JP2012193884A - Refrigerant leakage detector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerant leakage detector capable of confirming a normal operation of the refrigerant leakage detector easily in the possible range on the inspection at any time besides regular checking or in such a case that there is no person in charge on the spot.SOLUTION: The refrigerant leakage detector 1, which outputs an alarm display or/and an alarm sound on detection of the refrigerant leakage and, at the same time, outputs an alarm signal by means of an external output means (relay or the like), includes: a first checking means which, even when refrigerant leakage is not detected by a first operation, outputs the alarm display or/and the alarm sound; and a second checking means which, even when the refrigerant leakage is not detected by a second operation, outputs the alarm signal from the external output means. Therein, such an alarm output stopping means that, when the alarm signal is output from the external output means by the second operation, the output of the alarm signal from the external output means is stopped by a third operation is disposed, or the output of the alarm signal can be stopped after the elapse of a prescribed time after the alarm signal is output from the external output means.

Description

  The present invention relates to a refrigerant leak detector used for detecting the presence or absence of leakage of a refrigerant used in a refrigeration cycle such as an air conditioner or a refrigeration / refrigeration apparatus.

  In recent years, from the viewpoint of global warming, refrigerant leakage from air conditioners, refrigeration equipment, and the like has become a problem. Therefore, a refrigerant leak detector equipped with an alarm lamp, alarm buzzer, external output means, etc. is installed, and the external output means is connected to a shut-off valve, a ventilation fan, a centralized monitoring device for buildings, etc. Is detected, the alarm lamp of the refrigerant leak detector is turned on and the alarm buzzer is sounded to notify that the refrigerant is leaking into the room. In addition, an alarm signal is output from the external output means, the shutoff valve is closed to stop the flow of the refrigerant to prevent the leakage of the refrigerant, the ventilation fan is turned to lower the refrigerant concentration in the sealed room, the centralized monitoring device Countermeasures such as issuing an alarm or automatically reporting to a security company and responding early are being considered.

  When installing the refrigerant leak detector, an inspection is performed to check whether the installed refrigerant leak detector is operating normally or whether the wiring is properly connected. In addition, in this type of refrigerant leak detector, the same inspection as that at the time of installation is performed when replacing the refrigerant leak detector considering the life of a semiconductor gas sensor or the like. In addition, periodic inspections are performed to confirm the normal operation of the refrigerant leak detector.

  As a method of checking the refrigerant leak detector at the time of initial installation, replacement of the refrigerant leak detector, and periodic inspection, there is a method of operating a switch or the like to perform the same operation as the alarm operation at the time of refrigerant leak detection. is there. That is, when the switch is pressed, the alarm lamp is turned on, an alarm sound is output, and an alarm signal is output from the external output means. In this way, the operation of the alarm lamp, the alarm buzzer, the shutoff valve connected to the external output means, the ventilation fan, the centralized monitoring device, etc. is confirmed.

  In addition, as a gas leak alarm device for inspecting a gas leak alarm device that detects a gas leak and generates an alarm, Patent Document 1 discloses an inspection of a gas leak alarm device that checks its function before and after the installation of the gas leak alarm device. An apparatus is described.

Japanese Patent No. 3484045

  However, in addition to the above periodic inspections, etc., there may be a case where it is desired to inspect at any time in order to check the normal operation of the refrigerant leak detector. In this case, the external output means is actually operated and wired to the external output means. When the connected shut-off valve, ventilation fan, and centralized monitoring device are confirmed to operate, the shutoff valve is activated to stop air conditioning, the ventilating fan is actually turned on, or the centralized monitoring device of the building detects an abnormality and alerts Or depending on the system, it may automatically notify the security company.Therefore, the shut-off valve is reset, the ventilation fan is stopped, the centralized monitoring device is operated to reset the alarm, There was a problem, such as having to contact the company and tell them to check.

  In addition, there is no problem when a person in charge of external equipment is stationed at the work site during periodic inspections, etc. There was a problem that periodic inspections could not be performed at all because resetting and the like could not be performed.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the problems in the above-described conventional technology, and can be simplified as much as possible even at any time of inspection other than during regular inspections or when there is no on-site person in charge. Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerant leak detector that can confirm the normal operation of the refrigerant leak detector.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a refrigerant leak detector that outputs an alarm display or / and an alarm sound at the time of refrigerant leak detection, and outputs an alarm signal from an external output means. Even when the refrigerant leak is not detected, even when the refrigerant leak is not detected by the first operation and the second operation for outputting the alarm display or / and the alarm sound, And second inspection means for outputting the alarm signal from the external output means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to confirm whether or not the alarm lamp of the refrigerant leak detector is turned on and whether or not the alarm buzzer sounds by the first inspection means. Since it is possible to check whether there is a failure of the device itself or to output an alarm signal from the external output means, the device connected to the external output means does not operate, and therefore the shutoff valve does not close. There is no need to go up to the back of the ceiling and reset the shut-off valve, and the ventilating fan does not work and the central monitoring device does not detect any abnormalities, so there is no need to reset the central monitoring device or contact the security company. In addition, the normal operation of the refrigerant leak detector can be easily confirmed as much as possible at the time of any inspection other than the periodic inspection, or when the person in charge of the site is absent.

  In addition, the second checking means can actually confirm the closing of the shutoff valve connected to the external output means, the operation of the ventilation fan, the abnormality detection of the centralized monitoring device, etc. Periodic inspections can be performed, and it can be confirmed that the wiring work is appropriate.

  In the refrigerant leak detector, when the alarm signal is output from the external output means by the second operation, the output of the alarm signal from the external output means is stopped by the third operation. An alarm output stop means can be provided. As a result, an alarm signal is output from the external output means by the second inspection means, and the operation of each device connected to the external output means is confirmed. As a result, whether the operation is normal or not is performed with correct wiring. When it is confirmed whether or not there is, the alarm signal output from the external output means can be immediately stopped by the third operation.

  In the refrigerant leak detector, when the alarm signal is output from the external output means by the second operation, the output of the alarm signal is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed since the alarm signal was output. be able to. Thus, when the alarm signal is output from the external output means by the second inspection means, the output of the alarm signal is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed since the alarm signal was output. An alarm signal is output, and the operation of each device connected to the external output means is confirmed. As a result, it is confirmed whether the operation is normal or the wiring is correct. Even when the operator forgets to stop the alarm signal output from the external output means by the third operation, the output of the alarm signal can be automatically stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily check the normal operation of the refrigerant leak detector as much as possible even at the time of any inspection other than the periodic inspection, or even when the person in charge of the site is absent. A refrigerant leak detector that can be provided can be provided.

It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit of the refrigerant | coolant leak detector concerning this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the pre-processing at the time of checking LED and a buzzer of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the check operation | movement of LED and a buzzer performed after the pre-processing shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart for checking an alarm signal output to the outside by the relays 1 and 2 in FIG. 1 and an operation for manually and / or automatically stopping the alarm signal output to the outside.

  Next, modes for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The refrigerant leak detector according to the present invention includes a power supply circuit including, for example, a transformer, a rectifier circuit, a smoothing circuit, a three-terminal regulator IC, and the like (not shown). It is converted into a DC power source such as DCI2V or DC5V required by the circuit.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a refrigerant leak detector 1 includes a CPU 2a that executes a program, a ROM 2b that stores programs and constants, a RAM 2c that stores measurement values and variables, and an A / D converter that converts analog voltages into digital values. 2d, a microcomputer 2 having an I / O port 2e necessary for input / output of a signal with a peripheral circuit, a timer 2f for measuring time, and the like, and these components are connected to each other via an internal bus.

  Next, each component connected directly or indirectly to the microcomputer 2 will be described.

  LED1 (green) L1 is a power lamp, and lights up while the power is on. The LED1 (green) drive circuit LD1 is composed of a transistor or the like, and amplifies a signal from the microcomputer 2 to light the LED1 (green).

  LED2 (red) L2 is an alarm lamp, and is lit when an abnormality is detected when refrigerant leakage is detected. This LED2 (red) drive circuit LD2 is composed of a transistor or the like, and amplifies the signal from the microcomputer 2 to light the LED2 (red).

  The LED 3 (yellow) L3 is a failure lamp, and is turned on, for example, when a disconnection or a short circuit of a semiconductor gas sensor 3 described later is detected, and notifies that the refrigerant leak detector 1 has failed. The drive circuit LD3 of the LED 3 (yellow) is composed of a transistor or the like, and amplifies a signal from the microcomputer 2 to light the LED 3 (yellow).

  The relay 1 (R1) is one of external output means, and outputs an alarm signal when an abnormality occurs such as when refrigerant leakage is detected. The drive circuit RD1 of the relay 1 is composed of a transistor or the like, and drives the relay 1 by amplifying a signal from the microcomputer 2. For example, a shutoff valve 16 is connected to the relay 1, and when a refrigerant leak is detected, an alarm signal is output from the relay 1, the shutoff valve 16 is closed to stop the refrigerant flow, and the refrigerant leak is prevented.

  The relay 2 (R2) is another external output means, and outputs an alarm signal in the event of an abnormality such as when refrigerant leakage is detected, like the relay 1. The drive circuit RD2 of the relay 2 is configured by a transistor or the like, and drives the relay 2 by amplifying a signal from the microcomputer 2. For example, a ventilating fan 17 is connected to the relay 2, and when a refrigerant leak is detected, an alarm signal is output from the relay 2, and the ventilating fan 17 is turned to lower the refrigerant concentration in the room.

  In addition, for example, a building centralized monitoring device 18 may be connected to the relay 2, and in this case, when a refrigerant leak is detected, an alarm signal is output from the relay 2 and the building centralized monitoring device 18 receives the refrigerant. You can be notified of leaks and respond quickly.

  The relay 1 and the relay 2 may be connected to any device such as a shutoff valve 16, a ventilation fan 17, and a building centralized monitoring device 18.

  The buzzer 10 is provided in order to generate an intermittent sound and notify the surroundings when an abnormality occurs when refrigerant leakage is detected, or when a failure or failure is detected when a semiconductor gas sensor 3 described later is disconnected or short-circuited. The buzzer drive circuit 11 is composed of a transistor or the like, and amplifies a signal from the microcomputer 2 to sound the buzzer 10.

  The buzzer switch 6 is a state in which the buzzer 10 generates an intermittent sound in the event of an abnormality or failure, etc., and recognizes that the surrounding person is in an abnormal state or a failure state. Used to stop The buzzer sound is stopped by simply pressing the buzzer switch 6, but the lighting of the LED 2 (red) and the alarm signal output from the relays 1 and 2 which are external output means are not stopped. The input circuit 7 of the buzzer switch 6 is composed of a resistor and a capacitor, and inputs the state of the buzzer switch 6 to the microcomputer 2.

  The test switch 8 is in a state in which refrigerant leakage is not detected, that is, in a refrigerant leakage monitoring state, by a first operation, for example, a short press of less than 3 seconds, LED1 (green), LED2 (red), LED3 ( Yellow) is sequentially turned on at intervals of 1 second, for example, and then an operation of outputting a buzzer sound for 1 second, for example, is executed (first inspection means).

  In addition, the second operation, for example, a long press for 3 seconds or more, executes an operation for bringing the contacts of the relays 1 and 2 as external output means into an open state, that is, the same alarm signal output state as when refrigerant leakage is detected ( Second inspection means). Further, when the contacts of the relays 1 and 2 which are the external output means are in the open state by the second inspection means, the relay 1 in the open state can be obtained by pressing the third switch, for example, the test switch 8 for 3 seconds or longer. 2 is returned to the short-circuit state, that is, the alarm signal output from the external output means is stopped (alarm output stop means). The input circuit 9 of the test switch 8 is composed of a resistor and a capacitor, and the state of the test switch 8 is input to the microcomputer 2.

  The semiconductor gas sensor (hereinafter referred to as “sensor”) 3 has a resistance value that varies depending on the concentration of the refrigerant, has a heater (not shown) therein, and detects the refrigerant concentration while the heater is heated. The microcomputer 2 outputs a pulse signal to an amplifier circuit 4 composed of a transistor or the like, and the amplifier circuit 4 amplifies this and applies a pulse voltage to the heater inside the sensor to heat the heater. The resistance value of the sensor 3 is converted into an analog voltage by the conversion circuit 5 and input to the A / D converter 2 d inside the microcomputer 2.

  Next, the refrigerant leak detection operation of the refrigerant leak detector 1 having the above configuration will be described.

  When the power is turned on, the CPU 2a of the microcomputer 2 reads and executes the program stored in the ROM 2b. Then, the LED 1 (green), which is a power lamp, is turned on, and the contacts of the relays 1 and 2 are closed to enter the output state at the time of refrigerant leakage monitoring, and a pulse signal is output to the amplifier circuit 4 to heat the heater of the sensor 3. . The time for which the heater temperature is heated to a temperature sufficient for detection, for example, 30 seconds is measured by the timer 2f, and detection of the refrigerant is started after 30 seconds. Specifically, a certain time, for example, 10 seconds is measured using the timer 2f, and the analog voltage obtained by converting the sensor resistance value every 10 seconds is A / D converted by the A / D converter 2d to obtain a digital value. The obtained value is stored in the RAM 2c and compared with a set value to determine whether or not the refrigerant is leaking. As a result, when refrigerant leakage is detected, the LED 1 (red) is turned on, and an alarm signal is output from the relays 1 and 2 that are external output means. That is, the contacts of the relays 1 and 2 are opened. Further, an intermittent sound is emitted from the buzzer 10. As a result, the equipment connected to the relays 1 and 2, that is, the shutoff valve 16 is closed, the refrigerant flow is shut off to prevent refrigerant leakage, the ventilation fan 17 is turned to reduce the indoor refrigerant concentration, The centralized monitoring device 18 issues an alarm or automatically notifies the security company so that it can respond quickly.

  In addition, various things, such as R12, R22, R134a, R404A, R410A, R407C, R32, R1234yf, can be used for a refrigerant | coolant, for example, It is not restricted to these.

  Further, the number of relays 1 and 2, LEDs 1, 2 and 3, and switches 6 and 8 is not limited to this example, and the buzzer 10 is not necessarily provided. Further, it is not always necessary to provide LED1 (green) which is a power lamp and LED3 (yellow) which is a failure lamp. Furthermore, the sensor 3 is not limited to a semiconductor type, and may be another type of sensor as long as refrigerant leakage can be detected.

  Next, a series of inspection operations of the LEDs 1, 2, 3 and the buzzer 10 using the first inspection means that outputs an alarm display and an alarm sound by the first operation at the time of monitoring in which refrigerant leakage is not detected. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 shows an initial portion, and FIG. 3 shows a loop portion.

  In the present embodiment, since there are three types of display portions of LEDs 1, 2, and 3, not only alarm display, that is, LED2 (red) alarm lamp, but also LED1 (green) power lamp and LED3 (yellow) ) In the same way as the warning lamp, check the failed lamp.

  FIG. 2 shows a pre-process for performing an inspection operation for each of the LEDs 1, 2, 3 and the buzzer 10. First, it is determined whether or not there is a refrigerant leak (step S1), and if there is no refrigerant leak (step S1). Yes), in step S2, it is determined whether or not the test switch 8 has been pressed for less than 3 seconds (first operation).

  When the test switch 8 is pressed for less than 3 seconds (step S2; Yes), the test flag Ft is set (1) (step S3), and the timer T1s for measuring 1 second is started to measure 1 second. Start (step S4), turn off the LEDs 1, 2, and 3, turn off the buzzer 10 (step S5), and end the preprocessing for checking the LEDs 1, 2, 3, and the buzzer 10.

  If it is determined in step S1 that there is a refrigerant leak (step S1; No), or if the test switch 8 has not been pressed for less than 3 seconds in step S2 (step S2; No), nothing is done. Do not finish the process.

  FIG. 3 shows a loop operation. First, in step S11, it is determined whether or not the test flag set in FIG. 2 is set (1). If the test flag Ft is set (1) (step S11; Yes), it is determined in step S12 whether the LEDs 1, 2, and 3 are turned off and the buzzer 10 is also muted. . When the LEDs 1, 2, and 3 are turned off and the buzzer 10 is also muted (step S12; Yes), in step S13, the timer T1s is timed up, that is, the LEDs 1, 2, and 3 are turned on in FIG. It is determined whether 1 second has passed since the buzzer 10 was turned off. If the timer T1s has expired (step S13; Yes), the LED 1 is turned on (step S14), the timer T1s that measures 1 second is started again (step S15), and the process is terminated. If the timer T1s has not expired (step S13; No), the process is terminated without doing anything.

  In step S12, if the LEDs 1, 2, and 3 are not turned off or the buzzer 10 is not muted (step S12; No), it is determined in step S16 whether the LED 1 is turned on. If LED1 is lit (step S16; Yes), in step S17, it is determined whether the timer T1s has timed up, that is, whether one second has elapsed since the LED1 was lit. When the timer T1s has expired (step S17; Yes), the LED1 is turned off and the LED2 is turned on (step 18), and the timer T1s that measures 1 second is started again (step S19), and the process is performed. finish. In step S17, if the timer T1s has not expired (step S17; No), the process is terminated without doing anything.

  In step S16, when LED1 is not lit (step S16; No), it is determined whether LED2 is lit in step S20. If the LED 2 is lit (step S20; Yes), in step S21, it is determined whether the timer T1s has timed up, that is, whether 1 second has elapsed since the LED 2 was lit. When the timer T1s has expired (step S21; Yes), the LED 2 is turned off and the LED 3 is turned on (step S22), and the timer T1s that measures 1 second is started again (step S23), and the process is performed. finish. In step S21, if the timer T1s has not expired (step S21; No), the process is terminated without doing anything.

  In step S20, when LED2 is not lit (step S20; No), it is determined in step S24 whether LED3 is lit. If the LED 3 is lit (step S24; Yes), it is determined in step S25 whether the timer T1s has timed up, that is, whether one second has elapsed since the LED 3 was lit. If the timer T1s has expired (step S25; Yes), the LED 3 is turned off, a buzzer sound is output (step S26), and the timer T1s that measures 1 second is started again (step S27), and the process is performed. Exit. In step S25, if the timer T1s has not expired (step S25; No), the process is terminated without doing anything.

  If the LED 3 is not lit in step S24 (step S24; No), it can be determined that the buzzer sound is being output. Therefore, in step S28, the time T1s is up, that is, the buzzer sound is output. It is determined whether 1 second has passed. If the timer T1s has expired (step S28; Yes), the buzzer sound is silenced (step S29), the test flag Ft is cleared (0) (step S30), and the process is terminated. If the timer T1s has not expired (step S28; No), the process is terminated without doing anything.

  In step S11, if the test flag Ft is not set (step S11; No), the process ends without doing anything.

  As described above, when the first operation, that is, the test switch 8 is pressed for less than 3 seconds, the alarm display, that is, the LED2 (red) alarm lamp, the LED1 (green) power lamp, the LED3 (yellow) failure lamp It can be confirmed whether or not the buzzer 10 sounds. At this time, the external output means does not operate. Note that the lighting / extinguishing method and the buzzer output method are not limited to this example, and the energization order, the energization time, and the like are arbitrary.

  Next, referring to FIG. 4, the operation of the second inspection means for outputting an alarm signal from the external output means by the second operation at the time of monitoring when refrigerant leakage is not detected, and the second inspection means externally An operation for stopping the alarm signal output from the output means after a predetermined time, and an operation for stopping the alarm signal output from the external output means by the second inspection means by the third operation (operation of the alarm output stop means) ).

  First, it is determined whether or not there is a refrigerant leak (step S41). If there is no refrigerant leak (step S41: Yes), in step S42, it is determined whether or not the test switch 8 is pressed for 3 seconds or longer. To do. Holding down the test switch 8 for 3 seconds or longer is a second operation.

  Here, if the test switch 8 has been pressed for 3 seconds or longer (step S42: Yes), it is determined in step S43 whether or not the contacts of the relays 1 and 2 are closed.

  When the contacts of the relays 1 and 2 are closed (step S43: Yes), the contacts of the relays 1 and 2 are opened, that is, the same alarm signal output state as that at the time of refrigerant leakage detection is set (step S44), for example, 48 hours. Is started (step S45), and the process is terminated.

  Thereafter, in the same manner as described above, when the refrigerant leakage judgment (step S41) and the test switch 8 depression judgment (step S42) are performed, and the test switch 8 has not been pressed for more than 3 seconds (step S42: Nо). In step S46, it is determined whether or not the timer T48 has expired, that is, whether or not 48 hours have elapsed since the contacts of the relays 1 and 2 were opened. Here, when 48 hours have not elapsed (step S46: No), the processing is ended as it is, the contact points of the relays 1 and 2 are opened, and the alarm output state is continued.

  If it is determined in step S46 that the timer T48 has expired (step S46: Yes), that is, if 48 hours have elapsed since the contacts of the relays 1 and 2 were opened, the relays 1 and 2 were used. Are closed (step S47), that is, the refrigerant leakage monitoring state in which refrigerant leakage is not detected is set, and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the timer T48 is started (step S45) and the test switch 8 is pressed for 3 seconds or longer in step S42 before the timer T48 expires (step S46) (step S42; Yes), In step S43, it is determined whether the relays 1 and 2 are open, that is, in an alarm signal output state. The third operation is to hold down the test switch 8 for 3 seconds or longer.

  Since the relays 1 and 2 are open in step S44, it is determined that the relays 1 and 2 are open in step S43 (step S43; No), and the contacts of the relays 1 and 2 are closed in step S48. That is, from the alarm state to the monitoring state, the timer T48 that measures 48 hours is stopped (step S49), and the process is terminated.

  Further, when refrigerant leakage is detected in step S41 (step S41: No), the process proceeds to step S49, and after the timer T48 that is measuring 48 hours is stopped, an alarm operation based on normal refrigerant leakage detection, That is, the operation of turning on LED 2 (red), outputting a buzzer sound, and opening the contacts of the relays 1 and 2 as external output means is executed by a program (not shown).

  Thus, when the alarm signal is output from the external output means by the second inspection means during the coolant leakage monitoring, the LED is turned on in a special lighting state, for example, LED2 (red ) The alarm lamp may be dropped at 1 second intervals.

  In this example, the third operation is the same as the second operation by pressing and holding the test switch 8 for 3 seconds or longer. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The test switch 8 and the buzzer switch 6 may be simultaneously pressed for 3 seconds or longer, or a dedicated switch may be newly provided for the third operation.

1 Refrigerant leak detector 2 Microcomputer 2a CPU
2b ROM
2c RAM
2d A / D
2e I / O
2f TM
3 Semiconductor gas sensor 4 Amplifying circuit 5 Conversion circuit 6 Buzzer switch 7 Buzzer switch input circuit 8 Test switch 9 Test switch input circuit 10 Buzzer 11 Buzzer drive circuit 16 Shut-off valve 17 Ventilation fan 18 Centralized monitoring device L1 LED1 (green) )
L2 LED2 (red)
L3 LED3 (yellow)
LD1 LED1 (green) drive circuit LD2 LED2 (red) drive circuit LD3 LED3 (yellow) drive circuit R1 Relay 1
R2 relay 2
RD1 Relay 1 drive circuit RD2 Relay 2 drive circuit

Claims (3)

A refrigerant leak detector that outputs an alarm signal or / and an alarm sound when detecting a refrigerant leak and outputs an alarm signal from an external output means,
A first check means for outputting the warning display or / and warning sound even when refrigerant leakage is not detected by the first operation;
A refrigerant leak detector comprising: second inspection means for outputting the alarm signal from the external output means even when refrigerant leak is not detected by the second operation.   A warning output stopping means for stopping the output of the warning signal from the external output means by a third operation when the warning signal is output from the external output means by the second operation; The refrigerant leak detector according to claim 1.   The output of the alarm signal is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed from the output of the alarm signal when the alarm signal is output from the external output means by the second operation. The refrigerant leak detector according to 1 or 2.

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