JP2018132254A - Environment monitoring device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an environment monitoring device that uses a sensor which needs to be supplied with electric power to enter a state in which a refrigerant can be detected, and that can place the sensor in a refrigerant detectable state at need, make the lifetime of the sensor longer, and suppress a replacement frequency of a sensor part from being higher.SOLUTION: An environment monitoring device comprises a sensor part 110 for detecting a refrigerant, an electric power supply part 120 for supplying sensor driving electric power to the sensor part 110, and position detecting means for detecting the sensor part 110 being at a preset sensor effective position. The electric power supply part 120 supplies the sensor driving electric power to the sensor part 110 when the sensor position detecting means detects the sensor part 110 being at the sensor affective position, but does not supply the sensor driving electric power to the sensor part 110 when the sensor position detecting means does not detect the sensor part 110 being at the sensor effective position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an environment monitoring apparatus.

  As an environmental monitoring device, it has an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and a pipe connection is made between these outdoor unit and the indoor unit, and in the heat pump system using a flammable refrigerant as a refrigerant, leakage of the refrigerant is detected inside the outdoor unit. A device provided with a gas sensor is known. It is also known that a low concentration gas can be detected by using a semiconductor gas sensor as the gas sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-115939 A

  However, when a semiconductor gas sensor is used as the gas sensor in the environmental monitoring apparatus as shown in Patent Document 1, as described in Patent Document 1, a metal oxide is used to make the refrigerant detectable. (Gas sensitive material) needs to be preheated. For this reason, if the sensor is able to detect the refrigerant for a long time, the gas-sensitive material that has been heated to a high temperature is altered by oxidation or miscellaneous gas such as silicon, and the accuracy and reliability of the sensor is reduced. There is a possibility. For this reason, the life of the sensor is shortened, and the replacement frequency of the sensor is increased. On the other hand, if heating of the sensor can be stopped, there is a possibility that the resumption of heating of the sensor may be forgotten when the sensor needs to be operated.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems. The purpose of the environmental monitoring device using a sensor that needs to supply power to the sensor in order to make the refrigerant detectable is that the sensor can make the refrigerant detectable when necessary. An object of the present invention is to obtain an environment monitoring device that can extend the life of a sensor and can suppress an increase in the frequency of replacement of a sensor unit.

  The environment monitoring apparatus according to the present invention includes a sensor unit for detecting a refrigerant, a power supply unit that supplies sensor driving power to the sensor unit so that the sensor unit can detect the refrigerant, and the sensor Sensor position detecting means for detecting that the part is in a preset sensor effective position, and the power supply part detects that the sensor part is in the sensor effective position. Sensor driving power is supplied to the sensor unit, and sensor driving power is supplied to the sensor unit when the sensor position detecting means does not detect that the sensor unit is in the sensor effective position. It is something that does not.

  In the environmental monitoring apparatus according to the present invention, a sensor that needs to supply power to the sensor to make the refrigerant in a detectable state is used, and when necessary, the sensor is in a state in which the refrigerant can be detected. In addition, it is possible to extend the service life of the sensor, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the replacement frequency of the sensor unit.

It is sectional drawing which shows typically the structure of the room where the environmental monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows typically the state in which the sensor part of the environmental monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention exists in a sensor effective position. It is a figure which shows typically the state which the sensor part of the environmental monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention does not exist in a sensor effective position. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the filter of the environmental monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the environment monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the state which the sensor part of the environmental monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention does not exist in a sensor effective position. It is a figure which shows typically the state in which the sensor part of the environmental monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention exists in a sensor effective position. It is a figure which shows typically the state which the sensor part of the environmental monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention does not exist in a sensor effective position. It is a figure which shows typically the state in which the sensor part of the environmental monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention exists in a sensor effective position. It is a figure which shows typically the state which the sensor part of the environmental monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention does not exist in a sensor effective position. It is a figure which shows typically the state in which the sensor part of the environmental monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention exists in a sensor effective position. It is a figure which shows typically the state in the middle of the sensor part of the environmental monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention entering / exiting a sensor effective position.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are simplified or omitted as appropriate. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
1 to 4 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a room to which the environment monitoring apparatus is applied. FIG. 2 shows the sensor unit of the environment monitoring apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state where the sensor is in the sensor effective position, FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state where the sensor unit of the environment monitoring device is not in the sensor effective position, and FIG. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an outdoor unit 20 and an indoor unit 30 of an air conditioner are installed in a room 10 to which the environment monitoring apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. The outdoor unit 20 is installed outside the outer wall 11 of the room 10. The indoor unit 30 is fixed at a position near the upper side of the inner wall 12 of the room 10, for example. As described above, the indoor unit 30 is installed in the room 10 to be air-conditioned, and the outdoor unit 20 is installed outside the room.

  The outdoor unit 20 includes an outdoor unit heat exchanger 21, an outdoor unit fan 22, and a compressor 23. The indoor unit 30 includes an indoor unit heat exchanger 31 and an indoor unit fan 32. The indoor unit 30 and the outdoor unit 20 are connected by a refrigerant pipe 40. The refrigerant pipe 40 is circulated between the indoor unit heat exchanger 31 and the outdoor unit heat exchanger 21. A refrigerant is sealed in the refrigerant pipe 40.

  From the viewpoint of protecting the global environment, it is desirable to use a refrigerant with a small global warming potential (GWP) as the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant pipe 40. Moreover, the refrigerant | coolant enclosed in the refrigerant | coolant piping 40 is a combustible gas. This refrigerant has an average molecular weight greater than that of air (specific gravity with respect to air is greater than 1), and has the property of sinking downward in the direction of gravity in air.

  Specific examples of such a refrigerant include difluoromethane (CH2F2: R32), tetrafluoropropane (CF3CF = CH2: HFO-1234yf), propane (R290), propylene (R1270), ethane (R170), and butane (R600). ), Isobutane (R600a), 1.1.1.2-tetrafluoroethane (C2H2F4: R134a), pentafluoroethane (C2HF5: R125), 1.3.3.3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CF3- (CH = CHF: HFO-1234ze) etc. (mixed) refrigerant | coolant which consists of 1 or more refrigerant | coolants chosen from etc. can be used.

  The compressor 23 is provided on one side of the refrigerant circulation path between the indoor unit heat exchanger 31 and the outdoor unit heat exchanger 21. The compressor 23 is a device that compresses the supplied refrigerant and increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. Although not shown here, an expansion valve is provided on the other side of the circulation path. The expansion valve expands the flowing refrigerant and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. And the circulation path of the refrigerant | coolant formed with the refrigerant | coolant piping 40, and the indoor unit heat exchanger 31, the outdoor unit heat exchanger 21, the four-way valve, the compressor 23, and expansion connected to the said circulation path by the refrigerant | coolant piping 40. The valve constitutes a refrigeration cycle (refrigerant circuit).

  The refrigeration cycle configured as described above performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air in each of the indoor unit heat exchanger 31 and the outdoor unit heat exchanger 21, and thereby between the indoor unit 30 and the outdoor unit 20. It works as a heat pump that transfers heat. At this time, by switching the four-way valve, it is possible to reverse the refrigerant circulation direction in the refrigeration cycle and switch between the cooling operation and the heating operation.

  In the room 10 where the indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner is installed, an environment monitoring device main body 100 is installed. A configuration of the environment monitoring apparatus main body 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The environment monitoring apparatus main body 100 includes a sensor unit 110 and a power supply unit 120. The sensor unit 110 is for detecting the refrigerant.

  The sensor unit 110 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the concentration of the same kind of refrigerant as that enclosed in the refrigerant pipe 40. Specifically, for example, the sensor unit 110 outputs a voltage detection signal proportional to the refrigerant concentration. Alternatively, the sensor unit 110 outputs a detection signal when the refrigerant concentration is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference value. The detection signal output from the sensor unit 110 is transmitted to, for example, the environment monitoring apparatus main body 100 by a wired method or a wireless method.

  Here, the sensor unit 110 is, for example, a semiconductor sensor. The sensor unit 110 which is a semiconductor sensor includes a gas sensitive material such as tin oxide provided on an insulating substrate such as alumina. The sensor unit 110 further includes a heater provided on the lower surface of the insulating substrate. These gas sensitive materials and heaters are accommodated in the sensor case 111 of the sensor unit 110. In order for the sensor unit 110 to be able to detect the refrigerant, it is necessary to energize the heater and heat the gas sensitive material to 300 ° C. to 450 ° C.

  The power supply unit 120 is for supplying power to be supplied to the heater of the sensor unit 110. The power supply unit 120 and the sensor unit 110 are electrically connected by a power supply line 121. The electric power supplied from the power supply unit 120 to the sensor unit 110 through the power line 121 is energized to the heater of the sensor unit 110. When the heater is energized, the gas sensitive material of the sensor unit 110 is heated, and the sensor unit 110 is in a state where the refrigerant can be detected. As described above, the power supply unit 120 supplies the sensor unit 110 with sensor driving power for making the sensor unit 110 detect the refrigerant.

  A sensor housing 101 is formed in the casing of the environment monitoring apparatus main body 100. The sensor accommodating part 101 accommodates the sensor part 110 so that insertion / extraction is possible.

  A contact portion 131 is provided at an intermediate portion of the power line 121. The contact portion 131 can take two states, a closed state and an open state. When the contact portion 131 is closed, power is supplied from the power supply unit 120 to the sensor unit 110 through the power supply line 121. When the contact portion 131 is opened, power supply from the power supply unit 120 to the sensor unit 110 is stopped.

  For example, the contact portion 131 itself is made of a leaf spring, and is normally configured to be closed by the urging force of the leaf spring. That is, the contact part 131 is a normally closed contact. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2, when the sensor part 110 is not accommodated in the sensor accommodating part 101, the contact part 131 is closed. Accordingly, at this time, power is supplied from the power supply unit 120 to the sensor unit 110.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the sensor unit 110 is accommodated in the sensor accommodating unit 101, a part of the sensor unit 110, for example, a terminal unit to which the power supply line 121 is connected is biased by the spring of the contact unit 131. The contact portion 131 is pushed against the above. When the contact part 131 is pushed, the contact part 131 is opened. Therefore, power is not supplied from the power supply unit 120 to the sensor unit 110 in a state where the sensor unit 110 is stored in the sensor storage unit 101.

  In the example described in the first embodiment, the area outside the sensor housing portion 101 is set as the sensor effective position. For this reason, in the state of FIG. 2 in which the sensor unit 110 is not accommodated in the sensor accommodation unit 101, the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position. When the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position, the power supply unit 120 supplies sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110. Therefore, when the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position, the sensor unit 110 is in a state where the refrigerant can be detected.

  In contrast, in the state of FIG. 3 in which the sensor unit 110 is accommodated in the sensor accommodation unit 101, the sensor unit 110 is not in the sensor effective position. When the sensor unit 110 is not in the sensor effective position, the power supply unit 120 does not supply sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110. Therefore, when the sensor unit 110 is not in the sensor effective position, the sensor unit 110 is not in a state where the refrigerant can be detected.

  Thus, the contact part 131 in this Embodiment 1 comprises the sensor position detection means which detects that the sensor part 110 exists in the sensor effective position set beforehand. The power supply unit 120 supplies sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110 when the sensor position detection unit detects that the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position. Further, when the sensor position detection unit does not detect that the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position, the power supply unit 120 does not supply the sensor drive power to the sensor unit 110.

  In the environment monitoring device configured as described above, when using the air conditioner including the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30, the user removes the sensor unit 110 from the sensor housing unit 101 of the environment monitoring device main body 100. Take out. And a user arrange | positions the taken-out sensor part 110 in the location suitable for detecting the refrigerant | coolant which leaked from the refrigerant | coolant piping 40 of the outdoor unit 20 or the indoor unit 30. FIG. That is, the sensor unit 110 is moved to the sensor effective position.

  Then, as described above, the power supply unit 120 supplies sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110. Accordingly, the sensor unit 110 can detect the refrigerant simply by taking the sensor unit 110 out of the sensor housing unit 101 and placing it at a desired position. When the specific gravity of the refrigerant with respect to the air is greater than 1, the leaked refrigerant flows downward from the indoor unit 30. For this reason, it is preferable to arrange the sensor unit 110 vertically below the indoor unit 30.

  On the other hand, when the sensor unit 110 does not need to be operated, for example, when the air conditioner is not used for a long period of time, the user stores the sensor unit 110 in the sensor storage unit 101 of the environment monitoring apparatus main body 100. . That is, the sensor unit 110 is moved to a place that is not the sensor effective position. Then, as described above, the power supply unit 120 stops supplying the sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110.

  As described above, when a semiconductor sensor is used for the sensor unit 110, the gas sensitive material needs to be heated to 300 ° C. to 450 ° C. with a heater in order to make the refrigerant detectable. For this reason, if the sensor unit 110 continues the state in which the refrigerant can be detected for a long time, the gas-sensitive material that has been heated to a high temperature is deteriorated by a miscellaneous gas such as oxidation or silicon, and the accuracy and reliability of the sensor are reduced. There is a possibility that. For this reason, the life of the sensor unit 110 is shortened, and the replacement frequency of the sensor unit 110 is increased.

  On the other hand, in the environment monitoring apparatus configured as described above, when the sensor unit 110 does not need to be operated, the sensor unit 110 is moved to a place where the sensor is not in an effective position. By enclosing in the sensor accommodating unit 101, the energization to the sensor unit 110 is automatically stopped. Therefore, the lifetime of the sensor unit 110 can be extended, and the replacement frequency of the sensor unit 110 can be suppressed from increasing. Moreover, since it is not necessary to leave the sensor part 110 in the room 10, the scenery in the room 10 can be improved.

  When the sensor unit 110 needs to be operated, the sensor unit 110 is moved to the sensor effective position, that is, the sensor unit 110 is automatically taken out of the sensor housing unit 101 to the sensor unit 110 automatically. Is energized. Therefore, when it is necessary to keep the sensor unit 110 in operation, it is possible to ensure that the sensor unit 110 can detect the refrigerant without forgetting to supply the sensor drive power to the sensor unit 110. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the environment monitoring apparatus main body 100 may be provided with a filter 102. Here, the filter 102 is provided inside the sensor accommodating portion 101 of the environment monitoring apparatus main body 100. The filter 102 has a function of adsorbing a solvent such as alcohol and a miscellaneous gas component such as silicon. The filter 102 adsorbs and removes these substances that enter the sensor housing part 101 from the outside, and prevents these substances from reaching the sensor part 110 housed in the sensor housing part 101.

  By doing in this way, it can suppress that the sensor part 110 accommodated in the sensor accommodating part 101 touches a solvent and miscellaneous gas. Accordingly, it is possible to expect a longer life of the sensor unit 110.

  The power supply unit 120 secures sensor driving power to be supplied to the sensor unit 110 from, for example, a commercial power source. Alternatively, a battery may be built in the power supply unit 120 and the sensor driving power may be secured from the built-in battery.

  As described above, the sensor unit 110 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the refrigerant concentration. Then, the environment monitoring apparatus main body 100 drives the indoor unit fan 32 of the indoor unit 30, for example, according to the detection signal from the sensor unit 110. Specifically, the indoor unit 30 drives the indoor unit fan 32 when the detection signal from the sensor unit 110 indicates that the refrigerant has been leaked. In particular, as described above, when the specific gravity of the refrigerant with respect to the air is greater than 1, the refrigerant leaking into the room 10 is accumulated vertically downward, and a portion having a high refrigerant concentration is likely to occur.

  Therefore, in the environmental monitoring apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the indoor unit fan 32 is driven in accordance with the detection signal from the sensor unit 110 to generate an air flow in the room 10 to generate a refrigerant. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a portion having a high concentration due to the retention of water.

  Here, the case where the detection signal from the sensor unit 110 indicates the detection of the occurrence of refrigerant leakage is specifically, for example, if the sensor unit 110 outputs a detection signal having a voltage proportional to the refrigerant concentration. Corresponds to a voltage higher than a preset reference value. Alternatively, if the detection signal is output from the sensor unit 110 when the refrigerant concentration is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference value, the detection signal from the sensor unit 110 may be output from the sensor unit 110. Corresponds to the case where the refrigerant leak detection is detected.

  In the above description, an example in which the refrigeration cycle apparatus to which the environment monitoring apparatus according to the present invention is applied is an air conditioner has been described. However, the refrigeration cycle apparatus to which the environment monitoring apparatus according to the present invention is applied is not limited to an air conditioner. Any apparatus provided with a refrigeration cycle that uses an enclosed refrigerant can be used. For example, a water heater, a showcase, a refrigerator, or the like may be used.

  Further, not only the indoor unit fan 32 is driven in accordance with the detection signal from the sensor unit 110, but also, for example, a ventilation system such as a ventilation fan provided in the room 10 is driven, or a window provided in the room 10 is provided. Or may be opened.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 5 relates to Embodiment 2 of the present invention and is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the environment monitoring apparatus.

  In the second embodiment described here, in the configuration of the first embodiment described above, the sensor unit is a card type, and the remote control of the air conditioner is provided with a sensor housing unit. Hereinafter, the environmental monitoring apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the second embodiment, the environment monitoring apparatus main body 100 installed in the room 10 is also a remote controller 50 of the air conditioner. The environment monitoring apparatus main body 100 and the remote controller 50 are attached to the inner wall 12 of the room 10, for example. A display unit 51 is provided on the front surface of the remote controller 50.

  The display unit 51 includes, for example, a touch panel. The user can set the power ON / OFF of the air conditioner, the wind direction, the air volume, and the like by operating buttons or the like displayed on the touch panel of the display unit 51 of the remote controller 50. In addition, on the display unit 51 of the remote controller 50, various types of information such as the operating status of the air conditioner are displayed to the user.

  The sensor unit 110 includes a sensor case 111. Inside the sensor case 111, a semiconductor-type refrigerant sensor is housed as in the first embodiment. Here, the sensor case 111 has a card shape. That is, the sensor case 111 has a thin flat plate shape. By making the sensor case 111 into a card type, it is possible to improve the aesthetics and design when the sensor unit 110 is arranged at the sensor effective position in the room 10. In addition, it is less likely to get in the way because there are few protrusions.

  A sensor housing 101 is provided at the bottom of the remote controller 50. The sensor accommodating part 101 accommodates the card-type sensor part 110 so that it can be taken in and out. A power supply unit 120 is housed inside the remote controller 50. The power supply unit 120 and the sensor unit 110 inside the remote controller 50 are electrically connected by a power line 121.

  The sensor unit 110 is provided with a connector unit 132. A terminal (not shown) that can be electrically connected to the connector part 132 is provided in the sensor housing part 101 of the remote controller 50. When the sensor part 110 is accommodated in the sensor accommodating part 101, the connector part 132 and the terminal in the sensor accommodating part 101 are electrically connected.

  If the connector part 132 is not connected to a terminal in the sensor housing part 101, power is supplied from the power supply part 120 to the sensor part 110 through the power line 121. When the connector part 132 is connected to the terminal in the sensor housing part 101, the power supply from the power supply part 120 to the sensor part 110 is stopped.

  In the example described in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, the area outside the sensor housing portion 101 is set to the sensor effective position. In a state where the sensor unit 110 is not accommodated in the sensor accommodation unit 101, the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position. When the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position, the power supply unit 120 supplies sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110 because the connector unit 132 is not connected to the terminal in the sensor housing unit 101. Therefore, when the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position, the sensor unit 110 is in a state where the refrigerant can be detected.

  In contrast, when the sensor unit 110 is housed in the sensor housing unit 101, the sensor unit 110 is not in the sensor effective position. And when the sensor part 110 is not in a sensor effective position, the connector part 132 is connected to the terminal in the sensor accommodating part 101, and the electric power supply part 120 does not supply sensor drive power to the sensor part 110. Therefore, when the sensor unit 110 is not in the sensor effective position, the sensor unit 110 is not in a state where the refrigerant can be detected.

  Thus, the connector part 132 and the terminal in the sensor housing part 101 in the second embodiment constitute sensor position detecting means for detecting that the sensor part 110 is in a preset sensor effective position. . The power supply unit 120 supplies sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110 when the sensor position detection unit detects that the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position. Further, when the sensor position detection unit does not detect that the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position, the power supply unit 120 does not supply the sensor drive power to the sensor unit 110.

  Therefore, also in the environmental monitoring apparatus according to the second embodiment configured as described above, as in the first embodiment, when the sensor unit 110 does not need to be operated, the sensor unit 110 is used as a sensor. When the sensor unit 110 is moved to a place other than the position, that is, the sensor unit 110 is accommodated in the sensor accommodating unit 101, the energization to the sensor unit 110 is automatically stopped. Therefore, the lifetime of the sensor unit 110 can be extended, and the replacement frequency of the sensor unit 110 can be suppressed from increasing. Moreover, since it is not necessary to leave the sensor part 110 in the room 10, the scenery in the room 10 can be improved.

  When the sensor unit 110 needs to be operated, the sensor unit 110 is moved to the sensor effective position, that is, the sensor unit 110 is automatically taken out of the sensor housing unit 101 to the sensor unit 110 automatically. Is energized. Therefore, when it is necessary to keep the sensor unit 110 in operation, it is possible to ensure that the sensor unit 110 can detect the refrigerant without forgetting to supply the sensor drive power to the sensor unit 110. It is.

In addition, the electric power for driving the display part 51 of the remote control 50 is supplied from the indoor unit 30 of an air conditioning apparatus. In the second embodiment, since the power supply unit 120 is built in the remote controller 50, the sensor driving power supplied from the power supply unit 120 to the sensor unit 110 is combined with the power for driving the display unit 51. The air conditioner may be supplied from, for example, the indoor unit 30.
Other configurations and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted here.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
6 and 7 relate to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a state where the sensor unit of the environmental monitoring device is not in the sensor effective position, and FIG. 7 is a sensor of the environmental monitoring device. It is a figure which shows typically the state which has a part in a sensor effective position.

  In Embodiment 3 described here, in the configuration of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 described above, light emitting means for emitting infrared rays and light reception for receiving infrared rays emitted from the light emitting means as the sensor position detecting means. Means. Hereinafter, the environmental monitoring apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described based on the case of the configuration of the first embodiment as an example, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a light emitting unit 133 and a light receiving unit 134 are installed in a room 10 to which the environment monitoring apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is applied. The light emitting unit 133 is a light emitter (light emitting means) that emits infrared rays. The light receiving unit 134 is a light receiver (light receiving unit) that receives infrared rays emitted from the light emitting unit 133. The light emitting unit 133 and the light receiving unit 134 are arranged in advance so as to face each other. For example, at least a part of the sensor case 111 of the sensor unit 110 is made of a material capable of shielding infrared rays emitted from the light emitting unit 133.

  When there is an object that blocks the infrared light emitted from the light emitting unit 133 between the light emitting unit 133 and the light receiving unit 134 and the light receiving unit 134 does not receive the infrared light emitted from the light emitting unit 133, the power supply unit 120 supplies power. Electric power is supplied to the sensor unit 110 through the line 121. When there is no object that blocks the infrared ray emitted from the light emitting unit 133 between the light emitting unit 133 and the light receiving unit 134 and the light receiving unit 134 receives the infrared ray emitted from the light emitting unit 133, the power supply unit The power supply from 120 to the sensor unit 110 is stopped. 6 and 7, the power supply line 121 is not shown.

  In the example described in the third embodiment, the existence area of the sensor unit 110 that can block the infrared rays emitted from the light emitting unit 133 by the sensor unit 110 is set as the sensor effective position. As shown in FIG. 7, when the sensor unit 110 is between the light emitting unit 133 and the light receiving unit 134, the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position. When the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position, the infrared light emitted from the light emitting unit 133 is blocked by the sensor unit 110 and the light receiving unit 134 does not receive the infrared light. Supply power. Therefore, when the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position, the sensor unit 110 is in a state where the refrigerant can be detected.

  In contrast, as shown in FIG. 6, when the sensor unit 110 is not between the light emitting unit 133 and the light receiving unit 134, the sensor unit 110 is not in the sensor effective position. And when the sensor part 110 is not in a sensor effective position, since the light-receiving part 134 receives infrared rays, the power supply part 120 does not supply sensor drive power to the sensor part 110. Therefore, when the sensor unit 110 is not in the sensor effective position, the sensor unit 110 is not in a state where the refrigerant can be detected.

  In this way, the light emitting unit 133 and the light receiving unit 134 in the third embodiment constitute a sensor position detecting unit that detects that the sensor unit 110 is at a preset sensor effective position. And the sensor position detection means comprised in this way does not detect that the sensor part 110 exists in a sensor effective position, when the light-receiving part 134 has received infrared rays. In addition, when the light receiving unit 134 does not receive infrared rays, the sensor position detecting unit detects that the sensor unit 110 is at the sensor effective position.

  The power supply unit 120 supplies sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110 when the sensor position detection unit detects that the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position. Further, when the sensor position detection unit does not detect that the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position, the power supply unit 120 does not supply the sensor drive power to the sensor unit 110.

  Therefore, also in the environmental monitoring apparatus according to the third embodiment configured as described above, as in the first and second embodiments, when the sensor unit 110 does not need to be operated, the sensor unit 110 is installed. When the sensor unit 110 is moved to a location other than the sensor effective position, that is, the sensor unit 110 is moved to a location other than between the light emitting unit 133 and the light receiving unit 134, the energization to the sensor unit 110 is automatically stopped. Therefore, the lifetime of the sensor unit 110 can be extended, and the replacement frequency of the sensor unit 110 can be suppressed from increasing.

  When the sensor unit 110 needs to be operated, the sensor unit 110 is moved to the sensor effective position, that is, the sensor unit 110 is disposed between the light emitting unit 133 and the light receiving unit 134. Energization to the sensor unit 110 is automatically started. Therefore, when it is necessary to keep the sensor unit 110 in operation, it is possible to ensure that the sensor unit 110 can detect the refrigerant without forgetting to supply the sensor drive power to the sensor unit 110. It is.

In the third embodiment, the sensor accommodating portion 101 and the contact portion 131 provided in the first embodiment may not be provided. However, when the sensor accommodating portion 101 and the contact portion 131 are provided, the contact portion 131 is closed, and the light receiving portion 134 does not receive the infrared rays emitted from the light emitting portion 133, the power supply portion 120 is provided with the sensor portion. Sensor driving power may be supplied to 110. In this way, even if an object other than the sensor unit 110 blocks the infrared rays emitted from the light emitting unit 133, the sensor drive power is not supplied if the sensor unit 110 is accommodated in the sensor accommodation unit 101. You can Therefore, erroneous detection that the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position can be suppressed, and the life of the sensor unit 110 can be further extended.
Other configurations and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted here.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
FIGS. 8 and 9 relate to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a state where the sensor unit of the environmental monitoring device is not in the sensor effective position, and FIG. 9 is a sensor of the environmental monitoring device. It is a figure which shows typically the state which has a part in a sensor effective position.

  The fourth embodiment described here includes a protruding portion protruding from the sensor portion as the sensor position detecting means in the configuration of the first or second embodiment described above. Hereinafter, the environmental monitoring apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described based on the case of the configuration of the first embodiment as an example, focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the sensor unit 110 of the environmental monitoring apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention includes a protruding portion 135. The protruding portion 135 is a rod-like member protruding downward from, for example, the lower surface portion of the sensor case 111 of the sensor portion 110. The protruding portion 135 is provided so as to be movable with respect to the sensor case 111 so as to change the length of the portion protruding from the sensor case 111. That is, the protruding portion 135 is attached so that it can be pushed into the sensor case 111 from the longest protruding state from the sensor case 111. The protruding portion 135 is configured to protrude from the sensor case 111 in the longest time, for example, by a biasing force of a push spring.

  The power supply unit 120 does not supply the sensor drive power to the sensor unit 110 when the projecting portion 135 is in the state of projecting the longest from the sensor case 111. On the other hand, when the protrusion 135 is pushed into the sensor case 111, the power supply unit 120 supplies sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110 through the power line 121. This can be realized, for example, by providing a switch that operates when the protruding portion 135 is pushed into the sensor case 111 side. 8 and 9, the illustration of the power supply line 121 is omitted.

  In the example described in the fourth embodiment, the existence area of the sensor unit 110 when the protrusion 135 is pushed in with the tip of the protrusion 135 in contact with the floor surface of the room 10 is set as the sensor effective position. As shown in FIG. 9, when the sensor unit 110 is at a low position where the tip of the protrusion 135 is in contact with the floor surface of the room 10 and the protrusion 135 is pushed in, the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position. And when the sensor part 110 exists in a sensor effective position, since the protrusion part 135 is pushed in by a floor surface, the electric power supply part 120 supplies sensor drive power to the sensor part 110. FIG. Therefore, when the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position, the sensor unit 110 is in a state where the refrigerant can be detected.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when the sensor unit 110 is at a high position where the tip of the projecting portion 135 does not contact the floor surface of the room 10, the sensor unit 110 is not in the sensor effective position. When the sensor unit 110 is not in the sensor effective position, the power supply unit 120 does not supply sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110. Therefore, when the sensor unit 110 is not in the sensor effective position, the sensor unit 110 is not in a state where the refrigerant can be detected.

  Thus, the protrusion 135 in the fourth embodiment constitutes a sensor position detecting means for detecting that the sensor unit 110 is at a preset sensor effective position. And the sensor position detection means comprised in this way detects that the sensor part 110 exists in a sensor effective position, when the protrusion part 135 is pushed in.

  The power supply unit 120 supplies sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110 when the sensor position detection unit detects that the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position. Further, when the sensor position detection unit does not detect that the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position, the power supply unit 120 does not supply the sensor drive power to the sensor unit 110.

  Therefore, also in the environmental monitoring apparatus according to the fourth embodiment configured as described above, when the sensor unit 110 does not need to be operated, as in the first to third embodiments, the sensor unit 110 is installed. When the sensor unit 110 is moved to a position that is not the sensor effective position, that is, the sensor unit 110 is moved to a high position where the protrusion 135 is not pushed by the floor surface of the room 10, the energization to the sensor unit 110 is automatically stopped. The Therefore, the lifetime of the sensor unit 110 can be extended, and the replacement frequency of the sensor unit 110 can be suppressed from increasing.

  When the sensor unit 110 needs to be operated, the sensor unit 110 is moved to the sensor effective position, that is, the sensor unit 110 is moved to a low position where the protrusion 135 is pushed by the floor of the room 10. Is automatically energized to the sensor unit 110. Therefore, when it is necessary to keep the sensor unit 110 in operation, it is possible to ensure that the sensor unit 110 can detect the refrigerant without forgetting to supply the sensor drive power to the sensor unit 110. It is.

In the fourth embodiment, the sensor housing portion 101 and the contact portion 131 provided in the first embodiment may not be provided. However, the power supply unit 120 supplies sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110 when the sensor housing unit 101 and the contact unit 131 are provided, and the contact unit 131 is closed and the protruding unit 135 is pushed in. You may do it. By doing in this way, even if the protrusion part 135 is pushed in, if the sensor part 110 is accommodated in the sensor accommodating part 101, it can be made not to supply sensor drive electric power. Therefore, erroneous detection that the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position can be suppressed, and the life of the sensor unit 110 can be further extended.
Other configurations and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted here.

Embodiment 5. FIG.
10 to 12 relate to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 10 schematically shows a state where the sensor unit of the environmental monitoring apparatus is not in the sensor effective position, and FIG. 11 shows the sensor of the environmental monitoring apparatus. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the sensor unit of the environmental monitoring device is entering and exiting the sensor effective position.

  The fifth embodiment described here includes a magnet and a reed switch that is switched on and off by the action of magnetic force as the sensor position detecting means in the configuration of the first or second embodiment described above. is there. Hereinafter, the environmental monitoring apparatus according to the fifth embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment, taking as an example a case based on the configuration of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the environmental monitoring apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention includes a first reed switch 136, a second reed switch 137, a first magnet 138, and a second magnet 139. I have. The first reed switch 136 and the second reed switch 137 are provided in the sensor unit 110. The first reed switch 136 is provided relatively above the second reed switch 137. Conversely, the second reed switch 137 is provided relatively below the first reed switch 136.

  The first reed switch 136 is a normally open contact. When the magnetic force of the first magnet 138 or the second magnet 139 acts on the first reed switch 136, the first reed switch 136 is closed. In other words, the first reed switch 136 is switched ON / OFF by the magnetic force of the first magnet 138 or the second magnet 139.

  The second reed switch 137 is a normally closed contact. When the magnetic force of the first magnet 138 or the second magnet 139 acts on the second reed switch 137, the second reed switch 137 is opened. That is, the second reed switch 137 is turned on / off by the magnetic force of the first magnet 138 or the second magnet 139.

  The first magnet 138 and the second magnet 139 are installed on the inner wall 12 of the room 10. The first magnet 138 is provided relatively above the second magnet 139. In other words, the second magnet 139 is provided relatively lower than the first magnet 138.

  In the state shown in FIG. 10, the sensor unit 110 is separated from the wall surface on which the first magnet 138 and the second magnet 139 are installed. Therefore, neither the magnetic force of the first magnet 138 nor the second magnet 139 acts on the first reed switch 136. Therefore, the first reed switch 136 is open. In addition, neither the magnetic force of the first magnet 138 nor the second magnet 139 acts on the second reed switch 137. Therefore, the second reed switch 137 is closed. When the first reed switch 136 is open and the second reed switch 137 is closed, the first switch signal 141 is output from the sensor unit 110 to the environment monitoring apparatus main body 100.

  In the state shown in FIG. 11, the sensor unit 110 is close to the wall surface on which the first magnet 138 and the second magnet 139 are installed. The first reed switch 136 is opposed to the first magnet 138. At the same time, the second reed switch 137 faces the second magnet 139. For this reason, the magnetic force of the first magnet 138 acts on the first reed switch 136. Therefore, the first reed switch 136 is closed. Further, the magnetic force of the second magnet 139 acts on the second reed switch 137. Therefore, the second reed switch 137 is open. When the first reed switch 136 is closed and the second reed switch 137 is opened, the second switch signal 142 is output from the sensor unit 110 to the environment monitoring apparatus main body 100.

  In a state where the first switch signal 141 output from the sensor unit 110 is input to the environment monitoring apparatus main body 100, the power supply unit 120 does not supply sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110. On the other hand, in a state in which the second switch signal 142 output from the sensor unit 110 is input to the environment monitoring apparatus main body 100, the power supply unit 120 supplies sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110 through the power line 121. . 10 and 11, the power supply line 121 is not shown.

  In the example described in the fifth embodiment, the magnetic force of at least one of the first magnet 138 and the second magnet 139 acts on both the first reed switch 136 and the second reed switch 137. The existence area of the sensor unit 110 when it can be set is set to the sensor effective position. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a sensor is provided at a position where the magnetic force of the first magnet 138 acts on the first reed switch 136 and the magnetic force of the second magnet 139 acts on the second reed switch 137. When the unit 110 is present, the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position. When the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position, the second switch signal 142 is output from the sensor unit 110, so the power supply unit 120 supplies sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110. Therefore, when the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position, the sensor unit 110 is in a state where the refrigerant can be detected.

  On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, neither the magnetic force of the first magnet 138 nor the second magnet 139 acts on the first reed switch 136, and the first reed switch 137 When the sensor unit 110 is in a position where neither the magnetic force of the magnet 138 nor the second magnet 139 acts, the sensor unit 110 is not in the sensor effective position. When the sensor unit 110 is not in the sensor effective position, the power supply unit 120 does not supply sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110. Therefore, when the sensor unit 110 is not in the sensor effective position, the sensor unit 110 is not in a state where the refrigerant can be detected.

  In this way, the first reed switch 136, the second reed switch 137, the first magnet 138, and the second magnet 139 in the fifth embodiment are placed in the sensor effective position where the sensor unit 110 is set in advance. The sensor position detecting means for detecting the presence is configured. And the sensor position detection means comprised in this way is based on each ON / OFF state of the 1st reed switch 136 and the 2nd reed switch 137, and whether the sensor part 110 exists in a sensor effective position. Is detected.

  The power supply unit 120 supplies sensor driving power to the sensor unit 110 when the sensor position detection unit detects that the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position. Further, when the sensor position detection unit does not detect that the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position, the power supply unit 120 does not supply the sensor drive power to the sensor unit 110.

  Therefore, also in the environmental monitoring apparatus according to the fifth embodiment configured as described above, as in the first to fourth embodiments, when the sensor unit 110 does not need to be operated, the sensor unit 110 is installed. When the sensor unit 110 is moved to a position that is not the sensor effective position, that is, the sensor unit 110 is moved to a high position where the protrusion 135 is not pushed by the floor surface of the room 10, the energization to the sensor unit 110 is automatically stopped. The Therefore, the lifetime of the sensor unit 110 can be extended, and the replacement frequency of the sensor unit 110 can be suppressed from increasing.

  When the sensor unit 110 needs to be operated, the sensor unit 110 is moved to the sensor effective position, that is, the sensor unit 110 is moved to a low position where the protrusion 135 is pushed by the floor of the room 10. Is automatically energized to the sensor unit 110. Therefore, when it is necessary to keep the sensor unit 110 in operation, it is possible to ensure that the sensor unit 110 can detect the refrigerant without forgetting to supply the sensor drive power to the sensor unit 110. It is.

  In the fifth embodiment, the sensor housing portion 101 and the contact portion 131 provided in the first embodiment may not be provided. However, when the sensor accommodating portion 101 and the contact portion 131 are provided, the contact portion 131 is closed, and the second switch signal 142 is output from the sensor portion 110, the power supply portion 120 is connected to the sensor portion 110. Sensor drive power may be supplied to the sensor. By doing in this way, even if the second switch signal 142 is output from the sensor unit 110 due to the influence of the magnetic field not derived from the first magnet 138 and the second magnet 139, the sensor unit 110 accommodates the sensor. If it is accommodated in the unit 101, the sensor driving power can be prevented from being supplied. Therefore, erroneous detection that the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position can be suppressed, and the life of the sensor unit 110 can be further extended.

  In the fifth embodiment, when only one of the ON / OFF state of the first reed switch 136 and the ON / OFF state of the second reed switch 137 is switched, the sensor drive from the power supply unit 120 is performed. You may make it alert | report the start or stop of supply of electric power.

  Specifically, for example, in the state shown in FIG. 12, the sensor unit 110 is close to the wall surface on which the first magnet 138 and the second magnet 139 are installed. The second reed switch 137 is opposed to the first magnet 138. On the other hand, the first reed switch 136 is not opposed to either the first magnet 138 or the second magnet 139. For this reason, none of the magnetic forces of the first magnet 138 and the second magnet 139 act on the first reed switch 136. Therefore, the first reed switch 136 is open. The magnetic force of the first magnet 138 acts on the second reed switch 137. Therefore, the second reed switch 137 is open. When the first reed switch 136 is open and the second reed switch 137 is open, the third switch signal 143 is output from the sensor unit 110 to the environment monitoring apparatus main body 100.

  This state is a state in which the sensor unit 110 is about to enter the sensor effective position, or the sensor unit 110 is about to exit from the sensor effective position. Therefore, the environment monitoring apparatus main body 100 to which the third switch signal 143 output from the sensor unit 110 is input starts or stops the supply of sensor driving power from the power supply unit 120 to the user, for example, by voice. Inform.

  By doing so, the user can know whether the sensor unit 110 is approaching the sensor effective position or whether the sensor unit 110 is leaving the sensor effective position. And the sensor part 110 can be arrange | positioned in a sensor effective position smoothly and easily, or can be removed from a sensor effective position.

In the above, the configuration example in which two sets of magnets and reed switches are provided has been described. However, the number of sets of magnets and reed switches is not limited to two. If the first reed switch 136 includes at least the first magnet 138 and the first reed switch 136 that is switched on and off by the magnetic force of the first magnet 138, the first reed switch 136 is turned on and off. Based on this, it is possible to detect whether or not the sensor unit 110 is in the sensor effective position.
Other configurations and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  In Embodiment 3-5 described above, when the specific gravity of the refrigerant with respect to the air is greater than 1, it is preferable to set the sensor effective position vertically below the indoor unit 30. This is because when the specific gravity of the refrigerant with respect to the air is greater than 1, the leaked refrigerant flows downward from the indoor unit 30.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Room 11 Outer wall 12 Inner wall 20 Outdoor unit 21 Outdoor unit heat exchanger 22 Outdoor unit fan 23 Compressor 30 Indoor unit 31 Indoor unit heat exchanger 32 Indoor unit fan 40 Refrigerant piping 50 Remote control 51 Display part 100 Environmental monitoring apparatus main body 101 Sensor Housing part 102 Filter 110 Sensor part 111 Sensor case 120 Power supply part 121 Power line 131 Contact part 132 Connector part 133 Light emitting part 134 Light receiving part 135 Projection part 136 First reed switch 137 Second reed switch 138 First magnet 139 Second magnet 141 First switch signal 142 Second switch signal 143 Third switch signal

Claims (10)

A sensor unit for detecting the refrigerant;
A power supply unit that supplies sensor driving power to the sensor unit for allowing the sensor unit to detect the refrigerant;
Sensor position detecting means for detecting that the sensor unit is at a preset sensor effective position, and
The power supply unit
When the sensor position detecting means detects that the sensor unit is in the sensor effective position, sensor driving power is supplied to the sensor unit,
An environment monitoring device that does not supply sensor drive power to the sensor unit when the sensor position detection unit does not detect that the sensor unit is in the sensor effective position. A sensor accommodating portion for accommodating the sensor portion in a removable manner;
The sensor position detecting means includes
When the sensor unit is housed in the sensor housing unit, the sensor unit is not detected to be in the sensor effective position,
The environment monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit detects that the sensor unit is at the sensor effective position when the sensor unit is not stored in the sensor storage unit.   The environmental monitoring device according to claim 2, wherein the sensor housing portion is provided in a remote controller of the air conditioner.   The environment monitoring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the power supply unit is provided in the remote controller. The sensor position detecting means includes
Light emitting means for emitting infrared rays;
A light receiving means for receiving infrared rays emitted from the light emitting means,
Without detecting that the sensor unit is in the sensor effective position when the light receiving means is receiving infrared rays,
The environment monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the light receiving unit does not receive infrared light, the sensor unit detects that the sensor unit is at the sensor effective position. The sensor position detecting means includes
A projecting portion projecting from the sensor unit;
The environment monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit detects that the sensor unit is in the sensor effective position when the projecting unit is pushed. The sensor position detecting means includes
A first magnet;
A first reed switch that is switched on and off by the magnetic force of the first magnet,
The environment monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit detects whether the sensor unit is in the sensor effective position based on an ON / OFF state of the first reed switch. The sensor position detecting means includes
A second magnet;
A second reed switch that is switched ON / OFF by the magnetic force of the first magnet or the second magnet,
The first reed switch is switched ON / OFF by the magnetic force of the first magnet or the second magnet,
When only one of the ON / OFF state of the first reed switch and the ON / OFF state of the second reed switch is switched, the start or stop of the supply of sensor driving power from the power supply unit is started. The environment monitoring device according to claim 7 which reports.   The environment monitoring device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the power supply unit is provided in a remote controller of an air conditioner.   The environment monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sensor unit includes a sensor case having a card shape.

Images