JP3453179B2 - Refrigerant amount detection device in refrigeration / air conditioning equipment - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical refrigerant amount detecting device suitable for detecting the amount of refrigerant in a refrigerating or air conditioning device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, several techniques have been devised and disclosed as a refrigerant amount detecting device in a refrigerating or air-conditioning device. Some examples already disclosed are described below.

First, in the "refrigerant state detection system" disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-208377,
As shown in FIG. 19, a system for detecting the refrigerant state is disclosed. In FIG. 19, a gas state, a gas-liquid mixed state,
It shows the output of the state electrical identification signal on the light receiving side for the refrigerant state in the liquid state.

In the present invention, the liquid-phase refrigerant component is assumed to be in either a gas-liquid mixed state or a liquid state in the high-pressure pipe portion, and the high-pressure pipe portion is provided with a signal for identifying the gas-liquid mixed state and the liquid state. Is provided as an electric signal.

As a result, whether the refrigerant state is the gas state or the gas-liquid mixed state should be determined from the detection signal of the optical sensor is uniquely determined from the relationship between the detection signal (Io) and the refrigerant state R shown in FIG. It's gone. For example, in FIG.
In the case where the scattered light intensity detection signal (Io) is V40, there is a gas-liquid mixed state, but there are two ratios R of the refrigerant to the proper amount of the enclosed refrigerant, 40% and 64%, which cannot be uniquely determined. The problem arises.

Secondly, in "a refrigerant shortage detecting device for an air conditioner" disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 63-125761, a device is devised as shown in FIG. In the same device, as shown in FIG. 20 (a), the light emitting diode 1 and the light emitting diode 1 are provided in the upper narrowed portion of the receiver tank 3 having the narrowed upper portion (or in the pipe in the vicinity thereof or outside). The phototransistors 2 are inserted so as to face each other. In this device, the light emitted from the light emitting diode 1 is input to the phototransistor 2 as shown in FIG.

The light emitted from the light emitting diode 1 is scattered by the bubble 5 as shown in FIG. 20 (c) and is input to the phototransistor 2, and the light input to the phototransistor 2 is scattered. Is configured to give some alarm if the number of bubbles is less than when there are no bubbles 5.

In the invention, the amount of light emitted from the light emitting diode 1 is input to the phototransistor 2 if the amount of refrigerant in the receiver tank 3 is sufficient, and the amount of refrigerant is insufficient. If there is, it will be scattered by the bubbles 5 and will be reduced.

In this case, it is conceivable that bubbles may be generated in the receiver tank 3 immediately after the activation of the apparatus even if the amount of the refrigerant is sufficient. However, by delaying the detection operation for a predetermined time after the activation, there is no bubble. In this state, it is possible to detect the amount of light input to the phototransistor 2 in the initial stage of activation.

However, in the invention, it is possible to detect the change in the intensity of the light emitted from the light emitting diode 1 due to the scattering by the bubbles 5, but it is possible to detect the amount of the refrigerant by the degree of the bubbles 5 and the scattering intensity. There is no disclosure of a technique of detecting using the relationship (relationship between void ratio and light intensity).

Thirdly, in "the refrigerant shortage determination device for a heat pump type air conditioner" disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-052620, a device is devised as shown in FIG. In this invention, a peep window 6 made of a light-transmissive member is provided on the liquid refrigerant conduit wall, and a photoelectric switch 7 is provided outside the peek window.

In this case, starting, unloading,
When the photoelectric switch 7 detects a bubble other than immediately after the end,
Judge that the refrigerant is insufficient. As described above, in the same device, since the light emitted from the light emitting device is scattered by the bubbles by using the photoelectric switch having the light receiving and emitting devices, and a part of the light is input to the light receiving device, the presence of the air bubbles is eliminated. It can be detected.

However, also in the invention, the relationship between the amount of refrigerant and the degree of bubbles 5 and the scattering intensity (as in the "cooling medium shortage detecting device for an air conditioner" disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 63-125761) ( There is no disclosure of a technique for detecting using the relationship between the void rate and the light intensity).

Fourthly, the "refrigerant leakage detection device" disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 55-031215 devises a device as shown in FIG. The device of the present invention has a light emitting element 8 and a light receiving element 9 regarding the optical coupling relationship in the liquid refrigerant.

In the invention, in the case of using only the liquid refrigerant,
The light exiting the light emitting element 8 does not reach the light receiving element 9 because it is absorbed by the light absorbing member 10. However, when bubbles appear due to the leakage of the refrigerant, the light is reflected by the bubbles and reaches the light receiving element 9, so The detection signal of is obtained.

[0016]

As described above, in the prior art, the light emitting element and the light receiving element are used to form an optical path from the light emitting element to the light receiving element in the high pressure liquid refrigerant passage, and the refrigerant is cooled in the refrigeration system. Leakage (or insufficient filling) causes bubbles to be generated in the high-pressure liquid circuit, and the light passing through the optical path is scattered by the bubbles and the amount of light received changes. Incomplete filling state) can be detected.

Also, the intended purpose has been achieved from the viewpoint of determining whether or not there is a leak or whether or not a predetermined filling amount has been reached. However, the characteristics of these devices become a divalent function with respect to the refrigerant filling rate R (refrigerant filling rate with respect to the proper refrigerant filling amount) as shown in FIG. 13, and due to the scattering characteristics due to bubbles, the refrigerant filling rate R and thus the refrigerant leakage. The rate r (= 1-R) cannot be uniquely known.

On the other hand, it is possible to discriminate by the conventional technique that air bubbles are generated, the state of insufficient filling, or the occurrence of leakage after the predetermined filling is completed. However, since it is difficult to determine these levels in a wide range, it requires skill in actual work such as new installation and new filling of refrigerant accompanying maintenance, etc. The function of only identifying the presence / absence was not practically sufficient.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerant amount detecting device in a refrigerating / air-conditioning device capable of accurately knowing the degree of refrigerant leakage or filling. .

[0020]

According to the present invention, scattered light intensity detection means having a light projector and a light receiver for detecting the scattered light intensity in the refrigerant in the condensed and liquefied refrigerant passage of a refrigeration or air conditioning apparatus, An operating state uniqueness determining means for determining the uniqueness of the operating state in the refrigeration or air-conditioning device,
A characteristic storage unit that stores the relationship between the scattered light intensity and the refrigerant filling rate, and a refrigerant amount calculation unit that calculates the refrigerant amount from the determination result of the operating state uniqueness determination unit and the stored content of the characteristic storage unit. There is.

Further, according to the present invention, the scattered light intensity detecting means is configured to have a light receiver which detects the intensity of the back scattered light and outputs a corresponding signal. Further, according to the present invention, the scattered light intensity detection means is provided with a holding member in any part of the liquid pipe or in the vicinity of the bent portion of the outlet pipe in the gas-liquid separator, and the holding member is detachably provided. It is configured.

Further, according to the present invention, the light receiver of the scattered light intensity detecting means includes the driving means and the amplifying means integrally.
It is composed of a C circuit. Further, according to the present invention, the operating state uniqueness determining means includes a temperature characteristic detecting means for detecting a representative temperature, a reference temperature setting means for setting a reference temperature, and a representative temperature detected by the temperature characteristic detecting means. The reference temperature setting means determines the magnitude relationship of the reference temperatures set, and the temperature characteristic comparison means outputs a determination signal according to the magnitude relationship.

According to the present invention, the representative temperature detected by the temperature characteristic detecting means is the outlet temperature of the cooler or the heating degree of the outlet of the cooler. Further, according to the present invention, the operating state uniqueness determining means includes a rotation speed detecting means for detecting a rotation speed of the compressor, a reference temperature setting means for setting a reference temperature, and a reference temperature of the reference temperature setting means. And a correction unit that corrects the rotation speed detected by the rotation speed detection unit.

Further, according to the present invention, the operating state uniqueness discriminating means is the scattered light intensity reference value setting means for determining the reference value of the scattered light intensity, and the scattering light intensity determined by the scattered light intensity reference value setting means. The scattered light intensity comparing means for comparing the intensity of the scattered light intensity detected by the scattered light intensity detecting means with the reference value of the light intensity, the clock means for measuring the time, the comparison result in the scattered light intensity comparing means and the clock. Time characteristic detecting means for measuring the time to reach the reference value of the scattered light intensity determined by the scattered light intensity reference value setting means based on the detection result of the scattered light intensity detecting means after the compressor is started based on the time counting in the means. A reference time setting means for setting a reference time, a time measured by the time characteristic detecting means, and a magnitude relation between the reference time set by the reference time setting means. Determine the magnitude relation in accordance with, and is composed of a time characteristic comparison means for outputting a discrimination signal in accordance with the magnitude relation. According to the present invention, the scattered light intensity detecting means is provided on the transparent member (site glass) of the liquid pipe at the inlet and the outlet of the light receiver.

[0025]

As a result, according to the present invention, the scattered light intensity detecting means for detecting the scattered light intensity in the refrigerant in the condensed liquefied refrigerant passage detects the scattered light intensity, and the operating state uniqueness judging means detects the scattered light intensity. The uniqueness of the operating state of the refrigeration or air-conditioning device is determined, and the refrigerant amount is calculated from the functional relationship between the determination result and the refrigerant filling rate.

It is generally known that when light travels in a medium, it collides with fine particles, bubbles, etc. in the medium and is scattered. This state is shown in FIG. In the same figure, the scattering intensity of a plane perpendicular to the radial direction in the radial direction forming an angle θ with respect to the incident direction of light is shown by the parameter of the angle θ, and θ = 0 ° to
90 ° is called forward scattering, and θ = 90 ° to 180 ° is called backscattering.

Since the scattered light intensity detecting means is provided with the light emitting device and the light receiving device, the light emitted from the light emitting device can be such that the scattered light scattered by the bubbles or droplets reaches the light receiving device again. And scattered light intensity (Io) and refrigerant body filling rate (R)
Is a functional relationship in which R is an independent variable and Io is a dependent variable, and if R <1, then R has two values for the specified Io.
It becomes a valence function. This functional relationship is obtained in advance by experiments or simulations and is stored in the characteristic storage means. By determining which of the corresponding values is to be taken by the discriminating means using the operation state detection result, Io is calculated by the refrigerant amount calculation.
Therefore, R can be easily obtained. As the output of the operating state detection, for example, an arbitrary characteristic value that is unique in relation to the refrigerant filling rate R may be used.

According to the present invention, when detecting the intensity of scattered light, the intensity of backscattered light is detected and a corresponding signal is output. Even if the light receiver of the scattered light intensity detecting means is arranged so as to detect a signal for the backscattered light, the scattering characteristic with respect to the scattering angle generally does not change much as shown in FIG. 12, and a characteristic in a practical range can be obtained. . By using this characteristic, the scattered light intensity detection means can be configured on one side of the transparent member, and can be unilaterally installed outside the existing sight glass in the liquid pipe or the existing transparent member in the gas-liquid separator. Also,
Since it is not necessary to provide through the pipe, it is possible to integrally process each element mounting portion and use an element in which light emission and light reception are integrated in terms of strength.

According to the present invention, the scattered light intensity detecting means comprises:
A holding member is provided in any portion of the liquid pipe or in the vicinity of the bent portion of the outlet pipe in the gas-liquid separator, and the holding member allows detachment.

Thus, the scattered light intensity detecting means can be attached to the existing gas-liquid separator or the transparent member (site glass) in the middle of the liquid pipe through the holding member without changing the connection of the pipe. After installation, by performing visual confirmation and automatic display by humans selectively, it is possible to easily confirm operation and deal with accidents.

According to the present invention, the light receiver of the scattered light intensity detecting means is configured by an IC circuit which integrally includes the driving means and the amplifying means, whereby the number of wirings can be reduced, and disconnection, short circuit, It is possible to prevent reliability deterioration due to accidents such as insulation deterioration.

According to the present invention, the operating state uniqueness discriminating means sets detection of the representative temperature and the reference temperature, compares the detected representative temperature and the set reference temperature, and compares them. A determination signal is output accordingly.

The uniqueness discriminating means uses the temperature characteristic value T as the discharge gas of the compressor by using the discharge gas of the compressor, the temperature of the cooler outlet or the temperature of the cooler outlet as the characteristic value in the operation state detection. If the temperature Td is selected, the relationship between Td and R can be made unique as shown in FIG. Thereby, the discrimination command Φ can be determined as an alternative condition. Further, it is well known that the discharge gas temperature Td, the cooler outlet temperature Ts, and the superheat temperature Hs of the cooler outlet gas have a sufficient correlation. Therefore, even if R and Ts or R and Hs are used, the determination command Φ can be used. Can be determined.

According to the present invention, since the representative temperature detected above is the temperature at the outlet of the cooler or the degree of heating at the outlet of the cooler, the same effect as described above can be expected.

According to the present invention, the rotational speed of the compressor is detected by the above-mentioned operating state uniqueness determining means, and the reference temperature is corrected in relation to this rotational speed. The characteristic of the representative temperature or superheat degree with respect to R is shown in FIG.
As shown by using the discharge gas temperature Td as an example and the rotation speed N of the compressor as a parameter, the Ts rotation speed N for a predetermined R
Is a function of. From this, an interpolation formula can be obtained from the change characteristic of T with respect to the designated R, and the correction value can be determined by, for example, a linear formula of N.

Ts = Tso + K * (N-No) / No Therefore, Ts ... Set value when N = N Tso ... Set value K when N = No ... Correction coefficient According to the present invention, the operating state The uniqueness determining means determines the reference value of the scattered light intensity, compares the determined reference value of the scattered light intensity with the intensity of the scattered light intensity detected by the scattered light intensity detecting means, and measures the time by the clock means. Timed,
Measure the time to reach the reference value by the detection result in the scattered light intensity detection means after the compressor is started based on the time measurement in the comparison means and the clock means, set the reference time, and the measured time The magnitude relations of the reference times are compared with each other, and the discrimination signal is output according to the magnitude relations.

In the parameter discrimination, if the time when the output of the scattered light intensity detection means after the compressor is started by the operating state detection means reaches the set value as a characteristic value, the output Io of the scattered light intensity detection means after the compressor is started is used. The change characteristic of R for the elapsed time t is R
Is used as a parameter, and is shown in FIG. From this characteristic, the output I of the light intensity detecting means which is the limit of the binary discrimination
R for ocrit can be determined. Iocr
It occurs at R = 0.5, which is a transition point of mixing bubbles in the liquid, and the output Iocrit of the light intensity detecting means is the maximum value Iomax.
It is also a condition to become. Specified Is with R as a parameter
To the output I of the scattered light intensity detection means after the compressor is started
The time ts at which o reaches the specified Is is uniquely determined.
Thereby, the discrimination command Φ can be determined.

According to the present invention, the scattered light intensity detecting means is
By installing a transparent member (site glass) in the middle of the liquid pipe at the entrance and exit of the receiver, there is no bubble at the entrance and exit of the receiver, and the overfilled state where the inside of the receiver is filled with liquid refrigerant is detected. become able to.

[0039]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a refrigerant amount detecting device according to the first embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 900 denotes a measurement target portion, the scattered light intensity detection means 100 is connected to the measurement target portion 900, and the refrigerant amount calculation means 700 is connected to the scattered light intensity detection means 100.

Here, the scattered light intensity detecting means 100 detects the intensity of the scattered light at the measuring object 900, and the refrigerant amount calculating means 700 controls the operation of the refrigerant amount in the refrigerating or air conditioning device. ing.

In addition to the scattered light intensity detecting means 100, the operating state uniqueness determining means 200 is connected to the refrigerant amount calculating means 700. The operating state uniqueness determining means 200 has a temperature characteristic determining means 300, a rotation speed detecting means 600, and a correcting means 340. The temperature characteristic comparing means 320, the characteristic storing means 500, the display / control means 800 in the temperature characteristic determining means 300 are connected to the refrigerant amount calculating means 7.
Connected to 00.

In the temperature characteristic judging means 300, the temperature characteristic detecting means 310 and the reference temperature setting means 330 are connected to the temperature characteristic comparing means 320, the correcting means 340 is connected to the reference temperature setting means 330, and the correcting means 340. The rotation speed detecting means 600 is connected to the.

Here, the rotation speed detection means 600 detects the rotation speed of the refrigerant compressor. The detection output is corrected by the correction means 340, and the corrected value is input to the reference temperature setting means 330. It Then, in the temperature characteristic comparing means 320, the representative temperature detected by the temperature characteristic detecting means 310 and the set temperature set by the reference temperature setting means 330 are compared and discriminated, and the discrimination signal is sent to the refrigerant amount computing means 700 according to the magnitude relation. Output to.

In the refrigerant amount calculating means 700, the refrigerant filling rate is calculated from the relationship between the scattered light intensity stored in the characteristic storage means 500 and the refrigerant body filling rate in accordance with the above-mentioned discrimination signal, and the calculation result is calculated. Output to the display / control means 800.
Then, the display / control means 800 displays the refrigerant filling rate.

Therefore, the scattered light detecting means 100 is driven by a power source (not shown), and the refrigerant filling rate R of the measuring object 900 is increased.
The response to the scattering intensity Io corresponding to is output as an electric quantity. The response in this case takes the form of current or voltage, but
Io represents the output. This Io is input to the refrigerant amount calculation means 700.

On the other hand, in the characteristic storage means 500, the output characteristic (Io-
R characteristic: independent variable R) is measured in advance, and Io to R
The calculation for obtaining is the inverse calculation of the Io-R characteristic, and this R-
The Io characteristic is stored as R (Φ, Io).

The Io-R characteristics are as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In this case, the void rate B is uniquely determined with respect to Io, but R is not uniquely determined. Further, it can be understood from the definition that the void rates B and R uniquely correspond to each other. Regarding Io, there is a difference in whether the scattering phenomenon is observed as scattering by bubbles in the liquid or scattering by droplets in the air, but the same Io may be obtained for different R.

That is, R is at least a divalent function of Io. Then, it is considered appropriate from FIG. 13 that the boundary becomes R = 0.5. Therefore, the Io-R characteristic is the boundary R
In this case, it is divided into two with R = 0.5 as a boundary (R at the boundary may vary depending on the device). 1 = R> 0.5 Φ = Φ1 R ≦ 0.5 Φ = Φ2, And (R is generally 1 ≧
R) If the characteristic function is RΦ, then R1 (Io) when Φ = Φ1, and R2 (Io) when Φ = Φ2, then RΦ is a monovalent function of Io, and R with respect to Io
Will be uniquely determined.

Thus, the Io-R characteristic can be represented by R (Φ, Io) using the parameter Φ. Then, this parameter Φ is determined by the motion state uniqueness discriminating means 200.

In this case, correction means 340 and rotation speed detection means 600 are provided in order to correct the characteristic change of the temperature characteristics due to the compressor rotation speed. Here, the reference temperature setting means 330 is set so as to determine the parameter Φ from the operating characteristics of the refrigerant filling rate and the representative temperature.

If the discharge temperature Td is used as the representative temperature T and the operating characteristics with respect to the refrigerant filling rate R of the representative temperature T are as shown in FIG.
By determining, the representative temperature T is
Moreover, the refrigerant filling rate R is uniquely determined with respect to the representative temperature T.

In addition, the inverse conversion of the Io-R characteristic is performed to obtain the R-I
Since the condition for uniquely determining the o characteristic is R = 0.5, if the representative temperature T for this is Ts, the parameter Φ that divides R into two is determined with Ts as the boundary.

Then, the temperature characteristic detecting means 310 of the temperature characteristic determining means 300 detects the representative temperature T, and the reference temperature setting means 330 sets Ts. Then, the temperature characteristic comparison means 320 determines the magnitude relationship of T with respect to Ts, and inputs the result to the refrigerant amount calculation means 700. In determining the reference temperature Ts, the representative temperature T is a function of the refrigerant filling rate R and the rotation speed N of the compressor 30 at the same time as shown in FIG. Therefore, it is important to improve the accuracy of the discriminant function. In this case, the correction means 340 and the rotation speed detection means 600 are provided.

Then, the value corrected by the correcting means 340 is input to the reference temperature setting means 330. The idea of the correction is, as described in the section of action, the characteristic temperature T for R = 0.5.
The interpolation formula of That is, if a linear interpolation formula is used, interpolation is performed as follows.

Ts = Tso + K * (N-No) / No Accordingly, the refrigerant amount calculating means 700 determines the parameter Φ to the next value according to the determination result.

When T <Ts: Φ = Φ1 (corresponds to 1>R> 0.5) T ≧ Ts: Φ = Φ2 (corresponds to 0 ≦ R ≦ 0.5) and the parameter from the characteristic storage means 500 A characteristic function RΦ (Io) corresponding to Φ is called, and a refrigerant filling rate R that satisfies R = RΦ (Io) is calculated.

Then, the calculation result is input to the display / control means 800. As a result, the display unit 810 displays the corresponding R and the amount obtained from R.

For example, the current filling rate R, Current filling amount G = R * Go Amount to be filled g = Go * (1-R) Note that g is also the amount of leakage if the viewpoint is changed.

Here, Go indicates a prescribed filling amount corresponding to R = 1, and so on. In addition, the control unit 820 also applies R to G,
Alternatively, g is sent to perform control to confirm the state of G = Go. For example, starting from G <Go, in the case of filling work, the work completion indicator light is turned on at the same time as the excitation circuit of the clutch 20 is cut off by sending a filling completion signal, and in the case of a leak test for confirming whether G = Go, there is no leak indicator light circuit excitation. Like

FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration in which the above-described refrigerant amount detection device is applied to a specific device. In the figure, the refrigerant amount detection device shown in FIG. 1 is added to a closed circuit as a refrigerant cycle.

Scattered light intensity detecting means 100, inlet pipe 54,
Outlet pipe 51, outlet pipe 55, expansion valve 60, evaporator 70,
Compressor 30, temperature characteristic detection means 310 and condenser 40
Constitute a closed circulation circuit, and the condenser 40, the scattered light intensity detection means 100, and the inlet pipe 54 are connected in order by a condensed liquefied refrigerant passage 90.

The inlet pipe 54 is bent in the housing 52 at a substantially right angle, and one end of the inlet pipe 54 opens into the liquid separator 50. Further, a transparent member 53 is attached to the upper end of the outlet pipe 51. The outlet pipe 51 is provided in the housing 52 and is opened close to the bottom of the liquid separator 50. It is considered to be immersed in it.

Here, the liquid separator 50 has a buffering effect on the fluctuation of the refrigerant amount, and the operating conditions of the apparatus generally change over a wide range in recent years. It is common to equip such a gas-liquid separator.

By providing such a liquid separator 50, even if there are bubbles near the upper part of the liquid separator 50, the liquid refrigerant is present inside the liquid separator 50, so that the outlet is provided unless it is in an excessively disturbed state. No bubbles are seen in the tube 55. Further, an outlet pipe 55 extends like a branch in the outlet pipe 51 in the housing 52.

The scattered light intensity detecting means 100 has a power source 190.
Is connected, and the clutch 20 is connected to the compressor 30. The refrigerant sucked into the compressor 30 is pumped in the compressor 30, and is sucked into the condenser 40 through the temperature characteristic detecting means 310. The refrigerant sucked into the condenser 40 is then subjected to the scattered light intensity detection means 100 and the inlet pipe 54.
It is enclosed in the liquid separator 50 through.

In the liquid separator 50, as described above, the action of reducing the variation of the amount of the refrigerant is performed, and the action of storing the refrigerant is also performed to absorb the amount of the variation in the amount of the enclosed refrigerant required by the device depending on the operating conditions.

The refrigerant containing no bubbles is discharged into the passage 91 through the outlet pipe 51 and the outlet pipe 55, drawn into the evaporator 70 through the expansion valve 60, and evaporated in the evaporator 70. The sequence of cycles in this closed circuit is self-evident.

A rotation speed detecting means 600 is mounted between the compressor 30 and the clutch 20. The rotation speed detecting means 600 detects the rotation speed of the compressor 30.

The prime mover 10 is connected to the clutch 20, and the prime mover 10 and the clutch 20 display / display.
The control means 800 is connected. The prime mover 10 drives the compressor 30 via the clutch 20.

A temperature characteristic comparing means 320 is connected to the temperature characteristic detecting means 310, and the scattered light intensity detecting means 10 is connected.
A power source 190 and a refrigerant amount calculation means 700 are connected to 0. Further, the refrigerant characteristic calculation means 700 and the rotation speed detection means 600 are connected to the temperature characteristic comparison means 320.
Further, the refrigerant amount calculation means 700 is connected to the characteristic storage means 500, the display means 810 and the control means 820 in the display / control means 800, respectively.

The display / control means 800 has a display means 810 and a control means 820.
Reference numeral 10 indicates the current filling rate of the refrigerant, the current filling amount, and the amount to be filled (leakage amount).

Thus, from such a structure, the same operation as described with reference to FIG. 1 is brought about, and the same effect as described above can be expected. (Second Embodiment) FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of a refrigerant amount detecting device in the second embodiment. In the figure, 900 is a measurement target part, the measurement target part 900 is connected to the scattered light intensity detection means 100, and the scattered light intensity detection means 100 is a refrigerant amount calculation means 700 and an operating state uniqueness determination means 200. The scattered light intensity comparison means 410 in the characteristic determination means 400 is connected.

Since the functions of the scattered light intensity detecting means 100 and the refrigerant amount calculating means 700 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted. In addition to the scattered light intensity detection means 100, the refrigerant amount calculation means 700 includes a startup characteristic determination means 400.
Time characteristic comparison means 460 and characteristic storage means 500 in
And display / control means 800 are connected.

In the starting characteristic discriminating means 400 in the operating state uniqueness discriminating means 200, the scattered light intensity reference value setting means 420 and the time characteristic detecting means 430 are connected to the scattered light intensity comparing means 410, and the time characteristic detecting means 43 is connected.
0 further includes clock means 440 and time characteristic comparison means 460.
Are connected. The time characteristic comparison means 460 is connected to the reference time setting means 450 and the refrigerant amount calculation means 700 described above.

In the start-up characteristic determining means 400, the scattered light intensity reference value setting means 420 determines the reference value of the scattered light intensity, and the scattered light intensity comparing means 410 measures the scattered light intensity detected by the scattered light intensity detecting means 100. The measured value of the light intensity is compared with the reference value of the scattered light intensity.

Then, in the time characteristic detecting means 430,
From the comparison result in the scattered light intensity comparison means 410 and the time measured by the clock means 440, the time at which the measured value of the scattered light intensity measured by the scattered light intensity detection means 100 after the compressor is started reaches the reference value is measured. , And outputs the measurement result to the time characteristic comparison means 460. Then, the time characteristic comparison means 460 compares the measurement result from the time characteristic detection means 430 with the reference time set by the reference time setting means 450, and outputs a determination signal to the refrigerant amount calculation means 700 according to the magnitude relation. .

Since the functions of the characteristic storage means 500 and the display / control means 800 are the same as those in the first embodiment,
The description is omitted. Therefore, only the main differences from the first embodiment will be described. From the output characteristics of the scattered light intensity detecting means 100 with respect to the elapsed time after the compressor is started, the scattering characteristics of which are shown in FIG. Light intensity detection means 1
It can be seen that the time t at which the output Io of 00 reaches a constant level is a function of the refrigerant filling rate R.

Therefore, if a predetermined Io is determined based on FIG. 17 and, for example, a required time ts for R = 0.5 is determined, R is a boundary R =
It is possible to determine which is 0.5. That is, if t> ts, then Φ = Φ1 If t ≦ ts, then Φ = Φ2 can be easily determined with the above configuration.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic structure in which the above-described refrigerant amount detecting device is applied to a specific device. The structure here is obvious from FIGS. 2 and 3, and the same parts are shown. Are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show specific examples of the scattered light intensity detecting means 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In this case, the light emitting device 110 and the light receiving device 120 are integrally formed by the cylindrical coupling member 130 to form the light receiving and emitting device assembly (sensor) 150, and the cylindrical sensor mounting member 1
It is attached to 60.

The sensor mounting member 160 has a sensor mounting hole provided with an orthogonal hole, and is rotatably inserted while being in contact with the coupling member 130. This facilitates the axial position adjustment of the light receiver / receiver assembly (sensor) 150. Then, the sensor mount member 160 is attached to the measurement unit via the attachment surface.

The light emitting device 110 is, for example, an infrared light emitting diode, and the light receiving device 120 is, for example, a phototransistor. The terminals (1) and (2) of the light emitter 110 are connected to the power source, and the terminals (3) and (4) of the light receiver 120 are connected to the amplifier circuit.

The projected light of the light receiver 120 reaches the light receiver 120 through an optical path determined by the relation with the mounting state on the measuring section. The light receiving intensity of the light receiver 120 changes depending on this optical path condition, and the output changes, but this is detected by the amplifier circuit.

One of the driving power sources for the light emitter 110 and the light receiver 120 uses a measuring circuit for applying a pulse voltage to improve the stability of operation as compared with the case of using a direct current. FIG. 11 is an IC in which the drive power supply of the photodetector 120 and the amplifier circuit are integrated
This is an example configured by a circuit, and a common DC power source is used as the power source of the light emitter 110.

FIG. 8 shows an overview of the scattered light intensity detecting means 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the same figure, as shown above, in the light receiver 120A, a phototransistor, an oscillation circuit for driving the phototransistor, and an amplification circuit are integrally formed by an IC circuit. The light emitter 110 and the light receiver 120A are integrally formed on the coupling member 130A by adhesion or the like to form the sensor 150A, and are fixed to the sensor mount member 160 described above.

FIG. 9 shows a mounting state of the scattered light intensity detecting means 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the sensor holding member 170 is fixed to the outside of the transparent member 53 by means such as adhesion so as to surround the opening of the transparent member 53.

The sensor holding member 170 has a mounting recessed portion with a window for holding the sensor mounting member 160 so as to surround the sensor mounting member 160, and for example, the sensor mounting member 160 is detachably held by a receiving hole corresponding to a shaft. is doing.

Since the receiver / emitter assembly (sensor) 150 or the receiver / emitter assembly (sensor) 150A shown in FIG. 7 or 8 is fixed to the sensor mount member 160, one of the openings of the transparent member 53 is provided. The light emitter 110 and the light receiver 120A are detachably arranged.

As described above, the light projected from the light emitting device 110 toward the other side of the transparent member 53 is scattered depending on the amount of bubbles in the liquid of the measurement object part or the droplets in the gas. After receiving backscattering according to the change in state, the light receiver 12
Reach 0 or 120A.

The detection of changes in the scattering state is not limited to backscattering. Scattering occurs in all directions as shown in FIG. 12, and the backscattering phenomenon is used in this embodiment because it is more preferable to use it.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the scattered light intensity detecting means 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the light emitting device 1 is mounted via the sensor mount member 160.
10 and the light receiver 120 are arranged so as to face each other, and the light receiver 120 detects the intensity of forward scattering.

Since the backscattering exhibits the characteristic shown in FIG. 13, it is clear that the forward scattering exhibits the characteristic shown in FIG. Therefore, even if the field of the scattering phenomenon is partitioned by the transparent member 53a and the light emitting device 110 and the light receiving device 120 are arranged at positions facing each other, only the magnitude relationship of the output characteristics of the Io-R is reversed, and the essence of the functional relationship is. It does not change.
Therefore, the above-mentioned technique can be used as it is, although there is a restriction that the sensor part is attached across the pipe.

[0093]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to measure the filling rate R in a wide range from the filled state of the refrigerant (R = 0) to the completed filling (R = 1.0). it can. Further, since the filling rate R can be easily converted into the filling amount and the leak amount, it is possible to display the filling amount and the leak amount in the form of information which is easy for the user to understand.
Further, by using the backscattered light intensity, the light projector and the light receiver can be arranged on the same surface, and the mounting on the existing device can be facilitated. Furthermore, by using the one in which the driving and amplifying circuits of the light receiver are integrated by an IC circuit, it is possible to realize a further downsizing of the device in combination with the arrangement on the same surface.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a refrigerant amount detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration in which the refrigerant amount detection device in the first embodiment is applied to a specific device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a refrigerant amount detection device in a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration in which the refrigerant amount detection device in the second embodiment is applied to a specific device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of scattered light intensity detection means according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of scattered light intensity detection means according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of scattered light intensity detection means according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an overview of scattered light intensity detection means according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a mounting state of scattered light intensity detection means according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another embodiment of scattered light intensity detecting means according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which a drive power supply for a light receiver and an amplifier circuit are configured as an integrated IC circuit.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a scattering intensity characteristic with respect to a scattering angle.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a light scattering intensity output characteristic with respect to a refrigerant filling rate.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a relationship between a refrigerant filling rate and a gas-liquid volume ratio.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing operating characteristics with respect to a refrigerant filling rate at a representative temperature when a discharge gas temperature is used as the representative temperature.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a relationship between a refrigerant filling rate and a characteristic temperature using a compressor rotation speed as a parameter.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the output characteristic of the scattered light intensity detection means with respect to the elapsed time after the compressor is started, using the refrigerant filling rate as a parameter.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a forward scattering characteristic of a scattered light intensity output characteristic with respect to a refrigerant filling rate.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the output of a state electrical identification signal on the light-receiving side for a refrigerant state in a gas state, a gas-liquid mixed state, and a liquid state.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a refrigerant shortage detection device for an air conditioner according to a conventional technique.

FIG. 21 is a view showing a refrigerant shortage determination device for a heat pump type air conditioner and heater according to a conventional technique.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a refrigerant leakage detection device in the related art.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 ... Scattered light intensity detection means, 110 ... light emitter, 120 ... Receiver, 120A ... light receiver, 130 ... Coupling member, 130A ... coupling member, 150 ... Receiver / emitter assembly (sensor), 150A ... Receiving / emitter assembly (sensor), 160 ... Sensor mount member, 170 ... a sensor holding member, 170a ... Sensor holding member, 200 ... Operating state uniqueness determination means, 300 ... Temperature characteristic determination means, 310 ... Temperature characteristic detecting means, 320 ... Temperature characteristic comparison means, 330 ... Reference temperature setting means, 340 ... Correction means, 400 ... Starting characteristic determination means, 410 ... Scattered light intensity comparison means, 420 ... Scattered light intensity reference value setting means, 430 ... Time characteristic detecting means, 440 ... clock means, 450 ... Reference time setting means, 460 ... Time characteristic comparison means, 500 ... Characteristic storage means, 600 ... Rotational speed detection means, 700 ... Refrigerant amount calculation means, 800 ... Display / control means, 810 ... Display means, 820 ... Control means, 900 ... Measurement target part, 10 ... motor, 20 ... clutch, 30 ... compressor, 40 ... condenser, 50 ... gas-liquid separator, 51 ... outlet piping, 52 ... housing, 53 ... transparent member, 53a ... transparent member, 54 ... inlet pipe, 55 ... outlet pipe, 60 ... expansion valve, 70 ... Evaporator, 90 ... Condensed liquefied refrigerant passage, 91 ... passage, 1 ... Light emitting diode, 2 ... Phototransistor, 3 ... Receiver tank, 4: Peep window, 5 ... bubbles, 6 ... peep window, 7 ... Photoelectric switch, 8 ... Light emitting element, 9 ... Light receiving element, 10 ... Light absorbing member.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-4-324083 (JP, A) JP-A-4-297768 (JP, A) JP-A-3-177764 (JP, A) JP-A-4-4 208377 (JP, A) Actual flat 5-40774 (JP, U) Actual flat 4-127008 (JP, U) Actual 63-125761 (JP, U) Actual flat 4-52620 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) F25B 49/02 520

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A scattered light intensity detecting means having a light projector and a light receiver for detecting the intensity of scattered light in the refrigerant in a condensed and liquefied refrigerant passage of a refrigeration or air-conditioning device, and an operating state of the refrigeration or air-conditioning device. An operating state uniqueness determining means for determining uniqueness, a characteristic storage means for storing a relationship between scattered light intensity and a refrigerant filling rate, a determination result of the operating state uniqueness determining means, and a stored content of the characteristic storage means A refrigerant amount detecting device in a refrigerating / air-conditioning device, comprising: a refrigerant amount calculating means for calculating an amount. 2. The refrigerant amount detecting device in a refrigerating / air-conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the scattered light intensity detecting means has a light receiver for detecting the intensity of the back scattered light and outputting a corresponding signal. . 3. The scattered light intensity detection means is provided with a holding member in any part of the liquid pipe or in the vicinity of the bent portion of the outlet pipe of the gas-liquid separator, and is detachably provided by the holding member. The refrigerant amount detection device in the refrigeration / air-conditioning device according to claim 1. 4. The refrigerant amount detection in the refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light receiver of the scattered light intensity detecting means is composed of an IC circuit integrally including a driving means and an amplifying means. apparatus. 5. The operating state uniqueness determining means includes temperature characteristic detecting means for detecting a representative temperature, reference temperature setting means for setting a reference temperature, representative temperature detected by the temperature characteristic detecting means and the reference temperature. 5. The refrigeration / air-conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising temperature characteristic comparison means for discriminating a magnitude relation between the reference temperatures set by the setting means and outputting a discrimination signal according to the magnitude relation. Refrigerant amount detection device in. 6. The representative temperature detected by the temperature characteristic detecting means is an outlet temperature of the cooler or a heating degree of the outlet of the cooler.
A refrigerant amount detection device in the refrigeration / air conditioning device described. 7. The operating state uniqueness discriminating means is a rotational speed detecting means for detecting a rotational speed of the compressor, a reference temperature setting means for setting a reference temperature, and a reference temperature of the reference temperature setting means for the rotational speed. 7. The refrigerant amount detection device in a refrigeration / air-conditioning device according to claim 1, further comprising a correction unit that corrects the rotation speed detected by the detection unit in relation to the rotation speed. 8. The operating state uniqueness determining means includes a scattered light intensity reference value setting means for determining a reference value of scattered light intensity, and a scattered light intensity reference value determined by the scattered light intensity reference value setting means. Scattered light intensity comparison means for comparing the intensity of scattered light intensity detected by the scattered light intensity detection means, clock means for clocking time, comparison result in the scattered light intensity comparison means and clocking time in the clock means Based on the detection result in the scattered light intensity detection means after the compressor is started based on the time characteristic detection means for measuring the time to reach the reference value of the scattered light intensity determined by the scattered light intensity reference value setting means, and set the reference time The reference time setting means for determining the magnitude relationship between the time measured by the time characteristic detecting means and the magnitude relationship between the reference time set by the reference time setting means. The refrigerant amount detecting device in a refrigerating / air-conditioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: time characteristic comparing means for outputting a discrimination signal according to the magnitude relation. 9. The refrigerant amount detecting device in a refrigerating / air-conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the scattered light intensity detecting means is provided on a transparent member of the liquid pipe at the inlet and the outlet of the light receiver.