TW201947164A - dehumidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a dehumidifier 1 which can prevent lowering of an operation rate. A dehumidifier 1 includes: a compressor 6a; a temperature sensor 14; a compressor driving unit 23; a microcomputer 21; and a compressor load reducing unit 25. A driving speed of the compressor 6a is constant. The temperature sensor 14 detects a temperature of the compressor 6a as a compressor temperature. The compressor driving unit 23 controls operation of the compressor 6a. The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for operating the compressor 6a to the compressor driving unit 23. The compressor load reducing unit 25 reduces a load on the compressor 6a when the compressor temperature exceeds a predetermined reference temperature.

Description

   dehumidifier   

The present invention relates to a dehumidifier.

Patent Document 1 describes an example of a compressor motor. When the temperature of the motor rises abnormally, the motor stops due to the melting of the conductive material of the connection part that supplies power.

    [Advanced technical documents]         [Patent Document]    

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-263238

However, the compressor motor described in Patent Document 1 shuts off the power supply due to the irreversible change in the connection portion. Therefore, when the above-mentioned motor is applied to a dehumidifier, the temperature of the motor rises abnormally and the dehumidifier cannot be operated until the connection part is exchanged. Therefore, the operation rate of the dehumidifier may decrease.

The present invention has been made to solve such problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a dehumidifier that prevents a decrease in the operating rate.

A dehumidifier according to the present invention includes a compressor with a fixed operating speed, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the compressor as the temperature of the compressor, a compressor driving unit that controls the operation of the compressor, and outputs a signal to the compressor to compress A microcomputer for the engine driving section, and a compressor load reducing section for reducing the load of the compressor when the temperature of the compressor exceeds a predetermined reference temperature.

According to the present invention, the dehumidifier includes a temperature sensor, a microcomputer, and a compressor load reduction unit. The operation of the compressor with a fixed operating speed is controlled by a signal output from the microcomputer to the compressor drive unit. The compressor load reducing unit reduces the load of the compressor when the temperature of the compressor exceeds a predetermined reference temperature. Compressor temperature is the compressor temperature detected by the temperature sensor. Therefore, regardless of the irreversible change, the compressor can be reliably prevented from overheating. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the operation rate of the dehumidifier.

1‧‧‧ dehumidifier

2‧‧‧ central casing

3‧‧‧ front case

4‧‧‧ rear case

5‧‧‧ blower

6‧‧‧ Dehumidifier

6a‧‧‧compressor

6b‧‧‧Condenser

6c‧‧‧ Decompression device

6d‧‧‧Evaporator

7‧‧‧Humidity sensor

8‧‧‧Ejection shutter drive motor

9‧‧‧Display operation panel

10‧‧‧ water tank

11‧‧‧Control device

12‧‧‧ Spit Out

13‧‧‧Suction port

14‧‧‧Temperature sensor

15‧‧‧Current sensor

16‧‧‧Signal wiring

17‧‧‧Power wiring

18‧‧‧Display

19‧‧‧Operation Department

20‧‧‧operation switch

21‧‧‧Microcomputer

21a‧‧‧Processor

21b‧‧‧Memory

22‧‧‧Power Circuit

23‧‧‧Compressor drive unit

24‧‧‧ Blind drive unit

25‧‧‧Compressor load reduction section

26‧‧‧Power Plug

27‧‧‧ Power

28‧‧‧Air blower driver

29‧‧‧ abnormal temperature detection circuit

30‧‧‧Comparison

31‧‧‧ Conversion Department

32‧‧‧1st comparator

33‧‧‧ 2nd Comparator

[Fig. 1] is an exploded perspective view of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment; [Fig. 2] is a sectional view of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment; [Fig. 3] is a functional block of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment [Fig. 4] is a circuit diagram showing an example of an abnormal temperature detection circuit according to the first embodiment; [Fig. 5] is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a dehumidifier according to the first embodiment; A flowchart of an example of a microcomputer operation according to an embodiment; [FIG. 7] is a flowchart showing an example of a microcomputer operation according to the first embodiment; [FIG. 8] is a diagram showing a configuration example of a dehumidifier according to a modification of the first embodiment Circuit diagram; [FIG. 9] A circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a dehumidifier according to a second embodiment.

The description will be made with reference to an additional drawing for implementing the aspect of the present invention. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are attached with the same symbols, and repeated explanations are appropriately simplified or omitted.

[First Embodiment]

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 1, the direction indicated by the arrow on the paper is in front of the dehumidifier 1.

The dehumidifier 1 is, for example, a portable dehumidifier. The dehumidifier 1 includes a central casing 2, a front casing 3, a rear casing 4, a blower 5, a dehumidifying device 6, a humidity sensor 7, an outlet shutter driving motor 8, a display operation panel 9, a water storage tank 10, and a control device. 11.

The central casing 2 is provided at a central portion in the front-rear direction of the dehumidifier 1. The central casing 2 can be independent. The central casing 2 has a discharge port 12. The discharge port 12 is an opening through which the dehumidifier 1 discharges dehumidified air. The discharge port 12 is provided in the upper part of the center case 2, for example. The central casing 2 includes shutters (not shown). Blinds are set at the outlet 12. The direction in which the air is discharged from the outlet 12 is changed by the shutters.

The front casing 3 is provided on the front side in the front-rear direction of the dehumidifier 1. The front case 3 is provided to be detachable from the center case 2.

The rear casing 4 is provided on the rear side in the front-rear direction of the dehumidifier 1. The rear casing 4 is provided to be removable from the central casing 2. The rear casing 4 has a suction port 13. The suction port 13 is an opening through which air dehumidified by the dehumidifier 1 is sucked. The suction port 13 is provided in the upper part of the back surface of the rear case 4, for example.

The blower 5 is provided, for example, on the front side of the center case 2. The blower 5 is provided in front of the central portion of the central casing 2, for example. The blower 5 includes a blower and a motor. The rotation axis of the motor of the blower 5 is, for example, a horizontal direction. The rotation axis of the motor of the blower 5 is parallel to the front-back direction of the dehumidifier 1, for example. The motor is, for example, an AC motor with a variable operating speed.

The dehumidifier 6 is provided on the rear side of the center case 2, for example.

The humidity sensor 7 is provided, for example, on one of the side surfaces in the lower left-right direction of the center casing 2. The humidity sensor 7 is configured to measure the humidity in the air.

The discharge shutter driving motor 8 is, for example, an upper part of the central casing 2. The discharge shutter driving motor 8 is configured to change the direction of the shutters provided in the discharge opening 12.

The display operation panel 9 is provided, for example, on the upper part of the front case 3. The display operation panel 9 is configured to be operated by a user.

The water storage tank 10 is provided in the lower part of the front case 3, for example. In a state where the front casing 3 to the center casing 2 are attached, the water storage tank 10 is provided to be detachable from the front side of the dehumidifier 1.

The control device 11 is provided on the front side of the center case 2, for example.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment.

In FIG. 2, the left side of the paper surface is in front of the dehumidifier 1.

The dehumidifier 6 of the dehumidifier 1 includes a compressor 6a, a condenser 6b, a pressure reducing device 6c, and an evaporator 6d.

The compressor 6a includes, for example, a motor. The motor of the compressor 6a is configured to be capable of rotating at a constant speed. That is, the operating speed of the compressor 6a is fixed. The motor of the compressor 6a is, for example, a single-phase induction motor.

During the operation of the dehumidifier 1, the operation panel 9 is displayed and a user's operation is accepted. The control device 11 controls the operation of the blower 5 based on the operation accepted by the display operation panel 9 and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 7. The motor of the blower 5 is rotated at a running speed controlled by the control device 11. The compressor 6a compresses the refrigerant according to the driving force of the motor. The condenser 6b cools the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 6a. The refrigerant cooled by the pressure reducing device 6c and the pressure reducing condenser 6b.

The indoor air A is sucked into the dehumidifier 1 in the horizontal direction from the suction port 13 by the fan of the blower 5. The air sucked into the dehumidifier 1 passes through the condenser 6b and the evaporator 6d. The evaporator 6d absorbs heat from the refrigerant decompressed by the decompression device 6c, and removes moisture contained in the air passing therethrough. That is, the air passing through the evaporator 6d is dehumidified, and the blower 5 discharges the dehumidified air B from the discharge port 12 upward to the room. The moisture removed from the air by the evaporator 6 d is stored in the water storage tank 10.

Next, the function of the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment.

The dehumidifier 1 includes a temperature sensor 14 and a current sensor 15.

The temperature sensor 14 is provided, for example, on the periphery of the compressor 6a. The temperature sensor 14 detects the temperature of the compressor. The compressor temperature is the temperature of the compressor 6a. The temperature sensor 14 includes, for example, an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor. NTC thermistors have the characteristic of decreasing resistance value when the temperature becomes higher. NTC thermistor, an example of an element that changes in resistance according to temperature.

The current sensor 15 is configured to detect a wiring current that supplies power to the motor of the compressor 6a. The current sensor 15 includes, for example, a current transformer that is arranged around a wiring that supplies AC power.

The display operation panel 9 is connected to the control device 11 using a signal wiring 16 and a power wiring 17. The signal wiring 16 transmits an input / output signal to the display operation panel 9. The power supply wiring 17 supplies power to the display operation panel 9. The display operation panel 9 includes a display portion 18 and an operation portion 19.

The display unit 18 displays, for example, visual information indicating the operation state of the dehumidifier 1 to the user. The display portion 18 is formed of, for example, a light emitting diode, a liquid crystal panel, or the like.

The operation unit 19 accepts an operation by a user. The operation unit 19 is configured by a mechanical switch such as a key provided around the display unit 18. Alternatively, for example, the operation unit 19 is implemented by forming at least a part of the display unit 18 with a touch panel. The operation unit 19 includes an operation switch 20. The operation switch 20 is operated to accept ON or OFF operation.

The control device 11 includes a microcomputer 21, a power circuit 22, a compressor driving section 23, a shutter driving section 24, and a compressor load reducing section 25.

The microcomputer 21 is connected to the humidity sensor 7 in order to obtain the measured humidity value. The microcomputer 21 is connected to the display unit 18 in order to output a signal indicating the displayed information. The microcomputer 21 is connected to the operation unit 19 in order to obtain an operation indicating the input.

The AD conversion (analog / digital conversion) input pins of the microcomputer 21 are electrically connected to the humidity sensor 7, the temperature sensor 14, and the current sensor 15, respectively. The AD conversion input pin is in a high impedance state. The outputs of the humidity sensor 7, the temperature sensor 14, and the current sensor 15 are converted from analog voltage signals into respective values of humidity, temperature, and current inside the microcomputer 21.

The power circuit 22 receives power from an AC power source 27 via a power plug 26. The power supply circuit 22 generates a DC internal power supply required for controlling the dehumidifier 1.

The compressor driving unit 23 is a driving circuit that controls the operation of the compressor 6a. The operation control of the compressor 6a includes starting and stopping the compressor 6a. The compressor driving unit 23 is electrically connected to the compressor 6a. The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for controlling the operation of the compressor 6 a to the compressor driving unit 23 based on the operation received by the operation unit 19 and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 7. The compressor driving unit 23 controls the operation of the compressor 6 a based on a signal output from the microcomputer 21.

The louver drive unit 24 is a drive circuit that controls the operation of the louver drive motor 8 at the discharge port. The operation of the discharge window louver drive motor 8 includes the tilt control of the louvers provided in the discharge window 12. The louver drive unit 24 is electrically connected to the discharge window louver drive motor 8. The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for controlling the operation of the louver drive motor 8 to the louver drive unit 24 according to the operation accepted by the operation unit 19. The louver drive unit 24 controls the operation of the louver drive motor 8 according to a signal output from the microcomputer 21.

The compressor load reduction unit 25 includes a blower drive unit 28 and an abnormal temperature detection circuit 29. The compressor load reduction unit 25 is configured to output a signal that reduces the load of the compressor 6a when the compressor temperature exceeds the reference temperature. The reference temperature is a temperature that is intended to be one or more reference values for the operation of the compressor load reduction unit.

The blower driving unit 28 is a drive circuit that controls the operation of the blower 5. The operation control of the blower 5 includes the start and stop of the blower 5 and the adjustment of the amount of air supply. The blower driving unit 28 is electrically connected to the blower 5. The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for controlling the operation of the blower 5 to the blower driving section 28 based on the operation accepted by the operation section 19. The blower driving unit 28 controls the operation of the blower 5 based on a signal output from the microcomputer 21.

The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 14 in order to obtain a signal indicating the temperature of the compressor. The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 is an analog circuit that compares the compressor temperature with the stop temperature. The stop temperature is the temperature at which the compressor 6a is intended to be stopped. The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 has an output terminal. The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 outputs a signal indicating a result of comparing temperatures to an output terminal. The output terminal is electrically connected to the microcomputer 21 and the compressor driving unit 23. The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 compares the temperature independently of the processing by the microcomputer 21. When the compressor temperature exceeds the stop temperature, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 outputs a signal to the output terminal, and cuts off the signal output from the microcomputer 21 to the compressor driving unit 23. The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 includes a comparison unit 30 and a conversion unit 31.

The comparison unit 30 compares the value of the compressor temperature obtained from the output of the temperature sensor 14 with the value of the stop temperature.

The conversion unit 31 converts a signal indicating the comparison result output from the comparison unit 30 into a signal in an output form that can cut off the signal output from the microcomputer 21 to the compressor drive unit 23.

The stop temperature is set, for example, based on the motor peripheral temperature when the motor winding of the compressor 6a approaches the limit temperature. More specifically, for example, when the motor winding temperature approaches 190 ° C, which is the limit temperature, when the motor peripheral temperature is 120 ° C, the stop temperature has a margin of 10 ° C and is set to 110 ° C. The stop temperature is an example of a reference temperature.

The compressor 6 a, the blower 5, and the discharge window shutter drive motor 8 are each an actuator of the dehumidifier 1. The compressor driving section 23, the shutter driving section 24, and the blower driving section 28 are each an actuator driving section. The actuator driving unit is a driving circuit that controls the operation of the actuator.

Each function of the microcomputer 21 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit of the microcomputer 21 includes at least one processor 21a and at least one memory 21b. When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 21a and at least one memory 21b, each function of the microcomputer 21 may be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and the firmware may be described as a program. At least one of the software and the firmware may be stored in at least one memory 21b. The at least one processor 21a may be implemented by reading a program stored in the at least one memory 21b, so that the functions of the microcomputer 21 may be realized. The at least one memory 21b may include a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like.

The processing circuit of the microcomputer 21 may include at least one dedicated hardware. When the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware, the processing circuit, such as a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed programmer, an ASIC (Special Application Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate) Arrays), or a combination of these.

Each function of the microcomputer 21 may be implemented by a processing circuit. It should be noted that the functions of the microcomputer 21 may be implemented by a unified processing circuit. Regarding each function of the microcomputer 21, part of it may be implemented by dedicated hardware, and another part may be implemented by software or firmware. The processing circuit realizes each function of the microcomputer 21 by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

Next, a circuit configuration of the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of an abnormal temperature detection circuit according to the first embodiment.

The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 includes, for example, a comparator IC (integrated circuit) whose output is an open collector structure.

The comparison unit 30 includes a first comparator 32 and a second comparator 33. Point a is the inverting input (-) of the first comparator 32. Point b is the non-inverting input (+) of the first comparator 32. Point c is the output of the first comparator 32. The divided voltage generated by the resistor R714 and the temperature sensor 14 is input to point a. The voltage at point a fluctuates depending on the resistance value that changes due to the temperature of the temperature sensor 14. Input point b according to the divided voltage generated by resistor R716, resistor R717, resistor R718, resistor R719, resistor R720, and resistor R721.

When the compressor temperature is lower than the stop temperature, the resistance value of the temperature sensor 14 becomes large. At this time, the voltage at point a of the inverting input (-) is higher than the voltage at point b of the non-inverting input (+). Therefore, the voltage at the point c of the output of the first comparator 32 becomes the L potential.

On the other hand, when the compressor temperature exceeds the stop temperature, the resistance value of the temperature sensor 14 becomes small. At this time, the voltage at point a of the inverting input (-) becomes lower than the voltage at point b of the non-inverting input (+). Therefore, the voltage at the point c of the output of the first comparator 32 changes from the L potential to the H potential. The output of the first comparator 32 is the voltage at point c at the H potential, which is a divided voltage generated by the resistors R716, R717, R718, R719, R720, and R721.

The first comparator 32 has a differential in order to avoid chatter when the compressor temperature reaches the stop temperature. The width of the hysteresis of the differential system. When the voltage at point a becomes lower than the voltage at point b, the open collector of the output changes from the on state to the off state, and the voltage at point c becomes higher. At this time, the direction of the current flowing from point b to point c via the resistor R719 is reversed. As the current flows from point c to point b, the voltage at point b also increases. Therefore, since the voltage difference between point b and point a becomes large, chattering at the point c near the critical value is prevented. The differential is set to a voltage difference corresponding to a temperature difference of about 5 ° C, for example.

The output of the first comparator 32 is input to the inverting input (-) of the second comparator 33. Therefore, the output of the second comparator 33 is in a state opposite to that of the first comparator 32. The output of the second comparator 33 is input to the conversion unit 31. The conversion unit 31 converts the output form of the input signal and outputs it.

Next, a circuit configuration of the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

Fig. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment.

The blower driving unit 28 obtains speed control information from the microcomputer 21 based on a serial signal or the like. The blower driving unit 28 performs control including adjustment of the amount of air supplied by the blower 5 based on the obtained speed control information. The blower driving section 28 is, for example, an inverter driving circuit.

The compressor driving unit 23 includes a relay X1 and a transistor Q1. Relay X1 is normally open. The relay X1 is configured as a circuit capable of switching power supplied to the compressor 6 a from the AC power source 27. The transistor Q1 is, for example, a resistor-built-in NPN transistor. The collector of transistor Q1 is connected to the operating coil of relay X1. The operating coil is an example of an input terminal. The base of the transistor Q1 is connected to the output terminal of the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 and the output pin P2 of the microcomputer 21.

The current transformer 15 is connected to a resistor R1, a diode D1, a capacitor C1, and a resistor R3. The resistor R3 is connected for discharging the charge of the capacitor C1. The resistance value of the resistor R3 is, for example, tens of kΩ.

The microcomputer 21 is connected to the reset circuit. The reset circuit includes a resistor R13, a capacitor C6, and a diode D10.

In this example, the conversion unit 31 of the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 is configured so that the input signal can be output as it is. That is, the output terminal of the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 is directly connected to the open collector output of the output of the second comparator 33 in FIG. 4.

Next, the operation of the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

When the reset input of the microcomputer 21 is the L potential, the program of the microcomputer 21 is stopped. At this time, the pins P1 and P2 of the microcomputer 21 are changed from the output mode to the input mode, respectively. Therefore, the external signal output from the microcomputer 21 is gone. At this time, the blower 5 and the dehumidifier 6 are not operated.

The microcomputer 21 obtains signals from sensors such as the temperature sensor 14, the humidity sensor 7, and the current sensor 15 by using a plug-in process every predetermined time. The microcomputer 21, after averaging the values indicated by the signals obtained, for example, stores the measured values of the corresponding sensors in a RAM (Random Access Memory) included in the memory 21b. Therefore, the microcomputer 21 refers to the measurement value of the sensor updated at any time.

When the operation switch 20 receives the ON operation, the dehumidifier 1 starts to operate. Here, when the operation switch 20 is, for example, a key switch, chatter generated by the operation of the key switch is processed by the microcomputer 21. For example, when the dehumidifier 1 is stopped and the ON operation is continuously detected for a period of about 0.1 to 0.3 seconds, the microcomputer 21 determines that the ON operation has been accepted once. On the other hand, when the dehumidifier 1 is operating, when the OFF operation is continuously detected for a period of about 0.1 to 0.3 seconds, the microcomputer 21 determines that the OFF operation has been performed once.

When the operation switch 20 is ON and the measured value of the humidity sensor 7 is higher than a predetermined humidity value, the dehumidifier 1 starts a dehumidification operation. The dehumidifier 1 stabilizes the refrigerant at a predetermined time after the dehumidification operation is started. The dehumidifier 1 starts the operation of the compressor 6a after stabilizing the refrigerant. The time for which the dehumidifier 1 stabilizes the refrigerant, for example, 3 minutes. The time for the dehumidifier 1 to stabilize the refrigerant is measured by starting and stopping the timer. The start-stop timer is calculated by the microcomputer 21, for example. Start the stop timer, and stop the calculation when the time for the dehumidifier 1 to stabilize the refrigerant has passed. The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal of the H potential as a signal for operating the compressor 6a after the start and stop timer is measured for 3 minutes.

When the output of the pin P2 of the microcomputer 21 is at the H potential, a signal is input to the base of the transistor Q1 via the resistor R2. At this time, since the transistor Q1 is turned on, the operation coil of the relay X1 is energized. The relay X1 closes a circuit contact that supplies power to the compressor 6a from the power source 27. Thereby, the compressor 6a is operated at a fixed speed.

The output voltage of the converter of the current sensor 15 is applied to both ends of the resistor R1. Diode D1 passes only the positive pole of the output voltage. The capacitor C1 smoothes the output voltage passing through the diode D1. The smoothed output voltage is input to the AD conversion pin ADIN2 of the microcomputer 21 as a high-level voltage according to the magnitude of the monitored current. The microcomputer 21 monitors the current of the compressor 6a based on the input voltage value.

When the temperature of the compressor detected by the temperature sensor 14 exceeds the stop temperature, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 reverses the signal output to the output terminal to the L potential. Therefore, regardless of the output state of the pin P2 of the microcomputer 21, the voltage applied to the contact point between the resistor R2 and the base of the transistor Q1 becomes the L potential. At this time, since the transistor Q1 is turned off, the operation coil of the relay X1 is de-energized. The relay X1 opens a circuit contact that supplies power to the compressor 6a from the power source 27. As a result, the signal output from the microcomputer 21 to the compressor driving unit 23 is cut off, and the compressor 6a is stopped.

When the temperature of the compressor detected by the temperature sensor 14 exceeds the low air volume operation temperature, the microcomputer 21 reduces the air volume of the blower 5. The low-air-flow operating temperature is a predetermined temperature, and serves as a reference for performing a load reduction process of the compressor 6a. The low air volume operation temperature is set lower than the stop temperature. More specifically, for example, when the stop temperature is 110 ° C, the low air volume operation temperature is set to 90 ° C. Low air volume operating temperature is an example of reference temperature.

The microcomputer 21 operates the operation mode of the blower 5 into a normal mode or an air volume reduction mode. Normal mode is the normal operation mode. The air volume reduction mode is an operation mode in which the air volume of the blower 5 is reduced because the temperature of the compressor exceeds the low air volume operation temperature. The microcomputer 21 manages the operation mode of the blower 5 based on the air volume reduction mode flag F. The microcomputer 21 indicates the normal mode by setting the flag F value of the air volume reduction mode to 0. The microcomputer 21 indicates the air volume reduction mode with the air volume reduction mode flag F value being 1.

The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal to stop the operation of the compressor when the overcurrent continues for longer than a predetermined time. Here, the overcurrent duration is a duration of a state in which the measured value of the current sensor 15 exceeds a predetermined overcurrent reference value. The predetermined time, such as 1 minute. Overcurrent duration is measured by an overcurrent timer. The overcurrent timer is calculated by the microcomputer 21, for example. The microcomputer 21 starts the calculation of the overcurrent timer when the measured value of the current sensor 15 exceeds the reference value of the overcurrent.

Next, the operation of the microcomputer 21 regarding the control of the compressor 6a and the blower 5 will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7.

6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the microcomputer according to the first embodiment.

In step S101 in FIG. 6, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the operation switch 20 is ON. When the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S102. When the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S105.

In step S102, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal to stop the compressor 6a to the compressor driving unit 23. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S103.

In step S103, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal to stop the blower 5 to the blower driving section 28. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S104.

In step S104, the microcomputer 21 sets the value of the air volume reduction mode flag F to 0. After that, the microcomputer 21 clears the start-stop timer. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S101.

In step S105, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the measured value of the humidity sensor 7 is higher than a predetermined set humidity value. When the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S102. When the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S106.

In step S106, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the measured value of the compressor temperature of the temperature sensor 14 is higher than a predetermined low air volume operation temperature. When the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S107. When the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S116 in FIG. 7.

In step S107, the microcomputer 21 sets the value of the air volume reduction mode flag F to 0. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the microcomputer 21 sets the air volume of the air blower 5. After that, the microcomputer 21 transmits a signal to the blower driving unit 28 to operate the blower 5 according to the set air blow amount. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S109.

In step S109, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the start-stop timer is calculated after the dehumidifier 1 is started. When the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S110. When the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S111.

In step S110, the microcomputer 21 starts the calculation of starting and stopping the timer. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S101.

In step S111, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the start-stop timer is being calculated. When the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S101. When the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S112.

In step S112, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal to operate the compressor 6a. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S113.

In step S113, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the overcurrent continued time is longer than a predetermined time. When the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S114. When the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S121 in FIG. 7.

In step S114, the microcomputer 21 clears the overcurrent timer. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S115.

In step S115, the microcomputer 21 determines whether a current does not flow into the wiring that supplies power to the motor of the compressor 6a, and whether the compressor temperature measurement value of the temperature sensor 14 is higher than the stop temperature. When the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S101. When the determination result is Yes, the microcomputer 21 determines that the power supplied to the compressor 6a was cut off by the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S121 in FIG. 7.

In step S116 of FIG. 7, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the value of the air volume reduction mode flag F is one. When the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S117. When the determination result is Yes, the microcomputer 21 determines that the operation in the air volume reduction mode continues. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S119.

In step S117, the microcomputer 21 sets the value of the air volume reduction mode flag F to 1. After that, the microcomputer 21 starts the calculation of the air volume reduction mode timer. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S118.

In step S118, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal to decrease the air volume of the blower 5. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S112 in FIG. 6.

In step S119, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the calculation of the air volume reduction mode timer continues for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, 5 minutes. When the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S112 in FIG. 6. When the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S120.

In step S120, the microcomputer 21 determines whether the blower 5 is operating at the minimum air volume. When the determination result is No, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S118. When the determination result is Yes, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S121.

In step S121, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal to display the content indicating the overheating abnormality of the compressor 6 a to the display unit 18. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S122.

In step S122, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal to stop the compressor 6a to the compressor driving unit 23. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 proceeds to step S123.

In step S123, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal to stop the blower 5 to the blower driving section 28. After that, the operation of the microcomputer 21 ends.

As described above, the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment includes the compressor 6 a, the temperature sensor 14, the compressor driving section 23, the microcomputer 21, and the compressor load reducing section 25. The compressor 6a has a fixed operating speed. The temperature sensor 14 detects the temperature of the compressor 6a as the compressor temperature. The compressor driving unit 23 controls the operation of the compressor 6a. The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for operating the compressor 6 a to the compressor driving section 23. When the compressor temperature exceeds a predetermined reference temperature, the compressor load reduction unit 25 outputs a signal to reduce the load of the compressor 6a.

The operation or stop of the compressor 6 a is controlled by a signal output from the microcomputer 21 to the compressor driving unit 23. The compressor load reduction unit 25 stops the compressor 6 a based on the compressor temperature detected by the temperature sensor 14. The compressor load reducing unit 25 reduces the load of the compressor 6 a by a signal from a path different from the signal from the microcomputer 21 to the compressor driving unit 23. This prevents the compressor from overheating regardless of irreversible changes. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the operation rate of the dehumidifier.

The dehumidifier 1 includes a blower 5. The air volume of the blower 5 is variable. The compressor load reduction section 25 includes a blower driving section 28. When the temperature of the compressor exceeds a predetermined low-air-volume operating temperature, the blower driving unit 28 outputs a signal for reducing the air volume to the blower 5 to reduce the load of the compressor 6a.

The compressor 6a with a fixed operating speed cannot change the operating speed and reduce the load. Therefore, in order to directly reduce the load of the compressor 6a, the compressor 6a can only be stopped. Here, the blower driving unit 28 reduces the air volume of the air passing through the evaporator 6d that performs heat exchange by the compressor 6a. Therefore, the amount of heat absorbed to the refrigerant from the evaporator 6d is reduced. Here, the heat absorbed by the refrigerant includes heat generated by sensible heat of air and heat of condensation of water. Since the amount of heat transferred to the compressor 6a by heat exchange is reduced, the load of the compressor 6a is reduced indirectly. Therefore, the blower drive unit 28 reduces the load of the compressor 6 a having a fixed operating speed while operating the dehumidifier 1. As the load of the compressor 6a decreases, the value of the current supplied to the compressor 6a decreases. Therefore, the blower drive unit 28 can reduce the temperature of the compressor 6a.

The blower 5 is operated at a predetermined minimum air volume for a predetermined time based on a signal output from the blower driving section 28. When the temperature of the blower 5 after the operation exceeds the low-air volume operation temperature, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal to stop the compressor 6 a to the compressor driving unit 23.

Due to factors such as locks, when the compressor 6a generates heat, the temperature may not decrease even if the load of the compressor 6a is indirectly reduced. In this case, the microcomputer 21 stops the compressor 6a to prevent the compressor 6a from being damaged due to overheating.

The compressor load reduction unit 25 includes an abnormal temperature detection circuit 29. When the temperature of the compressor exceeds a predetermined stop temperature, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 cuts off the signal output from the microcomputer 21 to the compressor drive unit 23 to stop the compressor 6a, thereby reducing the load on the compressor 6a.

The compressor 6a is stopped by a signal from a different path from the software of the microcomputer 21 and the hardware of the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29. Since there are various means for stopping the compressor 6a, the compressor 6a is more surely prevented from overheating. For example, even when the microcomputer 21 is out of control, overheating of the compressor 6a is prevented by the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29.

The compressor load reduction unit 25 includes both a blower drive unit 28 and an abnormal temperature detection circuit 29. When the compressor temperature exceeds the low-air volume operation temperature, the blower driving section 28 indirectly reduces the load of the compressor 6a. Even if the load of the compressor 6a is reduced indirectly, when the compressor temperature exceeds the stop temperature, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 stops the compressor 6a. Thereby, the compressor load reduction part 25 can prevent the overheating of the compressor 6a more reliably, while suppressing the fall of the operating rate of the dehumidifier 1. Here, the set stop temperature is higher than the low air volume operation temperature. That is, the compressor load reduction unit 25 can reduce the load of the compressor 6a stepwise before forcibly stopping the compressor 6a, thereby preventing the compressor 6a from overheating.

The compressor driving unit 23 includes a relay X1 and a transistor Q1. The relay X1 is a circuit that switches power to the compressor 6a. Relay X1 is normally open. Transistor Q1 is connected to the input terminal of relay X1. The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal for turning off the relay X1 to the transistor Q1 as a signal for operating the compressor 6a. When the compressor temperature exceeds the stop temperature, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 outputs a signal to open the relay X1 to the transistor Q1 to stop the compressor 6a. Thereby, overheating of the compressor 6a is reliably prevented with a simple structure.

The temperature sensor 14 includes an element that changes according to a temperature resistance value. The abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 includes a first comparator 32 and compares a voltage that varies according to a change in the resistance value of the element and a voltage generated by a voltage-dividing resistor. Here, the voltage generated by the voltage-dividing resistor corresponds to the stopping temperature. That is, the temperature is stopped and set by a voltage-dividing resistor. Thereby, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 can detect an overheating abnormality of the compressor 6a with a simple configuration.

An element that changes in accordance with the temperature resistance value of the temperature sensor 14 is connected to the inverting input terminal of the first comparator 32. The temperature sensor 14 is also connected to an AD conversion input pin of the microcomputer 21. The first comparator 32 returns the output to the non-inverting output (+) side in order to set the differential. Therefore, the voltage on the non-inverting output (+) side changes when the compressor temperature changes across the stop temperature. On the other hand, because the temperature sensor 14 is connected to the inverting input (-), the output voltage does not change because the output of the first comparator 32 returns. Therefore, the signal of the temperature sensor 14 input to the microcomputer 21 can be avoided from changing due to the return of the output of the first comparator 32.

The dehumidifier 1 includes a current sensor 15 and a display unit 18. The current sensor 15 senses a circuit current supplied to the compressor 6a. When the current sensor 15 does not detect the current and the compressor temperature exceeds the stop temperature, the display unit 18 displays the content indicating the overheating abnormality of the compressor 6a. Therefore, not only the microcomputer 21, but even when the compressor 6a is stopped by the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29, the user can accurately know the state of the dehumidifier 1 based on the display of the display unit 18.

The dehumidifier 1 includes a current sensor 15. The current sensor 15 detects a circuit current that supplies power to the compressor 6a. When the state where the current detected by the current sensor 15 is larger than the predetermined current value is continued for a predetermined time, the microcomputer 21 outputs a signal to the compressor driving unit 23 to stop the compressor 6a. Thereby, the protection function of the compressor 6a is strengthened.

Next, a circuit configuration of a dehumidifier 1 according to a modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

Fig. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a dehumidifier according to a modification of the first embodiment.

The motor of the blower 5 includes an induction motor that converts a strong or weak speed regulation function.

The blower driving unit 28 includes a relay X2, a relay X3, a transistor Q2, and a transistor Q3. Relay X2 is normally open. The relay X2 is configured as a circuit capable of opening and closing the power supplied to the blower 5 from the AC power source 27. Relay X3 consists of C contact. That is, the relay X3 has both normally open and normally closed contacts. The relay X3 is configured to be able to switch the motor speed regulation function of the blower 5. Transistor Q2 and transistor Q3 are, for example, resistor-built-in NPN transistors. The collector of transistor Q2 is connected to the operating coil of relay X2. The base of the transistor Q2 is connected to the output pin P1 of the microcomputer 21. The collector of transistor Q3 is connected to the operating coil of relay X3. The base of the transistor Q3 is connected to the output pin P3 of the microcomputer 21.

When the output of the pin P1 of the microcomputer 21 is the H potential, a signal is input to the base of the transistor Q2. At this time, since the transistor Q2 is turned on, the operation coil of the relay X2 is energized. The relay X2 closes a circuit contact that supplies power to the blower 5 from the power source 27. Thereby, the blower 5 is operated at a strong or weak speed.

When the output of the pin P3 of the microcomputer 21 is the H potential, a signal is input to the base of the transistor Q3. At this time, since the transistor Q3 is turned on, the operation coil of the relay X3 is energized. Relay X3 converts the motor speed regulation function of blower 5.

As described above, the blower driving unit 28 can reduce the air volume of the blower 5 with a simple structure, and can reduce the load of the compressor 6a.

[Second Embodiment]

In the second embodiment, points different from the examples disclosed in the first embodiment will be described in detail. Regarding the features not described in the second embodiment, the features of any of the examples disclosed in the first embodiment may be adopted.

The circuit configuration of the dehumidifier 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

Fig. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of a dehumidifier according to a second embodiment.

The compressor driving unit 23 includes a relay X1, a first transistor Q4, and a second transistor Q5. Relay X1 is normally open. The relay X1 is configured as a circuit capable of opening and closing the power supplied from the power source 27 to the compressor 6a. The first transistor Q4 is, for example, a resistor-built-in PNP transistor. The second transistor Q5 is, for example, a resistor-built-in NPN transistor. The base of the first transistor Q4 is connected to the output pin P2 of the microcomputer 21. The base of the second transistor Q5 is connected to the output terminal of the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29. The collector of the first transistor Q4 is connected to the other side of the operation coil of the relay X1. The collector of the second transistor Q5 is connected to one side of the operating coil of the relay X1. That is, the operation coils of the first transistor Q4, the second transistor Q5, and the relay X1 are connected in series.

When the output of the pin P2 of the microcomputer 21 is at the L potential, a signal is input to the base of the first transistor Q4. When the temperature of the compressor detected by the temperature sensor 14 does not exceed the stop temperature, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 outputs an H potential signal to the base of the second transistor Q5. At this time, since both the second transistor Q5 and the first transistor Q4 are in the ON state, the operation coil of the relay X1 is energized. The relay X1 closes a circuit contact that supplies power to the compressor 6 a from the power source 27. Thereby, the compressor 6a is operated at a fixed speed.

When the temperature of the compressor detected by the temperature sensor 14 exceeds the stop temperature, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 outputs an L potential signal to the output terminal. At this time, since the second transistor Q5 is turned OFF, the operation coil of the relay X1 is not energized regardless of the state of the first transistor Q4. As a result, the signal output from the microcomputer 21 to the compressor driving unit 23 is cut off, and the compressor 6a is stopped.

As described above, the compressor driving unit 23 of the first embodiment includes the relay X1, the first transistor Q4, and the second transistor Q5. The relay X1 opens and closes a circuit that supplies power to the compressor 6a. Relay X1 is normally open. The first transistor Q4 is connected to the input terminal of the relay X1. The second transistor Q5 is connected to the input terminal of the relay X1. The input terminal of the relay X1, the first transistor Q4, and the second transistor Q5 are connected in series. The microcomputer 21 outputs a signal to close the relay X1 to the first transistor Q4 as a signal for operating the compressor 6a. When the temperature of the compressor exceeds the stop temperature, the abnormal temperature detection circuit 29 outputs a signal to open the relay X1 to the second transistor Q5 to stop the compressor 6a.

Therefore, overheating of the compressor 6a is reliably prevented with a simple configuration. When at least one of the first transistor Q4 and the second transistor Q5 is OFF, the compressor 6a is stopped. Therefore, even if either the first transistor Q4 or the second transistor Q5 fails, the compressor driving unit 23 can stop the compressor 6a.

Claims (10)

    A dehumidifier includes a compressor with a fixed operating speed; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the compressor as the compressor temperature; a compressor driving unit that controls the operation of the compressor; a microcomputer that outputs A signal to the compressor driving section; and a compressor load reducing section that reduces the load of the compressor when the compressor temperature exceeds a predetermined reference temperature.         The dehumidifier according to item 1 of the scope of the patent application includes a variable air volume blower; wherein the compressor load reduction unit includes a blower driving unit, and when the compressor temperature exceeds a predetermined low air volume operation temperature, By reducing the air volume of the blower, the load of the compressor is reduced.         The dehumidifier according to item 2 of the scope of patent application, wherein, in the compressor driving unit, when the blower driving unit operates the blower for a predetermined time and a predetermined minimum air volume, the compressor temperature exceeds the low air volume operation At the temperature, the compressor is stopped.         The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the compressor load reduction unit includes an abnormal temperature detection circuit that shuts off when the compressor temperature exceeds a predetermined stop temperature. The microcomputer stops the compressor with respect to a signal output from the compressor driving section, thereby reducing the load of the compressor.         The dehumidifier according to item 4 of the scope of patent application, wherein the compressor driving unit includes: a normally open relay that opens and closes a circuit that supplies power to the compressor; and a transistor that is connected to an input terminal of the relay; The microcomputer outputs a signal to close the relay to the transistor as a signal to operate the compressor; and the abnormal temperature detection circuit opens the relay by outputting to the transistor when the compressor temperature exceeds the stop temperature. Signal to stop the compressor.         The dehumidifier according to item 4 of the scope of patent application, wherein the compressor driving unit includes a normally open relay that opens and closes a circuit that supplies power to the compressor; a first transistor that is connected to an input terminal of the relay; And the second transistor is connected to the input terminal of the relay; wherein the input terminal of the relay, the first transistor and the second transistor are connected in series; the microcomputer closes the relay to the output of the first transistor The signal serves as a signal for operating the compressor. The abnormal temperature detection circuit outputs a signal to open the relay to the second transistor when the compressor temperature exceeds the stop temperature to stop the compressor.         The dehumidifier according to item 4 of the scope of patent application, wherein the temperature sensor includes a component corresponding to a change in temperature resistance value, and the abnormal temperature detection circuit includes a comparator that compares the resistance value according to the change in the resistance value of the component A fluctuating voltage and a voltage generated by a voltage dividing resistor.         The dehumidifier according to item 7 of the scope of patent application, wherein the component is connected to an inverting input terminal of the comparator.         The dehumidifier according to item 4 of the patent application scope includes: a current sensor that detects a circuit current that supplies power to the compressor; and a display unit that the current sensor does not detect the current and the temperature of the compressor exceeds At the stop temperature, a content indicating an overheating abnormality of the compressor is displayed.         The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: a current sensor that detects a circuit current that supplies power to the compressor; wherein the compressor drive unit and the current sensor detect When the state in which the known current is larger than a predetermined current value continues for a predetermined time, the compressor is stopped.