JPH05187690A - Monitor of humidifier for air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To effectively sense a malfunction of a feedwater route around a humidifier by providing high and low water level timers. CONSTITUTION:Duration of a high water level signal to be continuously output until a water level of a feedwater tank for supplying water to a humidifier becomes a predetermined low water level from when it becomes a predetermined high water level is integrated. When the integrated time exceeds a predetermined high water level limiting time, a high water level timer 37 outputs a high water level malfunction signal. A continuing time of a low water level signal to be continuously output until it becomes a predetermined high water level from when it becomes a predetermined low water level is integrated. When the continuing time exceeds a predetermined low water level limiting time, a low water level timer 38 outputs a low water level malfunction signal. Thus, malfunctions of a feedwater route around the humidifier present as both high and low water level malfunctions in the tank can be effectively sensed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a humidifier monitoring device capable of effectively detecting an abnormal condition such as water supply or drainage in a humidifier installed in a direct expansion type or central type air conditioner. Is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional device of this type will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the basic structure of the indoor unit incorporating the natural evaporation type humidifier will be described with reference to FIG. First, the basic configuration of an air conditioner indoor unit incorporating a natural evaporation type humidifier will be described with reference to FIG. 4. Inside the air passage 2 composed of the air conditioner exterior drain pan 1 and the like, indoor air is blown from the suction port. When it is sucked by 3 and heated by the use side heat exchanger 4 and passes through the natural evaporative humidifier 5, the water inside the natural evaporative humidifier 5 is heated and evaporated, and the water is blown into the room from the outlet. It is configured to be released again.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a water supply tank in which water flowing from a water supply pipe 7 is stored in the water supply tank 6 through a water supply solenoid valve 8 and a tank water supply pipe 9. Reference numeral 10 denotes a partition plate provided inside the water supply tank 6, and the partition plate upper part is configured to be lower than the side wall height of the water supply tank 6, and when the liquid level becomes higher than the partition plate upper part, from the overflow pipe 11, It is discharged through a drain pipe provided at the lowest part of the air conditioner exterior drain pan 1. Reference numeral 12 is a humidifier water supply pipe for supplying water to the natural evaporation type humidifier 5.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a water supply float switch, which turns off the contact when the liquid level inside the water supply tank 6 reaches the upper limit, and turns on when the liquid level inside the water supply tank 6 reaches the lower limit. That is, this water supply float switch 13
Outputs a high water level signal that continues until the water level of the water supply tank 6 reaches a predetermined low water level after reaching a predetermined high water level,
The water level detection switch outputs a low water level signal that continues from a predetermined low water level to a predetermined high water level. The water supply solenoid valve 8 is controlled to be opened and closed by a water supply valve control circuit (not shown) based on ON / OFF of a contact point of the water supply float switch 13. As a result, the liquid level inside the water supply tank 6 is controlled within a predetermined range.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. A float switch 13 for supplying water, a heating / humidifying permission contact (thermo ON) 14, a solenoid valve 8 for supplying water, and an air conditioner operation signal contact 15 are connected in series between both ends of the commercial power source. (Thermo O
N) 14, a timer 16 is provided at both ends of the water supply solenoid valve 8.
And a series circuit including a timer delay a contact 17 of the timer 16 and a humidification abnormality output relay 18 are connected in parallel. 19 is the humidification abnormality output relay 1
No. 8 humidification abnormality output relay a contact.

In the above-mentioned circuit configuration, normally, the air conditioner operation signal contact 15 and the heating / humidifying permission contact (thermo O
N) With the permission of 14, each contact is closed. At this time,
When water is consumed by the operation of the humidifier and the liquid level inside the water supply tank 6 reaches the lower limit, the contact of the water supply float switch 13 is turned on, the water supply solenoid valve 8 is opened, and water is supplied to the water supply tank 6. On the other hand, when water is supplied from the water supply solenoid valve 8 and the liquid level inside the water supply tank 6 reaches the upper limit, the contact point of the water supply float switch 13 is turned off and the water supply solenoid valve 8 is closed. Then, the water supply to the water supply tank 6 is stopped. In this case, although it depends on the size of the humidification capacity of the natural evaporative humidifier 5, it is usually set so that the contact point of the water supply float switch 13 is switched on / off in about 5 minutes. The contacts of the float switch 13 will not be turned on or off continuously for a long time.

However, due to some abnormality in the water supply system to the water supply tank or the water supply system between the water supply tank and the humidifier, the liquid level of the water supply tank 6 is lowered and the contact point of the water supply float switch 13 is changed. If the liquid level does not rise and the contact does not turn off even after a predetermined time has passed since turning on, the water supply float switch 13
The contact of will be turned on continuously. When the contact of the water supply float switch 13 is turned on, the timer 16 starts integrating the duration time, and when the duration time exceeds a predetermined setup time (for example, 30 minutes) of the timer 16, the timer delay of the timer 16 is started. a contact 1
7 is turned on, the humidification abnormality output relay 18 operates, and the humidification abnormality output relay a contact 19 is used to notify the abnormality around the humidifier to the outside.

[0008]

In the above-mentioned conventional humidifier monitoring device for an air conditioner, the level of the liquid surface is maintained even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the contact of the water supply float switch 13 was turned on. Although it is possible to detect an abnormality that does not turn off and does not turn off, even if a predetermined time or more has passed after the contact point of the water supply float switch 13 was turned off, the liquid level does not decrease and it does not turn on. There was a problem that such abnormalities could not be detected.

When the contact of the water supply float switch 13 as described above continues to be turned on or off for a long time,
It is not always abnormal. For example, 5 for normal
Even if the liquid level drops from the upper limit to the lower limit in about a minute, if the operation of the air conditioner itself is interrupted,
If the humidity of the air is sufficient and there is little need for humidification, the water in the water supply tank is not consumed to suspend the operation of the humidifier. Therefore, the liquid level may not be lowered even after 5 minutes or more. Simply by monitoring the off time of the contact point of the water supply float switch 13, the liquid level does not decrease because the operation of the humidifier is stopped or the operation is restricted with the humidification capability. There is a problem that a state in which the duration of is prolonged is judged to be abnormal.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention eliminates the abnormality of the water supply path around the humidifier, which appears as a high water level abnormality or a low water level abnormality of the liquid level in the water supply tank.
Both have been made for the purpose of providing a humidifier monitoring device for an air conditioner, which can effectively detect the humidifier.

[0011]

In a monitoring device for a humidifier for an air conditioner according to the present invention, a humidifier for an air conditioner for supplying moisture into the air to humidify it, and a water supply for supplying water to the humidifier. The tank for water supply and a high water level signal that continues until the water level of the water supply tank reaches a predetermined low water level until it reaches a predetermined low water level, until it reaches a predetermined high water level after reaching the predetermined low water level In a monitoring device for a humidifier for an air conditioner, which includes a water level detection unit that outputs a low water level signal that continues,
A high water level timer that outputs a high water level abnormal signal when the duration of the high water level signal is integrated and the duration exceeds a predetermined high water level limit time, and the duration of the low water level signal is integrated, Has a low water level timer that outputs a low water level abnormal signal when a predetermined low water level limit time is exceeded.

Further, a humidifier for an air conditioner for supplying moisture to the air to humidify it, a water supply tank for supplying water to the humidifier, and a water level of the water supply tank after a predetermined high water level is reached. For an air conditioner provided with a water level detection means for outputting a high water level signal that continues until a predetermined low water level and a low water level signal that continues for a predetermined high water level after reaching a predetermined low water level In a humidifier monitoring device, the duration of the high water level signal is integrated, and a high water level timer that outputs a high water level abnormal signal when the duration exceeds a predetermined high water level limit time, and the duration of the low water level signal And a low water level timer that outputs a low water level abnormal signal when this duration exceeds a predetermined low water level limit time, and when the high water level signal is input, the high water level timer starts integration and Water level Reset the timer, and a switching means for resetting the high level timer causes initiate the integration by the said low level timer and low water signal.

Further, a humidifier for an air conditioner for supplying moisture into the air to humidify it, a water supply tank for supplying water to the humidifier, and a water level of the water supply tank after a predetermined high water level. Water level detection means that outputs a high water level signal that continues until a predetermined low water level, and outputs a low water level signal that continues until a predetermined high water level reaches a predetermined high water level, and continuation of the high water level signal A high water level timer that outputs a high water level abnormal signal when the accumulated duration time exceeds a predetermined high water level limit time, and a duration time that is accumulated by integrating the duration times of the low water level signals In a humidifier monitoring device for an air conditioner equipped with a low water level timer that outputs a low water level abnormal signal when the water level limit time is exceeded, a stop signal output means for outputting a humidification stop signal for stopping the operation of the humidifier, The high water level Thailand When the stop signal is output from the stop signal output means while the user is integrating the duration of the high water level signal, the integration of the durations of the high water level timer and the low water level timer is interrupted, and the stop signal is output. When the stop signal is output from the stop signal output means while the low water level timer is integrating the duration of the low water level signal, the low water level is output when the stop signal is output. An interruption control means for interrupting the integration of the duration time in the timer and restarting the integration from the state before the interruption when the stop signal is not output.

[0014]

According to the monitoring device for a humidifier for an air conditioner according to the present invention having the above-described means, a predetermined level is reached after the water level of the water tank for supplying water to the humidifier for the air conditioner reaches a predetermined high water level. When the duration exceeds the specified high water level limit time, a high water level abnormal signal is output from the high water level timer. An abnormality that appears as a phenomenon in which the liquid level does not drop, such as poor water supply from the tank to the humidifier, is detected. In addition, the duration of the low water level signal that is continuously output from the predetermined low water level to the predetermined high water level is integrated, and if this duration exceeds the predetermined low water level limit time, the low water level timer Since the low water level abnormality signal is output from the, the abnormality that appears as a phenomenon in which the liquid level does not rise, such as defective water supply to the water supply tank, is detected.

In this way, according to the present invention, even when an abnormality appears as a phenomenon in which the liquid level of the water supply tank does not rise even after a lapse of a predetermined time, the liquid level of the water supply tank is kept for a predetermined time or more. Abnormalities that appear as phenomena that do not decrease even after a certain period of time are also detected. Further, when the high water level signal is input by the timer switching means, the low water level timer is reset while the high water level timer starts the integration, and when the low water level signal is input, the low water level timer causes the integration. By starting and resetting the high water level timer, the two water level timers are reset alternately, so that both are prevented from accumulating time in parallel or overlapping.

Further, when the stop signal is output from the stop signal output means while the high water level timer is accumulating the duration of the high water level signal, the durations of the high water level timer and the low water level timer are changed. Since the integration is suspended, the high water level timer and the low water level timer do not operate while the stop signal is output. When the stop signal is no longer output, the integration is resumed from the state before the interruption, so that the operation of the air conditioner itself is interrupted or the humidity of the air is sufficient and there is little need to humidify. Since the elapsed time when the operation of the humidifier is stopped is not integrated, the erroneous determination of abnormality is prevented.

[0017]

【Example】

Example 1. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a control circuit diagram of a monitoring device for a humidifier for an air conditioner according to this embodiment. In FIG. 1, a truss 20, a rectifier 21, and a smoothing capacitor 22 constitute a power supply circuit and a control circuit. In the control circuit, the voltage levels generated from the voltage distribution resistor 23 and the current limiting resistor 24 of the water supply float switch 13 are respectively inverted signals by the logic ICs NOT.IC25 and NOT.IC26. In addition, heating humidification permission contact (thermo O
N) 14 is also a logic IC, NOT-IC 29, which controls the voltage level generated from the voltage distribution resistor 27 and the current limiting resistor 28.
And NOT-IC30 are used as inverted signals.

The outputs of the preceding logic IC of the water supply float switch 13 and the heating / humidification permission contact (thermo ON) 14 are logically operated by the NAND IC 31. Second-stage logic I
The output of C is logically operated and output by the NOR IC32. The outputs of the NAND IC31 and the NOR IC32 determine ON / OFF of the transistor 35 and the transistor 36 via the current limiting resistors 33 and 34, respectively.

Each of the transistors 35 and 36 has a circuit structure for inputting a signal to a high water level timer IC 37 and a low water level timer IC 38.
The outputs of C37 and 38 are the reverse current prevention diode 3 respectively.
9 and the reverse current prevention diode 40 are combined, and the transistor 42 is turned on / off through the current limiting resistor 41.
Is controlled to operate the water supply abnormality output relay 43. Further, the air conditioner operation signal contact 15 is ON / OFF of the transistor 46 at the voltage level generated by the voltage distribution resistor 44 and the current limiting resistor 45, similarly to the above signals.
Are in control.

The signal output of the transistor 46 is connected to the reset terminals of the high water level timer IC 37 and the low water level timer IC 38. Reference numeral 47 is a set time changeover switch of the high water level timer IC 37, and likewise 48 is a set time changeover switch of the low water level timer IC 38. 49 is a flicker relay connected in parallel with the water supply abnormality relay 43. Reference numeral 50 is a relay a contact for outputting an abnormal signal which is maintained by the operation of the water supply abnormality output relay 43, and 51 is a flicker relay a contact for outputting an abnormal signal which is intermittently operated by the operation of the flicker relay 49. 52 is a continuous detection permission switch.

In the above embodiment, the water supply float switch 13 corresponds to the water level detecting means, the heating and humidifying permission contact 14 corresponds to the interruption signal outputting means, and the NAND / I
C31 constitutes the main part of the high water level timer interruption means, and NO
The R / IC 32 constitutes a main part of the low water level timer interrupting means, and the air conditioner operation signal contact 15, the NOT / IC 25,
26 and the transistor 46 constitute a timer switching means, and the high water level timer 37 and the low water level timer 38 monitor the duration and output an abnormal signal.

Next, the operation will be described. FIG. 2 is a timing flowchart of a control circuit diagram of the monitoring device for the air conditioner humidifier. In FIG. 2, first, with the power turned on, the heating and humidifying permission contact (thermo ON) 1
Detecting ON / OFF of the water supply float switch 13 when 4 is ON and the air conditioner operation signal contact 15 is ON, either the high water level timer IC 37 or the low water level timer IC 38 starts timer counting. (In this embodiment, it is assumed that the water supply float switch 13 is in the ON state.)

While the timer is counting, the air conditioner operation signal contact 15 is in an OFF state (for example, thermo is OFF).
Then, the timer count is interrupted, and the timer count is restarted from the time when the timer is turned on.
Next, when the heating / humidifying permission contact (thermo ON) 14 is turned off while the high water level timer IC 37 is counting the timer, the high water level detection is reset, and the low water level timer IC 38 starts the timer counting. , This operation is performed by the water supply float switch 13
ON / OFF is detected and the inversion alternate detection is always continued.

Whether the high water level timer IC 37 exceeds a predetermined high water level limit time or the low water level timer IC 38
If the current exceeds the predetermined low water level limit time and counts up, the backflow prevention diodes 39, 40
The exciting coil of the water supply abnormality output relay 43 is excited through the signal synthesizing circuit configured by.

When the water supply abnormality output relay 43 is activated, the contact 50 for continuing the abnormality signal output is turned on,
Flicker relay contact 51 for intermittent error signal output
Repeats ON / OFF to notify the abnormal state to the outside.

The humidification characteristic line of the natural evaporation type humidifier will now be described with reference to FIG. 3. In the case of the natural evaporation type humidifier 5, the humidification capacity of the natural evaporation type humidifier 5 changes greatly depending on the ambient temperature, and at the same time, the natural evaporation type humidifier 5 has Considering that the water supply time or evaporation time changes significantly depending on the capacity (for example, setting a natural evaporation type humidifier that matches the heating capacity of the indoor unit), the high water level limit time and low water level limit time By providing the set time changeover switches 47 and 48 for changing over, it is possible to arbitrarily set the limit time during which the high water level and the low water level continue, thereby providing versatility.

By repeating the operation and operation of each function as described above, erroneous detection of an abnormal state is prevented and high-accuracy monitoring is performed in consideration of the time when the humidifying ability is lowered, such as during defrost or when the thermostat is stopped. In addition, 100% continuous monitoring of abnormalities in all water supply routes consisting of high water level detection and low water level detection makes it possible to save water for supply water, especially when the number of humidifiers is huge, such as in building applications. Can be expected to have a great effect.

[0028]

As described above, according to the present invention, by providing the high water level timer and the low water level timer, an abnormality that appears as a phenomenon in which the liquid level of the water supply tank does not rise even after a predetermined time has passed Also, since it is possible to detect an abnormality that appears as a phenomenon in which the level of the liquid level in the water supply tank does not decrease even after a lapse of a predetermined time, it is possible to obtain an effect that the humidifier for an air conditioner can be appropriately monitored. Further, by providing a timer switching means, by alternately resetting the two water level timers,
Since proper integration can be performed, it is possible to provide a humidifier monitoring device for an air conditioner that achieves the above effects.

Further, the operation of the air conditioner itself is interrupted by the interruption means, or the operation of the humidifier is stopped because the humidity of the air is sufficient and the need for humidification is small. In this case, by interrupting the integration of the elapsed time by the above two water level timers, it is possible to accurately judge the abnormality that appears in the fluctuation of the liquid level, so that the abnormal state of the humidifier for the air conditioner can be accurately determined. The effect of being able to judge is obtained. In this way, by reliably detecting abnormalities in the water supply route, it is possible to save energy by saving a large amount of water by preventing a humidifier failure or a leak in the piping route, etc. Great effect. Further, according to the present invention, not only can it be realized at a low cost, but also a great water saving effect can be expected when using a plurality of units in a building air conditioner or the like.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a control circuit diagram of an embodiment of a humidifier monitoring device for an air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a timing chart of essential signals of the control circuit of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a humidification characteristic diagram of the natural evaporation type humidifier used in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an indoor unit of an air conditioner incorporating a natural evaporation type humidifier used in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a control circuit diagram of a conventional monitoring device for a humidifier for an air conditioner.

[Explanation of symbols]

5 Humidifier 6 Water tank 13 Water supply float switch (water level detection means) 14 Heating humidification permission contact (interruption signal output means) 15 Air conditioner operation signal contact 25 NOT / IC 26 NOT / IC 29 NOT / IC 30 NOT / IC 31 NAND IC (High Water Level Timer Interrupting Means) 32 NOR IC (Low Water Level Timer Interrupting Means) 37 High Water Level Timer 38 Low Water Level Timer 15, 25, 26, 46 Timer Switching Means 50 Relay a for Sustained Abnormal Signal Output a Contact 51 Flicker relay a contact for intermittent error signal output

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A humidifier for an air conditioner that supplies moisture to the air to humidify it, a water supply tank that supplies water to the humidifier, and a water level of the water supply tank reaches a predetermined high water level. Outputs a high water level signal that continues until a predetermined low water level,
And in the monitoring device of the humidifier for the air conditioner provided with a water level detection means for outputting a low water level signal that continues until it reaches a predetermined high water level after reaching a predetermined low water level, the duration of the high water level signal A high water level timer that outputs a high water level abnormal signal when the predetermined high water level limit time is exceeded, and a low water level timer that outputs a low water level abnormal signal when the duration of the low water level signal exceeds the predetermined low water level limit time. A humidifier monitoring device for an air conditioner, which has. 2. A humidifier for an air conditioner that supplies moisture to the air to humidify it, a water supply tank that supplies water to the humidifier, and a water level of the water supply tank reaches a predetermined high water level. Outputs a high water level signal that continues until a predetermined low water level,
And in the monitoring device of the humidifier for the air conditioner provided with a water level detection means for outputting a low water level signal that continues until it reaches a predetermined high water level after reaching a predetermined low water level, the duration of the high water level signal A high water level timer that outputs a high water level abnormal signal when a predetermined high water level limit time is exceeded, and a low water level timer that outputs a low water level abnormal signal when the duration of the low water level signal exceeds a predetermined low water level limit time, When the high water level signal is input, the low water level timer is reset while the high water level timer is started, and when the low water level signal is input, the low water level timer is started and the high water level timer is started. And a timer switching means for resetting the air conditioner. 3. A humidifier for an air conditioner that supplies moisture to the air to humidify it, a water supply tank that supplies water to the humidifier, and a water level of the water supply tank reaches a predetermined high water level. Outputs a high water level signal that continues until a predetermined low water level,
And a water level detecting means for outputting a low water level signal which continues from a predetermined low water level to a predetermined high water level, and a high water level abnormal signal when the duration of the high water level signal exceeds a predetermined high water level limit time. In a monitoring device for an air conditioner humidifier, which includes a high water level timer that outputs a low water level timer that outputs a low water level abnormal signal when the duration of the low water level signal exceeds a predetermined low water level limit time, The interruption signal output means for outputting an interruption signal for interrupting the operation of the humidifier, and the high signal when the interruption signal is output from the interruption signal output means while the high water level timer is integrating the duration of the high water level signal. The high water level timer interruption means for interrupting the integration of the duration time in the water level timer and restarting the integration from the state before the interruption when the interruption signal is no longer output, and the low water level timer are When the interruption signal is output from the interruption signal output means while integrating the duration of the water level signal, the integration of the duration time in the low water level timer is interrupted, and when the interruption signal is no longer output, the status before the interruption is integrated. And a low water level timer interruption means for resuming the operation of the humidifier monitoring device for an air conditioner.