JP7457969B2 - air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, refrigeration cycle devices, such as air conditioners, that include a refrigeration cycle through which a refrigerant flows are known. Such a refrigeration cycle device includes a refrigerant detection means for detecting refrigerant leakage and a notification means for notifying the user of information regarding the refrigerant, and when the refrigerant detection means detects refrigerant, it is determined that the refrigerant has leaked. It is known that a notification means is used to notify that the Some of these refrigeration cycle devices include a timer that measures time, and when the refrigerant detection means detects the refrigerant, the timer measures the time that has elapsed since the refrigerant was detected. In this refrigeration cycle device, the user causes the notification means to notify the elapsed time as information for dealing with refrigerant leakage (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent Publication No. WO2017/199342

However, the response a user should take to a refrigerant leak in a refrigeration cycle also changes depending on the volume of the space where the refrigerant is leaking and the situation. For this reason, in the conventional configuration, there is a possibility that the user may not be able to take an appropriate response to the refrigerant leakage when a predetermined time has elapsed depending on the volume of the space, the situation, etc.

The present invention provides an air conditioning device that allows the user to take appropriate action when a refrigerant leak occurs.

The present invention provides a refrigeration cycle that circulates a refrigerant, a heat exchanger connected to the refrigeration cycle, an indoor unit installed in an indoor space, a refrigerant leak sensor that detects the refrigerant, and a user with predetermined information. a space volume setting section that sets the spatial volume of the indoor space; a calculation section that calculates the amount of change per unit time in the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant leak sensor; The time it takes for the refrigerant to burn is calculated based on the amount of change in the refrigerant and the space volume set by the space volume setting section, and the notification is made based on the calculated time it takes for the refrigerant to burn. The air conditioner is characterized by comprising a determining section that determines information to be notified by the air conditioner.

According to this, when a refrigerant leak occurs, the air conditioner provides a response to the user in the indoor space according to the spatial volume of the indoor space in which the indoor unit is installed and the amount of change in the concentration of the refrigerant. It is possible to have the notification unit notify the necessary response. Therefore, the air conditioner can prompt the user to take appropriate measures when refrigerant leakage occurs.

According to the present invention, a user can take appropriate measures when a refrigerant leak occurs.

A perspective view showing the configuration of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention Vertical cross-sectional view of indoor unit Block diagram showing the control configuration of the air conditioner Flowchart showing predetermined operations of the air conditioner Flowchart showing predetermined operations of the air conditioner

A first invention provides a refrigeration cycle that circulates a refrigerant, a heat exchanger connected to the refrigeration cycle, an indoor unit installed in an indoor space, a refrigerant leak sensor that detects the refrigerant, and a user with a predetermined function. a notification unit that notifies information on the indoor space; a space volume setting unit that sets the spatial volume of the indoor space; a calculation unit that calculates the amount of change per unit time in the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant leak sensor; The apparatus includes a determination section that determines information to be reported by the notification section based on the calculated amount of change in the refrigerant and the space volume set by the space volume setting section.

According to this, when a refrigerant leak occurs, the air conditioner provides a response to the user in the indoor space according to the spatial volume of the indoor space in which the indoor unit is installed and the amount of change in the concentration of the refrigerant. It is possible to have the notification unit notify the necessary response. Therefore, the air conditioner can prompt the user to take appropriate measures when refrigerant leakage occurs.

A second aspect of the present invention includes a heat sensor that detects a heat source having a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature in the indoor space, and the determination unit is configured to calculate the amount of change in the refrigerant calculated by the calculation unit and the space volume set by the space volume setting unit. Based on the detection result of the thermal sensor, information to be notified by the notification section is determined.

According to this, when a refrigerant leak occurs, the air conditioner becomes a source of ignition of the refrigerant in the indoor space, in addition to the spatial volume of the indoor space where the indoor unit is installed and the amount of change in the concentration of the refrigerant. Depending on whether or not there is a heat source with a temperature higher than the ambient temperature, the notification unit can notify the user in the indoor space of the actions to be taken. Therefore, the air conditioner can prompt the user to take appropriate measures when refrigerant leakage occurs.

A third aspect of the invention includes an imaging unit that images the indoor space, and the determination unit is configured to calculate the amount of change in the refrigerant calculated by the calculation unit, the spatial volume set by the spatial volume setting unit, and the imaging unit. Information to be reported by the notification unit is determined based on the captured image.

According to this, when a refrigerant leak occurs, the air conditioning device can have the notification section notify the user in the indoor space of the action that should be taken depending on the condition of the indoor space, in addition to the spatial volume of the indoor space in which the indoor unit is installed and the amount of change in the concentration of the refrigerant. Therefore, when a refrigerant leak occurs, the air conditioning device can encourage the user to take appropriate action.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an indoor unit 10 of an air conditioning apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 10.
The air conditioning device 1 (Figure 3) is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 30 housed in the indoor unit 10, a compressor, a pressure reducing device, an outdoor heat exchanger, etc. housed in the outdoor unit 60, and a refrigeration cycle formed by an expansion valve, a switching valve, etc., and air-conditions the indoor space in which the indoor unit 10 is located by circulating a refrigerant through this refrigeration cycle.

As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor unit 10 included in the air conditioner 1 of this embodiment is a so-called ceiling-embedded indoor unit that can blow air in four directions. This indoor unit 10 is installed in a ceiling space 13 between a ceiling 11 of a building and a ceiling plate 12 installed below this ceiling 11, as shown in FIG.
The indoor unit 10 includes an indoor unit main body 14 formed in a box shape with an open bottom surface, and a hanging fitting 18 is attached to an outer corner of the indoor unit main body 14. The indoor unit main body 14 is installed in a suspended state from the ceiling 11 by a hanging bolt 15 connected to a hanging fitting 18. Inside the indoor unit main body 14, a heat insulating member 16 made of polystyrene foam is placed in contact with the inner surface of the side plate 17 of the indoor unit main body 14 to prevent dew condensation on the side plate 17.

A fan motor 21 is attached to the underside of the upper plate of the indoor unit body 14, and a rotating shaft 22 that is driven to rotate by the driving of the fan motor 21 is provided on this fan motor 21 so as to extend downward. A turbofan 23 is attached to the lower end portion of this rotating shaft 22, and the fan motor 21 and turbofan 23 together constitute the blower 20.

The turbo fan 23 includes a main plate 24 formed in an annular plate shape. A motor accommodating portion 25 in the shape of an inverted truncated cone is formed in the center of the main plate 24 and extends downward.
A fan motor 21 is housed in the motor housing part 25 , and a rotating shaft 22 of the fan motor 21 extends downward and is connected to the bottom surface of the motor housing part 25 . By rotating the fan motor 21, the turbo fan 23 is rotated via the rotating shaft 22.

A shroud 26 is provided below the main plate 24, and the shroud 26 has an annular shape with an arcuate peripheral surface. A plurality of blade members 27 are integrally formed between the main plate 24 and the inner circumferential surface of the shroud 26 and arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction.
An orifice 28 is arranged below the shroud 26, and the orifice 28 is formed in an annular shape with an arcuate peripheral surface.

An indoor heat exchanger 30 is arranged between the blower 20 and the heat insulating member 16 so as to surround the sides of the blower 20 and is bent into a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view.
The indoor heat exchanger 30 functions as a refrigerant evaporator during cooling operation, and functions as a refrigerant condenser during heating operation. The indoor heat exchanger 30 exchanges heat between the indoor air sucked into the interior of the indoor unit main body 14 and the refrigerant, and cools the air in the air conditioned room during cooling operation, and heats the indoor air during heating operation. It is configured so that it can be

A drain pan 31 is arranged below the indoor heat exchanger 30 so as to correspond to the lower surface of the indoor heat exchanger 30. This drain pan 31 is for receiving drain water generated by the indoor heat exchanger 30. Furthermore, a suction port 32 for the blower 20 is formed in the center of the drain pan 31 .

In the indoor unit 10, a refrigerant leak sensor 29 is arranged near the indoor heat exchanger 30. The refrigerant leak sensor 29 of this embodiment is attached to the drain pan 31 and arranged in the space between the indoor heat exchanger 30 and the orifice 28. The refrigerant leak sensor 29 is a gas sensor that detects the concentration of refrigerant.

A substantially rectangular decorative panel 33 is attached to the lower surface of the indoor unit main body 14 so as to cover the lower opening of the indoor unit main body 14.
A suction port 34 that communicates with the suction port 32 of the drain pan 31 is formed in the center portion of the decorative panel 33, and a suction grill 35 that covers the suction port 34 is removably attached to the suction port 34 portion of the decorative panel 33. installed. A filter 36 for removing dust and the like from the air is provided on the indoor unit main body 14 side of the suction grill 35.

Outside the intake port 34 of the decorative panel 33, at positions along each side of the decorative panel 33, there are air outlets 37 that send conditioned air into the room. Each air outlet 37 is provided with a flap 38 that opens and closes the air outlet 37 and changes the direction of the air from the air outlet 37.

In the indoor unit 10 of this embodiment, when the blower 20 is driven, air in the indoor space is sucked in through the suction port 34 . The sucked air passes through the filter 36 and then the indoor heat exchanger 30 for heat exchange, and the air after conditioning is sent into the indoor space from the outlet 37 as wind.

A display panel 44 is provided outside one of the air outlets 37 of the decorative panel 33 and along one side of the decorative panel 33 .
This display panel 44 is a so-called liquid crystal display. Various information, such as information regarding the state of the air conditioning apparatus 1 and responses to the state, is displayed as text information on the display panel 44. In other words, the display panel 44 functions as a notification unit that notifies a user in the indoor space of the air conditioning apparatus 1 of various pieces of information.

A camera 46 is attached to one corner of the decorative panel 33. The camera 46 functions as an imaging unit that images the surroundings of the indoor unit 10 including the ceiling 11. The camera 46 of this embodiment is capable of capturing an image of the entire indoor space. Note that the position of the camera 46 is not limited to the positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and may be installed at a position where the camera 46 can recognize the entire indoor space. Further, the number of cameras 46 is not limited to one, and a plurality of cameras may be provided.

A heat source detection sensor 48 is provided at one corner of the decorative panel 33. The heat source detection sensor 48 is a heat sensor, such as an infrared detector, that detects a heat source that generates a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature in the indoor space. The heat source detection sensor 48 of this embodiment detects a heat source whose temperature is higher than that which can serve as an ignition source for the refrigerant used in the air conditioner 1. Such a heat source is, for example, a lighter, an electric heater, or the like.

The indoor unit 10 is provided with a plurality of pipe connection parts 19 to which refrigerant pipes (not shown) are connected. The indoor unit 10 is connected to the outdoor unit 60 by refrigerant pipes connected to each of the pipe connection parts 19. The refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 1 is formed by connecting the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 60 via refrigerant piping.

Next, the control configuration in this embodiment will be explained.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the air conditioner 1. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioner 1 includes a control device 50. The control device 50 includes a computer having a processor such as a CPU or an MPU, and a memory device such as a ROM or a RAM, and functions as a control section that controls each section of the air conditioner 1. Note that the control device 50 may be realized by a plurality of processors or semiconductor chips.
The control device 50 includes a communication section that transmits and receives signals to and from each section of the air conditioner 1 by wire or wirelessly. Thereby, the control device 50 receives signals transmitted from each part of the air conditioner 1 and also sends signals to each part of the air conditioner 1 to form a refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 1. Controls the operation of each part.
Specifically, the control device 50 controls the operation of the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 60, and controls the opening degree and opening/closing of an expansion valve and a switching valve (not shown) provided in each part.

The control device 50 controls each part of the air conditioner 1.
Specifically, the control device 50 is connected to the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 60 by wire or wirelessly.
The control device 50 controls the drive of the blower 20 of the indoor unit 10, the drive of the compressor of the outdoor unit 60, and the like. Thereby, the control device 50 controls the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 1.

A camera 46, a refrigerant leak sensor 29, and a heat source detection sensor 48 are connected to the control device 50 by wire or wirelessly, and are capable of transmitting and receiving various signals.

The control device 50 includes an image recognition unit 51. The image recognition unit 51 acquires the image captured by the camera 46 and executes image recognition.
Specifically, when the image recognition unit 51 acquires an image captured by the camera 46, it detects a window present in the indoor space from the image. That is, the image recognition unit 51 determines whether or not the indoor space is provided with a window capable of discharging leaked refrigerant by ventilating the indoor space.
Note that the image recognition unit 51 may detect not only windows but also other objects having a function of ventilating an indoor space, such as doors and ventilation devices.

The control device 50 includes a space volume setting unit 52. The space volume setting unit 52 of the present embodiment acquires an image captured by the camera 46, and calculates and sets the space volume of the indoor space from the image.
Note that the spatial volume setting unit 52 is not limited to calculation from an image, and may set the spatial volume based on information input by a worker when installing the air conditioning apparatus 1, for example.
Also, for example, the spatial volume setting unit 52 may set the spatial volume of the indoor space in which the indoor unit 10 is provided by acquiring information such as the horsepower of the connected indoor unit 10 through automatic identification or the like.

The control device 50 includes a change amount calculation section 54. The change amount calculation unit 54 receives the detection signal transmitted from the refrigerant leakage sensor 29. The detection signal is a signal that conveys the detection of the refrigerant and the refrigerant concentration, and the change amount calculation unit 54 calculates the amount of change in the refrigerant concentration per unit time from the detection signal acquired within a predetermined time. The calculated amount of change is processed in the control device 50 as the amount of change of the leaked refrigerant per unit time.

The control device 50 includes an allowable leakage time calculation section 56. The allowable leakage time calculation unit 56 calculates the time required for the leaked refrigerant to burn in the indoor space where the indoor unit 10 is installed, that is, the time that can suppress the combustion of the leaked refrigerant.
The allowable leak time calculation unit 56 calculates the allowable leak time using the following equation (1).
T=(Vr×Q)/M (1)
In equation (1), T (s) is the allowable leakage time, Vr (m ³ ) is the spatial volume of the indoor space, Q is the allowable leakage concentration of the refrigerant, and M (kg/s) is the refrigerant leakage rate.
The allowable leakage time calculation unit 56 acquires the spatial volume set by the spatial volume setting unit 52 from the spatial volume setting unit 52, and sets the change amount per unit time calculated by the change amount calculation unit 54 as the leakage rate of the refrigerant. Obtained from the change amount calculation unit 54.

Further, the allowable leakage concentration Q of the refrigerant is calculated using the following equation (2).
Q=C×LFL (2)
In equation (2), C is a predetermined safety factor that depends on the configuration and installation status of the air conditioner 1. LFL (vol%) is a lower flammability limit that represents the minimum concentration at which the refrigerant used in the air conditioner 1 causes combustion by ignition.

The control device 50 includes a correspondence determination section 58. The correspondence determination unit 58 receives a detection signal from the heat source detection sensor 48 and determines whether or not there is a heat source in the indoor space whose temperature is higher than that which can serve as an ignition source of the refrigerant.

Further, the response determining unit 58 receives the detection signal transmitted from the refrigerant leak sensor 29, and determines whether the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant leak sensor 29 is a concentration equal to or higher than a predetermined value.
The correspondence determining unit 58 of this embodiment compares two predetermined values set in advance and the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant leak sensor 29. The first predetermined value, which is the first predetermined value, is used when the correspondence determining unit 58 determines that there is a heat source in the indoor space whose temperature is higher than that which can become an ignition source of the refrigerant. The second predetermined value, which is the second predetermined value, is used when the correspondence determining unit 58 determines that there is no heat source in the indoor space with a temperature higher than that which can serve as an ignition source of the refrigerant. Note that the first predetermined value is a lower numerical value than the second predetermined value. That is, when a heat source whose temperature is higher than that which can serve as an ignition source is present, the correspondence determination unit 58 compares the lower predetermined value with the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant leak sensor 29 .

The correspondence determination unit 58 is connected to the display panel 44 by wire or wirelessly, and causes the display panel 44 to display predetermined information. In this embodiment, when it is determined that the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant leak sensor 29 is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value or the second predetermined value, the display panel 44 displays that the refrigerant is leaking.
Further, when the response determining unit 58 determines that the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant leak sensor 29 is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value, and that there is a heat source in the indoor space whose temperature is equal to or higher than that which can become an ignition source of the refrigerant, An instruction to remove the heat source is displayed on the display panel 44.

The correspondence determination unit 58 acquires the determination result of whether or not the indoor space is provided with a window, determined by the image recognition unit 51. When the determination result that a window is installed is obtained, the correspondence determination unit 58 causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to open the window.

The correspondence determining unit 58 causes the allowable leak time calculation unit 56 to calculate the allowable leak time T, and acquires the allowable leak time T. Then, the correspondence determining unit 58 compares the obtained allowable leak time T with any one of predetermined values T1, T2, T3, and T4, which are numerical values set in advance, and the obtained allowable leak time T is compared with each predetermined value T1. , T2, T3, and T4.

The predetermined value T1 is such that a heat source with a temperature higher than that which can become an ignition source of the refrigerant exists in the indoor space, the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant leak sensor 29 is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value, and the image recognition unit 51 is in the indoor space. This is a numerical value used when the correspondence determining unit 58 determines that a window exists in .

When the response determination unit 58 determines that the allowable leakage time T is shorter than the predetermined value T1, it causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to evacuate from the indoor space. This makes it possible to evacuate the user from the indoor space where it is assumed that the time until the leaked refrigerant burns is short, i.e., where there is a high possibility that the leaked refrigerant will burn.

On the other hand, when the response determination unit 58 determines that the allowable leakage time T is longer than the predetermined value T1, it displays an instruction to contact the manager of the air conditioning device 1 on the display panel 44. This makes it possible to have the user take action against the refrigerant leakage by contacting the manager in an indoor space where it is expected that it will take a long time for the leaked refrigerant to burn, i.e., where the leaked refrigerant is unlikely to burn.

The predetermined value T2 is a numerical value used when the response determination unit 58 determines that there is a heat source in the indoor space that is at or above a temperature that can be a source of ignition of the refrigerant, the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor 29 is at or above the first predetermined value, and the image recognition unit 51 determines that there are no windows in the indoor space.

When the response determination unit 58 determines that the allowable leakage time T is shorter than the predetermined value T2, it causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to evacuate from the indoor space. This makes it possible to evacuate the user from the indoor space where it is assumed that the time until the leaked refrigerant burns is short, i.e., where there is a high possibility that the leaked refrigerant will burn.

On the other hand, if the response determination unit 58 determines that the allowable leakage time T is longer than the predetermined value T2, it causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to contact the administrator of the air conditioner 1. This allows users to respond to refrigerant leaks by contacting the administrator in indoor spaces where it is assumed that it will take a long time for the leaked refrigerant to combust, that is, where there is a low possibility that the leaked refrigerant will combust. becomes possible.

The predetermined value T3 is a numerical value used when there is no heat source in the indoor space that is at or above a temperature that could be a source of ignition of the refrigerant, the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor 29 is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value, and the image recognition unit 51 determines that a window is present in the indoor space.

If the response determination unit 58 determines that the allowable leakage time T is shorter than the predetermined value T3, the response determination unit 58 causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to evacuate the indoor space. This makes it possible to evacuate the user from an indoor space where it is assumed that it will take a short time for the leaked refrigerant to burn, that is, where there is a high possibility that the leaked refrigerant will burn.

On the other hand, if the response determination unit 58 determines that the allowable leakage time T is longer than the predetermined value T3, the response determination unit 58 causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to contact the administrator of the air conditioner 1. This allows users to respond to refrigerant leaks by contacting the administrator in indoor spaces where it is assumed that it will take a long time for the leaked refrigerant to combust, that is, where there is a low possibility that the leaked refrigerant will combust. becomes possible.

The predetermined value T4 is such that there is no heat source in the indoor space with a temperature higher than that which can serve as an ignition source of the refrigerant, the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant leak sensor 29 is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value, and the image recognition unit 51 is in the room. This is a numerical value used when the correspondence determining unit 58 determines that there is no window in the space.

If the response determination unit 58 determines that the allowable leakage time T is shorter than the predetermined value T4, it causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to evacuate the indoor space. This makes it possible to evacuate the user from an indoor space where it is assumed that it will take a short time for the leaked refrigerant to burn, that is, where there is a high possibility that the leaked refrigerant will burn.

On the other hand, if the response determination unit 58 determines that the allowable leakage time T is longer than the predetermined value T4, it causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to contact the administrator of the air conditioner 1. This allows users to respond to refrigerant leaks by contacting the administrator in indoor spaces where it is assumed that it will take a long time for the leaked refrigerant to combust, that is, where there is a low possibility that the leaked refrigerant will combust. becomes possible.

In this embodiment, the predetermined value T1 is longer than the predetermined value T2, and the predetermined value T4 is longer than the predetermined value T1. The predetermined value T3 is a longer value than the predetermined value T4.

The control device 50 includes a memory unit 59 that stores various data related to the operation of the air conditioning device 1, such as the operating mode of the air conditioning device 1, the allowable refrigerant leakage concentration Q, and the predetermined values T1, T2, T3, and T4.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
When the air conditioning system 1 is operating, the compressor of the outdoor unit 60 is driven, and the compressor compresses the refrigerant sealed inside the refrigeration cycle consisting of each pressure reduction device, outdoor heat exchanger, etc., expansion valve, switching valve, etc., and each refrigerant piping, etc., and sends the refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger 30 via each refrigerant piping.
In the indoor unit 10 , the blower 20 is driven, and air within the indoor space is introduced into the indoor unit 10 through the suction grille 35 and the filter 36 .
The air introduced into the indoor unit 10 exchanges heat with the refrigerant that has flowed in through the indoor heat exchanger 30, and then the air direction is adjusted by the flap 38 and the air is blown out into the indoor space through the air outlet 37. In this way, the air conditioner 1 conditions the air in the indoor space.
The refrigerant that has exchanged heat in the indoor heat exchanger 30 flows through a pipe into an expansion valve, and then further flows through a pipe into the outdoor heat exchanger.

Next, the operation of the control device 50 of the air conditioning apparatus 1 when notifying a user in an indoor space of the occurrence of a refrigerant leak and how to respond to it will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5 .
4 and 5 are flow charts showing a predetermined operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1.
When the air conditioning device 1 is operating, the response determination unit 58 determines whether or not a heat source with a temperature equal to or higher than a temperature that can be an ignition source of the refrigerant is present in the indoor space in which the indoor unit 10 is installed at a predetermined opportunity (step SA1). If it is determined that the heat source is present (step SA1: YES), the response determination unit 58 obtains the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor 29 and determines whether or not the concentration is higher than a first predetermined value (step SA2).

If it is determined that the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant leakage sensor 29 is higher than the first predetermined value (step SA2: YES), the response determination unit 58 causes the display panel 44 to display that the refrigerant is leaking (step SA3). Furthermore, the response determination unit 58 causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to remove a heat source that could be a source of ignition of the refrigerant present in the indoor space (step SA4).

Next, the image recognition unit 51 acquires the image captured by the camera 46, and determines whether a window is provided in the indoor space (step SA5).
If it is determined that a window is provided (step SA5: YES), the correspondence determining unit 58 causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to open the window (step SA6).
Next, the correspondence determining unit 58 causes the allowable leak time calculating unit 56 to calculate the allowable leak time T (step SA7). The correspondence determining unit 58 obtains the calculated allowable leak time T, and determines whether or not the allowable leak time T is shorter than the predetermined value T1 (step SA8).

If it is determined that the allowable leakage time T is shorter than the predetermined value T1 (step SA8: YES), the response determination unit 58 causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to evacuate from the indoor space (step SA9).
If it is determined that the allowable leakage time T is longer than the predetermined value T1 (step SA8: NO), the response determination unit 58 causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to contact the administrator of the air conditioner 1 (step SA10). ).

If it is determined in step SA5 that no window is provided (step SA5: NO), the correspondence determining unit 58 causes the allowable leak time calculation unit 56 to calculate the allowable leak time T (step SA11). The correspondence determining unit 58 obtains the calculated allowable leak time T, and determines whether or not the allowable leak time T is shorter than a predetermined value T2 (step SA12).

If it is determined that the allowable leakage time T is shorter than the predetermined value T2 (step SA12: YES), the response determination unit 58 causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to evacuate the indoor space (step SA13).
If it is determined that the allowable leakage time T is longer than the predetermined value T2 (step SA12: NO), the response determination unit 58 causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to contact the administrator of the air conditioner 1 (step SA14). ).

In step SA1, if it is determined that there is no heat source that can become an ignition source of the refrigerant in the indoor space (step SA1: NO), the response determination unit 58 acquires the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant leak sensor 29, and 2. It is determined whether the concentration is higher than a predetermined value (step SA15).
Note that the response determining unit 58 performs step SA1 and step SA2 at a predetermined frequency until it is determined that the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant leak sensor 29 is higher than the first predetermined value or the second predetermined value. , or repeat step SA15.

If it is determined that the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant leak sensor 29 is higher than the second predetermined value (step SA15: YES), the response determination unit 58 displays a message on the display panel 44 indicating that the refrigerant is leaking. Display (step SA16).

Next, the image recognition unit 51 acquires the image captured by the camera 46 and determines whether or not a window is provided in the indoor space (step SA17).
If it is determined that a window is provided (step SA17: YES), the action determination unit 58 causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to open the window (step SA18).
Next, the action determination unit 58 causes the allowable leakage time calculation unit 56 to calculate the allowable leakage time T (step SA19). The action determination unit 58 acquires the calculated allowable leakage time T, and determines whether the allowable leakage time T is shorter than a predetermined value T3 (step SA120).

If it is determined that the allowable leakage time T is shorter than the predetermined value T3 (step SA20: YES), the response determination unit 58 causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to evacuate from the indoor space (step SA21).
If it is determined that the allowable leakage time T is longer than the predetermined value T3 (step SA20: NO), the response determination unit 58 causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to contact the administrator of the air conditioner 1 (step SA22). ).

If it is determined in step SA17 that a window is not provided (step SA17: NO), the response determination unit 58 causes the allowable leakage time calculation unit 56 to calculate the allowable leakage time T (step SA23). The response determination unit 58 acquires the calculated allowable leakage time T and determines whether the allowable leakage time T is shorter than a predetermined value T4 (step SA24).

If it is determined that the allowable leakage time T is shorter than the predetermined value T4 (step SA24: YES), the response determination unit 58 causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to evacuate from the indoor space (step SA25).
If it is determined that the allowable leakage time T is longer than the predetermined value T4 (step SA24: NO), the response determination unit 58 causes the display panel 44 to display an instruction to contact the administrator of the air conditioner 1 (step SA26). ).

In this way, when a refrigerant leak occurs, the air conditioner 1 controls the indoor space according to the spatial volume of the indoor space in which the indoor unit 10 is installed, the situation of the indoor space, and the situation of the refrigerant leak. The display panel 44 can display the actions that the current user should take. Therefore, in the air conditioner 1, the user can take appropriate measures when refrigerant leakage occurs.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes a refrigeration cycle that circulates a refrigerant and an indoor heat exchanger 30 connected to the refrigeration cycle, and an indoor unit installed in an indoor space. It is equipped with 10. This air conditioner 1 includes a refrigerant leak sensor 29 that detects refrigerant, a display panel 44 that displays predetermined information to the user, a space volume setting section 52 that sets the spatial volume of the indoor space, and a refrigerant leak sensor 29. It also includes a change amount calculation unit 54 that calculates the amount of change in the detected refrigerant per unit time. Then, the air conditioner 1 includes a correspondence determination unit that determines information to be displayed on the display panel 44 based on the amount of change in the refrigerant calculated by the change amount calculation unit 54 and the spatial volume set by the spatial volume setting unit 52. 58.

As a result, when a refrigerant leak occurs, the air conditioning device 1 can display on the display panel 44 the action that should be taken by a user in the indoor space in which the indoor unit 10 is installed, depending on the spatial volume of the indoor space and the amount of change in the concentration of the refrigerant. Therefore, when a refrigerant leak occurs, the air conditioning device 1 can prompt the user to take appropriate action.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes a heat source detection sensor 48 that detects a heat source having a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature in the indoor space. Then, the correspondence determination unit 58 displays the amount of change in the refrigerant on the display panel 44 based on the amount of change in the refrigerant calculated by the amount of change calculation unit 54, the space volume set by the space volume setting unit 52, and the detection result of the heat source detection sensor 48. The configuration is configured to determine the information to be used.
According to this, when a refrigerant leak occurs, the air conditioner 1 determines, in addition to the spatial volume of the indoor space in which the indoor unit 10 is provided and the amount of change in the concentration of the refrigerant, the ignition of the refrigerant in the indoor space. Depending on whether or not there is a heat source with a temperature higher than that which could be the heat source, the display panel 44 can display the actions that the user in the indoor space should take. Therefore, the air conditioner 1 can prompt the user to take appropriate measures when refrigerant leakage occurs.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes a camera 46 that captures an image of the indoor space. Then, the correspondence determination unit 58 generates information to be notified by the notification unit based on the amount of change in the refrigerant calculated by the change amount calculation unit 54, the space volume set by the space volume setting unit 52, and the image captured by the camera 46. The configuration was configured to determine the
According to this, when a refrigerant leak occurs, the air conditioner 1 is configured to operate according to the spatial volume of the indoor space in which the indoor unit 10 is installed and the amount of change in the concentration of the refrigerant, as well as the situation of the indoor space. , it is possible to display on the display panel 44 the actions that the user in the indoor space should take. Therefore, the air conditioner 1 can prompt the user to take appropriate measures when refrigerant leakage occurs.

The embodiment described above is an example of one aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In the embodiment described above, the air conditioner 1 is provided with the camera 46 and the heat source detection sensor 48, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the air conditioner 1 is not limited to this. Other sensors may also be provided, such as an objective sensor.
Further, for example, the control device 50 may obtain the spatial volume and situation of the indoor space using other sensors instead of the camera 46 and the heat source detection sensor 48. For example, instead of the heat source detection sensor 48, a human sensor or an illuminance sensor may be used to detect a heat source having a temperature higher than that which can become an ignition source of the refrigerant. Furthermore, for example, instead of the camera 46, an objective sensor may be used to calculate the spatial volume of the indoor space or to determine the presence or absence of a window.
Further, for example, the air conditioner 1 may acquire the spatial volume and situation of the indoor space by combining the camera 46 and the heat source detection sensor 48 with other sensors.

Further, for example, the air conditioner 1 includes a human sensor that detects whether or not there is a person in the indoor space, and the response determination unit 58 displays the information on the display panel 44 according to the detection result. You may decide the display contents to be displayed.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the user is a person in the indoor space in which the indoor unit 10 is installed, but this is not limited to this, and the user may also be a manager or an installation worker who is outside the indoor space.

The air conditioning device 1 may also be provided with other types of notification units, such as a lamp, a buzzer that issues a notification by voice, a speaker, etc., rather than being limited to the display panel 44. The display panel 44 and such notification units may also be provided, not only in the indoor unit 10, but also in a remote controller of the air conditioning device 1 installed in the indoor space, on a wall of the indoor space, or in a space outside the indoor space where a user such as a manager is present, etc.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the refrigerant leakage sensor 29 is provided inside the indoor unit, but the refrigerant leakage sensor 29 is not limited thereto, and may be provided on the wall surface of the indoor space.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the indoor unit 10 is a ceiling-mounted indoor unit that can blow air in four directions, but is not limited to this, and may, for example, be a ceiling-mounted indoor unit that can blow air in two directions. , a ceiling-mounted type, a wall-mounted type, a floor-standing type, and other types of indoor units may be used.

Moreover, each part shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each part individually, and it is of course possible to have a configuration in which the functions of each part are realized by one processor executing a program. Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, some of the functions realized by software may be realized by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the control device 50, the outdoor unit 60, and other parts of the indoor unit 10 can also be changed arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Furthermore, for example, the step units of the operations shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operations of each part of the control device 50, and the steps of the operations shown in FIGS. The present invention is not limited by the method or name. Depending on the processing content, the process may be divided into more steps. Furthermore, the process may be divided so that one step unit includes more processes. Further, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not impede the spirit of the present invention.

As described above, the air conditioner according to the present invention can be suitably used as an air conditioner that allows a user to take appropriate measures when a refrigerant leak occurs.

1 Air conditioner 10 Indoor unit 29 Refrigerant leak sensor 30 Indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)
44 Display panel (notification section)
46 Camera (imaging section)
48 Heat source detection sensor (thermal sensor)
50 Control device 51 Image recognition section 52 Spatial volume setting section 54 Change amount calculation section (calculation section)
56 Allowable leakage time calculation unit 58 Response determination unit

Claims (3)

A refrigeration cycle that circulates refrigerant,
an indoor unit provided with a heat exchanger connected to the refrigeration cycle and installed in an indoor space;
A refrigerant leak sensor that detects refrigerant;
a notification unit that notifies a user of predetermined information;
a space volume setting unit that sets a space volume of the indoor space;
a calculation unit that calculates the amount of change per unit time in the refrigerant detected by the refrigerant leak sensor;
Calculate the time it takes for the refrigerant to burn based on the amount of change in the refrigerant calculated by the calculation unit and the space volume set by the space volume setting unit , and calculate the time it takes for the calculated refrigerant to burn. An air conditioner comprising: a determination unit that determines information to be reported by the notification unit based on the information. comprising a heat sensor that detects a heat source with a temperature above a predetermined temperature in the indoor space,
The determination unit determines information to be reported by the notification unit based on the amount of change in the refrigerant calculated by the calculation unit, the space volume set by the space volume setting unit, and the detection result of the thermal sensor. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: comprising an imaging unit that captures an image of the indoor space,
The determining unit determines information to be reported by the notifying unit based on the amount of change in the refrigerant calculated by the calculating unit, the spatial volume set by the spatial volume setting unit, and the image captured by the imaging unit. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that:

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