines whether the water level detection means 4 is submerged. In FIG. 4, the operation of step S6 is indicated by the phrase "Water level detection means = submerged?" In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the water level detection means 4 is an electrode-type or float-type water level detection means. Therefore, the input signal from the water level detection means 4 to the control unit 1 is a signal indicating submersion, which is detected when the water level, which is the height of water accumulated in the drain pan 18, reaches a given water level, or a signal indicating air, which is detected when the water level has not reached the given water level.

[0036] If the control unit 1 determines that the water level detection means 4 is not submerged (No in step S6), the operation of the control unit 1 returns to step S5, and the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts up the water supply time T in1 Continue counting.

[0037] If the control unit 1 determines that the water level detection means 4 is submerged (Yes in step S6), the operation of the control unit 1 proceeds to step S7.

[0038] In step S7, control unit 1 stops water supply means 5 to terminate the operation of supplying water to on-board humidifier 20. In Fig. 4, the operation of step S7 is indicated by the phrase "water supply means = OFF".

[0039] In step S8, the water supply capacity calculation unit 10 of the control unit 1 calculates the unknown water supply capacity Q in After the operation of step S7 is completed, the water supply time T in1 Since the counting and water supply are stopped, the unknown water supply capacity Q in Water supply time T in1 Water supply is being carried out, and the amount of water supplied to the drain pan 18 is M, which is the water supply capacity Q. in and water supply time T in1 In FIG. 4, the operation of step S8 is "Water supply capacity calculation Q in =M / T in1 " is indicated by the words:

[0040] The water level detected by the water level detection means 4 can be freely selected at the design stage, so the amount of water remaining in the drain pan 18 when the water level inside the drain pan 18 reaches the water level detected by the water level detection means 4 can be known in advance. Therefore, the water supply amount M, which is the amount of water supplied from step S4 to step S7, is known, so the water supply capacity Q in is the known amount of water M and water supply time T in1 Using these, it is derived using the following equation (1).

[0041]

number

[0042] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure for calculating the drainage capacity in the drainage capacity estimation according to the first embodiment, and shows details of the drainage capacity inspection step S2 in FIG.

[0043] In step S9, the control unit 1 operates the drainage means 6 to perform the drainage operation to the outside of the apparatus. In Fig. 5, the operation of step S9 is indicated by the phrase "drainage means = ON".

[0044] In step S10, the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts the drain time T out The timer unit 8 may directly count the time, or may count the number of times at an arbitrary cycle.

[0045] In step S11, the control unit 1 determines the drainage time T out is the drainage check time T outcheck It is judged whether the drainage check time T outcheck is a time that can be set arbitrarily, and the drainage check time T outcheck The shorter the time is set, the lower the accuracy of the drainage capacity will be, but the advantage is that the inspection time will be shorter.

[0046] The control unit 1 determines the drain time T out is the drainage check time T outcheckIf it is determined that the drain time is not longer than the predetermined time (No in step S11), the operation of the control unit 1 returns to step S10, and the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 starts the drain time T out Continue counting.

[0047] The control unit 1 determines the drain time T out is the drainage check time T outcheck If it is determined that this is the case (Yes in step S11), the operation of the control unit 1 proceeds to step S12.

[0048] In step S12, the control unit 1 stops the drainage means 6 to end the drainage operation to the outside of the machine. In FIG. 5, the operation of step S12 is indicated by the phrase "drainage means = OFF". The state at this time is that the unknown drainage capacity Q out Drainage check time T outcheck The drainage amount M is the amount of water discharged to the outside of the drain pan 18 after drainage has been performed. out is the drainage capacity Q out and drainage check time T outcheck It can be calculated by multiplying with

[0049] In step S13, the control unit 1 operates the water supply means 5 to supply water to the on-board humidifier 20. In Fig. 5, the operation of step S13 is indicated by the phrase "water supply means = ON".

[0050] In step S14, the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts the water supply time T in2 The timer unit 8 may directly count the time, or may count the number of times at an arbitrary cycle.

[0051] In step S15, the control unit 1 determines whether the water level detection means 4 is submerged. In FIG. 5, the operation of step S15 is indicated by the phrase "water level detection means = submerged?" If the control unit 1 determines that the water level detection means 4 is not submerged (No in step S15), the operation of the control unit 1 returns to step S14, and the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 starts counting the water supply time T in2 Continue counting.

[0052] If the control unit 1 determines that the water level detection means 4 is submerged (Yes in step S15), the operation of the control unit 1 proceeds to step S16.

[0053] In step S16, the control unit 1 stops the water supply means 5 to terminate the water supply operation to the on-board humidifier 20. In FIG. 5, the operation of step S16 is indicated by the phrase "water supply means=OFF". The state at this time is the known water supply capacity Q in Water supply time T in2 The water supply is performed, and the amount of water supplied to the drain pan 18 is the water supply amount M in is water supply capacity Q in and water supply time T in2 It is a known quantity that can be calculated by multiplying

[0054] In step S17, the drainage capacity calculation unit 11 of the control unit 1 calculates the unknown drainage capacity Q out The displacement M obtained in step S12 is calculated. out and the water supply amount M obtained in step S16 in Since it is the same as the unknown drainage capacity Q out is derived using known values ​​by the following equation (2). In FIG. 5, the operation of step S17 is out =Q in ×T in2 / T outcheck " It is indicated by the wording. In addition, the drainage capacity Q out is water supply capacity Q in It can also be calculated from the measurement results alone without using

[0055]

number

[0056] Through the above sequence, the air treatment device 51 according to the first embodiment can calculate the drainage capacity through actual measurements. The drainage capacity is related to the timing of maintenance, such as the timing of part replacement. Because the air treatment device 51 can calculate the drainage capacity, it can contribute to informing the user of the timing of maintenance without having any functionally unnecessary components.

[0057] Embodiment 2 FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air treatment device 52 according to a second embodiment. The air treatment device 52 includes a casing 17, a control unit 1 that estimates drainage capacity and inputs and outputs data, a temperature control coil 24 that controls temperature based on output from the control unit 1, an intake air blower 26 that blows air based on output from the control unit 1, a drain pan 18 that holds condensed water 25 generated when the temperature control coil 24 cools the blown intake air 27, a water level detection unit 4 that detects the water level inside the drain pan 18, a drainage unit 6 that drains water from the drain pan 18 to the outside of the device based on output from the control unit 1, and a drainage path 23 that guides drain water generated inside the device to the outside of the device for drainage 22. FIG. 6 shows only the components necessary for drainage capacity estimation; it does not show components of a typical air treatment device, such as a blower and an air intake port, that are not related to drainage capacity estimation.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure for estimating the drainage capacity performed by the control unit 1 of the air treatment device 52 according to the second embodiment.

[0059] In step S18, the control unit 1 operates the temperature control coil 24. In FIG. 7, the operation of step S18 is indicated by the phrase "temperature control coil = ON." Unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment estimates the drainage capacity using condensed water from the temperature control coil 24 rather than water supplied to the humidifier 20. Therefore, in the air treatment device 52, cooling operation must be performed by the temperature control coil 24 at the time of inspection. Therefore, the operation of step S18 means cooling operation. The cooling operation state is the thermo-on state.

[0060] Step S19 is a water supply capacity inspection step, and in step S19, the control unit 1 estimates the water supply capacity based on the amount of condensed water generated inside the machine, which varies depending on the installation condition and equipment condition, etc., and the measurement time of the condensed water amount.

[0061] In step S20, the control unit 1 stops the temperature control coil 24. In Fig. 7, the operation of step S20 is indicated by the phrase "temperature control coil = OFF." Note that in the second embodiment, the control unit 1 stops the temperature control coil 24 because it is assumed that the drainage capacity estimation is performed regardless of the operating state of the air treatment device 52. However, if the drainage capacity estimation is performed while the air treatment device 52 is operating, it is not necessary to individually operate or stop the operation of the temperature control coil 24 in steps S18 and S20; it is sufficient if the temperature control coil 24 is in an operating state that matches the inspection state.

[0062] Step S21 is a drainage capacity inspection step, in which the control unit 1 uses the water supply capacity and drainage time estimated in step S19 to estimate the drainage capacity for water drained outside the machine, which varies depending on the construction status and equipment status, etc.

[0063] In step S22, the control unit 1 outputs to the outside the device information estimated in steps S19 and S21. The device information includes information indicating the water supply capacity estimated in step S19 and information indicating the drainage capacity estimated in step S21. After completing the output of the device information in step S22, the control unit 1 stores the information indicating the estimated drainage capacity in the memory of the microcomputer 7, and resets the timer information when the estimation of the drainage capacity is completed.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure for calculating the water supply capacity in the drainage capacity estimation according to the second embodiment, and shows details of the water supply capacity inspection step S19 in FIG.

[0065] In step S23, the control unit 1 operates the intake air blower 26 to generate condensed water during cooling operation and supply water to the interior of the device. In Fig. 8, the operation of step S23 is indicated by the phrase "intake air blower = ON." Note that before the intake air blower 26 operates, there is no water in the drain pan 18 of the air treatment device 52, or the drainage is complete and the amount of water remaining in the drain pan 18 is a known amount.

[0066] In step S24, the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts the water supply time T in1 The timer unit 8 may directly count the time, or may count the number of times at an arbitrary cycle.

[0067] In step S25, the control unit 1 determines whether the water level detection means 4 is submerged. In Fig. 8, the operation of step S25 is indicated by the phrase "water level detection means = submerged?" In the second embodiment, the water level detection means 4 is assumed to be an electrode-type or float-type water level detection means, and therefore the input signal from the water level detection means 4 to the control unit 1 is a signal indicating submersion, which is detected when the water level, which is the height of the water accumulated in the drain pan 18, reaches a given water level, or a signal indicating air, which is detected when the water level has not reached the given water level.

[0068] If the control unit 1 determines that the water level detection means 4 is not submerged (No in step S25), the operation of the control unit 1 returns to step S24, and the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts up the water supply time T in1 Continue counting.

[0069] If the control unit 1 determines that the water level detection means 4 is submerged (Yes in step S25), the operation of the control unit 1 proceeds to step S26.

[0070] In step S26, the control unit 1 stops the intake air blower 26 to terminate the generation of condensed water due to the cooling operation and terminates the operation of supplying water to the interior of the aircraft. In Fig. 8, the operation of step S26 is indicated by the phrase "intake air blower = OFF".

[0071] In step S27, the water supply capacity calculation unit 10 of the control unit 1 calculates the unknown water supply capacity Q in After the operation of step S26 is performed, the water supply time T in1 Since the counting and generation of condensed water have stopped, the unknown water supply capacity Q in Water supply time T in1 The water supply capacity Q is the amount of water supplied to the drain pan 18. in and water supply time T in1 In FIG. 8, the operation of step S27 is the "water supply capacity calculation Q in =M / T in1 " is indicated by the words:

[0072] Water supply capacity Q in is the known amount of water M and water supply time T in1 and is derived using equation (1) in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0073] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure for calculating the drainage capacity in the drainage capacity estimation according to the second embodiment, and shows details of the drainage capacity inspection step S21 in FIG.

[0074] In step S28, the control unit 1 operates the drainage means 6 to perform the drainage operation to the outside of the apparatus. In Fig. 9, the operation of step S28 is indicated by the phrase "drainage means = ON".

[0075] In step S29, the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts the drainage time T out The timer unit 8 may directly count the time, or may count the number of times at an arbitrary cycle.

[0076] In step S30, the control unit 1 determines the drain time T out is the drainage check time T outcheck It is judged whether the drainage check time T outcheck is a time that can be set arbitrarily, and the drainage check time T outcheckThe shorter the time is set, the lower the accuracy of the drainage capacity will be, but the advantage is that the inspection time will be shorter.

[0077] The control unit 1 determines the drain time T out is the drainage check time T outcheck If it is determined that the drain time is not longer than the predetermined time (No in step S30), the operation of the control unit 1 returns to step S29, and the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 starts the drain time T out Continue counting.

[0078] The control unit 1 determines the drain time T out is the drainage check time T outcheck If it is determined that this is the case (Yes in step S30), the operation of the control unit 1 proceeds to step S31.

[0079] In step S31, the control unit 1 stops the drainage means 6 to end the drainage operation to the outside of the machine. In FIG. 9, the operation of step S31 is indicated by the phrase "drainage means = OFF". The state at this time is that the unknown drainage capacity Q out Drainage check time T outcheck The drainage amount M is the amount of water discharged to the outside of the drain pan 18 after drainage has been performed. out is the drainage capacity Q out and drainage check time T outcheck It can be calculated by multiplying with

[0080] In step S32, the control unit 1 operates the intake air blower 26 to generate condensed water during cooling operation and supply water to the interior of the aircraft. In Fig. 9, the operation of step S32 is indicated by the phrase "intake air blower = ON".

[0081] In step S33, the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts the water supply time T in2 The timer unit 8 may directly count the time, or may count the number of times at an arbitrary cycle.

[0082] In step S34, the control unit 1 determines whether the water level detection means 4 is submerged. In FIG. 9, the operation of step S34 is indicated by the phrase "water level detection means = submerged?" If the control unit 1 determines that the water level detection means 4 is not submerged (No in step S34), the operation of the control unit 1 returns to step S33, and the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 starts counting the water supply time T in2 Continue counting.

[0083] If the control unit 1 determines that the water level detection means 4 is submerged (Yes in step S34), the operation of the control unit 1 proceeds to step S35.

[0084] In step S35, the control unit 1 stops the intake air blower 26 to stop the generation of condensed water due to the cooling operation, and ends the operation of supplying water to the interior of the machine. In FIG. 9, the operation of step S35 is indicated by the phrase "intake air blower=OFF". The state at this time is the known water supply capacity Q in Water supply time T in2 The water supply is performed, and the amount of water supplied to the drain pan 18 is the water supply amount M in is water supply capacity Q in and water supply time T in2 This is a known number that can be calculated by multiplying it by

[0085] In step S36, the drainage capacity calculation unit 11 of the control unit 1 calculates the unknown drainage capacity Q out The displacement M obtained in step S31 is calculated. out and the water supply amount M obtained in step S35 in is the same as the unknown drainage capacity Q out is derived from equation (2) using known values, as in the first embodiment.

[0086] By the above sequence, the air treatment device 52 according to the second embodiment can calculate the drainage capacity by actual measurement.

[0087] Embodiment 3 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air treatment device 53 according to a third embodiment. The air treatment device 53 includes a casing 17, a control unit 1 that estimates and inputs / outputs drainage capacity, a water supply unit 5 that supplies water to the interior of the device based on an output from the control unit 1, a humidifier 20 that humidifies the air with the water supplied from the water supply unit 5, a water supply path 21 that guides water supply 19 from a water source to the water supply unit 5 and the humidifier 20, a drain pan 18 that holds drain water generated within the device, such as that drained by the humidifier 20, a first water level detection unit 35 and a second water level detection unit 36 ​​that detect the water level within the drain pan 18, a drainage unit 6 that performs a drainage operation to discharge the water in the drain pan 18 to the outside of the device based on an output from the control unit 1, and a drainage path 23 that guides drain water generated within the device to the outside of the device for drainage 22. The first water level detection unit 35 is positioned so as to be able to detect a water level lower than that of the second water level detection unit 36. Figure 10 shows only the components necessary to perform drainage capacity estimation, and does not show components that are not related to drainage capacity estimation, even if they are components that are found in general air treatment devices, such as blowers and air intakes.

[0088] In the third embodiment, the water holding capacity does not need to be stored in advance in the microcomputer 7. Instead, the amount of water held between the first water level detection means 35 and the second water level detection means 36 is fixed. The control unit 1 calculates the ratio of the water supply capacity to the drainage capacity from the ratio of the water supply and drainage times as the ratio of the water supply capacity to the drainage capacity. The control unit 1 measures the time until each of the first water level detection means 35 and the second water level detection means 36 responds, and measures the water supply inspection time and the drainage inspection time based on whether the water supply means 5 and the drainage means 6 are operating and the water levels detected by each of the first water level detection means 35 and the second water level detection means 36. The control unit 1 estimates the ratio of the water supply capacity to the drainage capacity by calculating the ratio of the water supply inspection time to the drainage inspection time. The control unit 1 uses the estimated ratio to determine whether maintenance is required for the water supply means 5 or the drainage means 6 and / or whether the operating condition is normal. If the control unit 1 determines that maintenance is required or that the operating condition is abnormal, it performs protective operation by stopping, intermittently or reducing the output of the water supply means 5 until the affected part is replaced or until operation returns to normal.

[0089] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure for estimating the drainage capacity performed by the control unit 1 of the air treatment device 53 according to the third embodiment.

[0090] Step S37 is a water supply time measurement step, and in step S37, the control unit 1 measures the time required to retain the amount of water between the first water level detection means 35 and the second water level detection means 36, of the amount of water supplied to the machine, which varies depending on the construction status and equipment status, etc.

[0091] Step S38 is a drainage time measurement step, and in step S38, the control unit 1 measures the time required to drain the amount of water discharged outside the machine between the first water level detection means 35 and the second water level detection means 36, which varies depending on the construction status and equipment status, etc.

[0092] In step S39, the control unit 1 determines the water supply capacity Q in Drainage capacity Q outCalculate the ratio K. Below, we will calculate the water supply capacity Q in Drainage capacity Q out The ratio K may be referred to as the water supply / drainage capacity ratio K. The ratio K is calculated by dividing the amount of water m held between the first water level detection means 35 and the second water level detection means 36 by the water supply time T measured in step S37. in and the drainage time T measured in step S38 out Using this, the water supply capacity Q in is derived from the following equation (3), and the drainage capacity Q out is derived by the following equation (4): The feature of the third embodiment is that the water supply and drainage capacity ratio K can be estimated even if the water retention capacity m is an unknown value.

[0093]

number

[0094]

number

[0095] By using equations (3) and (4), the water supply capacity Q in Drainage capacity Q out The ratio K is derived from the following equation (5):

[0096]

number

[0097] In step S40, the control unit 1 outputs the device information measured or calculated in steps S37 to S39 to the outside.

[0098] After completing the output of the device information in step S40, the control unit 1 stores information indicating the estimated drainage capacity in the memory of the microcomputer 7, and resets the timer information when the estimation of the drainage capacity is completed.

[0099] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure for measuring the water supply time in estimating the drainage capacity according to the third embodiment, and shows details of the water supply time measuring step S37 in FIG.

[0100] In step S41, the control unit 1 operates the water supply means 5 to supply water to the interior of the machine. In Fig. 12, the operation of step S41 is indicated by the phrase "water supply means = ON." Note that, before the water supply operation is performed, the amount of water held in the drain pan 18 may be any amount as long as the first water level detection means 35 is not submerged.

[0101] In step S42, the control unit 1 determines whether the first water level detection means 35 is submerged. In Figure 12, the operation of step S42 is indicated by the phrase "First water level detection means = submerged?" In embodiment 3, it is assumed that the first water level detection means 35 and the second water level detection means 36 are both electrode-type or float-type water level detection means, and therefore the input signals from the first water level detection means 35 and the second water level detection means 36 to the control unit 1 are signals indicating submersion, which are detected when the water level, which is the height of water accumulated in the drain pan 18, has reached a given water level, or signals indicating air, which are detected when the water level has not reached the given water level.

[0102] If the control unit 1 determines that the first water level detection means 35 is not submerged (No in step S42), the operation of the control unit 1 returns to step S41, and the control unit 1 continues to perform the water supply operation.

[0103] If the control unit 1 determines that the first water level detection means 35 is submerged (Yes in step S42), the operation of the control unit 1 proceeds to step S43.

[0104] In step S43, the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts the water supply time T in The timer unit 8 may directly count the time, or may count the number of times at an arbitrary cycle.

[0105] In step S44, the control unit 1 determines whether the second water level detection means 36 is submerged. In Fig. 12, the operation of step S44 is indicated by the phrase "Second water level detection means = submerged?"

[0106] If the control unit 1 determines that the second water level detection means 36 is not submerged (No in step S44), the operation of the control unit 1 returns to step S43, and the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts up the water supply time T in Continue counting.

[0107] If the control unit 1 determines that the second water level detection means 36 is submerged (Yes in step S44), the operation of the control unit 1 proceeds to step S45.

[0108] In step S45, the control unit 1 stops the water supply means 5 to terminate the operation of supplying water to the interior of the machine. In Fig. 12, the operation of step S45 is indicated by the phrase "Water supply means = OFF".

[0109] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure for measuring the drainage time in estimating the drainage capacity according to the third embodiment, and shows details of the drainage time measuring step S38 in FIG.

[0110] In step S46, the control unit 1 operates the drainage means 6 to perform the drainage operation to the outside of the apparatus. In Fig. 13, the operation of step S46 is indicated by the phrase "drainage means = ON".

[0111] In step S47, the control unit 1 determines whether the second water level detection means 36 is in the air. In Fig. 13, the operation of step S47 is indicated by the phrase "Second water level detection means = air?"

[0112] If the control unit 1 determines that the second water level detection means 36 is not in the air (No in step S47), the operation of the control unit 1 returns to step S46, and the control unit 1 continues to perform the drainage operation.

[0113] If the control unit 1 determines that the second water level detection means 36 is in the air (Yes in step S47), the operation of the control unit 1 proceeds to step S48.

[0114] In step S48, the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts the drain time T out The timer unit 8 may directly count the time, or may count the number of times at an arbitrary cycle.

[0115] In step S49, the control unit 1 determines whether the first water level detection means 35 is in the air. In Fig. 13, the operation of step S49 is indicated by the phrase "First water level detection means = in the air?"

[0116] If the control unit 1 determines that the first water level detection means 35 is not in the air (No in step S49), the operation of the control unit 1 returns to step S48, and the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts up the drain time T out Continue counting.

[0117] If the control unit 1 determines that the first water level detection means 35 is in the air (Yes in step S49), the operation of the control unit 1 proceeds to step S50.

[0118] In step S50, the control unit 1 stops the drainage means 6 to terminate the drainage operation to the outside of the apparatus. In Fig. 13, the operation of step S50 is indicated by the phrase "Drainage means = OFF".

[0119] Through the above sequence, the air treatment device 53 according to the third embodiment can calculate the ratio of the drainage capacity to the water supply capacity by actually measuring the water supply time and the drainage time. The ratio of the drainage capacity to the water supply capacity is related to the timing of maintenance, such as the timing of part replacement. Because the air treatment device 53 can calculate the ratio of the drainage capacity to the water supply capacity, it can contribute to informing the user of the timing of maintenance without having any functionally unnecessary components.

[0120] Embodiment 4 14 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air treatment device 54 according to a fourth embodiment. The air treatment device 54 includes a casing 17, a control unit 1 that estimates and inputs / outputs drainage capacity, a temperature control coil 24 that controls temperature based on output from the control unit 1, an intake air blower 26 that blows air based on output from the control unit 1, a drain pan 18 that holds condensed water 25 generated when the temperature control coil 24 cools the blown intake air 27, a first water level detection means 35 and a second water level detection means 36 that detect the water level inside the drain pan 18, a drainage means 6 that drains water from the drain pan 18 to the outside of the device based on output from the control unit 1, and a drainage path 23 that guides drain water generated inside the device to the outside of the device for drainage 22. The first water level detection means 35 is positioned so as to be able to detect a water level lower than that of the second water level detection means 36. Figure 14 lists only the components necessary to perform drainage capacity estimation, and does not list components that are not related to drainage capacity estimation, even if they are components that are found in general air treatment devices, such as blowers and air intakes.

[0121] In the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, there is no need to store the water retention capacity in advance in the microcomputer 7. By fixing the amount of water retained between the first water level detection means 35 and the second water level detection means 36, the control unit 1 calculates the ratio of the drainage capacity to the water supply capacity from the ratio of the water supply and drainage times.

[0122] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure for estimating the drainage capacity performed by the control unit 1 of the air treatment device 54 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0123] In step S51, the control unit 1 operates the temperature control coil 24. In FIG. 15, the operation of step S51 is indicated by the phrase "temperature control coil = ON." Unlike embodiment 3, in embodiment 4, the drainage capacity is estimated using condensed water from the temperature control coil 24 rather than water supply by humidification, so cooling operation must be performed by the temperature control coil 24 at the time of inspection. Therefore, the operation of step S51 means cooling operation. The cooling operation state is the thermo-on state.

[0124] Step S52 is a water supply time measurement step, and in step S52, the control unit 1 measures the time required to retain the amount of water between the first water level detection means 35 and the second water level detection means 36, of the amount of water supplied to the machine, which varies depending on the construction state and the state of the equipment, etc.

[0125] In step S53, the control unit 1 stops the temperature control coil 24. In FIG. 15, the operation of step S53 is indicated by the phrase "temperature control coil = OFF." In the third embodiment, it is assumed that drainage capacity estimation is performed regardless of the operating state of the air treatment device 54, and therefore the control unit 1 stops the temperature control coil 24. However, if drainage capacity estimation is performed while the air treatment device 54 is operating, there is no need to individually operate and stop the operation of the temperature control coil 24 in steps S51 and S53; it is sufficient if the temperature control coil 24 is in the operating state that corresponds to the inspection state.

[0126] Step S54 is a drainage time measurement step, in which the control unit 1 measures the time required to drain the amount of water discharged outside the machine, which varies depending on the construction status and equipment status, between the first water level detection means 35 and the second water level detection means 36.

[0127] In step S55, the water supply capacity calculation unit 10 of the control unit 1 calculates the water supply capacity Q in Drainage capacity Q out As in the third embodiment, the water supply and drainage capacity ratio K is calculated by multiplying the measured water supply time T in and drainage time T out and is derived using equation (5).

[0128] In step S56, the control unit 1 outputs the device information measured or calculated in steps S52 to S55 to the outside.

[0129] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure for measuring the water supply time in the drainage capacity estimation according to the fourth embodiment, and shows details of the water supply time measurement step S52 in FIG.

[0130] In step S57, control unit 1 operates intake air blower 26 to generate condensed water during cooling operation and supply water to the interior of the apparatus. In Fig. 16, the operation of step S57 is indicated by the phrase "intake air blower = ON." Note that, before the water supply operation is performed, the amount of water held in drain pan 18 may be any amount as long as first water level detection means 35 is not submerged.

[0131] In step S58, the control unit 1 determines whether the first water level detection means 35 is submerged. In Fig. 16, the operation of step S58 is indicated by the phrase "First water level detection means = submerged?" In the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that the first water level detection means 35 and the second water level detection means 36 are both electrode-type or float-type water level detection means, and therefore the input signals from the first water level detection means 35 and the second water level detection means 36 to the control unit 1 are signals indicating submersion, which are detected when the water level, which is the height of water accumulated in the drain pan 18, reaches a given water level, or signals indicating air, which are detected when the water level has not reached the given water level.

[0132] If the control unit 1 determines that the first water level detection means 35 is not submerged (No in step S58), the operation of the control unit 1 returns to step S57, and the control unit 1 continues to perform the water supply operation.

[0133] If the control unit 1 determines that the first water level detection means 35 is submerged (Yes in step S58), the operation of the control unit 1 proceeds to step S59.

[0134] In step S59, the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts the water supply time T in The timer unit 8 may directly count the time, or may count the number of times at an arbitrary cycle.

[0135] In step S60, the control unit 1 determines whether the second water level detection means 36 is submerged. In Fig. 16, the operation of step S60 is indicated by the phrase "Second water level detection means = submerged?"

[0136] If the control unit 1 determines that the second water level detection means 36 is not submerged (No in step S60), the operation of the control unit 1 returns to step S59, and the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts up the water supply time T in Continue counting.

[0137] If the control unit 1 determines that the second water level detection means 36 is submerged (Yes in step S60), the operation of the control unit 1 proceeds to step S61.

[0138] In step S61, the control unit 1 stops the intake air blower 26 to stop the generation of condensed water due to the cooling operation and terminates the operation of supplying water to the interior of the aircraft. In Fig. 16, the operation of step S61 is indicated by the phrase "intake air blower = OFF".

[0139] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure for measuring the drainage time in drainage capacity estimation according to the fourth embodiment, and shows details of the drainage time measuring step S54 in FIG.

[0140] In step S62, the control unit 1 operates the drainage means 6 to perform the drainage operation to the outside of the apparatus. In Fig. 17, the operation of step S62 is indicated by the phrase "drainage means = ON".

[0141] In step S63, the control unit 1 determines whether the second water level detection means 36 is in the air. In Fig. 17, the operation of step S63 is indicated by the phrase "Second water level detection means = in the air?"

[0142] If the control unit 1 determines that the second water level detection means 36 is not in the air (No in step S63), the operation of the control unit 1 returns to step S62, and the control unit 1 continues to perform the drainage operation.

[0143] If the control unit 1 determines that the second water level detection means 36 is in the air (Yes in step S63), the operation of the control unit 1 proceeds to step S64.

[0144] In step S64, the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts the drain time T out The timer unit 8 may directly count the time, or may count the number of times at an arbitrary cycle.

[0145] In step S65, the control unit 1 determines whether or not the first water level detection means 35 is in the air. In Fig. 17, the operation of step S65 is indicated by the phrase "First water level detection means = in the air?"

[0146] If the control unit 1 determines that the first water level detection means 35 is not in the air (No in step S65), the operation of the control unit 1 returns to step S64, and the timer unit 8 of the control unit 1 counts up the drain time T out Continue counting.

[0147] If the control unit 1 determines that the first water level detection means 35 is in the air (Yes in step S65), the operation of the control unit 1 proceeds to step S66.

[0148] In step S66, the control unit 1 stops the drainage means 6 to end the drainage operation to the outside of the apparatus. In Fig. 17, the operation of step S66 is indicated by the words "Drainage means = OFF".

[0149] By using the above sequence, the air treatment device 54 according to the fourth embodiment can calculate the ratio of the drainage capacity to the water supply capacity by actually measuring the water supply time and the water drainage time.

[0150] The control unit 1 of each embodiment from embodiment 1 to embodiment 4 will be further described. The control unit 1 outputs information related to the acquired or determined status of the parts as output device information to the outside as a report or signal. The control unit 1 determines whether maintenance of the water supply means 5 or the drainage means 6 is required and / or whether the operating status is normal based on preset information on whether maintenance is required or information on the normal operating range. When an instruction to periodically inspect the water supply means 5 or the drainage means 6 is set, the control unit 1 stores the status of the water supply means 5 or the drainage means 6 over time, and outputs an estimate of when maintenance will be required as output device information to the outside as a report or signal based on the information on whether maintenance is required or information on the normal operating range.

[0151] The air treatment devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 of the first to fourth embodiments may further include a remote controller that can change the content of the information on whether maintenance is required or the information on the normal operating range. The information that can be changed by the remote controller includes at least one of the water supply capacity determination threshold, the drainage capacity determination threshold, the water supply / drainage capacity ratio determination threshold, the drainage capacity inspection frequency, the schedule setting, and the inspection time required, which are used to notify that it is time to replace a part.

[0152] The air treatment devices 51, 52, 53, and 54 in the first to fourth embodiments are, for example, ventilation devices.

[0153] Embodiment 5. FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a ventilation device 55 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 18 shows an outline of the internal configuration of the control unit 1 and an outline of inputs and outputs to the control unit 1. The difference from FIG. 1 is that the output interface 3 outputs to the intake air blower 26, exhaust air blower 28, and temperature control coil 24 as actuators 37. The temperature control coil 24 and intake air blower 26 are not water supply means but actuators 37. The configuration of FIG. 18 is similar to the configurations of the first and second embodiments. The configuration when a plurality of water level detection means 4 are installed is similar to the configurations of the third and fourth embodiments.

[0154] 19 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a ventilation device 55 according to a fifth embodiment. The ventilation device 55 has a casing 17. The casing 17 has a supply air intake duct 30 that draws in outdoor air, a supply air outlet duct 31 that supplies supply air into the room, an exhaust air intake duct 32 that draws indoor air, and an exhaust air outlet duct 33 that exhausts air to the outside. The ventilation device 55 further has a total heat exchanger 29 that performs total heat exchange between the outdoor air drawn into the supply air intake duct 30 and the indoor air drawn into the exhaust air intake duct 32, a temperature control coil 24 that heats the supply air, a humidifier 20 that humidifies the heated supply air, an exhaust fan 28, a supply air blower 26, a water level detection means 4, a water supply means 5, a drainage means 6, a drain pan 18, a control unit 1, and a remote controller 34. 19 is similar to the configurations of Embodiments 1 and 2. The configuration when a plurality of water level detection means 4 are installed is similar to the configurations of Embodiments 3 and 4.

[0155] In the fifth embodiment, the operation of the ventilation device 55 and the output device information change in accordance with the drainage capacity estimated in the first to fourth embodiments and the information set as maintenance information.

[0156] The microcomputer 7 can be set by remote controller operation as maintenance information, such as the lower limit of drainage capacity, the water supply / drainage capacity ratio (drainage capacity / lower limit of water supply capacity), the frequency of drainage capacity inspections, schedule settings, and the time required for inspection, which will be used when reporting the need for replacement. Regarding water supply capacity, the time for replacement of the water supply means 5 can be determined by setting an excess or deficiency value.

[0157] When settings regarding water supply capacity and drainage capacity are implemented, the ventilation device 55 compares the estimated water supply and drainage capacity with the set value, and if the estimated water supply and drainage capacity falls below the threshold value, or if there is a risk that it will fall below the threshold value at the time of the next scheduled inspection, it outputs to the outside as output device information that it is time to replace the device.

[0158] In addition to the set value for reporting the replacement period, a drainage capacity lower limit may be set to report a dangerous condition in which there is a possibility of water leakage, such as when the water supply / drainage capacity ratio becomes close to or below 1. In this case, since continued operation of the ventilation device 55 may result in water leakage to the outside of the device, the ventilation device 55 can perform an operation by stopping the intake air blower 26 and the exhaust air blower 28 to prevent water leakage to the outside of the device due to ventilation, or can perform a safety shutdown by stopping the temperature control coil 24 and the water supply means 5 to prevent any further water from being supplied to the device. If the control unit 1 is unable to operate the ventilation device 55, for example, the ventilation device 55 can report the occurrence of an abnormality to the outdoor unit by a communication signal and stop the temperature control coil of the outdoor unit, thereby stopping the cooling operation of the ventilation device 55.

[0159] Even before the recommended replacement time is reached, the ventilation device 55 performs protective operation by reducing the airflow rate of the air supply blower 26 and stopping, intermittently, or reducing the output of the water supply means 5, based on a safety factor for the drainage capacity at which there is a possibility of water leakage, and continues the protective operation until it is confirmed that the drainage means 6 has been replaced and a safe drainage capacity has been restored. This can prevent water leakage accidents and also encourages the implementation of maintenance, as normal operation will not be possible unless parts are replaced.

[0160] The inspection of the water supply and drainage capacity can be set to be performed at any desired time interval, or to be performed only when the ventilation device 55 receives an operation stop signal. The ventilation device 55 analyzes the trend of the water supply and drainage capacity by storing the inspection results in the memory of the microcomputer 7, and outputs to the outside as output device information the time it takes to report an abnormality and an estimate of when maintenance will be required, such as the estimated date and time.

[0161] When the required inspection time is set, it becomes possible to vary the control parameters that allow estimation of drainage capacity even when the drainage time, etc. is varied. Since the inspection can be performed in a short time by setting a short inspection time, it is possible to inspect the drainage capacity with minimal impact on the indoor environment even if the inspection timing occurs during normal operation due to the inspection period setting, etc.

[0162] In addition, the water supply capacity and drainage capacity estimated in each embodiment can also be used for purposes other than maintenance, such as conducting a trial run or checking energy-saving operation to check whether operation is appropriate, or conducting an inspection to obtain a reference value when varying the water supply and drainage capacity.

[0163] 20 is a diagram showing a processing circuit 91 when some or all of the functions of the timer unit 8, water supply capacity calculation unit 10, and drainage capacity calculation unit 11 possessed by the control unit 1 of the air treatment device 51 according to embodiment 1 are realized by the processing circuit 91. In other words, some or all of the functions of the timer unit 8, water supply capacity calculation unit 10, and drainage capacity calculation unit 11 may be realized by the processing circuit 91. When some or all of the functions of the timer unit 8, water supply capacity calculation unit 10, and drainage capacity calculation unit 11 are realized by the processing circuit 91, the air treatment device 51 has the processing circuit 91.

[0164] The processing circuit 91 is dedicated hardware, and may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0165] Some of the functions of the timer unit 8, the water supply capacity calculation unit 10, and the drainage capacity calculation unit 11 may be realized by dedicated hardware that is separate from the remaining functions.

[0166] Some of the functions of the timer unit 8, water supply capacity calculation unit 10, and drainage capacity calculation unit 11 may be realized by software or firmware, and the remaining functions may be realized by dedicated hardware. In this way, the functions of the timer unit 8, water supply capacity calculation unit 10, and drainage capacity calculation unit 11 can be realized by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0167] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a processor 92 when at least some of the functions of at least some of the means, namely, the input interface 2, the output interface 3, the water level detection means 4, the water supply means 5, and the drainage means 6, of the air treatment device 51 according to embodiment 1 are realized by the processor 92. In other words, at least some of the functions of at least some of the means, namely, the input interface 2, the output interface 3, the water level detection means 4, the water supply means 5, and the drainage means 6, may be realized by the processor 92 executing a program stored in memory 93. The processor 92 is a CPU, a processing system, an arithmetic system, a microprocessor, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Fig. 21 also shows the memory 93.

[0168] When at least some of the functions of at least some of the means, namely, the input interface 2, the output interface 3, the water level detection means 4, the water supply means 5, and the drainage means 6, are realized by the processor 92, software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in the memory 93. The processor 92 realizes at least some of the functions of at least some of the means, namely, the input interface 2, the output interface 3, the water level detection means 4, the water supply means 5, and the drainage means 6, by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 93.

[0169] When at least some of the functions of at least some of the means, namely, the input interface 2, the output interface 3, the water level detection means 4, the water supply means 5, and the drainage means 6, are realized by the processor 92, the air treatment device 51 has the processor 92 and a memory 93 for storing a program that results in the execution of at least some of the steps executed by the input interface 2, the output interface 3, the water level detection means 4, the water supply means 5, and the drainage means 6. It can also be said that the program stored in the memory 93 causes a computer to execute at least some of the procedures or methods executed by the input interface 2, the output interface 3, the water level detection means 4, the water supply means 5, and the drainage means 6.

[0170] The memory 93 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0171] At least some of the functions of each control unit 1 in the second to fifth embodiments may be realized by a processing circuit or a processor. The processing circuit is a processing circuit equivalent to the processing circuit 91, and the processor is a processor 92 equivalent to the processor 92.

[0172] At least some of the functions of at least some of the means, namely the input interface 2, the output interface 3, the water level detection means 4, the water supply means 5, and the drainage means 6, in the first to fifth embodiments may be realized by a processing circuit or a processor. The processing circuit is a processing circuit equivalent to the processing circuit 91, and the processor is a processor 92 equivalent to the processor 92.

[0173] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies, or different embodiments may be combined with each other, or part of the configuration may be omitted or modified within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0174] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0175] (Appendix 1) a water supply means capable of switching between supplying water to the interior of the aircraft and generating water; a drain pan for retaining the supplied water or the generated water; a water level detection means for detecting the water level inside the drain pan; a drainage means that can switch between performing and not performing an operation of discharging water outside the aircraft; a control unit having a memory and a timer function, and measuring a water supply inspection time and a drainage inspection time based on whether the water supply means and the drainage means are operating and the water level detected by the water level detection means; The control unit estimates the water supply capacity based on the measured water supply test time and a predetermined water retention amount, and estimates the drainage capacity based on the estimated water supply capacity and the measured drainage test time. An air treatment device characterized by: (Appendix 2) The control unit uses one or both of the estimated water supply capacity and the estimated drainage capacity to determine whether maintenance of the water supply means or the drainage means is necessary and / or whether the operating state is normal. 2. The air treatment device according to claim 1, (Appendix 3) When the control unit determines that maintenance is necessary or that the operating state is abnormal, it performs protective operation by stopping, intermittently, or reducing the output of the water supply means until the relevant part is replaced or until normal operation is restored. 2. The air treatment device according to claim 1, (Appendix 4) a water supply means capable of switching between supplying water to the interior of the aircraft and generating water; a drain pan for retaining the supplied water or the generated water; a water level detection means for detecting the water level inside the drain pan; a drainage means that can switch between performing and not performing an operation of discharging water outside the aircraft; a control unit having a memory and a timer function, and measuring a water supply inspection time and a drainage inspection time based on whether the water supply means and the drainage means are operating and the water level detected by the water level detection means; The control unit estimates the drainage capacity based on the measured water supply inspection time and the measured drainage inspection time and a preset water retention amount. An air treatment device characterized by: (Appendix 5) The control unit uses the estimated drainage capacity to determine whether maintenance of the water supply means or the drainage means is required and / or whether the operating state is normal. 5. The air treatment device according to claim 4, (Appendix 6) When the control unit determines that maintenance is necessary or that the operating state is abnormal, it performs protective operation by stopping, intermittently, or reducing the output of the water supply means until the relevant part is replaced or until normal operation is restored. 5. The air treatment device according to claim 4, (Appendix 7) a water supply means capable of switching between supplying water to the interior of the aircraft and generating water; a drain pan for retaining the supplied water or the generated water; a first water level detection means for detecting a water level inside the drain pan; a second water level detection means for detecting the water level inside the drain pan; a drainage means that can switch between performing and not performing an operation of discharging water outside the aircraft; a control unit having a memory and a timer function, the first water level detection means is arranged to be able to detect a water level lower than that of the second water level detection means, The control unit measures the time until each of the first water level detection means and the second water level detection means responds, measures a water supply inspection time and a drainage inspection time based on whether or not the water supply means and the drainage means are operating and the water levels detected by each of the first water level detection means and the second water level detection means, and calculates the ratio between the water supply inspection time and the drainage inspection time, thereby estimating the ratio between the water supply capacity and the drainage capacity. An air treatment device characterized by: (Appendix 8) The control unit uses the estimated ratio to determine whether maintenance of the water supply means or the water drainage means is required and / or whether the operating state is normal. 8. The air treatment device according to claim 7, (Appendix 9) When the control unit determines that maintenance is necessary or that the operating state is abnormal, it performs protective operation by stopping, intermittently, or reducing the output of the water supply means until the relevant part is replaced or until normal operation is restored. 8. The air treatment device according to claim 7, (Appendix 10) The control unit outputs the acquired or determined information on the state of the part as output device information to the outside as a notification or a signal. 10. An air treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. (Appendix 11) The control unit determines whether maintenance of the water supply means or the drainage means is required and / or whether the operating state is normal based on preset information on whether maintenance is required or information on the normal operating range. 10. An air treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. (Appendix 12) The apparatus further includes a remote controller that can change the content of the information on whether or not maintenance is required or the information on the normal operation range. 12. The air treatment device of claim 11. (Appendix 13) The information that can be changed by the remote controller includes at least one of a water supply capacity determination threshold, a drainage capacity determination threshold, a water supply / drainage capacity ratio determination threshold, a drainage capacity inspection frequency, a schedule setting, and an inspection time required, which are used when notifying that it is time to replace a part. 13. The air treatment device of claim 12. (Appendix 14) When an instruction to periodically inspect the water supply means or the drainage means is set, the control unit stores the state of the water supply means or the drainage means over time, and outputs an indication of when maintenance will be required as output device information to the outside as a notification or signal based on the information on whether maintenance is required or the information on the normal operating range. 12. The air treatment device of claim 11. (Appendix 15) The air treatment device is a ventilation device. 10. An air treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0176] 1 control unit, 2 input interface, 3 output interface, 4 water level detection means, 5 water supply means, 6 drainage means, 7 microcomputer, 8 timer unit, 9 maintenance information storage unit, 10 water supply capacity calculation unit, 11 drainage capacity calculation unit, 12 remote controller operation information, 13 output device information, 14 remote controller display, 15 contact signal, 16 communication signal, 17 casing, 18 drain pan, 19 water supply, 20 humidifier, 21 water supply path, 22 drainage, 23 drainage path, 24 temperature control coil, 25 condensed water, 26 supply air blower, 27 supply air, 28 exhaust air blower, 29 total heat exchanger, 30 supply air intake air duct, 31 supply air blowout air duct, 32 exhaust air intake air duct, 33 exhaust air blowout air duct, 34 remote controller, 35 first water level detection means, 36 Second water level detection means, 37 actuator, 51, 52, 53, 54 air treatment device, 55 ventilation device, 91 processing circuit, 92 processor, 93 memory.

Claims

1. a water supply means that can switch between supplying water to the interior of the aircraft and generating water; a drain pan for retaining the supplied water or the generated water; a water level detection means for detecting the water level inside the drain pan; a drainage means that can switch between performing and not performing an operation of draining water outside the aircraft; a control unit having a memory and a timer function, and measuring a water supply inspection time and a drainage inspection time based on whether the water supply means and the drainage means are operating and the water level detected by the water level detection means; The control unit estimates the water supply capacity based on the measured water supply test time and a predetermined water retention amount, and estimates the drainage capacity based on the estimated water supply capacity and the measured drainage test time. An air treatment device characterized by:

2. The control unit uses one or both of the estimated water supply capacity and the estimated drainage capacity to determine whether maintenance of the water supply means or the drainage means is necessary and / or whether the operating state is normal.

2. The air treatment system of claim 1.

3. a water supply means that can switch between supplying water to the interior of the aircraft and generating water; a drain pan for retaining the supplied water or the generated water; a water level detection means for detecting the water level inside the drain pan; a drainage means that can switch between performing and not performing an operation of draining water outside the aircraft; a control unit having a memory and a timer function, and measuring a water supply inspection time and a drainage inspection time based on whether the water supply means and the drainage means are operating and the water level detected by the water level detection means; The control unit estimates the drainage capacity based on the measured water supply inspection time and the measured drainage inspection time and a preset water retention amount. An air treatment device characterized by:

4. The control unit uses the estimated drainage capacity to determine whether maintenance of the water supply means or the drainage means is necessary and / or whether the operating state is normal.

4. The air treatment system of claim 3.

5. a water supply means that can switch between supplying water to the interior of the aircraft and generating water; a drain pan for retaining the supplied water or the generated water; a first water level detection means for detecting a water level inside the drain pan; a second water level detection means for detecting the water level inside the drain pan; a drainage means that can switch between performing and not performing an operation of draining water outside the aircraft; a control unit having a memory and a timer function, the first water level detection means is arranged to be able to detect a water level lower than that of the second water level detection means, The control unit measures the time until each of the first water level detection means and the second water level detection means responds, measures a water supply inspection time and a drainage inspection time based on whether or not the water supply means and the drainage means are operating and the water levels detected by each of the first water level detection means and the second water level detection means, and calculates the ratio between the water supply inspection time and the drainage inspection time, thereby estimating the ratio between the water supply capacity and the drainage capacity. An air treatment device characterized by:

6. The control unit uses the estimated ratio to determine whether maintenance of the water supply means or the water drainage means is required and / or whether the operating state is normal.

6. The air treatment system of claim 5.

7. The control unit outputs the acquired or determined information on the state of the part as output device information to the outside as a notification or a signal.

7. An air treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The control unit determines whether maintenance of the water supply means or the drainage means is required and / or whether the operating state is normal based on preset information on whether maintenance is required or information on the normal operating range.

7. An air treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. When an instruction to periodically inspect the water supply means or the drainage means is set, the control unit stores the state of the water supply means or the drainage means over time, and outputs an indication of when maintenance will be required as output device information to the outside as a notification or signal based on the information on whether maintenance is required or the information on the normal operating range.

9. The air treatment system of claim 8.

10. The air treatment device is a ventilation device.

7. An air treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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