JPH08178480A - Dehumidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To improve safety at the time when a combustible refrigerant is used for a dehumidifier. CONSTITUTION: This dehumidifier comprises a refrigerant leakage detecting device 19 provided below a compressor 6, a refrigerant leakage detecting device 20 provided below a condenser 7, a refrigerant leakage detecting device 21 provided in a blowing circuit, a solenoid valve 22 provided between the condenser 7 and the compressor 6, a solenoid valve 23 provided between an evaporator 9 and the compressor 6, and a determining device which judges operations of the compressor 6, a blower 10, the solenoid valves 22 and 23, a refrigerant leakage alarm device, a main-body power supply breaking device and a repair alarm display device on the basis of signals of the refrigerant leakage detecting devices 19, 20 and 21.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a dehumidifier.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a refrigerant used as a refrigerant for an air conditioner is HCFC-22 or CFC-12. This refrigerant has no toxicity, is chemically stable, and is neither flammable nor explosive. It was a feature. However, these refrigerants will be totally abolished in the near future due to the problem of ozone layer destruction.
Therefore, in recent years, HFC-based single or mixed refrigerants have been considered as refrigerants to replace these refrigerants, but these refrigerants have a very high global warming potential and pose a problem.

Therefore, in recent years, flammable simple substance and mixed refrigerants such as propane and butane have attracted attention as refrigerants to replace these refrigerants.

[0004]

However, when using a flammable / explosive refrigerant for the air conditioner,
If the refrigerant leaks from the parts that make up the refrigeration cycle,
There is a risk of explosion or fire as the refrigerant fills the air conditioner.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to warn / avoid the danger of refrigerant leakage and to ensure the safety of the user.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a throttle device and a blower, and a refrigeration cycle using a flammable refrigerant,
Refrigerant leak detection device provided at the bottom of the compressor, refrigerant leak detection device provided below the center of the condenser, refrigerant leak detection device provided before the blowout grill in the air blowing circuit, compressor and condensation Solenoid valve provided between the compressor and the evaporator, a solenoid valve provided between the evaporator and the compressor, a control device that determines the operation stop of the compressor and the blower by the signal of the refrigerant leakage detection device, the refrigerant leakage The dehumidifier is provided with a control device that opens and closes the electromagnetic valve based on a signal from a detection device, and a refrigerant leak warning device that warns against a refrigerant leak based on a signal from the refrigerant leak detection device.

The present invention also provides a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser,
A refrigeration cycle that has a throttle device and a blower and uses a flammable refrigerant, a refrigerant leakage detection device provided at the bottom of the compressor, a refrigerant leakage detection device provided below the center of the condenser, and a blower circuit. A refrigerant leak detection device provided in front of the blow-out grill inside, a solenoid valve provided between the compressor and the condenser,
An electromagnetic valve provided between the evaporator and the compressor, a control device that determines whether to stop the operation of the compressor and the blower based on a signal from the refrigerant leak detection device, and shuts off the main power supply from a signal from the refrigerant leak detection device. The dehumidifier is provided with a control device for performing the operation and a refrigerant leakage warning device for issuing a warning of the refrigerant leakage based on a signal from the refrigerant leakage detection device.

The present invention also provides a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser,
A refrigeration cycle that has a throttle device and a blower and uses a flammable refrigerant, a refrigerant leakage detection device provided at the bottom of the compressor, a refrigerant leakage detection device provided below the center of the condenser, and a blower circuit. A refrigerant leak detection device provided in front of the blow-out grill inside, a solenoid valve provided between the compressor and the condenser,
An electromagnetic valve provided between the condenser and the compressor, a control device that determines whether the compressor and the blower are stopped by a signal from the refrigerant leakage detection device, and an opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve based on a signal from the refrigerant leakage detection device. The dehumidifier is provided with a control device for shutting off the power supply to the main body, and a refrigerant leakage warning device for issuing a warning of refrigerant leakage according to a signal from the refrigerant leakage detection device.

The present invention also provides a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser,
A refrigeration cycle that has a throttle device and a blower and uses a flammable refrigerant, a refrigerant leakage detection device provided at the bottom of the compressor, a refrigerant leakage detection device provided below the center of the condenser, and a blower circuit. A refrigerant leak detection device provided in front of the blow-out grill inside, a solenoid valve provided between the compressor and the condenser,
An electromagnetic valve provided between the evaporator and the compressor, a control device that determines whether the compressor and the blower are stopped by a signal from the refrigerant leakage detection device, and an opening / closing operation of the electromagnetic valve based on a signal from the refrigerant leakage detection device. And a control device for shutting off the power of the main body, a refrigerant leakage warning device for warning the refrigerant leakage by the signal of the refrigerant leakage detection device, and a display device for prompting the user to repair the main body by the detection signal of the refrigerant leakage detection device And are provided in the dehumidifier.

[0010]

The operation of the above means is as follows.

The present invention detects a refrigerant leak by means of a refrigerant leak detection device which is provided below the compressor and below the center of the evaporator or condenser, and this detection device is always activated before the operation of the main unit to prevent leakage. If there is, make the main unit inoperable. In addition, an alarm device activated by this detection device warns the user of the danger of refrigerant leakage. Even after the start of operation, the solenoid valve that operates with this detection device locks the refrigerant in the non-leaking part to minimize the leakage of the refrigerant, and the alarm device that operates from this detection device warns the user of the danger of refrigerant leakage. I do.

Further, a refrigerant leakage detection device provided below the compressor and below the center of the evaporator or the condenser detects the refrigerant leakage, and the detection device is always operated before the operation of the main body to prevent the leakage. If there is, a warning of refrigerant leakage is given, and only the blower is operated, the leaked flammable refrigerant is discharged from the inside of the air conditioner main body, the blower is stopped, and the main power supply is cut off.

Further, a refrigerant leakage detecting device provided below the compressor and below the center of the evaporator or the condenser detects the refrigerant leakage, and this detecting device is always operated before the operation of the main body so that the leakage is prevented. If there is, a warning of refrigerant leakage is given, and only the blower is operated in order to discharge the leaked flammable refrigerant from the inside of the air conditioner, and the solenoid valve is closed to prevent leakage of the refrigerant to the minimum extent, After the refrigerant has been sufficiently discharged to the outside of the main body, stop the blower, and then turn off the main body power.

Further, a refrigerant leak detection device provided below the compressor and below the center of the evaporator or the condenser detects the refrigerant leak, and this detection device is always operated before the operation of the main body so that the leakage is prevented. If there is, a warning of refrigerant leakage is given, and only the blower is operated in order to discharge the leaked flammable refrigerant from the inside of the air conditioner, and the solenoid valve is closed to prevent leakage of the refrigerant to the minimum extent, After the refrigerant has been sufficiently discharged to the outside of the main body, the blower is stopped, then the main body power is cut off, and a message prompting the user to repair the main body is displayed.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. First, in FIG.
The outside of the dehumidifier main body 1 is composed of a suction grill 2, an outer box 3, a display unit 5, a blowing grill 4, and a base 12, and inside thereof, a compressor 6, a condenser 7, and a throttling device 8 which constitute a refrigeration cycle. , The evaporator 9, the blower 10, and the fan 11, and the refrigerant leakage detection device 19 is provided below the compressor 6, the refrigerant leakage detection device 20 is provided below the condenser 7, and the refrigerant is provided in the blower circuit before the outlet 4. A leak detection device 21, respectively, is provided, and a solenoid valve 22 is provided in a cut portion that penetrates the pipe of the partition wall 14 between the compressor 6 and the condenser 7, and a cut portion is also provided between the evaporator 9 and the compressor 6. Are provided with solenoid valves 23, respectively. The air sucked by the suction grill 2 passes through the evaporator 9 and the condenser 7 and is blown out from the blowing grill 4. The dehumidified water generated by the evaporator 9 is dripped from the drain port 16 provided in the water tray 15 and collected in the drain tank 13. The dehumidified water collected in the drainage tank 13 pushes up the float 17 and actuates the microswitch 18 to stop the compressor 6 and the blower 10 when the water is full.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the display unit 5 of the main body of the dehumidifier 1, where 24 is a main body power switch, 25 is an operation switch, and 26 is an operation changeover switch. Further, 27 is an LED indicating full water, 28 is an LED indicating defrosting operation, and 29 is an LED warning of refrigerant leakage. The dehumidifier 1 starts its operation by turning on the power switch 24 and then the operation switch 25.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the control circuit of FIG. 3 and the flow chart of FIG. 31 is a compressor 6
A refrigerant leak detecting device 19 provided in the lower part of the condenser, a refrigerant leak detecting device 20 provided in the lower part of the condenser 7 and a refrigerant leak detecting device 21 provided in the blower circuit. LED2 warning the compressor 6, the blower 10, and the refrigerant leakage by the signal of the determination device 31.
9 is an output relay circuit for operating 9. When the user turns on the main body power switch 24, the refrigerant leakage detection devices 19, 20, 21 are activated regardless of whether the operation switch 25 is on or off. If the leakage of the refrigerant is confirmed at this time, even if the user turns on the operation switch 25, the compressor 6 and the blower 10 do not operate, and only the LED 29 of the refrigerant leakage warning blinks.
When the determination device 31 determines that there is no refrigerant leakage, the compressor 6 and the blower 10 are operated. Next, the operation during driving will be described. A space surrounding the compressor (the partition wall 14 in FIG. 1 is indicated by a signal from a refrigerant leakage detection device 19 provided in the lower portion of the compressor 6.
When the determination device 31 determines that the refrigerant has leaked to the lower portion), the solenoid valve 23 provided between the evaporator 9 and the compressor 6 is immediately closed, and then the compressor 6 and the condenser 6 are condensed after a certain time Ta has elapsed. LE for closing the solenoid valve 22 provided between the reactors 7 and confining the refrigerant in the heat exchanger and stopping the main body to warn of refrigerant leakage
Make D29 blink. On the other hand, there is a refrigerant leak in the heat exchanger and the space in the vicinity thereof (the portion above the partition wall 14 in FIG. 1) due to the signals of the refrigerant leak detection devices 20 and 21 provided in the lower part of the condenser 7 and in the blower circuit. When the determination device 31 makes a determination, the electromagnetic valve 22 provided between the condenser 7 and the compressor 6 is immediately closed, and after a certain time Ta has elapsed, the electromagnetic valve 23 provided between the compressor 6 and the evaporator 9 is closed. LED2 to confine the refrigerant in the compressor 6 and stop the main body to warn of refrigerant leakage
Make 9 blink.

Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. When the user turns on the main body power switch 24, the refrigerant leakage detection devices 19, 20, 21 are activated regardless of whether the operation switch 25 is on or off. At this time, if the determination device 31 determines that there is refrigerant leakage, the blower 10 operates and the LED 29 that warns of refrigerant leakage blinks. The blower 10 plays a role of discharging the leaked refrigerant to the outside of the main body, and stops when the determination device 31 determines that the leakage of the refrigerant has disappeared. At this time, the user operates the driving switch 25.
The compressor 6 does not operate even when turned on. After that, the power cutoff device 35 that cuts off the power supply to the main body functions to cut off the power supply circuit of the main body.

Next, the operation during operation will be described. When the determination device 31 determines that the refrigerant has leaked into the space surrounding the compressor (the portion below the partition wall 14 in FIG. 1) according to a signal from the refrigerant leakage detection device 19 provided in the lower portion of the compressor 6, the evaporator 9 is immediately connected. And the solenoid valve 23 provided between the compressor 6 and
Then, after a lapse of a certain time Ta, the electromagnetic valve 22 provided between the compressor 6 and the condenser 7 is closed to confine the refrigerant in the heat exchanger to stop the main body, and the LED 29 for warning the refrigerant leakage is blinked. On the other hand, there is a refrigerant leak in the heat exchanger and the space in the vicinity thereof (the portion above the partition wall 14 in FIG. 1) due to the signals of the refrigerant leak detection devices 20 and 21 provided in the lower part of the condenser 7 and in the blower circuit. When the determination device 31 makes a determination, the electromagnetic valve 22 provided between the condenser 7 and the compressor 6 is immediately closed, and after a certain time Ta has elapsed, the electromagnetic valve 23 provided between the compressor 6 and the evaporator 9 is closed. Refrigerant is confined in the compressor 6, the main body is stopped, and the LED 29 for warning of refrigerant leakage is blinked.
After that, when the determination device 31 determines that the refrigerant has leaked, the blower 10 is stopped, the power cutoff device 35 functions, and the power supply circuit of the main body is cut off.

Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. When the user turns on the main body power switch 24, the refrigerant leakage detection devices 19, 20, 21 are activated regardless of whether the operation switch 25 is on or off. At this time, when the determination device 31 determines that there is refrigerant leakage, the blower 10 operates, the solenoid valves 22 and 23 are closed, and the LED 29 that warns of refrigerant leakage blinks. The blower 10 plays a role of discharging the leaked refrigerant to the outside of the main body, and stops when the determination device 31 determines that the leakage of the refrigerant has disappeared. At this time, the compressor 6 does not move even if the user turns on the operation switch 25. After that, the power cutoff device 35 that cuts off the power supply to the main body functions to cut off the power supply circuit of the main body. At this time solenoid valve 2
Nos. 2 and 23 do not open even after the power supply circuit is cut off because they are of a type that closes when not energized.

Next, the operation during operation will be described. When the determination device 31 determines that the refrigerant has leaked into the space surrounding the compressor (the portion below the partition wall 14 in FIG. 1) according to a signal from the refrigerant leakage detection device 19 provided in the lower portion of the compressor 6, the evaporator 9 is immediately connected. And the solenoid valve 23 provided between the compressor 6 and
Then, after a lapse of a certain time Ta, the electromagnetic valve 22 provided between the compressor 6 and the condenser 7 is closed to confine the refrigerant in the heat exchanger to stop the main body, and the LED 29 for warning the refrigerant leakage is blinked. On the other hand, it is determined by the signals of the refrigerant leakage detection devices 20 and 21 provided in the lower portion of the condenser 7 and in the blower circuit that the refrigerant has leaked into the heat exchanger and the space in the vicinity thereof (the portion above the partition wall in FIG. 1). When the device 31 judges, the electromagnetic valve 22 provided between the condenser 7 and the compressor 6 is immediately closed, and after a certain time Ta has elapsed, the electromagnetic valve 23 provided between the compressor 6 and the evaporator 9 is closed and compressed. Refrigerant is confined in the machine 6, the main body is stopped, and the LED 29 for warning of refrigerant leakage is blinked. After that, when the determination device 31 determines that the refrigerant has leaked, the blower 10 is stopped, the power cutoff device 35 functions, and the power supply circuit of the main body is cut off.

Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. When the user turns on the main body power switch 24, the refrigerant leakage detection devices 19, 20, 21 are activated regardless of whether the operation switch 25 is on or off.
At this time, when the determination device 31 determines that there is refrigerant leakage, the blower 10 operates, the solenoid valves 22 and 23 are closed, and the LED 29 that warns of refrigerant leakage blinks. The blower 10 serves to discharge the leaked refrigerant to the outside of the main body, and the determination device 31
Stops when it judges that the refrigerant has stopped leaking. At this time, the compressor 6 does not move even if the user turns on the operation switch 25. After that, a power cutoff device 35 for cutting off the power supply to the main body
Then, the display device 36 that prompts the user to repair the main body functions and the power supply circuit of the main body is cut off. At this time, since the solenoid valves 22 and 23 are of a type that is closed when not energized, they do not open even after the power circuit is cut off. In addition, a display device 3 that prompts repairs
6 is a mechanism that does not return to the original position unless a reset button in the control plate is pressed by using a manual reset type switch.

Next, the operation during operation will be described. When the determination device 31 determines that the refrigerant has leaked into the space surrounding the compressor (the portion below the partition wall 14 in FIG. 1) according to a signal from the refrigerant leakage detection device 19 provided in the lower portion of the compressor 6, the evaporator 9 is immediately connected. And the solenoid valve 23 provided between the compressor 6 and
Then, after a lapse of a certain time Ta, the electromagnetic valve 22 provided between the compressor 6 and the condenser 7 is closed to confine the refrigerant in the heat exchanger to stop the main body, and the LED 29 for warning the refrigerant leakage is blinked. On the other hand, there is a refrigerant leak in the heat exchanger and the space in the vicinity thereof (the portion above the partition wall 14 in FIG. 1) due to the signals of the refrigerant leak detection devices 20 and 21 provided in the lower part of the condenser 7 and in the blower circuit. When the determination device 31 makes a determination, the electromagnetic valve 22 provided between the condenser 7 and the compressor 6 is immediately closed, and after a certain time Ta has elapsed, the electromagnetic valve 23 provided between the compressor 6 and the evaporator 9 is closed. Refrigerant is confined in the compressor 6, the main body is stopped, and the LED 29 for warning of refrigerant leakage is blinked.
After that, when the determination device 31 determines that the leakage of the refrigerant has disappeared, the blower 10 is stopped, the power cutoff device 35 and the display device 36 that prompts repair work, and the power supply circuit of the main body is cut off.

[0024]

According to the present invention, the accuracy of refrigerant leakage detection can be improved by the refrigerant leakage detection device provided in the lower part of the compressor, the part lower than the center of the condenser, and the blower circuit. Be sure to make this detector function and prevent the main body from operating in the event of a leak, ensuring the safety of the user, and an alarm device activated by this detector to prevent the user from leaking refrigerant. Can warn. In addition, even after the start of operation, the solenoid valve that operates with this detection device locks the refrigerant in the non-leaking part to minimize the leakage of the refrigerant, and the alarm device that operates from this detection device warns the user of the danger of refrigerant leakage. By doing so, the safety of the user can be secured.

Further, the refrigerant leak detection device provided in the lower part of the compressor, the part lower than the center of the condenser, and the blower circuit can improve the accuracy of refrigerant leak detection.
Always activate this detector before starting operation of the main unit, and if there is a leak, warn of refrigerant leakage and operate only the blower, and stop the blower after discharging the leaked flammable refrigerant from the dehumidifier main unit. As a result, the user can be notified of the danger and the dangerous combustible refrigerant can be reliably discharged to the outside without being accumulated in the main body, and the risk of ignition and explosion of the main body is reduced. Further, by shutting off the power supply of the main body, the ignition source is stopped and the possibility of igniting the leaked refrigerant is further reduced, and the safety of the user can be secured.

Further, the refrigerant leak detection device provided in the lower part of the compressor, the part lower than the center of the condenser, and the blower circuit can improve the accuracy of refrigerant leak detection.
Before starting operation of the main unit, be sure to operate this detector, warn of refrigerant leakage if there is a leak, and operate only the blower to discharge the leaked flammable refrigerant from the inside of the dehumidifier, and In order to stop the leakage of the refrigerant to the minimum extent, close the solenoid valve, discharge the refrigerant sufficiently outside the main body, and then stop the blower to notify the user of the danger and store dangerous flammable refrigerant inside the main body. Without it, it can be discharged to the outside reliably, and the risk of ignition and explosion of the main body is reduced. Further, by shutting off the refrigerant circuit, the amount of refrigerant leakage is reduced and the danger is further reduced. Further, by shutting off the main body power supply, the ignition source is stopped, and the possibility of igniting the leaked refrigerant is further reduced, and the safety of the user can be secured.

Furthermore, by providing a display device for prompting the user to repair the main body after shutting off the main body power, even if the user stops the main body without noticing the leakage of the refrigerant, the reason why the main body moves when the operation starts again. It becomes possible to inform whether there is not.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a dehumidifier according to first, second, third, and fourth embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a display unit of the dehumidifier in the first, second and third embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the dehumidifier in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the dehumidifier.

FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the dehumidifier in the second and third embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a dehumidifier in the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a dehumidifier according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the display unit of the dehumidifier in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a control block diagram of the dehumidifier.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the dehumidifier.

[Explanation of symbols]

 4 Blow-out grill 6 Compressor 7 Condenser 8 Throttle device 9 Evaporator 10 Blower 19 Refrigerant leak detection device 20 Refrigerant leak detection device 21 Refrigerant leak detection device 22 Solenoid valve 23 Solenoid valve 29 Refrigerant leak warning device 35 Main body shutoff device 36 Repair warning Display device

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A refrigeration cycle having a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a throttle device, and a blower, which uses a flammable refrigerant, a refrigerant leakage detection device provided in the lower portion of the compressor, and a center of the condenser. A refrigerant leakage detection device provided below, a refrigerant leakage detection device provided in front of the blowing grill in the blower circuit, a solenoid valve provided between the compressor and the condenser, and between the evaporator and the compressor. A solenoid valve provided in, a control device that determines the operation stop of the compressor and the blower by the signal of the refrigerant leakage detection device, a control device that opens and closes the electromagnetic valve by the signal of the refrigerant leakage detection device, A dehumidifier having a refrigerant leakage warning device that warns of refrigerant leakage by a signal from the refrigerant leakage detection device. 2. A refrigeration cycle having a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a throttle device, and a blower, and using a flammable refrigerant, a refrigerant leakage detection device provided in the lower part of the compressor, and a center of the condenser. A refrigerant leakage detection device provided below, a refrigerant leakage detection device provided in front of the blowing grill in the blower circuit, a solenoid valve provided between the compressor and the condenser, and between the evaporator and the compressor. A solenoid valve provided in the, a control device that determines the operation stop of the compressor and the blower by the signal of the refrigerant leakage detection device, a control device that shuts off the main body power supply by the signal of the refrigerant leakage detection device, the refrigerant A dehumidifier having a refrigerant leakage warning device that gives a warning of refrigerant leakage by a signal from a leakage detection device. 3. A refrigeration cycle having a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a throttle device and a blower and using a flammable refrigerant, a refrigerant leakage detection device provided in the lower part of the compressor, and a center of the condenser. The refrigerant leak detection device provided below, the refrigerant leakage detection device provided in front of the blowing grill in the blower circuit, the solenoid valve provided between the compressor and the condenser, and between the condenser and the compressor. A solenoid valve provided on the control unit, a control device that determines the operation stop of the compressor and the blower based on a signal from the refrigerant leakage detection device, and an opening / closing operation of the solenoid valve and the power supply to the main body based on a signal from the refrigerant leakage detection device. A dehumidifier having a control device and a refrigerant leakage warning device that gives a warning of refrigerant leakage by a signal from the refrigerant leakage detection device. 4. A refrigeration cycle having a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a throttle device and a blower and using a flammable refrigerant, a refrigerant leakage detection device provided at a lower portion of the compressor, and a center of the condenser. A refrigerant leakage detection device provided below, a refrigerant leakage detection device provided in front of the blowing grill in the blower circuit, a solenoid valve provided between the compressor and the condenser, and between the evaporator and the compressor. A solenoid valve provided on the control unit, a control device that determines the operation stop of the compressor and the blower based on a signal from the refrigerant leakage detection device, and an opening / closing operation of the solenoid valve and the power supply to the main body based on a signal from the refrigerant leakage detection device. A dehumidifier having a control device, a refrigerant leak warning device that warns of a refrigerant leak by a signal of the refrigerant leak detection device, and a display device that prompts a user to repair the main body by a detection signal of the refrigerant leak detection device.