JP2005241052A - Dehumidifier and package box for dehumidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dehumidifier capable of surely coping with leakage of a combustible refrigerant by remarkably reducing probability that the power accumulated in a power accumulating means is used up even if a condition wherein a power source cord is drawn out of a power source socket frequently happens or continues for a long time, and to provide a package box capable of surely coping with leakage of the refrigerant when packing the dehumidifier using the combustible refrigerant. <P>SOLUTION: The dehumidifier using a combustible refrigerant is provided with a refrigerant leakage detecting means 12, an alarm means 13 for alarming outside, a power accumulating means 15 for supplying power to the refrigerant detecting means 12 and the alarm means 13, and a charging means 16 for charging the power accumulating means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigeration cycle dehumidifier using a flammable refrigerant and its packaging box.

A flammable refrigerant has attracted attention as a refrigerant that has no problem of ozone layer destruction and has a low global warming potential. However, in a refrigeration cycle using a combustible refrigerant, there is a risk of explosion or fire if refrigerant leakage occurs. Therefore, a conventional air conditioner using a flammable refrigerant is provided with a refrigerant leak detection device, and when the refrigerant leak is detected, the warning device warns the user of the refrigerant leak or traps the refrigerant and stops the operation. Further, a storage battery is provided in parallel with the DC power supply as a power supply device, and when the main body power supply is not turned on, such as when not in use or during transportation, the storage battery is operated to operate the refrigerant leak detection device and the refrigerant leak warning device. Moreover, it has a storage battery and a storage battery capacity | capacitance detection apparatus, and when storage battery capacity is lost, electricity supply to an air conditioner main body is stopped (for example, refer patent document 1).
Japanese Patent No. 3414464 (pages 3 to 5, FIGS. 1 to 14)

  However, unlike air conditioners and refrigerators such as room air conditioners, dehumidifiers are not products that are installed and used throughout the year, so the power cord is often unplugged and stored during periods of non-use, Since power is frequently supplied from the power storage means such as a storage battery, the power capacity of the power storage means is often lost and refrigerant leak detection is often impossible.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the state where the power cord is unplugged from the power outlet frequently occurs or even if it lasts for a long time, the amount of power stored in the power storage means can be lost. An object of the present invention is to obtain a dehumidifier that can significantly reduce the performance and can reliably cope with leakage of a flammable refrigerant.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a dehumidifier that can reliably cope with flammable refrigerant leakage regardless of the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage means.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a packaging box that can reliably cope with a flammable refrigerant leak when packaging a dehumidifier using a flammable refrigerant.

  The dehumidifier of the present invention uses a flammable refrigerant, and includes a refrigerant detection means, an alarm means, a charging means, and a power storage means, and when connected to a power source, the refrigerant detection means and the alarm means are operated by the power of the power source. At the same time, the power storage means is charged by the charging means from the power source, and the refrigerant detecting means and the alarm means are operated by the power storage means when the power source is disconnected.

  The dehumidifier of the present invention charges the power storage means from the power supply by the charging means when connected to the power supply, and operates the refrigerant detection means and the alarm means by the power storage means when the power supply is disconnected. Even if the battery is charged and the power cord is unplugged from the power outlet, such as when it is stowed, and power is not supplied frequently or for a long period of time, the possibility of losing the amount of power stored in the power storage means is greatly reduced. It is possible to reliably cope with refrigerant leakage.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a refrigerant circuit and a ventilation state inside the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the dehumidifier.

In FIG. 1, the configuration and operation of the dehumidifier will be described.
When the dehumidifier is operated, the refrigerant exiting the compressor 1 dissipates heat in the condenser 2, is depressurized by the throttle valve 3, evaporates in the evaporator 4, and returns to the compressor 1 again. On the other hand, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 1, the indoor air is sucked into the main body from the suction port by the blower 5, dehumidified and cooled by the evaporator 4, and heated by the condenser 2. Then, the air is again dehumidified indoors through the blower 5 and the temperature is adjusted, and the air is blown out from the outlet. In the housing 20 of the dehumidifier body, together with the compressor 1, the condenser 2, the evaporator 4, the blower 5, and the like, the refrigerant detection means 12, the alarm means 13, the power storage means 15, and the charging means are detected. 16 etc. The dehumidifier uses a flammable refrigerant such as isobutane or propane.

Next, the control of the control device 11 when refrigerant leakage occurs will be described with reference to the control block diagram of FIG.
When refrigerant leakage occurs, refrigerant leakage is detected by the refrigerant detection means 12 installed in the lower part of the dehumidifier, and the compressor 1 and the blower 5 are stopped. At the same time, the alarm unit 13 is operated to notify the user or the like of the refrigerant leakage. Also, a plurality of electromagnetic valves may be arranged in the refrigerant circuit, and measures may be taken, such as reducing the amount of refrigerant leakage by enclosing the refrigerant by closing them. Here, the alarm means can be selected by blinking an LED or the like, making a sound like an alarm buzzer, or by communication such as e-mail. If these are used in combination, it is possible to report and alarm more reliably. Furthermore, an alarm, communication, etc. may be performed by contacting an information network that links home appliances such as Internet home appliances via a communication network.

  During the dehumidifying operation, the power supply means 14 such as a power cord is connected to the power outlet, and the dehumidifying operation is performed by the power of the power supply from the power supply means 14, so that the refrigerant is detected by the power supply from the power supply means 14 as well. The means 12 and the alarm means 13 can be operated. Even when the power supply is stopped, as long as the power supply means 14 is connected to the power outlet, the power supply to the refrigerant detection means 12 and the alarm means 13 is similarly supplied. On the other hand, when the power supply means 14 is removed from the power outlet, such as when not in use or stored, power is supplied from the power storage means 15 such as a storage battery to the refrigerant detection means 12 and the alarm means 13.

  In the present embodiment, the charging unit 16 is provided, and the power storage unit 15 is charged regardless of whether the dehumidifier is operated or stopped when the power supply unit 14 is connected to a power outlet. That is, the power storage unit 15 is charged with power from the power source via the power outlet, the power supply unit 14 and the charging unit 16. Here, the charging unit 16 is an electric circuit that supplies power from the power source supplied via the power supply unit 14 to the power storage unit 15 and charges it, and supplies external power to the power storage unit 15. When the power supply means 14 is disconnected from the power outlet and the power supply from the outside is interrupted, the power supply means 15 supplies power to the refrigerant detection means 12 and the alarm means 13, and the power supply means again. When 14 is connected to the power outlet, the charging means 16 charges the power storage means 15 again.

  By performing the operation as described above, when the power cord is unplugged from the power outlet, the power storage means 15 is always fully charged up to the capacity limit, so that the refrigerant detection means 12 can be operated for a long time. it can. If the power storage capacity of the power storage means 15 is sufficient to cover the entire period during which the dehumidifier is not used, the amount of stored power does not expire during the unused period, and it is possible to cope with refrigerant leakage throughout the year.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the dehumidifier in which the storage amount detection means 17 is added to the control block diagram of FIG. 2. By providing the storage amount detection means 17 in the dehumidifier, the storage means 15 is surely out of power storage. Can be avoided.
When the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage means 15 is always detected by the electricity storage amount detection means 17 and the amount of electricity storage falls below a predetermined value set in advance, for example, when the dehumidifier is stopped, the power cord is disconnected from the power outlet and the electricity storage means 15 is used. Occasionally, the alarm means 13 warns the outside, for example, when the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage means 15 falls below the safe electricity storage quantity. As a result, the user can take measures such as connecting the power supply means 14 to the power outlet and charging via the power supply means 14 and the charging means 16, thereby avoiding the power outage. Here, apart from the warning means 13, a dedicated communication means may be provided when the amount of stored power is reduced.

4 is a control block diagram of the dehumidifier in which the storage period setting means 18 is added to the control block diagram of FIG. 3. By providing the storage period setting means 18 in the dehumidifier, the use period of the dehumidifier ends. When the storage period is set, the storage period setting means 18 sets the storage period, so that the required amount of stored electricity can be reliably charged.
When the user stores the dehumidifier, the storage period setting means 18 sets the storage period, for example, three months or six months. With this setting, the control device 11 calculates the storage amount necessary for the operation of the refrigerant detection means 12 and the storage amount necessary for the operation of the alarm means 13 during the set period, and the current amount detected by the storage amount detection means 17 is calculated. When the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage means 15 is smaller than the total required calculation amount, the alarm means 13 notifies or displays the display function. Therefore, the user charges the shortage from the power source. As a result, it is possible to secure the amount of stored electricity according to the actual storage period, and to reliably cope with refrigerant leakage during the period until the next use.

FIG. 5 is a control block diagram in which the storage amount display means 19 is added to the control block diagram of FIG. 4. By providing the storage amount display means 19 in the dehumidifier, the storage amount can always be confirmed, and the remaining amount of storage is As a result, it is possible to check whether or not the refrigerant leakage detection is performed by the refrigerant detection means 12.
By providing the storage amount display means 19, the storage amount display means 19 displays the storage amount of the storage means 15 detected by the storage amount detection means 17. As a result, the user can always check the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage means 15, so that if the electricity storage capacity decreases and the electricity storage is likely to run out, the power supply means 14 is connected to a power outlet and charged by the charging means 16. Thus, it is possible to avoid running out of electricity when the electricity storage means 15 is used.
In order to confirm whether the refrigerant detection means 12 is operating, the alarm means 13 may also have a display function, and the detection result of the refrigerant detection means 12 may be displayed as safety, danger, or detected concentration. .
Further, the storage period setting means 18 in the control block diagram of FIG. 5 may not be provided. That is, the storage period setting means 18 may not be provided in the dehumidifier in this case.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the refrigerant circuit and the like inside the dehumidifier. Electricity that may become an ignition source when energized, such as the control device 11, the alarm means 13, the power storage means 15, and the charging means 16. The parts are examples installed on the upper part of the dehumidifier body. In this way, it is possible to prevent ignition when a refrigerant leak occurs.
The combustible refrigerant used in the present embodiment is generally heavier than air. For example, isobutane and propane have a density of about 1.5 to 2 times that of air. Therefore, when a refrigerant leak occurs, it sinks and accumulates in the lower part of the dehumidifier body. As shown in FIG. 6, the alarm unit 13, the power storage unit 15, and the charging unit 16 together with the control device 11 are arranged at the top of the dehumidifier body, so that the possibility of touching the refrigerant is reduced even if a refrigerant leak should occur. In addition, the risk of ignition of the refrigerant can be further reduced.

  Furthermore, in the control apparatus 11 of FIGS. 2-5, when the refrigerant | coolant detection means 12 detects a refrigerant | coolant leak, the control apparatus 11 operates the air blower 5. FIG. By operating the blower 5, the leaked refrigerant is diffused by the blower 5, so that it becomes less than the limit concentration to ignite the refrigerant, so that the risk of ignition can be avoided even if it touches the ignition source. It is also possible to further reduce the possibility of. When the refrigerant leakage occurs with the power supply means 14 being disconnected from the power outlet, the blower 5 is operated with the electric power of the power storage means 15.

  In this embodiment, isobutane or propane is described as an example of the combustible refrigerant. However, the same effect can be obtained even with other combustible refrigerants.

  The dehumidifier according to the present embodiment includes a storage amount detection unit 17, and the storage amount detection unit 17 detects the storage amount of the storage unit 15. When the detection result is less than a predetermined value, the alarm unit 13 reports the detection result. When the power storage unit 15 is used, the user may take measures such as connecting the power supply unit 14 to a power outlet and charging the power storage unit 15 via the power supply unit 14 and the charging unit 16 according to the alarm of the alarm unit 13. It is possible to avoid the power storage means 15 being out of power storage.

  In addition, the dehumidifier of the present embodiment includes a storage period setting unit 18, and the storage unit 15 necessary for the operation of the refrigerant detection unit 12 and the alarm unit 13 during the storage period set by the storage period setting unit 18. When the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage means 15 detected by the electricity storage amount detection means 17 is smaller than the amount of electricity stored, the alarm means 13 informs the user, so that the user can charge the shortage from the power source and according to the actual storage period. The amount of power storage can be ensured, and it is possible to avoid the shortage of power storage during the period until the next use and reliably cope with refrigerant leakage.

  Further, the dehumidifier of the present embodiment includes the storage amount display means 19, and the storage amount detection means 17 detects the storage amount of the storage means 15, and displays the detection result on the storage amount display means 19. Since the person can always check the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage means 15, in the unlikely event that the electricity storage amount decreases and the electricity storage is likely to run out, the power supply means 14 is connected to a power outlet and charged by the charging means 16. Therefore, it is possible to avoid running out of power when the power storage means 15 is used.

  In the dehumidifier of the present embodiment, since the power storage means 15 and the charging means 16 are installed on the upper part of the dehumidifier body, even if the refrigerant leaks, the power storage means 15 and the charging means 16 serving as an ignition source There is little possibility of contact and the risk of ignition of the refrigerant can be further reduced.

  Further, in the dehumidifier of the present embodiment, when the refrigerant detection unit 12 detects the leakage of the refrigerant, the blower 5 is operated by the electric power of the power storage unit 15, so that the refrigerant is diffused and diluted even if a refrigerant leak occurs. And can prevent ignition.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, charging the power storage means 15 using the charging means 16 makes it possible to cope with refrigerant leakage even when the power supply means 14 is frequently disconnected from the power outlet or for a long period of time. It was possible to carry out surely. However, even if the refrigerant leaks out, the risk of ignition can be avoided by setting the refrigerant concentration below the concentration limit at which ignition occurs.
In the present embodiment, even if the packing box of the dehumidifier described in the first embodiment leaks and gasifies the refrigerant sealed in the dehumidifier and mixes it with air, the refrigerant volume is not larger than the limit concentration. Say it. As a result, in the unlikely event that refrigerant leaks from the packed dehumidifier, the density of the refrigerant will be heavier than air, so it will not be dissipated from the packing box and will fill the packing box, but the refrigerant concentration will be below the critical concentration to ignite Therefore, the risk of ignition can be avoided.
If the packaging box according to the present embodiment is used, the risk of ignition even if refrigerant leakage occurs from the packed dehumidifier is avoided regardless of the countermeasure against the flammable refrigerant leakage described in the first embodiment. it can.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
Even if a refrigerant outflow hole is provided in the lower part of the casing 20 of the dehumidifier body described in the first embodiment and / or the lower part of the packaging box 31 of the dehumidifier described in the first embodiment, the risk of ignition is avoided. It is possible.
7 is a diagram showing the appearance of the dehumidifier, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the bottom of the dehumidifier from below, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the appearance of the dehumidifier packaging box, and FIG. 10 is the bottom of the dehumidifier packaging box. It is the figure seen from the bottom.
When the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant circuit, the density of the refrigerant is about 1.5 to 2 times that of air, so it settles and fills the inside of the housing 20 of the dehumidifier body and the inside of the packing box 31, If it exceeds the limit concentration to ignite, it will ignite if it touches the ignition source. Therefore, the risk of ignition can be avoided by allowing the leaked refrigerant to quickly flow out from the housing 20 and the packing box 31 of the dehumidifier body so that the refrigerant concentration does not exceed the limit concentration.

Since the combustible refrigerant is heavier than air, when it leaks, it settles at the lower part of the housing 20 of the dehumidifier body or the lower part of the packing box 31. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, by providing the outflow holes 22 at the bottom and bottom of the housing 20 of the dehumidifier body, the leaked refrigerant can be quickly discharged to the outside of the housing 20 of the dehumidifier body. it can.
Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, by providing the outflow holes 32 at the bottom and bottom of the packaging box 31, it becomes possible to quickly discharge the refrigerant from the packaging box 31, and even if refrigerant leakage occurs. The risk of ignition can be avoided.

  The dehumidifier according to the present embodiment can avoid the risk of ignition even if refrigerant leakage occurs, regardless of the countermeasure against the flammable refrigerant leakage described in the first embodiment. Further, if the packaging box of the present embodiment is used, the risk of ignition even if refrigerant leakage occurs from the packed dehumidifier is avoided regardless of the countermeasure for the flammable refrigerant leakage described in the first embodiment. it can.

It is a figure which shows the refrigerant circuit inside a dehumidifier which concerns on Embodiment 1, and ventilation. 2 is a control block diagram according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the inside of a dehumidifier which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the dehumidifier which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the bottom part of the dehumidifier which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the packaging box of the dehumidifier which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the bottom part of the packaging box of the dehumidifier which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Compressor, 2 Condenser, 4 Evaporator, 5 Blower, 12 Refrigerant detection means, 13 Alarm means, 15 Power storage means, 16 Charging means, 17 Power storage amount detection means, 18 Storage period setting means, 19 Power storage amount display means, 20 Housing, 22 Refrigerant outflow hole, 31 Packing box, 32 Refrigerant outflow hole.

Claims (9)

A refrigeration cycle using a combustible refrigerant having a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator, a blower, etc.,
In addition, a refrigerant detection means for detecting leakage of the flammable refrigerant, an alarm means for notifying the leakage of the flammable refrigerant by detection of leakage of the refrigerant detection means, a charging means, and a power storage means,
When connected to a power supply, the refrigerant detection means and the alarm means are operated by the power of the power supply, and the storage means is charged with the power of the power supply by the charging means,
A dehumidifier characterized by operating the refrigerant detection means and the alarm means by the power storage means when the power is disconnected. It has a storage amount detection means,
2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the storage amount detection unit detects the storage amount of the storage unit, and when the detection result is less than a predetermined value, the warning unit notifies the storage unit. A storage period setting means;
The amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage means detected by the electricity storage amount detection means is less than the amount of electricity stored in the electricity storage means required for the operation of the refrigerant detection means and the alarm means during the accommodation period set by the accommodation period setting means. 3. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the alarm means notifies. It has a storage amount display means,
The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage amount detection means detects the storage amount of the storage means and displays the detection result on the storage amount display means. .   The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the power storage unit and the charging unit are installed in an upper part of a dehumidifier body.   The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the refrigerant detection unit detects leakage of the refrigerant, the blower is operated by electric power of the power storage unit. A refrigeration cycle using a combustible refrigerant having a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator, a blower, and the like are housed in a housing,
A dehumidifier having a refrigerant outflow hole for allowing leakage refrigerant to flow out at a lower portion of the housing.   A dehumidifier packaging box having a volume that causes a refrigerant concentration to be equal to or lower than an explosive lower limit when the refrigerant leaks with respect to the amount of combustible refrigerant in the housed dehumidifier. A packaging box for a dehumidifier, comprising a refrigerant outflow hole for allowing a leakable combustible refrigerant from the storage dehumidifier to flow out.

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