JP3059926B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner provided with a humidifying water supply.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, there is known an air conditioner that supplies hot water for heating from a heat source device to a water supply device in accordance with a hot water supply signal, and controls the humidification by dropping the hot water onto a heat exchanger through the water supply device. This type of apparatus is provided with a control valve that opens and closes in accordance with a hot water supply signal. However, when the control valve is insufficiently closed, there is a problem that hot water is supplied without being supplied. When the hot water is supplied and left undisturbed, the hot water accumulates in a drain pan provided below the heat exchanger. However, when the amount is too large, there is a problem that the hot water overflows from the drain pan and flows out of the indoor unit.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In an apparatus in which a plurality of indoor units having a water supply device are connected to an outdoor unit having a heat source unit,
As shown in FIG. 5, as long as the hot water supply signal is output from any one of the indoor units A, B, and C, the heat source unit on the outdoor unit side is left running, so that the remaining indoor units are not operated. When any one of the control valves becomes inoperative (the valve does not close), a situation occurs in which the hot water overflows from the drain pan as described above.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and to prevent hot water from overflowing from the drain pan even when the control valve is inoperative (the valve is not closed). To provide an improved air conditioner.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an outdoor unit having a heat source unit and a plurality of rooms having a water supply unit.
An air conditioner that connects an inner unit and supplies hot water for heating from a heat source device to a water supply device through a control valve, and drops hot water onto the heat exchanger through the water supply device to control humidification. Bei a drain pan for receiving the dropped hot water, and a water level detector for detecting the water level of the hot water received in the drain pan
In addition, the temperature received by the drain pan due to
Means for forcibly stopping the operation of the heat source unit when the water level of the water rises and the water level detector operates.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of indoor units having a water supply device are connected to an outdoor unit having a heat source unit, and hot water for heating from the heat source unit is controlled according to a hot water supply signal from the indoor unit. In an air conditioner that supplies water to a water supply through a valve and controls humidification by dropping hot water through the water supply to the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, even if a hot water supply signal is output from the indoor unit, Means for forcibly stopping the operation of the heat source unit when the control valve of the indoor unit becomes inoperative.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a hot water and refrigerant circuit diagram of an air conditioner showing one embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes a separation type air conditioner, which mainly includes an outdoor unit 2 and unit-to-unit piping 3A.
3B, 4A, and 4B, and the indoor unit 5. The outdoor unit 2 includes a heat source unit for supplying hot water and a compressor for compressing the refrigerant.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a hot water circuit, 11 and 11A denote fuel gas shutoff valves, 12 denotes a gas proportional valve, 13 denotes a gas burner, 14 denotes a gas connection port, 18 denotes a circulation pump, and 19 denotes a combustor hot water heat exchanger. , 20 are the circulation pump 18 and the burner 13
Controllers 21A, 21B, and 21C are hot water pipes for connecting respective devices, and 22 and 23 are connection units.

Reference numeral 29 denotes a refrigerant circuit, 30 denotes a compressor for compressing the refrigerant, 31 denotes an outdoor heat exchanger, 32 denotes a pressure reducing device using a capillary tube, 33 and 34 denote service valves, 35 denotes a muffler, 36 Is the accumulator,
37A, 37B, 37C, 37D, 37E, and 37F are refrigerant pipes for connecting respective devices.

Reference numeral 40 shown in the indoor unit 5 is a hot water heat exchanger for heating, 41 is a refrigerant heat exchanger for cooling, 42 is an indoor temperature sensor, and 43 is a hot water sensor. The control device 44 constituted by a microcomputer or the like exchanges control signals with the controller 20 via a signal line (not shown). 45 is a hot water flow control valve (control valve). And this heat exchanger 4
0 is disposed on the secondary side (leeward side) of the heat exchanger 41. Further, the controller 44 performs a fuzzy operation every 30 seconds based on a deviation between the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor 42 and the set temperature, and controls the opening of the control valve every three minutes based on this operation. 46 is an operation switch for setting operation start or operation stop, 47 and 48 are hot water pipes, and 49 and 50 are refrigerant pipes. The control valve 45 is, for example, 0 step (fully closed)
The opening is controlled in 50 steps from 49 steps (fully open). Although the indoor unit is provided with an indoor fan for blowing air to the indoor heat exchanger, it is not shown in FIG.

According to this embodiment, reference numeral 55 denotes a water supply device, a water supply channel 56 branched from the hot water pipe 47, a control valve 57 provided in the middle of the water supply channel, and the humidifying element 5.
8 is provided. Reference numeral 59 denotes a water pipe connected to the hot water circuit, and the water for consumption is supplied by the water pipe.
A control valve 60 is automatically opened when hot water for hot water supply is consumed. When the control valve 60 is opened, the water pipe 5
Water is supplied from 9 to the tank 99, and water is pumped from the tank 99 by the pump 18. Humidifying element 58
For example, a sponge or the like that easily contains water and has a function of diffusing hot water for water supply at the upper part of the heat exchanger is used. For this reason, the hot water supplied from the water supply channel is dripped in a state of spreading at the upper portion of the heat exchanger, and is easily evaporated.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 61 denotes a back side exterior body, 62 denotes a front side exterior body, 63 denotes a front grille attached to the exterior body 62 so as to be openable and closable, 64 denotes an air filter, 65 denotes an air cleaning filter, 66 is a sensor attachment for attaching the room temperature sensor and the humidity sensor, 67 is a cross flow fan, 68 is a casing, and 69 is a vertical blade. Although horizontal blades are also provided, they are not shown.

When the operation switch 46 is pressed in a heating operation mode by a remote controller (not shown), the pump 18 of the hot water circuit 10 is operated, the heat exchanger 19 is heated by the burner 13, and the water is heated to supply hot water. Hot water is produced.
This hot water flows to the heat exchanger 40 and the cross flow fan 6
By the rotation of 7, heat is exchanged with room air. The heat-exchanged room air is heated and is blown out from the outlet.

At this time, when the humidification switch is pressed by a remote controller (not shown), the humidification operation is performed. In this humidifying operation, the control valve 57 is opened and the hot water is supplied to the water supply passage 5.
6, is supplied to the entire upper part of the heat exchanger 40 via the humidifying element 58. The hot water for hot water supply supplied to the upper part of the heat exchanger has a relatively high temperature and is easily evaporated. The amount of humidification is quickly adjusted. In this embodiment, when the humidification switch is pressed, the humidity is reduced from 65% to 7%.
Since it is set to be adjusted in the range of 5%, 75
%, The control valve 57 is closed and humidification is stopped, and when the humidity becomes less than 65%, the control valve 57 is opened and humidification is restarted.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a control device used in the air conditioner shown in FIGS. This control device includes a control unit provided in the outdoor unit 2 (lower side shown in FIG. 3) and a control unit provided in the indoor unit 5 (upper side shown in FIG. 3). These two control units are electrically connected by terminals, terminals, and signal lines and power lines between the terminals, so that power can be supplied and signals can be transmitted and received.

In the upper part of FIG. 3 (the control unit of the indoor unit 5), reference numeral 140 denotes a plug, which is connected to an AC 100 V outlet in the home and receives supply of AC power. 141,
Reference numerals 142 and 143 denote a control circuit power supply, a motor drive power supply, and a serial communication power supply, respectively. These power supplies are connected to the AC power through noise absorbing ferrite cores 144 and 145 and a power supply fuse (rated at 3A) 146. I have.

Reference numeral 147 denotes a drive circuit,
2 is supplied to the fan motors 122 and 123 in response to a signal from the microcomputer 148.
As a method of controlling the fan motors 122 and 123 by the microcomputer 148, when a DC motor is used for the fan motor, the drive circuit 147 chops the DC power obtained from the motor power supply 142 and applies an equivalent DC voltage to the fan motor. To control the number of revolutions of the fan motor. Further, if the fan motor is a brushless type, the drive circuit 147 includes a switching circuit that automatically switches the stator winding to be energized in accordance with the rotational position of the rotor of the fan motor, When a predetermined calculation is required for detection, the microcomputer 148 performs the calculation.

When a fan motor induction motor (AC motor) is used, the drive circuit 147 changes the timing of the conduction phase of the step-down AC power obtained from the motor power supply 142 to change the equivalent current applied to the fan motor. Controls the fan motor speed. At this time, the configuration may be such that the rotation speed of the rotor of the fan motor can be detected using a Hall IC or the like, and the microcomputer 148 can perform feedback control based on the rotation speed of the rotor.

The control circuit power supply 141 and the motor power supply 14
2. The power supply 143 for serial communication and the drive circuit 147 are provided on the same electrical board. Also, the control circuit power supply 141
Are microcomputer 148, flap motors 127 and 131,
The power used for driving the electric equipment such as the variable flow rate valve 117 is stabilized, and the power supply 143 for serial communication stabilizes the power superimposed on the signal for serial communication.

Reference numeral 149 denotes a drive circuit, which is a microcomputer 148
Motors (step motors) 127 and 131, a flow rate variable valve 117 (control valve 57)
It drives a step motor 117a for driving an electromagnetic valve for opening and closing , a power relay 150, and the like. The power relay 150 includes a normally open contact 151, and the normally open contact
By closing 1, AC power obtained from plug 140 can be supplied to outdoor unit 2. 133a, 133
b denotes a switch board and a display board, respectively.
Is provided.

Reference numerals 152 and 153 denote user-side heat exchangers 4 respectively.
0 and 41 (especially the radiator 40) and a temperature sensor for detecting the room temperature (temperature of the conditioned room).
Connected to D (analog / digital) input terminal.
The microcomputer 148 converts the analog signal from the sensor into a digital value, and then takes it into the inside and uses it for control.

A signal output unit 154 outputs a control signal to a boiler or a system having a boiler ("heat source unit") for circulating hot water in an indoor hot water supply circuit. This control signal (“hot water supply signal”) is output when it becomes necessary to circulate hot water to the radiator 40 of the indoor unit 5, and is output in the case of a boiler.
A signal for tapping hot water at 80 ° C, a signal for tapping hot water at 80 ° C, and in the case of a system with a boiler, in addition to these signals, a control signal from the boiler (such as a test run signal)
Can be received.

Reference numeral 155 denotes a serial circuit.
A circuit which superimposes a serial signal output from 48 between a signal line and one line of a power supply via a photocoupler and outputs the signal to the outdoor unit 2; and a microcomputer which extracts a signal superimposed on the signal line via the photocoupler. 148.

Next, on the lower side of FIG. 3 (the control unit of the outdoor unit 2), reference numeral 160 denotes a microcomputer,
Via the indoor unit 5 is input. The serial circuit 161 has the same configuration as the serial circuit 155 mounted on the indoor unit 5.
5 and 161, the microcomputer 148 of the indoor unit 5 and the microcomputer 160 of the outdoor unit 2 exchange control signals with each other.

Reference numeral 162 denotes a current fuse (rated at 25 A), and AC power is supplied from the indoor unit 5 via the current fuse 162. This power is applied to the noise filter 163,
It is supplied to a diode bridge 165 for full-wave rectification via a reactor 164. This diode bridge 165
Is 1 together with the smoothing capacitors 166, 167 and 168.
The AC power of 00v is double-voltage rectified to obtain the DC power of 280v. This DC power is supplied to an inverter circuit 170 in which six switching elements are connected in a three-phase bridge, and after being converted into a three-phase pseudo sine wave by the inverter circuit 170, the drive source of the compressor 30 (induction motor) ).

The microcomputer 160 outputs a switching signal to each switching element of the inverter circuit 170 via the drive circuit 171 to generate a pseudo sine wave of an arbitrary frequency of three phases, and transmits the arbitrary frequency from the indoor unit 5. It is determined based on the received control signal. Therefore, the induction motor of the compressor 30 is supplied with AC power whose frequency and amplitude are controlled with a DC voltage of 140 V at the center.

Reference numeral 172 denotes a switching power supply, which is a voltage doubler rectified 28 obtained through a noise filter 173.
0V DC power is switched to drive circuit 170
, And stabilized DC power for the microcomputer 160. 174 is a current fuse (rated 10A), 1
Reference numeral 75 denotes a current fuse (rated at 3 A).

A fan motor 176 drives a propeller fan that supplies heat source air to the heat source side heat exchanger 31. The fan motor 176 is a single-phase induction motor having an operating capacitor 177. The rotation speed, that is, the propeller fan air flow rate can be set in four stages of stop, weak wind, medium wind, and strong wind by a combination of relay contact pieces 178. be changed. The open / close state of the relay contact piece 178 is switched by the microcomputer 160 controlling the energization of a relay (not shown).

Reference numerals 179, 180, and 181 denote an outside air temperature sensor for detecting the outside air temperature, a coil temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat source side heat exchanger 31, and a compressor temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the compressor 30, respectively. Is converted into digital data and is taken into the microcomputer 160 and used for control.

Reference numeral 182 denotes a current transformer for detecting an alternating current, which mainly detects the alternating current supplied to the compressor 30. The detected current value is converted into digital data and then taken into the microcomputer 160 to be used for control.

In the control device configured as described above, the basic operation during the cooling operation is to close the flow control valve 45, and the microcomputer 148 performs a fuzzy operation based on the room temperature and the set temperature of the conditioned room, and performs the compressor operation. An increase / decrease in the capacity of 30 is obtained, and data indicating the increase / decrease is output to the microcomputer 160 of the outdoor unit 2 as control data. During the dehumidifying operation, after the room temperature is cooled to near the set temperature, in addition to this control, a signal of hot water tapping (the tapping temperature is increased if the load is large) is sent to the boiler or the boiler system, and the air returned to the conditioned room The opening degree of the flow control valve 45 is controlled so that the temperature of the air does not change much from the temperature of the suction air.

The basic operation during the heating operation is as follows. The normally open contact piece 151 of the indoor unit 5 is opened, the supply of electric power to the outdoor unit 2 is stopped, and the operation of the compressor 30 is stopped. The microcomputer 148 performs a fuzzy calculation based on the set temperature and controls the opening of the flow control valve 45, and at the same time, sends a signal of hot water tapping (the tapping temperature is increased if the load is large) to the boiler or the boiler system.

In the above configuration, according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a drain switch 71 is provided with a float switch 200 (FIG. 1). As mentioned above,
When the hot water supply signal is output from the indoor unit 5, first, the hot water for heating from the heat source unit is supplied to the water supply device 55. Then, when a signal for opening the control valve 57 ( a signal for opening the solenoid valve 117a) is output, the hot water for heating reaches the humidifying element 58,
From there, it is dropped into the heat exchanger 40. The problem here is a malfunction of the control valve 57. That is, the control valve 57
When the water does not close the hot water (= malfunction), the hot water is dripped through the humidifying element 58 and left to accumulate in the drain pan 71. As the dripping continues, the warm water eventually overflows from the drain pan 71.

According to this embodiment, when the amount of hot water accumulated in the drain pan 71 exceeds a predetermined amount, the above-described float switch 200 operates to temporarily stop the supply of the hot water. Even if the signal is output,
The operation of the heat source unit is forcibly stopped through a microcomputer not shown. According to this, the supply of the hot water is stopped, so that a situation in which the hot water overflows from the drain pan 71 is avoided.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment. According to this embodiment, three indoor units 5 (for example, indoor units A, B, and C) having a water supply device 55 are connected to one outdoor unit 2 having a heat source unit. In this type, as long as any one of the indoor units A, B, and C outputs a hot water supply signal, the heat source unit housed in the outdoor unit 2 is left running.

Suppose one indoor unit (for example, indoor unit A)
Even if the control valve 57 of (1) is not properly closed, if the hot water supply signal is output from any of the indoor units A, B, and C including the indoor unit A, the heat source unit housed in the outdoor unit 2 operates. It is neglected. In this state, the warm water reaches the humidifying element 58 through the control valve 57 of the indoor unit A in which the malfunction has occurred, through which the warm water is dripped and allowed to accumulate in the drain pan 71. If the dripping continues further, it eventually overflows from the drain pan 71.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, similarly to the above, due to the operation of the float switch 200, the poor closing (= drain overflow) of the control valve 57 of one indoor unit (for example, the indoor unit A) is caused. When the detection is detected, the operation of the heat source unit is forcibly stopped even if the hot water supply signal is output from any of the indoor units A, B, and C including the indoor unit A. The control signal output from the float switch 200 (=
The detection of the closing failure of the control valve 57) is sent via a bidirectional signal line used for a heat source device test or the like.

[0038]

As is apparent from the above description, according to these inventions, when the control valve of the indoor unit becomes inoperative, the operation of the heat source unit is forcibly stopped. There is no overflow.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a hot water and refrigerant circuit diagram showing the air conditioner.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an indoor unit of the air conditioner.

FIG. 3 is an electric circuit diagram of the air conditioner.

FIG. 4 is a system diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a conventional system diagram.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 air conditioner 2 outdoor unit (boiler) 40 heat exchanger 44 controller (control means) 55 water supply device 56 water supply channel 57 control valve 71 drain pan 200 float switch

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-6-50580 (JP, A) JP-A-7-167483 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) F24F 6 / 00 321 F24F 6/00

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] An outdoor unit having a heat source unit has a water supply unit.
A plurality of indoor units are connected to each other, and hot water for heating from a heat source unit is supplied to a water supply device through a control valve, and the hot water is dropped into the heat exchanger through the water supply device to control humidification. a drain pan for receiving the hot water was added dropwise to the exchanger, and a water level detector for detecting the water level of the hot water received in the drain pan, the control valve becomes inoperative Dorenpa
Means for forcibly stopping the operation of the heat source device when the level of the hot water received by the heat source rises and the water level detector operates. 2. An outdoor unit having a heat source unit is connected to a plurality of indoor units having a water supply unit, and hot water for heating from the heat source unit is supplied to a water supply unit via a control valve according to a hot water supply signal from the indoor unit. Supply, in the air conditioner to control the humidification by dropping hot water through the water supply to the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, even if a hot water supply signal is output from the indoor unit,
An air conditioner comprising means for forcibly stopping the operation of the heat source unit when the control valve of any of the indoor units becomes inoperative.