JP6590725B2 - Drain pan contamination detector and air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a drain pan dirt detection device and an air conditioner, and more particularly, to a technique for detecting drain pan dirt.

  When the air conditioner is operated, water droplets (drain water) condensed at the time of heat exchange are generated. Generally, a drain pan for storing the drain water is provided in the air conditioner. The drain water collected in the drain pan is sucked by a drain pump and drained to the outside (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 4-136425

  In general, an air conditioner easily collects dust, germs and the like in the air, and general bacteria easily propagate in drain water accumulated in a drain pan. When bacteria propagate, a biofilm of bacteria is generated, and the biofilm easily becomes clogged in the suction port of the drain pump. When the biofilm is clogged in the suction port of the drain pump, drainage of drain water becomes difficult or impossible, and the water level in the drain pan rises. Normally, the drain pan is provided with a water level sensor for detecting an abnormal water level in the drain pan, and if the drain water is detected by the water level sensor, the operation of the air conditioner stops abnormally because the water level is abnormal. Be made. For example, the air conditioner is suddenly stopped. In order to resume the operation of the air conditioner, it is necessary to clean the drain pan. The drain pan cleaning operation is highly specialized due to the installation environment and structure. Therefore, it is necessary for a professional engineer to clean the drain pan, and a general user cannot resume the operation of the air conditioner until the cleaning is completed.

  In the past, it was not possible to detect the dirt on the drain pan directly, so that the drain level was detected before the air conditioner suddenly stopped because the water level sensor detected an abnormal water level due to clogging of the drain pump. Could not figure out. For example, the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 does not include means for dealing with this problem.

  An object of the present invention is to enable direct detection of dirt on a drain pan installed in an air conditioner.

  The invention which concerns on Claim 1 is attached to the suction inlet of the pump which attracts | sucks drain water from the drain pan which receives the drain water dripped from the heat exchanger of an air conditioner, and the drainage channel which guides drain water from the said drain pan to the said suction inlet. A main body member, a mesh-like moving member movably provided in the drainage channel of the main body member, and a detection unit that detects dirt on the drain pan based on the movement of the moving member due to water pressure. It is a drain pan dirt detection device characterized by including.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the drain pan dirt detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a contact portion provided in the drainage channel, wherein the detection portion is in contact with or not in contact with the moving member with respect to the contact portion. The drain pan contamination detecting device detects the contamination of the drain pan based on the contact.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the drain pan dirt detection device according to the second aspect, the detection unit is the number of times the moving member has contacted the contact portion within a predetermined time, or the moving member is the contact point. The drain pan contamination detection device detects contamination of the drain pan based on the number of times of separation from the section.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the drain pan dirt detection device according to the second aspect, the detection unit is a length of time that the moving member is continuously in contact with the contact portion, or the moving member. The drain pan contamination detecting device detects the contamination of the drain pan based on the length of time during which is continuously away from the contact portion.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the drain pan dirt detection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the main body member has a lower opening communicating with the drainage channel on the drain pan side, An upper opening communicating with the drainage channel on the suction port side, and the moving member can be opened to the upper opening side by water pressure by suction of drain water provided in the lower opening The contact portion is provided between the lower opening and the upper opening in the drainage channel, and the detection portion is configured to contact the lid member with the contact portion. The drain pan contamination detecting device is characterized in that the contamination of the drain pan is detected based on the drain pan contamination.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the drain pan dirt detection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the body member includes a lower opening communicating with the drainage channel on the drain pan side; An upper opening communicating with the drainage channel on the suction port side, and the moving member can be opened to the upper opening side by water pressure by suction of drain water provided in the lower opening The contact portion is provided in the lower opening, and the detection portion detects dirt on the drain pan based on non-contact of the lid member with respect to the contact portion. A drain pan dirt detecting device characterized by the above.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the drain pan dirt detection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the main body member has a lower opening communicating with the drainage channel on the drain pan side, An upper opening communicating with the drainage channel on the suction port side, and the moving member is provided in the drainage channel and is movable to the upper opening side by water pressure due to suction of drain water The contact portion is provided around the upper opening in the drainage channel, and the detection portion detects dirt on the drain pan based on contact of the moving member with the contact portion. This is a drain pan contamination detection device.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the drain pan dirt detection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the main body member has a lower opening communicating with the drainage channel on the drain pan side; An upper opening communicating with the drainage channel on the suction port side, and the moving member is provided in the drainage channel and is movable to the upper opening side by water pressure due to suction of drain water The contact portion is provided around the lower opening in the drainage channel, and the detection portion cleans the drain pan based on non-contact of the moving member with respect to the contact portion. It is a drain pan dirt detecting device characterized by detecting.

  The invention according to claim 9 is a heat exchanger, a drain pan that receives drain water dripped from the heat exchanger, a pump that sucks drain water from the drain pan, and a distance from the drain pan than the suction port of the pump. A water level sensor provided at a position for detecting an abnormal water level in the drain pan, a main body member attached to the suction port and having a drainage channel for leading drain water from the drain pan to the suction port, and the drainage of the main body member An air-conditioning apparatus comprising: a mesh-like moving member that is movably provided in a road; and a detection unit that detects dirt on the drain pan based on movement of the moving member caused by water pressure.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to directly detect dirt on the drain pan.

It is a figure showing the air-conditioning equipment concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows a contact part. It is sectional drawing which shows the detection apparatus which concerns on the modification 1. It is sectional drawing which shows the detection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the detection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the detection apparatus which concerns on the modification 2. It is sectional drawing which shows the detection apparatus which concerns on the modification 2.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows an example of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the air conditioner according to the present embodiment is installed behind the ceiling of a building such as an office building or a factory. For example, the air conditioner is installed on the back surface of a decorative panel (not shown) on the ceiling of a building.

  The air conditioner includes a heat exchanger (not shown) and heats or cools the air. A drain pan 10 as a container for receiving drain water dripped from the heat exchanger is disposed below the heat exchanger. Drain water dripped from the heat exchanger is stored in the drain pan 10. In general, drain water contains dust and germs in the air. In FIG. 1, the water surface 12 of the drain water is indicated by a broken line.

  A drain pump 14 for sucking drain water is disposed in the drain pan 10. Drain water is sucked from the suction port 16 of the drain pump 14 by the suction force of the drain pump 14. The drain water sucked by the drain pump 14 is drained to the outside of the air conditioner through a drain pipe communicating with the drain pump 14.

  In the drain pan 10, a water level sensor 18 for detecting an abnormal water level of the drain water is provided. The water level sensor 18 is provided at a position farther from the bottom surface of the drain pan 10 than the suction port 16 of the drain pump 14 (a position above the suction port 16). In general, bacteria easily propagate in the drain water retained in the drain pan 10. When bacteria propagate, a biofilm of bacteria is generated, and the biofilm easily becomes clogged in the suction port 16 of the drain pump 14. When the biofilm is clogged in the suction port 16 of the drain pump 14, drainage of drain water becomes difficult or impossible, and the water level in the drain pan 10 rises. When the raised water level is detected by the water level sensor 18, the operation of the air conditioner is abnormally stopped assuming that the water level is abnormal. For example, the air conditioner is suddenly stopped. In order to resume the operation of the air conditioner, it is necessary to clean the drain pan 10 by a professional engineer.

  A detection device 20 is attached to the suction port 16 of the drain pump 14. The detection device 20 functions as a sensor (drain pan dirt detection sensor) that detects dirt due to a biofilm in the drain pan 10. The detection device 20 is connected to an abnormality detection circuit 22 provided inside or outside the air conditioning equipment. When the detection device 20 detects the dirt on the drain pan 10, an abnormality detection signal is output from the detection device 20 to the abnormality detection circuit 22. When an abnormality detection signal is detected by the abnormality detection circuit 22, for example, processing such as lighting of a warning lamp and generation of warning sound from a speaker is executed. The warning lamp and the speaker may be installed in the air conditioner or may be installed in a control panel or the like. The abnormality detection signal may be transmitted to a management center or the like via a communication path such as a network.

  Hereinafter, the detection device 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the detection device 20. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views schematically showing the detection device 20.

  The detection device 20 includes a cap 24 as a main body member attached to the suction port 16 of the drain pump 14. The cap 24 has a cylindrical shape that matches the suction port 16. As an example, the suction port 16 has a circular shape, and the cap 24 has a cylindrical shape that matches the circular shape. Of course, the suction port 16 may have a rectangular shape, and the cap 24 may have a rectangular tube shape that matches the rectangular shape.

  A drainage channel 26 is formed in the cap 24 for guiding drain water from the drain pan 10 to the suction port 16. A circular upper opening 28 that communicates with the drainage channel 26 is formed on the suction port 16 side of the cap 24, and a circular lower opening that communicates with the drainage channel 26 on the drain pan 10 side of the cap 24. A portion 30 is formed. The shapes of the upper opening 28 and the lower opening 30 are merely examples, and when the cap 24 has a rectangular tube shape, the upper opening 28 and the lower opening 30 have a rectangular shape. It will be.

  The cap 24 is attached to the suction port 16 as indicated by an arrow A. The attachment method is not particularly limited. For example, the cap 24 may be attached to the suction port 16 by covering the suction port 16 with the cap 24, or the cap 24 may be attached to the suction port 16 by screwing. Of course, the cap 24 may be attached to the suction port 16 by another method. With the cap 24 attached to the suction port 16, the drain water in the drain pan 10 is sucked into the drainage channel 26 from the lower opening 30 by the action of the drain pump 14, and the drainage channel via the upper opening 28. Drain water is sucked into the suction port 16 from 26.

  A lid member 32 as a moving member is provided in the lower opening 30 of the cap 24 so as to cover the lower opening 30. The lid member 32 has a shape that fits the lower opening 30. In the example shown in FIG. 2, since the shape of the lower opening 30 is circular, the entire shape of the lid member 32 is circular. Of course, the lower opening 30 and the lid member 32 may be rectangular. The lid member 32 is a mesh-like member made of metal or resin. Alternatively, the lid member 32 may be a porous member. A part of the end of the lid member 32 is fixed to a part of the edge of the lower opening 30 by a fixing member 34. The lid member 32 can be opened and closed in the direction of arrow B with the position of the fixing member 34 as an axis. FIG. 3 shows the lid member 32 in the closed state, and FIG. 4 shows the lid member 32 in the open state. A claw member 36 is provided at a part of the end of the lid member 32.

  Further, a rod-like support member 38 is provided between the upper opening 28 and the lower opening 30 on the inner wall of the cap 24 (inner wall of the drainage channel 26), and a contact portion is provided at the tip of the support member 38. 40 is provided. The contact part 40 has a waterproof structure and is connected to the abnormality detection circuit 22 by a wiring (not shown). As shown in FIG. 4, the contact portion 40 is a height at which the claw member 36 comes into contact when the lid member 32 is opened to bend toward the inner side of the cap 24 and the angle of the bend is a predetermined angle. It is provided in the position.

  Next, the contact portion 40 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the contact portion 40. The contact portion 40 includes metal sensor members 42 and 44 and a waterproof cover 46 that covers the sensor members 42 and 44. The cover 46 is made of a member having a waterproof function such as a resin. The sensor member 42 and the sensor member 44 are arranged to face each other, and are connected to the abnormality detection circuit 22 by wires (not shown). When the claw member 36 of the lid member 32 contacts the contact portion 40 and presses the contact portion 40, the sensor member 42 moves to the sensor member 44 side, and the sensor member 42 contacts the sensor member 44. The abnormality detection circuit 22 detects contact between the sensor members 42 and 44. By detecting this contact, it is detected that the drain pan 10 is contaminated.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the detection device 20 will be described. When the lid member 32 having a mesh structure is not covered with the biofilm of bacteria and the mesh is not clogged with the biofilm, the drain water is sucked through the lid member 32. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the lid member 32 maintains the closed state. When bacteria propagate in the drain water, the lid member 32 having a mesh structure is covered with a biofilm of bacteria. When the lid member 32 is covered with the biofilm and the mesh is clogged, the lid member 32 is moved to the inner side of the cap 24 around the position of the fixing member 34 by the differential pressure (water pressure) generated when the drain pump 14 is operated. (See FIG. 4). At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, when the angle of the bend becomes a predetermined angle and the claw member 36 presses the contact portion 40, the abnormality detection circuit 22 detects that the drain pan 10 is contaminated. In this case, processing such as lighting of a warning lamp and generation of a warning sound is performed. As long as the lid member 32 begins to get dirty and is bent by the differential pressure (water pressure), the drain pump 14 can drain the drain water without interfering with the suction port 16 of the drain pump 14. When the biofilm propagates to the suction port 16 and drainage of drain water becomes difficult or impossible and the water level in the drain pan 10 rises, the water level sensor 18 detects an abnormal water level. In this case, although the air conditioner is abnormally stopped, the drain water can be drained by the drain pump 14 until the abnormal water level is detected by the water level sensor 18.

  As described above, according to the detection device 20 according to the first embodiment, before the water level sensor 18 detects the abnormal water level of the drain water, it is possible to directly detect the dirt on the drain pan 10. Thereby, it becomes possible to carry out a cleaning work by a professional engineer before the air conditioner stops abnormally. If the air conditioner stops suddenly, it takes a long time to recover, but according to the first embodiment, dirt can be detected directly before the sudden stop, thus avoiding a sudden stop. It becomes possible to do.

  In the drain water, there is a possibility that bacteria (for example, Legionella genus) that may harm the health of the user may be contained in addition to general bacteria. In order to cope with this, when a mechanism for directly detecting the dirt of the drain pan 10 is not provided, the law requires a drain pan inspection once a month for each floor, model, and operation unit. However, when the number of objects to be inspected is very large, a great deal of labor and cost are required in terms of equipment management. According to the first embodiment, since dirt on the drain pan 10 can be directly detected, it is possible to receive an exemption from drain pan inspection, and labor and cost can be reduced.

  The lid member 32 may be provided in the lower opening 30 by its own weight or the magnet's attractive force without using the fixing member 34. In the case where the lid member 32 is provided by its own weight, when a differential pressure (water pressure) exceeding the dead weight is generated in the lid member 32, the lid member 32 is opened, and contamination of the drain pan 10 is detected. When the lid member 32 is provided by the magnet's attracting force, when a differential pressure (water pressure) exceeding the attracting force is generated in the lid member 32, the lid member 32 is opened and the contamination of the drain pan 10 is detected. .

  In the first embodiment, the abnormality detection circuit 22 may detect the dirt on the drain pan 10 based on the number of times that the claw member 36 of the lid member 32 contacts the contact portion 40 within a predetermined period. For example, when the number of times the claw member 36 has pressed the contact portion 40 within a predetermined period is a predetermined number or more, that is, when the number of output of the abnormality detection signal within the predetermined period is a predetermined number or more, the abnormality detection circuit 22 It may be determined that the drain pan 10 is contaminated. Thereby, even when the claw member 36 accidentally presses the contact portion 40, it is possible to avoid erroneous detection of dirt and improve the detection accuracy of dirt. The predetermined period and the predetermined number of times may be preset values or may be changed by an operator or the like.

  As another example, the abnormality detection circuit 22 may detect the contamination of the drain pan 10 based on the length of time that the claw member 36 of the lid member 32 is continuously in contact with the contact portion 40. For example, when the length of time that the claw member 36 continues to press the contact portion 40 is a predetermined time or longer, that is, when the length of time that the abnormality detection signal is continuously output is longer than the predetermined time, The abnormality detection circuit 22 may determine that the drain pan 10 is contaminated. Thereby, even when the claw member 36 accidentally presses the contact portion 40, it is possible to avoid erroneous detection of dirt and improve the detection accuracy of dirt. The predetermined time may be a preset value or may be changed by an operator or the like.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the modification 1 of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a detection device 20A according to the first modification. The detection device 20 </ b> A according to Modification 1 is not provided with the support member 38 and the contact portion 40. Instead, a contact portion 48 is provided at a part of the edge of the lower opening 30 of the cap 24. The contact part 48 is connected to the abnormality detection circuit 22 by wiring. The contact portion 48 has a waterproof structure, and has the same configuration as the contact portion 40 shown in FIG. 5, for example. The configuration other than the contact portion 48 is the same as the configuration of the detection device 20 according to the first embodiment.

  When the lid member 32 is in a closed state, that is, when the lid member 32 is not bent inside the cap 24, a part of the end of the lid member 32 presses the contact portion 48. On the other hand, when the lid member 32 is in the open state, that is, when the lid member 32 is bent inside the cap 24, the lid member 32 is separated from the contact portion 48. The abnormality detection circuit 22 detects that the drain pan 10 is contaminated by detecting that the lid member 32 has moved away from the contact portion 48.

  When the lid member 32 having a mesh structure is not covered with the biofilm of bacteria and the mesh is not clogged with the biofilm, the drain water is sucked through the lid member 32. At this time, the lid member 32 maintains a closed state (the state of the lid member 32 shown by a solid line in FIG. 6). When the bacteria propagate in the drain water and the lid member 32 is covered with the bacterial biofilm, the lid member 32 bends inside the cap 24 due to the differential pressure (water pressure) generated when the drain pump 14 is operated. (The state of the lid member 32 shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 6). Thereby, the lid member 32 is separated from the contact portion 48, and the abnormality detection circuit 22 detects that the lid member 32 is separated. Thereby, it is detected that the drain pan 10 is contaminated.

  As described above, according to the detection device 20A according to the first modification, as in the detection device 20 according to the first embodiment, before the water level sensor 18 detects drain water, the contamination of the drain pan 10 is directly detected. It becomes possible to do.

  In the detection device 20A according to the first modification, the lid member 32 may be provided in the lower opening 30 by its own weight or a magnet attracting force without using the fixing member 34.

  Further, the abnormality detection circuit 22 may detect the dirt on the drain pan 10 based on the number of times the lid member 32 is separated from the contact portion 48 within a predetermined period. For example, when the number of times the lid member 32 is separated from the contact portion 48 within a predetermined period is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the abnormality detection circuit 22 may determine that the drain pan 10 is contaminated. As a result, even if the lid member 32 is accidentally separated from the contact portion 48, it is possible to avoid erroneous detection of dirt and improve the detection accuracy of dirt. The predetermined time and the predetermined number of times may be preset values or may be changed by an operator or the like.

  As another example, the abnormality detection circuit 22 may detect the contamination of the drain pan 10 based on the length of time that the lid member 32 is continuously separated from the contact portion 48. For example, the abnormality detection circuit 22 may determine that the drain pan 10 is contaminated when the length of time that the lid member 32 is continuously separated from the contact portion 48 is a predetermined time or more. As a result, even if the lid member 32 is accidentally separated from the contact portion 48, it is possible to avoid erroneous detection of dirt and improve the detection accuracy of dirt. The predetermined time may be a preset value or may be changed by an operator or the like.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The air conditioner according to the second embodiment includes another detection device instead of the detection device 20 according to the first embodiment and the detection device 20A according to the first modification. The configuration other than the detection device is the same as the configuration of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.

  7 and 8 show a detection device 20B according to the second embodiment. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views schematically showing the detection device 20B.

  The detection device 20 </ b> B includes a cap 50 as a main body member attached to the suction port 16 of the drain pump 14. The cap 50 has a cylindrical shape that fits into the suction port 16. As an example, the suction port 16 has a circular shape, and the cap 50 has a cylindrical shape that matches the circular shape. Of course, the suction port 16 may have a rectangular shape, and the cap 50 may have a rectangular tube shape that matches the rectangular shape.

  A drainage channel 52 for guiding drain water from the drain pan 10 to the suction port 16 is formed in the cap 50. A circular or rectangular upper opening 54 communicating with the drainage channel 52 is formed on the suction port 16 side of the cap 50, and a circular or rectangular shape communicating with the drainage channel 52 is formed on the drain pan 10 side of the cap 50. A rectangular lower opening 56 is formed.

  The method for attaching the cap 50 to the suction port 16 is not particularly limited as in the first embodiment. For example, the cap 50 may be attached to the suction port 16 by covering the suction port 16 with the cap 50, or the cap 50 may be attached to the suction port 16 by screwing. Of course, the cap 50 may be attached to the suction port 16 by another method. With the cap 50 attached to the suction port 16, the drain water in the drain pan 10 is sucked into the drainage channel 52 from the lower opening 56 by the action of the drain pump 14, and the drainage channel through the upper opening 54. Drain water is sucked into the suction port 16 from 52.

  A spherical member 58 as a moving member is provided in the drainage channel 52. The spherical member 58 has a spherical shape as a whole and is a mesh-like member made of metal or resin. Alternatively, the spherical member 58 may be a porous member. The size (diameter) of the spherical member 58 is larger than the width of the upper opening 54 and the lower opening 56. Thereby, the spherical member 58 is confined in the drainage channel 52, and the movement of the spherical member 58 is restricted in the drainage channel 52. Instead of the spherical member 58, a member having an overall rectangular shape (for example, a cubic shape) may be used as the moving member. Also in this case, the width of the moving member is larger than the width of the upper opening 54 and the lower opening 56. The spherical member 58 is installed on the lower opening 56 side by its own weight or the attractive force of the magnet. The spherical member 58 is a member that can move between the upper opening 54 and the lower opening 56 in the direction of the arrow C in the drainage channel 52. 7 shows a spherical member 58 in a state of being installed on the lower opening 56 side, and FIG. 8 shows a spherical member 58 in a state of being moved to the upper opening 54 side.

  In addition, a contact portion 60 is provided around the upper opening 54 on the inner wall of the cap 50 (inner wall of the drainage channel 52). The contact part 60 is connected to the abnormality detection circuit 22 by a wiring (not shown). The contact part 60 has a waterproof structure and has the same configuration as the contact part 40 shown in FIG. 5, for example. The contact portion 60 is provided around the upper opening 54, but is provided as another position between the spherical member 58 and the upper opening 54 when installed on the lower opening 56 side. May be.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the detection device 20B will be described. When the spherical member 58 having the mesh structure is not covered with the biofilm of bacteria and the biofilm is not clogged in the mesh, drain water is sucked through the spherical member 58. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the spherical member 58 maintains the state of being installed on the lower opening 56 side. When bacteria propagate in the drain water, the spherical member 58 having a mesh structure is covered with a bacterial biofilm. When the spherical member 58 is covered with the biofilm and the mesh is clogged, the spherical member 58 is moved from the lower opening 56 side to the upper opening 54 side by the differential pressure (water pressure) generated when the drain pump 14 is operated. Moving. For example, when the spherical member 58 is provided by its own weight, when a differential pressure (water pressure) exceeding the dead weight is generated in the spherical member 58, the spherical member 58 moves to the upper opening 54 side. When the spherical member 58 is provided by the magnet's attracting force, when a differential pressure (water pressure) exceeding the attracting force is generated in the spherical member 58, the spherical member 58 moves to the upper opening 54 side. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, when the spherical member 58 moves to the upper opening 54 and presses the contact portion 60, the abnormality detection circuit 22 detects that the drain pan 10 is contaminated. In this case, processing such as lighting of a warning lamp and generation of a warning sound is performed. Thereafter, when the biofilm propagates and drainage of drain water becomes difficult or impossible and the water level in the drain pan 10 rises, the water level sensor 18 detects the abnormal water level. In this case, although the air conditioner is abnormally stopped, the drain water can be drained by the drain pump 14 until the abnormal water level is detected by the water level sensor 18.

  As described above, according to the detection device 20B according to the second embodiment, as in the detection device 20 according to the first embodiment, before the water level sensor 18 detects the abnormal water level of the drain water, the dirt in the drain pan 10 is stained. Can be detected directly. Thereby, it becomes possible to carry out a cleaning work by a professional engineer before the air conditioner stops abnormally. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to avoid a sudden stop of the air conditioner as in the first embodiment. Moreover, since the dirt of the drain pan 10 can be directly detected, it is possible to receive exemption from drain pan inspection, and it is possible to reduce labor and cost.

  In the second embodiment, the abnormality detection circuit 22 may detect dirt on the drain pan 10 based on the number of times the spherical member 58 has contacted the contact portion 60 within a predetermined period. For example, when the number of times the spherical member 58 has pressed the contact portion 60 within a predetermined period is a predetermined number or more, that is, when the number of output of the abnormality detection signal within the predetermined period is a predetermined number or more, the abnormality detection circuit 22 It may be determined that the drain pan 10 is contaminated. As a result, even when the spherical member 58 accidentally pushes the contact portion 60, it is possible to avoid erroneous detection of dirt and improve the detection accuracy of dirt. The predetermined period and the predetermined number of times may be preset values or may be changed by an operator or the like.

  As another example, the abnormality detection circuit 22 may detect dirt on the drain pan 10 based on the length of time that the spherical member 58 is continuously in contact with the contact portion 60. For example, when the length of time that the spherical member 58 continues to press the contact portion 60 is a predetermined time or more, that is, when the length of time that the abnormality detection signal is continuously output is a predetermined time or more, The abnormality detection circuit 22 may determine that the drain pan 10 is contaminated. As a result, even when the spherical member 58 accidentally pushes the contact portion 60, it is possible to avoid erroneous detection of dirt and improve the detection accuracy of dirt. The predetermined time may be a preset value or may be changed by an operator or the like.

  Next, Modification 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views schematically showing a detection device 20C according to the second modification. In the detection device 20 </ b> C according to Modification Example 2, a contact portion 60 is provided around the lower opening 56 on the inner wall of the cap 50 (inner wall of the drainage channel 52). The contact part 60 is connected to the abnormality detection circuit 22 by a wiring (not shown). The contact part 60 has a waterproof structure and has the same configuration as the contact part 40 shown in FIG. 5, for example. Unlike the detection device 20 </ b> B according to the second embodiment described above, the contact portion 60 is not provided around the upper opening 54. The configuration other than the installation position of the contact part 60 is the same as the configuration of the detection device 20B according to the second embodiment.

  When the spherical member 58 is installed on the lower opening 56 side, the spherical member 58 presses the contact portion 60. On the other hand, when the spherical member 58 moves to the upper opening 54 side, the spherical member 58 moves away from the contact portion 60. The abnormality detection circuit 22 detects that the drain pan 10 is contaminated by detecting that the spherical member 58 has left the contact portion 60.

  When the spherical member 58 having the mesh structure is not covered with the biofilm of bacteria and the biofilm is not clogged in the mesh, drain water is sucked through the spherical member 58. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the spherical member 58 maintains the state of being installed on the lower opening 56 side. When bacteria propagate in the drain water, the spherical member 58 is covered with a bacterial biofilm. When the spherical member 58 is covered with the biofilm and the mesh is clogged, the spherical member 58 moves to the upper opening 54 side in the drainage channel 52 due to the differential pressure (water pressure) generated when the drain pump 14 is operated. To do. FIG. 10 shows the spherical member 58 in a state of moving to the upper opening 54 side. By moving the spherical member 58 toward the upper opening 54, the spherical member 58 is separated from the contact portion 60, and the abnormality detection circuit 22 detects the separation. Thereby, it is detected that the drain pan 10 is contaminated.

  As described above, according to the detection device 20C according to the modified example 2, as in the detection device 20B according to the second embodiment, before the water level sensor 18 detects drain water, dirt in the drain pan 10 is directly removed. It becomes possible to detect.

  Further, the abnormality detection circuit 22 may detect dirt on the drain pan 10 based on the number of times the spherical member 58 has moved away from the contact portion 60 within a predetermined period. For example, when the number of times that the spherical member 58 is separated from the contact portion 60 within a predetermined period is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the abnormality detection circuit 22 may determine that the drain pan 10 is contaminated. Thereby, even when the spherical member 58 is accidentally separated from the contact portion 60, it is possible to avoid erroneous detection of dirt, and to improve the detection accuracy of dirt. The predetermined time and the predetermined number of times may be preset values or may be changed by an operator or the like.

  As another example, the abnormality detection circuit 22 may detect dirt on the drain pan 10 based on the length of time that the spherical member 58 is continuously separated from the contact portion 60. For example, when the length of time that the spherical member 58 continues to be separated from the contact portion 60 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the abnormality detection circuit 22 may determine that the drain pan 10 is contaminated. Thereby, even when the spherical member 58 is accidentally separated from the contact portion 60, it is possible to avoid erroneous detection of dirt, and to improve the detection accuracy of dirt. The predetermined time may be a preset value or may be changed by an operator or the like.

10 Drain pan, 14 Drain pump, 16 Suction port, 18 Water level sensor, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C Detection device, 22 Abnormality detection circuit, 24, 50 Cap, 26, 52 Drainage channel, 32 Lid member, 36 Claw member, 40 , 48, 60 Contact point, 58 Spherical member.

Claims (9)

A main body member that is attached to a suction port of a pump that sucks drain water from a drain pan that receives drain water dripped from a heat exchanger of an air conditioner, and has a drainage channel that guides drain water from the drain pan to the suction port;
A mesh-like moving member provided movably in the drainage channel of the main body member;
Based on the movement of the moving member due to water pressure, a detection unit that detects dirt on the drain pan,
A drain pan dirt detection device comprising: In the drain pan dirt detection device according to claim 1,
Further comprising a contact portion provided in the drainage channel,
The detection unit detects dirt on the drain pan based on contact or non-contact of the moving member with respect to the contact unit.
A drain pan contamination detection device characterized by the above. In the drain pan dirt detection device according to claim 2,
The detection unit detects dirt on the drain pan based on the number of times that the moving member has contacted the contact portion or the number of times the moving member has moved away from the contact portion within a predetermined time.
A drain pan contamination detection device characterized by the above. In the drain pan dirt detection device according to claim 2,
The detection unit is based on the length of time that the moving member is continuously in contact with the contact portion, or the length of time that the moving member is continuously separated from the contact portion, Detecting dirt on the drain pan,
A drain pan contamination detection device characterized by the above. In the drain pan dirt detection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The main body member includes a lower opening communicating with the drainage channel on the drain pan side, and an upper opening communicating with the drainage channel on the suction port side,
The moving member is a lid member that is provided at the lower opening, and can be opened to the upper opening by water pressure due to suction of drain water,
The contact portion is provided between the lower opening and the upper opening in the drainage channel,
The detection unit detects dirt on the drain pan based on contact of the lid member with the contact portion.
A drain pan contamination detection device characterized by the above. In the drain pan dirt detection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The main body member includes a lower opening communicating with the drainage channel on the drain pan side, and an upper opening communicating with the drainage channel on the suction port side,
The moving member is a lid member that is provided at the lower opening, and can be opened to the upper opening by water pressure due to suction of drain water,
The contact portion is provided in the lower opening,
The detection unit detects dirt on the drain pan based on non-contact of the lid member with respect to the contact portion.
A drain pan contamination detection device characterized by the above. In the drain pan dirt detection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The main body member includes a lower opening communicating with the drainage channel on the drain pan side, and an upper opening communicating with the drainage channel on the suction port side,
The moving member is a member that is provided in the drainage channel and is movable to the upper opening side by water pressure by suction of drain water.
The contact portion is provided around the upper opening in the drainage channel,
The detection unit detects dirt on the drain pan based on the contact of the moving member to the contact unit.
A drain pan contamination detection device characterized by the above. In the drain pan dirt detection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The main body member includes a lower opening communicating with the drainage channel on the drain pan side, and an upper opening communicating with the drainage channel on the suction port side,
The moving member is a member that is provided in the drainage channel and is movable to the upper opening side by water pressure by suction of drain water.
The contact portion is provided around the lower opening in the drainage channel,
The detector detects dirt on the drain pan based on non-contact of the moving member with respect to the contact portion;
A drain pan contamination detection device characterized by the above. A heat exchanger,
A drain pan that receives drain water dripped from the heat exchanger;
A pump for sucking drain water from the drain pan;
A water level sensor that is provided at a position farther from the drain pan than the suction port of the pump and detects an abnormal water level in the drain pan;
A body member attached to the suction port and having a drainage channel for leading drain water from the drain pan to the suction port;
A mesh-like moving member provided movably in the drainage channel of the main body member;
Based on the movement of the moving member due to water pressure, a detection unit that detects dirt on the drain pan,
Air conditioning equipment characterized by including.

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