JP5605396B2 - ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING DEVICE AND REFRIGERATION CYCLE DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an environment monitoring device and a refrigeration cycle device including the same.

  When using, manufacturing, evaluating, repairing, dismantling, storing and transporting a refrigeration cycle apparatus using refrigerant gas such as an air conditioner or a refrigeration apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “use, etc.”), the refrigerant gas from the refrigeration cycle apparatus If the average molecular weight of the refrigerant gas used in the refrigeration cycle apparatus is larger than air, the refrigerant gas leaked from the refrigeration cycle apparatus accumulates from below the space where the refrigeration cycle apparatus exists. Go.

  By the way, as a conventional refrigeration cycle apparatus using refrigerant gas, a sensor for measuring absolute humidity or relative humidity is provided at an air outlet, and the generated dehumidified air and circulating air are mixed by this sensor according to the measurement result. An air conditioner that adjusts the flow rate of dehumidified air at the time is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-T63-503080

  However, in the conventional refrigeration cycle apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the environmental change in the space where the refrigeration cycle apparatus is installed due to the leakage of the refrigerant gas used in the refrigeration cycle apparatus is completely taken into consideration. Not. For this reason, there is a possibility that the refrigerant gas leaked from the refrigeration cycle apparatus accumulates from below the space where the refrigeration cycle apparatus exists and becomes a certain concentration or more.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems. When the refrigerant gas used in the refrigeration cycle apparatus leaks, the refrigerant gas stays constant by diffusing the leaked refrigerant gas. It is an object of the present invention to provide an environment monitoring device that can prevent reaching the above concentration and a refrigeration cycle device including the same.

The environment monitoring apparatus according to the present invention and the refrigeration cycle apparatus including the same are an environment monitoring apparatus for monitoring the environment in the space where the refrigeration cycle apparatus using the refrigerant gas exists , and is a predetermined one in the space. An air convection speed detecting means for detecting the convection speed of air at the position, a gas concentration detecting means for detecting a gas concentration of the refrigerant gas in the air at a predetermined position in the space, and agitating the air in the space Whether the convection velocity detected by the agitation means for causing convection in the air, the exhaust means for exhausting the air in the space to the outside, and the air convection velocity detection means is below a predetermined convection velocity reference value. as well as detecting whether a monitoring means for said gas concentration detected to detect whether a predetermined gas concentration reference value or more by the gas concentration detection means, said monitoring means Actuates said stirring means if more that the convection rate is below the convection velocity reference value is detected, if said convective velocity is the convection velocity reference value or more is detected by the monitoring means In addition, when the monitoring means detects that the gas concentration is equal to or higher than the gas concentration reference value, the control means for operating the exhaust means, and the absolute humidity of the air at a predetermined position in the space, An absolute humidity detecting means for detecting, and the monitoring means determines the gas concentration reference value based on the absolute humidity detected by the absolute humidity detecting means so as to decrease as the absolute humidity increases. To do.

  In the environment monitoring apparatus and the refrigeration cycle apparatus including the same according to the present invention, when the refrigerant gas used in the refrigeration cycle apparatus leaks, the refrigerant gas stays constant by diffusing the leaked refrigerant gas. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent reaching the above concentration.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the environmental monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the environment monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the environment monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the environment monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the environment monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the environment monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the environment monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the environment monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the environmental monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the environment monitoring apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention.

  The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts, and redundant description thereof will be simplified or omitted as appropriate.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
1 and 2 relate to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the environment monitoring apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the environment monitoring apparatus.

  First, the environment monitoring apparatus having the configuration shown in FIG. 1 uses a refrigeration cycle apparatus (not shown) using a refrigerant gas such as an air conditioner or a refrigeration apparatus (that is, use, manufacture, evaluation, repair, Dismantling, storage and transportation). Here, the refrigerant gas used in the refrigeration cycle apparatus is a flammable gas, more precisely, a so-called slightly flammable gas. Further, this refrigerant gas has an average molecular weight larger than that of air (specific gravity relative to air is greater than 1), and has a property of sinking downward in the direction of gravity in air.

As the refrigerant gas, specifically for example, difluoromethane _{(CH 2 F 2: R32)} , tetrafluoropropane _{(CF 3 CF = CH 2:} HFO-1234yf), propane (R290), propylene (R1270), ethane (R170 ), butane (R600), isobutane (R600a), 1.1.1.2- tetrafluoroethane _{(C 2 H 2 F 4:} R134a), pentafluoroethane _{(C 2 HF 5: R125)} , 1.3. A (mixed) refrigerant composed of one or more refrigerants selected from 3.3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (CF ₃ —CH═CHF: HFO-1234ze) and the like can be used.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an air convection velocity sensor installed at a predetermined position in a space where an environment monitoring device is installed. The air convection velocity sensor 1 is for detecting the convection velocity of the air at the position where the air convection velocity sensor 1 is installed in the space, that is, the vertical component of the moving velocity of the air.

  As described above, since the average molecular weight of the refrigerant gas used in the refrigeration cycle apparatus in the space is heavier than air, the refrigerant gas leaked from the refrigeration cycle apparatus stays below the space. Therefore, it is desirable that the installation position of the air convection velocity sensor 1 is located below the space where the leaked refrigerant gas is likely to stay. At this time, in particular, when working with fire in the space, it is more preferable to install the air convection velocity sensor 1 below the location where the fire is used.

  The air convection speed sensor 1 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the vertical component of the moving speed of air at the installation position. The electrical signal output from the air convection velocity sensor 1 is input to the measuring means 2 provided in the environment monitoring device. The measuring means 2 processes an electrical signal from the air convection velocity sensor 1 to obtain a vertical component (convection velocity) of the moving speed of air at the installation position of the air convection velocity sensor 1.

  The convection velocity obtained by the measuring means 2 is sent to the monitoring means 3 provided in the environment monitoring device. The monitoring means 3 compares the convection velocity with a predetermined convection velocity reference value that is determined in advance, and monitors whether the convection velocity is below the convection velocity reference value. If the convection velocity is below the convection velocity reference value, a signal to that effect is output.

  A signal indicating that the detected convection velocity is lower than the convection velocity reference value output from the monitoring unit 3 is input to the control unit 4 included in the environment monitoring apparatus. This control means 4 controls operation | movement of the stirring means 5 with which an environment monitoring apparatus is provided. The agitating means 5 is for agitating the air in the space where the environment monitoring device is installed to cause convection in the air in the space.

  Specifically, the stirring means 5 is constituted by, for example, a stirring fan installed in the space. The stirring fan may be provided in the space, or a portable fan may be used.

  During normal operation of the environmental monitoring device, the control means 4 controls the operation of the agitating means 5. For example, when the agitating means 5 is an agitating fan, by rotating the fan at a constant rotational speed, The air is stirred and convected.

  When a signal indicating that the convection velocity detected by the air convection velocity sensor 1 and the measurement device 2 is below the convection velocity reference value is input from the monitoring device 3 to the control device 4, the control device 4 It is activated (if the stirring means 5 is a stirring fan, the rotational speed of the fan is increased), and the air in the space is stirred more strongly to increase the convection speed.

  The environment monitoring apparatus is provided with warning means 6. This warning means 6 is comprised from the buzzer which sounds a warning sound, a warning lamp, etc., for example. Then, once it is detected that the convection velocity of the air in the space is lower than the convection velocity reference value and the stirring means 5 is operated, the air in the space continues for a predetermined fixed time. When a state in which the convection speed is lower than the convection speed reference value is detected, a signal is output from the monitoring means 3 to the warning means 6. Upon receiving this signal, the warning means 6 performs a predetermined warning operation such as sounding a buzzer or lighting a lamp to the worker.

In this embodiment, the environment monitoring apparatus operates according to a series of flows shown in FIG.
First, the environmental monitoring device constantly detects the convection velocity of air in the space by the air convection velocity sensor 1 and the measuring means 2 (step S1). In step S2, the monitoring unit 3 determines whether or not the convection velocity detected in step S1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined convection velocity reference value. When the convection velocity is equal to or higher than a predetermined convection velocity reference value, the series of operation flows is finished.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the convection velocity is below the convection velocity reference value, the process proceeds to step S3. In step S <b> 3, the control unit 4 receives the signal from the monitoring unit 3 and operates the stirring unit 5. And it progresses to step S4 and the monitoring means 3 determines whether the convection speed became more than the convection speed reference value as a result of operating the stirring means 5. When it is confirmed that the convection speed has become equal to or higher than the convection speed reference value within a certain time after the stirring means 5 is operated, the series of operation flow ends.

  On the other hand, if the convection velocity is still below the convection velocity reference value after a certain period of time has elapsed after the agitation means 5 is operated, the process proceeds from step S4 to step S5. In step S5, after the warning means 6 that has received the signal from the monitoring means 3 performs a predetermined warning operation, the series of operation flows is terminated.

  The specific value of the predetermined convection velocity reference value to be compared with the detected value of the convection velocity in the monitoring unit 3 is determined according to the type of refrigerant gas used in the target refrigeration cycle apparatus. For example, when R32 is used as the refrigerant gas, the predetermined convection velocity reference value is set to a value of 0.1 m / sec or more, for example. However, if the air convection is too large, the workability in the space may be lowered. Therefore, it is desirable that the upper limit of the predetermined convection velocity standard value is, for example, about 1 m / sec (although it is not necessarily lower than this upper limit). Do n’t have to be a value).

  Here, the measurement range of the air convection velocity sensor 1 needs to cover a predetermined convection velocity reference value. However, the measurement range of a commercially available flow velocity sensor is, for example, 0.05 to 30.0 m / sec. Since there are some, the air convection velocity sensor 1 can be sufficiently configured using a commercially available flow velocity sensor.

  As for the sensitivity of the air convection velocity sensor 1, it can be said that the sensitivity as high as possible is advantageous because the convection velocity reference value can be set finely. However, the higher the sensitivity of the air convection velocity sensor 1, the higher the possibility of malfunction. Therefore, in order to prevent the air convection speed sensor 1 from being affected by air dust or dust, the air convection speed sensor 1 is provided with a sensor protection function such as a filter, or dust attached to the filter is automatically removed. The reliability can be improved by providing an automatic cleaning function for removing the water.

  Further, when a stirring fan is used as the stirring means 5, it is desirable to increase the wind direction of the fan as much as possible in the vertical direction because the diffusion effect becomes remarkable. The operation of the stirring means 5 may be interlocked with a human sensor. Furthermore, when the inconvenience such as remarkably lower workability occurs due to the wind direction of the fan, the air direction of the fan may be appropriately changed.

  In addition to the agitation fan described here, the agitation means 5 can be constituted by blowing air with a low risk of oxygen deficiency using a compressor or the like, for example, It can also be configured to blow dry air filled in a compressed air cylinder. Of these, when the latter agitating means 5 is configured to blow dry air filled in a compressed air cylinder, it serves as both the agitating means 5 and the moisture reducing means described later in Embodiment 3. Can do.

  The environment monitoring device configured as described above includes an air convection velocity sensor that is an air convection velocity detection means for detecting the convection velocity of air at a predetermined position in a space where a refrigeration cycle apparatus using refrigerant gas exists, and measurement. Monitoring means for detecting whether or not the convection velocity detected by the air convection velocity detection means is less than a predetermined convection velocity reference value And a control means for operating the agitation means when the monitoring means detects that the convection speed falls below the convection speed reference value.

  For this reason, when the refrigerant gas used in the refrigeration cycle apparatus leaks, the refrigerant gas is prevented from staying and reaching a certain concentration by agitating the air and diffusing the leaked refrigerant gas Can do.

  In particular, this is a substantially closed space that is at least substantially closed (the upper part may be open) in at least the four directions of the lower side and the front, rear, left, and right sides of the space where the environment monitoring device and the refrigeration cycle device are located. This is effective when the refrigerant gas used in the refrigeration cycle apparatus has a specific gravity greater than that of air.

  Further, after the monitoring means detects that the convection speed has fallen below the convection speed reference value and the stirring means is operated, the convection speed has fallen below the convection speed reference value even after a predetermined time has elapsed. When a warning is detected, warning means for performing a predetermined warning action is further provided, so that the operator is informed that the convection speed does not increase even when the stirring means is operated. Can do.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
3 and 4 relate to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the environment monitoring apparatus, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the environment monitoring apparatus.
In the second embodiment described here, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment described above, a gas concentration sensor for detecting the refrigerant gas concentration in the space where the environment monitoring device is installed is provided, and the refrigerant gas concentration is a reference value. In such a case, exhaust or the like is performed.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the environment monitoring apparatus includes a gas concentration sensor 7. The gas concentration sensor 7 is installed at a predetermined position in a space where the environment monitoring apparatus is installed using a refrigeration cycle apparatus or the like. The average molecular weight of the refrigerant gas used in the refrigeration cycle apparatus in the space is heavier than air, and the leaked refrigerant gas stays in the lower side of the space. Therefore, a gas concentration sensor 7 is installed on the lower side of the space. It is desirable to do the same as in the case of the air convection velocity sensor 1.

  The gas concentration sensor 7 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the refrigerant gas concentration in the air at the installation position. The electric signal output from the gas concentration sensor 7 is input to the measuring unit 2, and the electric signal from the gas concentration sensor 7 is processed in the measuring unit 2 to obtain the refrigerant gas concentration value.

  The environment monitoring device is provided with exhaust means 8 for exhausting the air in the space where the environment monitoring device is installed to the outside. Specifically, the exhaust means 8 is constituted by, for example, an exhaust fan installed in the space. As in the case of the stirring means 5 (stirring fan), the exhaust fan may be provided in the space, or a portable type may be used.

  The control unit 4 controls the operation of the exhaust unit 8 in addition to the operation of the stirring unit 5. Further, the monitoring unit 3 compares the refrigerant gas concentration detected by the gas concentration sensor 7 and the measuring unit 2 with a predetermined gas concentration standard value set in advance, and the refrigerant gas concentration is equal to or higher than the gas concentration standard value. Whether or not. When the refrigerant gas concentration becomes equal to or higher than the gas concentration reference value, a signal to that effect is output.

  When a signal indicating that the detected refrigerant gas concentration is equal to or higher than the gas concentration reference value is input from the monitoring unit 3 to the control unit 4, the control unit 4 operates the exhaust unit 8 (the exhaust unit 8 is connected to the exhaust fan). In this case, the fan is rotated), and the air in the space is exhausted to the outside.

  In addition, once it is detected that the refrigerant gas concentration of the air in the space has become equal to or higher than the gas concentration reference value and the exhaust means 8 is operated, the air continues in the space for a predetermined period of time. When a state in which the refrigerant gas concentration of the air is equal to or higher than the gas concentration reference value is detected, a signal is output from the monitoring means 3 to the warning means 6. Upon receiving this signal, the warning means 6 performs a predetermined warning operation such as sounding a buzzer or lighting a lamp to the worker.

In this embodiment, the environment monitoring apparatus operates according to a series of flows shown in FIG. Since steps S11 to S15 in FIG. 4 are the same as steps S1 to S5 in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
In step S12, when the convection velocity detected in step S11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined convection velocity reference value, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S16, the gas concentration sensor 7 and the measuring means 2 detect the refrigerant gas concentration of the air in the space. In subsequent step S17, the monitoring means 3 determines whether or not the refrigerant gas concentration detected in step S16 is equal to or less than a predetermined gas concentration reference value. When the refrigerant gas concentration is equal to or lower than the predetermined gas concentration reference value, the series of operation flows is completed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that the refrigerant gas concentration exceeds the gas concentration reference value, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the control means 4 receives the signal from the monitoring means 3 and operates the exhaust means 8. And it progresses to step S19, and the monitoring means 3 determines whether the refrigerant | coolant gas concentration became below the gas concentration reference value as a result of operating the exhaust means 8. FIG. When it is confirmed that the refrigerant gas concentration has become equal to or lower than the gas concentration reference value within a certain time after the exhaust means 8 is operated, the series of operation flow ends.

On the other hand, if the refrigerant gas concentration still exceeds the gas concentration reference value after a certain time has elapsed after the exhaust means 8 is operated, the process proceeds from step S19 to step S15. In step S15, the warning means 6 that has received the signal from the monitoring means 3 performs a predetermined warning operation, and then the series of operation flows is terminated.
Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The environment monitoring apparatus configured as described above includes the gas concentration sensor and the measurement unit that are the gas concentration detection unit that detects the gas concentration of the refrigerant gas in the air at a predetermined position in the space in the configuration of the first embodiment. And exhaust means for exhausting the air in the space to the outside. The monitoring means also detects whether the gas concentration detected by the gas concentration detection means is equal to or higher than a predetermined gas concentration reference value, and the control means detects that the convection speed is higher than the convection speed reference value by the monitoring means. In this case, when the monitoring means detects that the gas concentration is equal to or higher than the gas concentration reference value, the exhaust means is activated.

  For this reason, in addition to being able to achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the refrigerant gas concentration becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined reference value for some reason even in a situation where a sufficient convection velocity is ensured. In this case, the exhaust gas is exhausted to reduce the gas concentration.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
5 and 6 relate to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the environment monitoring apparatus, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the environment monitoring apparatus.
In the third embodiment described here, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment described above, an absolute humidity sensor that detects the absolute humidity in the space where the environment monitoring apparatus is installed is provided, and the absolute humidity is equal to or higher than a reference value. In such a case, the humidity is reduced by introducing dry air or operating a dehumidifier.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the environmental monitoring device includes an absolute humidity sensor 9. The absolute humidity sensor 9 is installed at a predetermined position in a space where the environment monitoring apparatus is installed using a refrigeration cycle apparatus or the like. Since the average molecular weight of the refrigerant gas used in the refrigeration cycle apparatus in the space is heavier than air and the leaked refrigerant gas stays in the lower side of the space, an absolute humidity sensor 9 is installed on the lower side of the space. It is desirable to do the same as in the case of the air convection velocity sensor 1.

  The absolute humidity sensor 9 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the absolute humidity of the air at the installation position. The electrical signal output from the absolute humidity sensor 9 is input to the measuring unit 2, and the electrical signal from the absolute humidity sensor 9 is processed in the measuring unit 2 to obtain the absolute humidity value.

  Further, the environment monitoring device is provided with a moisture reducing means 10 for removing moisture from the air in the space where the environment monitoring device is installed to reduce the absolute humidity. Specifically, the dehumidifying means 10 can be composed of a compressed air cylinder filled with dry air and a solenoid valve, or can be composed of a dehumidifying device, an air conditioner capable of dehumidifying operation, or the like. .

  The control unit 4 controls the operation of the moisture reducing unit 10 in addition to the operation of the stirring unit 5. The monitoring unit 3 compares the absolute humidity detected by the absolute humidity sensor 9 and the measuring unit 2 with a predetermined absolute humidity reference value, and determines whether the absolute humidity is equal to or higher than the absolute humidity reference value. Is to monitor. When the absolute humidity becomes equal to or higher than the absolute humidity reference value, a signal to that effect is output.

  When a signal indicating that the detected absolute humidity is equal to or higher than the absolute humidity reference value is input from the monitoring unit 3 to the control unit 4, the control unit 4 operates the humidity reduction unit 10 (the humidity reduction unit 10 compresses it). In the case of an air cylinder, the electromagnetic valve of the cylinder is opened, and if the dehumidifying means 10 is a dehumidifying device or the like, the dehumidifying device or the like is operated) to reduce the humidity of the air in the space.

  In addition, once it is detected that the absolute humidity of the air in the space has become equal to or higher than the absolute humidity reference value and the humidity reducing means 10 is operated, the air continues in the space for a predetermined period of time. When a state where the absolute humidity of the air is equal to or higher than the absolute humidity reference value is detected, a signal is output from the monitoring unit 3 to the warning unit 6. Upon receiving this signal, the warning means 6 performs a predetermined warning operation such as sounding a buzzer or lighting a lamp to the worker.

In this embodiment, the environment monitoring apparatus operates according to a series of flows shown in FIG. Since steps S21 to S25 in FIG. 6 are the same as steps S1 to S5 in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
In step S22, when the convection velocity detected in step S21 is equal to or greater than a predetermined convection velocity reference value, the process proceeds to step S26.

  In step S26, the absolute humidity of the air in the space is detected by the absolute humidity sensor 9 and the measuring means 2. In subsequent step S27, the monitoring unit 3 determines whether or not the absolute humidity detected in step S26 is equal to or less than a predetermined absolute humidity reference value. When the refrigerant gas concentration is equal to or lower than a predetermined absolute humidity reference value, the series of operation flow ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S27 that the absolute humidity exceeds the absolute humidity reference value, the process proceeds to step S28. In step S <b> 28, the control unit 4 receives the signal from the monitoring unit 3 and operates the humidity reduction unit 10. And it progresses to step S29 and the monitoring means 3 determines whether absolute humidity became below the absolute humidity reference value as a result of operating the humidity reduction means 10. FIG. When it is confirmed that the absolute humidity has become equal to or lower than the absolute humidity reference value within a certain time after the humidity reducing means 10 is operated, the series of operation flow is ended.

On the other hand, if the absolute humidity still exceeds the absolute humidity reference value after a certain period of time has elapsed after the humidity reduction means 10 is operated, the process proceeds from step S29 to step S25. In step S25, after the warning means 6 that has received the signal from the monitoring means 3 performs a predetermined warning operation, the series of operation flows is terminated.
Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The environment monitoring apparatus configured as described above is the configuration of Embodiment 1, the absolute humidity sensor and measurement means being absolute humidity detection means for detecting the absolute humidity of air at a predetermined position in the space, and the space And a moisture reducing means for removing moisture from the air inside. The monitoring means detects whether or not the absolute humidity detected by the absolute humidity detection means is equal to or higher than a predetermined absolute humidity reference value, and the control means is configured to detect that the convection speed is higher than or equal to the convection speed reference value by the monitoring means. When detected, when the monitoring means detects that the absolute humidity is equal to or higher than the absolute humidity reference value, the humidity reducing means is activated.

  For this reason, in addition to being able to achieve the same effects as in the first embodiment, the absolute humidity can be obtained when the absolute humidity is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference value even in a situation where a sufficient convection velocity is ensured. Can be reduced.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
7 and 8 relate to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the environment monitoring apparatus, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the environment monitoring apparatus.
In the fourth embodiment described here, in addition to the configuration of the second embodiment described above, an absolute humidity sensor that detects the absolute humidity in the space where the environment monitoring apparatus is installed is provided, and the absolute humidity sensor is detected in accordance with the detected absolute humidity value. Thus, the reference value of the refrigerant gas concentration for operating the exhaust means is varied.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the environmental monitoring device includes an absolute humidity sensor 9. Then, as in the third embodiment, the electrical signal output from the absolute humidity sensor 9 is input to the measuring means 2, and the measuring means 2 processes the electrical signal from the absolute humidity sensor 9 to Get the humidity value.

  The monitoring unit 3 compares the refrigerant gas concentration detected by the gas concentration sensor 7 and the measuring unit 2 with the gas concentration reference value as in the second embodiment, and the refrigerant gas concentration is equal to or higher than the gas concentration reference value. It is monitored whether there is any. However, the point that the gas concentration reference value is changed in conjunction with the detection value of the absolute humidity sensor 9 is different from that in the second embodiment. That is, the gas concentration reference value is set to be lower as the detection value of the absolute humidity sensor 9 is higher. In other words, the gas concentration reference value is set to be higher as the detection value of the absolute humidity sensor 9 is lower.

In this embodiment, the environment monitoring apparatus operates according to a series of flows shown in FIG. Since steps S31 to S35 in FIG. 8 are the same as steps S1 to S5 in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
In step S32, when the convection velocity detected in step S31 is equal to or greater than a predetermined convection velocity reference value, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In this step S36, the absolute humidity sensor 9 and the measuring means 2 obtain a detection value of the absolute humidity of the air in the space. Next, in step S37, the monitoring unit 3 determines a gas concentration reference value based on the detected value of absolute humidity. Then, the process proceeds to step S38, and the detected value of the refrigerant gas concentration of the air in the space is obtained by the gas concentration sensor 7 and the measuring means 2.

  After step S38, the process proceeds to step S39, and the monitoring unit 3 determines whether or not the refrigerant gas concentration detected in step S38 is less than or equal to the gas concentration reference value determined in step S37. When the refrigerant gas concentration is less than or equal to the gas concentration reference value, the series of operation flow ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S39 that the refrigerant gas concentration exceeds the gas concentration reference value, the process proceeds to step S40. The operations in steps S40 and S41 are the same as those in steps S18 and S19 in FIG. 4 of the second embodiment. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those in the second embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Although an example in which the gas concentration reference value is changed according to the absolute humidity detection value has been described here, the convection speed reference value can also be changed according to the absolute humidity detection value. In this case, the higher the absolute humidity, the larger the convection velocity reference value. Specifically, for example, when the refrigerant type is R32, for example, if the detected value of absolute humidity exceeds 15 g / m ³ , the convection velocity reference value is set to 0.4 m / sec.

  In general, it is known that the absolute humidity in the natural environment varies depending on the season. In other words, it is known in advance how much the absolute humidity in the environment is approximately according to the season, that is, the date. Therefore, according to the current date (month and day), it is possible to set a gas concentration standard value or a convection velocity standard value according to the absolute humidity assumed on that date.

  The environment monitoring apparatus configured as described above is the absolute humidity sensor and measurement that are absolute humidity detection means for detecting the absolute humidity of air at a predetermined position in the space in the configurations of the first to third embodiments. Means. Then, the monitoring means determines the air convection speed reference value and / or the gas concentration reference value based on the absolute humidity detected by the absolute humidity detection means.

  For this reason, in addition to being able to achieve the same effects as those of the first to third embodiments, the convection velocity and the gas concentration are monitored with appropriate reference values according to the absolute humidity of the air in the space. Depending on the potential severity of the situation that can be caused by the leakage of refrigerant gas, appropriate monitoring can be performed.

  In addition, the monitoring means determines the air convection velocity reference value and / or the gas concentration reference value based on the current date, so that it can be approximated to an appropriate reference value without providing an absolute humidity sensor. The convection speed and gas concentration can be monitored.

Embodiment 5 FIG.
FIGS. 9 and 10 relate to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the environment monitoring apparatus, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the environment monitoring apparatus.
In the fifth embodiment described here, in addition to the configurations of the first to fourth embodiments described above, a target device that uses refrigerant gas when a warning operation is performed by a warning means. The operation of the (refrigeration cycle apparatus) is stopped. Here, description will be made on the assumption of the configuration of the second embodiment.

  That is, in FIG. 9, the target device 11 is a refrigeration cycle apparatus that is used in a space where an environment monitoring apparatus is installed. When a condition for performing a predetermined warning operation is established by the warning unit 6, the monitoring unit 3 outputs a signal not only to the warning unit 6 but also to the target device 11.

  Specifically, once it is detected that the convection velocity of the air in the space has become equal to or higher than the convection velocity reference value and the stirring means 5 is operated, it continues for a predetermined fixed time. Exhaust means when it is detected that the convection velocity of the air in the space is equal to or higher than the convection velocity reference value, or that the refrigerant gas concentration of the air in the space is once higher than the gas concentration reference value When the state in which the refrigerant gas concentration of the air in the space is equal to or higher than the gas concentration reference value is detected after the operation of the operation unit 8 continues for a predetermined period of time, the monitoring unit 3 issues a warning unit. 6 and the target device 11 are output.

  Upon receiving this signal, the warning means 6 performs a predetermined warning operation such as sounding a buzzer or lighting a lamp to the worker, and the refrigeration cycle apparatus that is the target device 11 that has received this signal operates. To stop.

In this embodiment, the environment monitoring apparatus operates according to a series of flows shown in FIG. Note that steps S51 to S59 in FIG. 10 are the same as steps S11 to S19 in FIG. 4 of the second embodiment. In step S55, after the warning unit 6 that has received the signal from the monitoring unit 3 performs a predetermined warning operation, the process proceeds to step S60, and the operation of the target device 11 that has received the signal from the monitoring unit 3 is started. After stopping, the series of operation flow is finished.
Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The environment monitoring apparatus configured as described above stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus as the target device after the warning means performs a predetermined warning operation in the configuration of the first to fourth embodiments. In addition to being able to achieve the same effects as those of the first to fourth embodiments, it can be expected despite the fact that the stirring means, the exhaust means and the low humidity means are operated. In a situation where a satisfactory result cannot be obtained, the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus that is the root of the refrigerant gas leakage can be stopped to prevent the situation from deteriorating.

  Note that the environment monitoring device and the refrigeration cycle device that is the target device may be separate, or the function of the environment monitoring device may be built in the refrigeration cycle device. The same applies to the first to fourth embodiments.

  In this way, by providing the refrigeration cycle apparatus with the environment monitoring apparatus according to Embodiments 1 to 5, the refrigeration cycle apparatus itself that uses the refrigerant gas has an environment in the space where the refrigeration cycle apparatus is located. Therefore, the environment monitoring can be performed more reliably.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air convection speed sensor 2 Measuring means 3 Monitoring means 4 Control means 5 Stirring means 6 Warning means 7 Gas concentration sensor 8 Exhaust means 9 Absolute humidity sensor 10 Dehumidifying means 11 Target apparatus

Claims (10)

An environment monitoring device for monitoring an environment in a space where a refrigeration cycle device using a refrigerant gas exists ,
Air convection velocity detecting means for detecting the convection velocity of air at a predetermined position in the space ;
A gas concentration detecting means for detecting a gas concentration of the refrigerant gas in the air at a predetermined position in the space;
Stirring means for causing convection in the air by stirring the air in the space;
Exhaust means for exhausting the air in the space to the outside;
Detecting whether the convection velocity detected by the air convection velocity detection means is below a predetermined convection velocity reference value, and whether the gas concentration detected by the gas concentration detection means is greater than or equal to a predetermined gas concentration reference value Monitoring means for detecting whether or not ,
When the monitoring means detects that the convection speed is lower than the convection speed reference value, the stirring means is operated , and the monitoring means detects that the convection speed is equal to or higher than the convection speed reference value. Control means for operating the exhaust means when the monitoring means detects that the gas concentration is equal to or higher than the gas concentration reference value .
An absolute humidity detecting means for detecting the absolute humidity of air at a predetermined position in the space, and
The environmental monitoring apparatus, wherein the monitoring unit determines the gas concentration reference value based on the absolute humidity detected by the absolute humidity detecting unit so as to decrease as the absolute humidity increases . The environmental monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit determines the convection velocity reference value based on the absolute humidity detected by the absolute humidity detecting unit. The environmental monitoring according to claim 2, wherein the monitoring unit determines the convection velocity reference value so as to increase as the absolute humidity increases based on the absolute humidity detected by the absolute humidity detection unit. apparatus. After actuation of the pre-Symbol stirring means, if said convective velocity is below said convective velocity reference value is detected by the monitoring means even after a predetermined fixed time, a warning to carry out a predetermined warning operation The environment monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising means. After actuation of the pre-Symbol exhaust means, when the gas concentration by the monitoring means even after a predetermined fixed time that is detected is the gas concentration reference value or more, a warning to carry out a predetermined warning operation environment monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a means. Comprising a low humidity catheter stage to reduce the absolute humidity of the air before Symbol space,
The monitoring means detects whether or not the absolute humidity detected by the absolute humidity detection means is equal to or higher than a predetermined absolute humidity reference value;
When the monitoring means detects that the convection speed is greater than or equal to the convection speed reference value, the control means further detects that the absolute humidity is greater than or equal to the absolute humidity reference value. The environment monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the humidity reduction means is sometimes operated. A predetermined warning operation is performed when the monitoring means detects that the absolute humidity is equal to or higher than a predetermined absolute humidity reference value even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the humidity reducing unit is activated. The environment monitoring apparatus according to claim 6 , further comprising a warning unit . It said monitoring means, environmental monitoring apparatus according to pre-Symbol-to-flow velocity reference value, to claim 1, wherein the determining based on the current date. After the warning means has performed the warning operation, claim 4, characterized in that stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus, environmental monitoring device according to any one of claims 5 and 7. A refrigeration cycle apparatus comprising the environment monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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