JPH0443187B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates to an operation control device for an air conditioner in which a module in which Peltier effect elements are assembled is used as a heat exchanger.

Conventional technology Conventionally, this type of dehumidifier was manufactured by Jikosho, for example.
As known from Publication No. 58-6204, etc., it had a configuration including a refrigeration cycle consisting of a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducer, an evaporator, etc.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention In the conventional dehumidifier described above, it is difficult to reduce the size and weight of the dehumidifier because the parts that make up the refrigeration cycle are heavy and relatively large, and they must be connected with piping. Also, since there were many moving parts (compressor, blower, etc.), there was a lot of noise. Furthermore, the space occupied by the compressor is large, and the capacity of the water storage container cannot be increased.
This was accompanied by the trouble of having to frequently dispose of the dehumidified water.

On the other hand, control also has the problem that if frost adheres to the evaporator, a defrosting operation is required to melt it, and dehumidification is interrupted during this time, making it ineffective.

As an improvement, it may be possible to stop the compressor before frost formation, but even with such control, dehumidification is interrupted and efficiency is improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device that is small and lightweight, can store a large amount of water, and can perform quiet and efficient dehumidification.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the present invention uses a cooling device as a module in which a plurality of Peltier effect elements are assembled, and further includes a switching device for reversing the polarity of conduction to the module. , this switching device includes a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature on the endothermic surface side of the module, a comparison means for comparing the temperature detected by the temperature detection means with a set value, and reversal of the polarity of the voltage applied to the module. The apparatus includes a reversing means, a time measuring means for measuring a predetermined time based on the comparison means and an output, and an output means for causing the reversing means to perform a reversing operation based on the time measurement output of the time measuring means.

Function With such a configuration, even if frost forms on the heat absorption surface of the module, by reversing the conducting polarity, the heat radiation surface acts as a heat absorption surface and dehumidification can be performed. Further, by stopping the power supply to the module for a predetermined period of time after the polarity is reversed, destruction of the module due to thermal stress can be prevented.

Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In Figures 2 to 4, 1 is the dehumidifier main body;
The interior thereof is partitioned by a partition plate 2 so that the upper part becomes a wind circuit part 5 having an inlet 3 and the outlet 4, and the lower part becomes a water storage space 7 in which a water storage tank 6 is accommodated. Inside the wind circuit section 5, a heat transfer section 9 is formed above by the top plate 8, and if necessary, a heat insulating material (not shown) can be provided to prevent heat leakage. Reference numerals 10 and 11 are modules each consisting of an assembly of well-known Peltier effect elements, and fins 12 and 13, a heat pipe 14, etc. constitute a heat exchange dehumidification device.

This heat exchange dehumidification device, as shown in Fig. 3,
Endothermic surfaces 10a and 11a of each module 10 and 11
A heat exchange dehumidification function is achieved by using the heat exchanger and heat radiation surfaces 10b and 11b in combination.

That is, the heat absorption surface 1 of the module 10 on the windward side
On the heat dissipation surfaces 11b of the module 11 on the 0a and leeward side, heat dissipation fins 12 and 13 extending into the wind circuit section 5 are provided for heat transfer, respectively, in order to improve heat exchange efficiency. . The remaining surface of each module 10, 11 is a heat radiation surface 10.
They are connected by a well-known heat pipe 14 so that the heat of b is efficiently transferred to the endothermic surface 11a. In this way, the heat radiation surface 10b and the heat absorption surface 11a of each module 10, 11 are connected in a heat conductive manner.
an endothermic surface 10a that contributes to the actual heat exchange dehumidification effect;
This is to increase the efficiency of the heat radiation surface 11b.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a water tray provided at the lower part of the fins 12 and 13, and a part thereof is provided with a drain port 16 extending to the water storage space 7. Reference numeral 17 denotes a water inlet provided at the upper part of the water storage tank 6, which faces the drain port 16 when the water storage tank 6 is stored in the water storage space 7 in a normal state. The water storage tank 6 is
It is configured so that it can be freely taken out from the water storage space 7 and stored. Reference numeral 18 denotes a blower provided in the air circuit section 5, which blows air from the suction port 3 to the fins 12,1.
3 in sequence, and the air is blown out from the air outlet 4.

A thermistor 19 detects the surface temperature of the fin 12, and indirectly detects the temperature on the endothermic surface side of the module 10. Module 10 as required
Alternatively, the temperature may be directly detected.

Next, a control circuit for controlling the amount of current supplied to the module 10 will be explained with reference to FIG.

In the same figure, 20 is a comparator, and thermistor 1
A temperature detection signal formed by the resistor 9 and the resistor 21 is compared with a reference signal formed by the resistors 22 and 23, and the result is output. The reference signal is the module 10
The temperature is set to a value at which the frost formation temperature (for example, a negative temperature) is reached. The comparator 20 outputs a signal when the temperature detected by the thermistor 19 reaches the frosting temperature. Reference numeral 24 denotes a time limit circuit that is activated by the frost detection signal of the comparator 20, and includes a switch circuit 26 that shuts off the power supply 25 to the modules 10 and 11 for a predetermined time upon input of the frost detection signal, and a switch circuit that shuts off the power supply 25 to the modules 10 and 11 after the predetermined time has elapsed. A switching circuit 27 is provided to control energization to 10 and 11. The switch circuit 26 includes a switching transistor 2
8, a relay coil 29 that is energized by the ON operation of this transistor 28, and a contact 30 and a protective resistor 31 that are activated by this relay coil 29.
Equipped with: The switching circuit 27 also includes a switching transistor 32 that is turned on after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time limit circuit 24, a relay coil 33 that is energized by the ON operation of the transistor 32, and a module that is energized by the relay coil 33. It is provided with a contact portion 34 for reversing the polarity of conduction to 10 and 11, and a protective resistor 35.

In the above configuration, when the modules 10, 11 and the blower 18 are energized in the state shown in FIG. 2, the wind flows as shown by the arrow. As time passes, the cooling of the endothermic surface (10a) of the module 10 progresses, and the fins 12 are cooled, and the moisture in the air passing through the wind circuit section 5 condenses as it passes through the fins 12. It adheres to the surface and becomes water droplets. The air that has passed through the fins 12 is warmed when passing through the fins 13 and is blown out from the outlet 4 with its relative humidity reduced.

As the above condition continues, the water droplets attached to the fins 12 grow, fall onto the water tray 15 due to their own weight, and are poured into the water storage tank 6 from the drain port 16.

As more time passes, frost begins to form on the fins 12. Therefore, the thermistor 19 detects this and the output of the comparator 20 is inverted. As a result, the timer circuit 24 is activated, and the switch circuit 2
Operate 6. That is, the transistor 28
It operates ON and energizes the relay coil 29. As a result, contact 30 turns OFF, and each module 1
0 and 11 is stopped for a predetermined period of time. At this time, the blower 18 is continuously energized.

Then, when the time set by the time limit circuit 24 has elapsed, the transistor 28 turns OFF.
The switching circuit 27 operates. That is, the transistor 32 is turned on and the relay coil 33 is energized. As a result, the contact portion 34 performs a reversing operation, and the polarity of conduction to each module 10, 11 is reversed.

Therefore, the module 10 performs a reversal operation from an endothermic action to a heat radiating action, and the module 11 performs a reversal action from a heat radiating action to an endothermic action. Therefore,
In module 10, defrosting is performed by heat radiation,
In the module 11, moisture in the air condenses on the fins 13, and dehumidification is performed. Here, the frost adhering to the fins 12 melts into water droplets, some of which evaporate due to the heat dissipation action of the module 10, but most of which falls onto the water tray 15 due to the water droplets' own weight.

When the thermistor 19 detects the end of defrosting, the comparator 20 is inverted again, and the switch circuit 26 of the timer circuit 24 is operated to stop energizing each module 10, 11 for a predetermined period of time. After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the switching circuit 27 is activated, and the module 10 again performs the heat absorbing action and the module 11 performs the heat dissipating action, and the same dehumidification operation as the first is performed.

Therefore, according to the dehumidifier having such a configuration, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) Since there are few moving parts, noise generation is extremely low and quiet operation is possible.

(2) A conventional refrigeration cycle structure such as a compressor is not required at all, making it compact and lightweight, and there are no conditions that restrict the capacity of the water storage tank 6, so the capacity of the water storage tank 6 can be set to an extremely large amount. This eliminates the need for frequent drainage operations, improving usability.

(3) Mutual heat dissipation surface 10b of modules 10 and 11
Since the heat exchange and dehumidification efficiency (capacity) is increased by thermally connecting the heat absorbing surface 11a and the heat absorbing surface 11a, the input power is relatively low, and the power consumption is also less than that of the conventional method.

(4) When frost builds up on the heat absorption part, reverse the polarity to each module 10, 11, melt the frost by heat radiation, and use the heat radiation part with no frost as the heat absorption part. Since dehumidification is performed by dehumidification, dehumidification and defrosting can be performed in parallel, and the rise in humidity due to interruption of dehumidification can be suppressed.

(5) Furthermore, since the polarity of the power supply to each module 10, 11 is reversed after the current supply is stopped for a predetermined period of time and the respective temperatures are brought close to each other, damage to each module 10, 11 due to thermal stress can be prevented.

In addition, in this embodiment, the module 10,
I used two 11s, but depending on the ability, I used 1 after that.
Needless to say, the number can be changed within the range of 1 to the required number.

Further, in this embodiment, a dehumidifier has been described, but it is clear that any room air conditioner equipped with a dehumidifying function can be similarly implemented, and does not depart from the gist of the present invention.

Effects of the Invention As described above, the present invention uses a module (Pertuille effect element) with no moving parts as a heat exchange dehumidification device, thereby reducing noise, making it smaller and lighter, and increasing the water storage capacity. .

Furthermore, if frost forms on the module that is acting as a heat absorber, the polarity of the module is reversed and dehumidification is performed while defrosting, thereby suppressing inconveniences such as increased humidity due to interruption of dehumidification. .

Furthermore, when reversing the polarity of the energization to each module, the energization is stopped for a predetermined period of time, and the reversal of energization is performed after the temperature difference between the two modules is reduced, so that damage to the module due to thermal stress can be prevented.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is an electrical circuit diagram of an operation control device for an air conditioner showing an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the air conditioner, and Fig. 3 is a diagram of the heat exchange dehumidifying section of the air conditioner. The enlarged view, FIG. 4, is a perspective view of the air conditioner. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Dehumidifier body, 3...Suction port, 4...Blowout port, 10, 11...Module, 12...Fin, 18...Blower, 18a...Motor, 19...
...Thermistor, (frost formation detection means), 20 ... Comparator, (inversion means), 24 ... Time limit circuit, 26 ... Switch circuit, 27 ... Switching circuit, 28 ... Transistor, 29 ... Relay coil, 30...Contact,
32...Transistor, 33...Transistor,
34...Contact part.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An air conditioner in which a cooling device and a blowing means are provided in a main body having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the cooling device is a module in which a plurality of Peltier effect elements are assembled, and the polarity of conduction to the module is adjusted. A switching device for reversing is provided, and this switching device is connected to a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature on the endothermic surface side of the module, a comparing means for comparing the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means with a set value, and a switching device for the module. Operation control of an air conditioner, comprising: a reversing means for reversing the polarity of the applied voltage; a clock means for measuring a predetermined time based on the output of the comparing means; and an output means for causing the reversing means to operate in reverse according to the clock output of the time measuring means. Device.