Refrigerant sensors and air conditioning systems

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a refrigerant sensor which can notify, in an aspect differing from other operational states or abnormal states, when a refrigerant leakage has been detected, and which can improve safety without taking time or effort.　In a second state for monitoring refrigerant leakage, a refrigerant sensor 30 causes an operation lamp 32 and a warning lamp 33 to turn on or blink in a second aspect differing from causing the operation lamp 32 and the warning lamp 33 to turn on or blink in a first aspect during the execution of a determination process, and when a sensor control unit 35 has detected a refrigerant leakage in the second state, the refrigerant sensor 30 causes the operation lamp 32 and the warning lamp 33 to turn on or blink in a third aspect differing from both the first aspect and the second aspect while notifying an indoor unit 10 that a refrigerant leakage has been detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerant sensor and an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] The indoor unit described in Patent Document 1 has a switching unit that switches between conditions where a refrigerant sensor is required and conditions where a refrigerant sensor is not required. In the case of conditions where a refrigerant sensor is required, this indoor unit continuously performs communication confirmation with the refrigerant sensor and notifies the remote control when it determines that communication with the refrigerant sensor is not being carried out normally. Also, in the case of conditions where a refrigerant sensor is not required, the indoor unit does not perform the above communication confirmation or abnormal notification.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a refrigerant sensor and an air conditioner that enable an operator to easily determine whether the connection of the refrigerant sensor is being carried out normally.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The refrigerant sensor in the present disclosure is a refrigerant sensor that is installed in an air-conditioned space, connected to an indoor unit, and detects refrigerant leakage, and includes a lighting unit and a sensor control unit that controls the operation of the lighting unit. The aforementioned lighting unit consists of an operation lamp and a warning lamp. When the refrigerant sensor is connected to the indoor unit, the sensor control unit executes a determination process for determining whether it can communicate normally with the indoor unit. When in a first state during the execution of the determination process, the sensor control unit controls the lighting unit in a first mode. Selectively the operation lamp and the warning lampIn a second state in which the refrigerant sensor is activated to light up or blink, and communication with the indoor unit becomes possible through the determination process, and refrigerant leakage is monitored, the refrigerant sensor is activated in a second mode different from the first mode, and the illumination unit Selectively the operation lamp and the warning lamp The light unit is turned on or blinks, and if the sensor control unit detects a refrigerant leak in the second state, the lighting unit is turned on in a third mode that is different from both the first and second modes. Selectively the operation lamp and the warning lamp To make it light up or blink. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to this disclosure, by operating the lighting unit in a manner corresponding to the first state and the second state, the operator can confirm whether the refrigerant sensor is properly connected. Furthermore, if the sensor control unit detects a refrigerant leak in the second state, it can recognize the refrigerant leak by turning on or flashing the lighting unit in a third manner that is different from both the first and second modes, thereby distinguishing it from the judgment processing state and the monitoring state, and improving safety. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an air conditioning system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of status indication by the illumination and flashing operations of the operation lamp and warning lamp in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation in Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, there was a technology that had a switching unit in the indoor unit that switched between conditions in which a refrigerant sensor was required and conditions in which a refrigerant sensor was not required. When a refrigerant sensor was required, the indoor unit continuously checked for communication with the refrigerant sensor and notified the remote control if it determined that communication with the refrigerant sensor was not working properly. When a refrigerant sensor was not required, the indoor unit did not perform the above communication check or abnormality notification.

[0009] However, conventional technology does not disclose how an operator can determine whether the initial connection between the refrigerant sensor and the indoor unit has been made correctly. This disclosure provides a refrigerant sensor and an air conditioning system that allow an operator to easily determine whether or not the refrigerant sensor is properly connected.

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the air conditioning system 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0012] [1-1-1. Configuration of Air Conditioning System 1] As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 1 in this embodiment includes an indoor unit 10, an outdoor unit 20 (see Figure 2), a refrigerant sensor 30, and a remote control 40. The indoor unit 10 is equipped with a box-shaped casing 11. The casing 11 is installed on a wall 13 near the ceiling 12 of the air-conditioned space. Inside the housing 11, an indoor heat exchanger (not shown) and an indoor fan for sending air to the indoor heat exchanger are accommodated.

[0013] On the lower surface of the housing 11, a suction port 14 for sucking air in the air-conditioned space is formed. On the front surface of the housing 11, a blowout port 15 for blowing out the air that has been sucked from the air-conditioned space and heat-exchanged with the indoor heat exchanger into the air-conditioned space is formed. An outdoor unit is connected to the indoor unit 10 via a refrigerant pipe. Although not shown, the outdoor unit houses a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan, an outdoor expansion valve, etc.

[0014] The refrigerant sensor 30 is installed below the wall surface of the air-conditioned space. This is because the R32 refrigerant, which is a slightly flammable refrigerant, is heavier than air, and when refrigerant leakage occurs, the leaked refrigerant tends to accumulate below the air-conditioned space. The refrigerant sensor 30 includes a sensor case 31 having a substantially box shape. An operation lamp 32 and a warning lamp 33 are provided on the front surface of the sensor case 31, respectively. The operation lamp 32 is constituted by, for example, a green LED lamp. The warning lamp 33 is constituted by, for example, a red LED lamp. Inside the sensor case 31, a sensor unit 34 for detecting leaked refrigerant is accommodated.

[0015] A remote controller 40 is installed above the wall surface of the air-conditioned space. The remote controller 40 includes a remote controller case 41 having a substantially box shape. On the front surface of the remote controller case 41, a display unit 42 composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display element and an operation unit 43 provided with operation buttons are provided.

[0016] [1-1-2. Control Configuration] Next, the control configuration of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor unit 10 includes an indoor control unit 16, an indoor storage unit 17, and an indoor communication unit 18. The indoor control unit 16 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU or MPU that executes programs, and memory such as ROM and RAM. The processor reads control programs stored in memory and executes various processes through the cooperation of hardware and software. The indoor storage unit 17 stores information sent from, for example, the refrigerant sensor 30 or the remote control 40. The indoor communication unit 18 communicates with the refrigerant sensor 30 and the remote control 40.

[0017] The refrigerant sensor 30 includes a sensor unit 34 for detecting leaked refrigerant, a sensor control unit 35, a sensor storage unit 36, a sensor communication unit 37, an operation lamp 32, a warning lamp 33, and an notification unit 38. Here, the notification unit 38 includes, for example, a notification unit that provides notification by sound, such as a buzzer, and a notification unit that provides notification by display, such as a liquid crystal display element. The sensor control unit 35 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU or MPU that executes programs, and memory such as ROM or RAM. The processor reads the control program stored in the memory and executes various processes through the cooperation of hardware and software. The sensor memory unit 36 ​​stores the cumulative energization time of the sensor unit 34, configuration information of the air conditioning system 1, and the like. The sensor communication unit 37 communicates with the indoor communication unit 18 of the indoor unit 10, and if multiple refrigerant sensors 30 are installed in the air-conditioned space, it can also communicate with other refrigerant sensors 30.

[0018] The operation lamp 32 and the warning lamp 33 are configured to be able to be turned on or to flash, respectively. By combining the turning on and flashing operations of the operation lamp 32 and the warning lamp 33 by the sensor control unit 35, it is possible to notify a predetermined state. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of status indication by the illumination and flashing operations of the operation lamp 32 and the warning lamp 33.

[0019] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, under normal monitoring conditions, the operation lamp 32 lights up and the warning lamp 33 turns off. If a communication error occurs with the indoor unit 10, the operation lamp 32 will blink and the warning lamp 33 will turn off. If a refrigerant leak is detected, the operation lamp 32 turns off and the warning lamp 33 flashes. In this case, the flashing of the warning lamp 33 occurs at shorter intervals than the flashing of other indicators. For example, if a refrigerant leak is detected, the operation lamp 32 flashes at 0.5-second intervals, while if another condition is indicated, the operation lamp or warning lamp flashes at 1-second intervals. This allows for the detection of refrigerant leakage to be distinguished from other conditions.

[0020] If an abnormality occurs in the refrigerant sensor 30, the operation lamp 32 will blink and the warning lamp 33 will light up. If multiple refrigerant sensors 30 are connected to the indoor unit 10, the operation lamp 32 and warning lamp 33 will flash. If a refrigerant sensor 30 has reached the end of its lifespan, the operation lamp 32 and warning lamp 33 will flash. In addition, when multiple refrigerant sensors 30 are connected to the indoor unit 10, and when a refrigerant sensor 30 reaches the end of its lifespan, the operation lamp 32 and warning lamp 33 will flash. To distinguish between the two, for example, when multiple refrigerant sensors 30 are connected, the operation lamp 32 and warning lamp 33 will flash on the same day, and when a refrigerant sensor 30 reaches the end of its lifespan, the operation lamp 32 and warning lamp 33 will flash alternately.

[0021] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the remote control 40 includes a remote control control unit 44, a remote control storage unit 45, a remote control communication unit 46, a display unit 42, and an operation unit 43. The remote control unit 44 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU or MPU that executes programs, and memory such as ROM and RAM. The processor reads the control program stored in the memory and executes various processes through the cooperation of hardware and software. The remote control memory unit 45 stores information sent from, for example, the refrigerant sensor 30 and the remote control 40. The remote control communication unit 46 communicates with the indoor unit 10.

[0022] The display unit 42 displays, for example, predetermined information such as the set temperature of the air-conditioned space, the current indoor temperature, the type of operation such as cooling, heating, or dehumidification, the airflow direction, and the time. The control unit 43 is composed of, for example, multiple control switches, and can be used to set the temperature, operating type, airflow, airflow direction, and other settings.

[0023] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation in Embodiment 1. First, when the air conditioning system 1 starts operating, the sensor control unit 35 determines whether or not power is being supplied to the refrigerant sensor 30 from the indoor control unit 16 of the indoor unit 10 via the indoor communication unit 18 and the sensor communication unit 37 (ST1). If the sensor control unit 35 determines that power is being supplied from the indoor unit 10 (ST1: YES), it sets the refrigerant sensor 30 to the "ready" state (ST2).

[0024] Next, the sensor control unit 35 of the refrigerant sensor 30 transmits an inquiry signal regarding the air conditioning system configuration to the indoor unit 10 (ST3) and performs an initial determination process to determine whether or not it can communicate with the indoor unit 10 normally. This state corresponds to the first state of this disclosure. If the sensor control unit 35 receives information regarding the air conditioning system configuration from the indoor unit 10 (ST4:YES), it stores the information regarding the air conditioning system configuration in the sensor storage unit 36 ​​(ST5). If the sensor control unit 35 cannot receive information regarding the air conditioning system configuration from the indoor unit 10 (ST4:NO), it enters a "communication error" state, causes the operation lamp 32 to blink, and turns off the warning lamp 33 (ST12). This state corresponds to the first embodiment.

[0025] The sensor control unit 35 of the refrigerant sensor 30 determines whether other refrigerant sensors are also connected to the indoor unit 10 to which the refrigerant sensor 30 is connected (ST6). This is done by the refrigerant sensor 30 receiving transmission signals from other refrigerant sensors via the indoor unit 10. If the sensor control unit 35 determines that multiple refrigerant sensors 30 are connected (ST6:YES), it sets the system to the "multiple indoor units connected" state (ST13). The sensor control unit 35 then causes the operation lamp and warning lamp to flash simultaneously. On the other hand, if the sensor control unit 35 determines that none of the refrigerant sensors 30 are connected (ST6:NO), it determines whether or not the refrigerant being used is R32 refrigerant (ST7). If the sensor control unit 35 determines that the refrigerant being used is not R32 refrigerant (ST7:NO), the refrigerant sensor 30 enters the "refrigerant sensor not required" state, and the remote control 40 notifies that the refrigerant sensor 30 is not required (ST14).

[0026] If the sensor control unit 35 determines that the refrigerant being used is R32 refrigerant (ST7:YES), it switches to the "monitoring" state by the refrigerant sensor 30 (ST8). This state corresponds to the second state. When the refrigerant sensor 30 is in "monitoring" mode, the sensor control unit 35 measures the cumulative power supply time to the sensor unit 34 using power supplied from the indoor unit 10.

[0027] When the refrigerant sensor 30 is in the "monitoring" state, the sensor control unit 35 of the refrigerant sensor 30 performs a continuous determination process to continuously or intermittently monitor whether there is a communication abnormality with the indoor unit 10 (ST9). A communication abnormality between the indoor unit 10 and the refrigerant sensor 30 is, for example, when no signal is received from the refrigerant sensor 30. If a communication error occurs between the indoor unit 10 and the refrigerant sensor 30 (ST9:YES), the sensor control unit 35 displays an error on the remote control 40 (ST15).

[0028] If the sensor control unit 35 determines that the refrigerant sensor 30 has reached the end of its lifespan based on the accumulated energizing time (ST10:YES), the refrigerant sensor 30 is set to the "sensor end of life" state (ST16). Also, if the sensor control unit 35 determines that the refrigerant sensor 30 is in an abnormal state (ST10:YES), the refrigerant sensor 30 is set to the "sensor abnormal" state (ST16). Here, an abnormal state of the refrigerant sensor 30 is, for example, when the output voltage of the sensor unit 34 becomes an abnormal value. When the sensor control unit 35 detects a "sensor malfunction" state, it causes the operation lamp 32 to blink and the warning lamp 33 to light up. Furthermore, when the sensor control unit 35 is in the "sensor lifespan" state, it will cause the operation lamp 32 and the warning lamp 33 to blink alternately.

[0029] When the sensor unit 34 detects a refrigerant leak (ST11:YES), the sensor control unit 35 turns off the operation lamp 32 and causes the warning lamp 33 to blink (ST17). This state corresponds to the third mode. At the same time, the remote control 40 notifies the system of the refrigerant leak (ST17). Furthermore, the state in which multiple refrigerant sensors 30 are connected to one indoor unit 10, and the state in which a refrigerant sensor 30 has failed or reached the end of its lifespan, as described by the sensor control unit 35, correspond to the fourth embodiment.

[0030] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, this embodiment includes an operation lamp 32 and a warning lamp 33 (illumination unit), and a sensor control unit 35 that controls the operation of the operation lamp 32 and the warning lamp 33. When the refrigerant sensor 30 is connected to the indoor unit 10, the sensor control unit 35 performs a determination process to determine whether it can communicate normally with the indoor unit 10. In the first state, while the determination process is being performed, the sensor control unit 35 turns on or flashes the operation lamp 32 and the warning lamp 33 in a first mode. In the second state, when normal communication with the indoor unit 10 is possible as a result of the determination process and refrigerant leakage is monitored, the refrigerant sensor 30 turns on or flashes the operation lamp 32 and the warning lamp 33 in a second mode different from the first mode. If the sensor control unit 35 detects a refrigerant leak in the second state, the refrigerant sensor 30 notifies the indoor unit 10 that a refrigerant leak has been detected, and turns on or flashes the operation lamp 32 and the warning lamp 33 in a third mode different from both the first and second modes.

[0031] This allows the operator to confirm whether the refrigerant sensor 30 is properly connected by activating the operation lamp 32 and warning lamp 33 in manners corresponding to the first and second states, respectively. Furthermore, if the sensor control unit 35 detects a refrigerant leak in the second state, it can illuminate or flash the operation lamp 32 and warning lamp 33 in a third manner that is different from both the first and second states, thereby recognizing the refrigerant leak distinctly from the judgment processing state and the monitoring state, and improving safety.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the sensor control unit 35 detects an abnormal condition other than the case in the second state in which refrigerant leakage is detected, it will turn on or flash the operation lamp 32 and the warning lamp 33 (illumination unit) in a fourth mode different from the third mode. This allows the operation lamp 32 and warning lamp 33 to light up or flash in different ways depending on whether there is a refrigerant leak or other abnormal conditions, making it easier for air conditioner users to recognize when there is a refrigerant leak and thus improving safety.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sensor control unit 35 causes the warning lamp 33 (illumination unit) to blink at shorter intervals than in the fourth embodiment. This makes it easier for users to recognize refrigerant leaks by causing the warning lamp 33 to flash at shorter intervals than in the fourth mode, when a refrigerant leak is detected.

[0034] In this embodiment, the refrigerant sensor 30 further includes a notification unit 38. The sensor control unit 35, when it detects an abnormal condition other than refrigerant leakage, turns on or flashes the operation lamp 32 and warning lamp 33 (illumination unit) in a fourth mode. When it detects refrigerant leakage, it turns on or flashes the operation lamp 32 and warning lamp 33 in a third mode and also provides notification via the notification unit 38. This makes it easier for users to recognize refrigerant leaks by flashing the warning lamp 33 and notifying the user via the notification unit 38 when a refrigerant leak is detected.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the indoor unit 10 is connected to the refrigerant sensor 30, it performs an initial determination process to determine whether it can communicate with the refrigerant sensor 30 normally. If the initial determination process determines that it can communicate with the refrigerant sensor 30 normally, it performs a continuous determination process to continuously or intermittently check whether it can communicate with the refrigerant sensor 30 normally. If the initial determination process determines that the indoor unit 10 and the refrigerant sensor 30 cannot communicate normally, the operation lamp 32 and warning lamp 33 (illumination unit) of the refrigerant sensor 30 provide notification. This allows for an initial assessment process to be performed when the refrigerant sensor 30 is installed. If communication between the refrigerant sensor 30 and the indoor unit 10 is not performed correctly, the refrigerant sensor 30 will notify the worker, allowing them to determine if the refrigerant sensor 30 has an initial defect. Furthermore, communication abnormalities in the refrigerant sensor 30 at the time of installation are indicated by the operation lamp 32 and warning lamp 33 of the refrigerant sensor 30, making it easier for the worker to confirm the issue.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a remote control 40 is provided, and if the remote control 40 determines in the initial determination process that the indoor unit 10 and the refrigerant sensor 30 cannot communicate normally, it does not notify that fact, but in the continuation determination process, if it determines that the indoor unit 10 and the refrigerant sensor 30 cannot communicate normally, it notifies that fact. As a result, by performing a continuous judgment process after the installation of the refrigerant sensor 30, any communication abnormalities between the refrigerant sensor 30 and the indoor unit 10 are notified via the remote control 40, making it easier for air conditioner users to recognize the problem and improving safety.

[0037] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiment 1 has been explained as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in Embodiment 1 above. [Industrial applicability]

[0038] This disclosure is suitably applicable to a refrigerant sensor that uses an external refrigerant sensor and can recognize refrigerant leakage by distinguishing between the judgment processing state and the monitoring state when a refrigerant leak is detected, thereby improving safety. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1. Air conditioning system 10 Indoor unit 11 cabinets 14 Inlet 15 Air outlet 16 Indoor Control Unit 17 Indoor storage 18. Indoor Communications Department 20 Outdoor unit 30 Refrigerant Sensor 31 Sensor Case 32 Operation lamp 33 Warning lights 34 Sensor section 35 Sensor Control Unit 36 Sensor memory unit 37 Sensor Communication Unit 38 Hochi Department 40 Remote Controls 41 Remote control case 42 Display section 43 Operation section 44 Remote Control Unit 45 Remote control memory unit 46 Remote control communication unit

Claims

1. A refrigerant sensor installed in an air-conditioned space, connected to an indoor unit, for detecting refrigerant leakage, It comprises a lighting unit and a sensor control unit that controls the operation of the lighting unit, The aforementioned lighting unit consists of an operation lamp and a warning lamp. The sensor control unit performs a determination process to determine whether it can communicate properly with the indoor unit when the refrigerant sensor is connected to the indoor unit. When the sensor control unit is in the first state during the determination process, it selectively causes the operation lamp and the warning lamp of the illumination unit to light up or blink in the first manner. As a result of the determination process, communication with the indoor unit becomes possible, and in a second state for monitoring refrigerant leakage, the refrigerant sensor selectively causes the operation lamp and the warning lamp of the lighting unit to light up or blink in a second mode different from the first mode. If the sensor control unit detects a refrigerant leak in the second state, it selectively causes the operation lamp and the warning lamp of the illumination unit to light up or flash in a third mode that is different from both the first and second modes. A refrigerant sensor characterized by the following features.

2. If the sensor control unit detects an abnormal condition other than the detection of refrigerant leakage in the second state, it will cause the illumination unit to light up or blink in a fourth mode different from the third mode. The refrigerant sensor according to feature 1.

3. The sensor control unit causes the illumination unit to blink at shorter intervals than in the fourth embodiment. The refrigerant sensor according to feature 2.

4. The refrigerant sensor further comprises a notification unit, If the sensor control unit detects an abnormal condition other than the detection of refrigerant leakage, it will turn on or blink the illumination unit in the fourth mode. If a refrigerant leak is detected, the illumination unit is turned on or flashes in the third mode described above, and the notification unit provides notification. The refrigerant sensor according to feature 2.

5. The unit comprises an indoor unit that can be connected to a refrigerant sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, When the indoor unit is connected to the refrigerant sensor, it performs an initial determination process to determine whether it can communicate with the refrigerant sensor in a normal manner, and if the initial determination process determines that it can communicate with the refrigerant sensor in a normal manner, A continuous determination process is executed to continuously or intermittently check whether communication with the refrigerant sensor is working correctly. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

6. It also comes with a remote control, The remote control shall not notify the user if it is determined in the initial determination process that the indoor unit and the refrigerant sensor cannot communicate properly, and shall notify the user if it is determined in the continuation determination process that the indoor unit and the refrigerant sensor cannot communicate properly. The air conditioning device according to feature 5.

7. If the initial determination process determines that the indoor unit and the refrigerant sensor cannot communicate properly, the illumination unit of the refrigerant sensor will provide notification. The air conditioning device according to feature 6.

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