JP7484272B2 - Air conditioner pipe temperature measuring device and pipe temperature measuring system - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an air conditioner pipe temperature measuring device and pipe temperature measuring system.

Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerant leak detection system for an air conditioner. This refrigerant leak detection system can detect refrigerant leaks in an air conditioner.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-137725

However, in the refrigerant leak detection method described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to accurately measure the temperature of the refrigerant piping. In this case, if the temperature detector is not properly attached, the temperature of the refrigerant piping cannot be accurately measured.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. The object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner pipe temperature measuring device and pipe temperature measuring system that can accurately measure the temperature of the refrigerant pipes.

The air conditioner piping temperature measuring device of the present disclosure includes a temperature detector that detects temperature, and a confirmation device that confirms whether the temperature detector is in contact with the air conditioner piping by detecting a physical quantity .

The air conditioner pipe temperature measurement system according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of pipe temperature measurement devices each having the functions of the air conditioner pipe temperature measurement device and measuring the temperature of each of the plurality of pipes of the air conditioner, a hub device that receives input of information on the temperatures measured by the plurality of pipe temperature measurement devices, and a display device that receives input of information from the hub device and displays information on a temperature selected from the temperatures measured by the plurality of pipe temperature measurement devices.

The air conditioner pipe temperature measurement system according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of pipe temperature measurement devices each having the functions of the air conditioner pipe temperature measurement device and measuring the temperature of each of the plurality of pipes of the air conditioner, a hub device that accepts input of information on the temperatures measured by the plurality of pipe temperature measurement devices, and a terminal device that accepts input of information from the hub device and simultaneously displays the temperatures measured by each of the plurality of pipe temperature measurement devices around a diagram showing each of the plurality of pipes.

According to the present disclosure, the confirmation body checks whether the temperature detection body is in contact with the piping of the air conditioner. This allows the temperature of the refrigerant piping to be measured accurately.

1 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioner piping temperature measuring system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a first example of a pipe temperature measuring device which is a main part of a pipe temperature measuring system for an air conditioner in embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a second example of a pipe temperature measuring device which is a main part of the pipe temperature measuring system for an air conditioner in embodiment 1. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a third example of a pipe temperature measuring device which is a main part of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring system in embodiment 1. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a fourth example of a pipe temperature measuring device which is a main part of the pipe temperature measuring system for an air conditioner in embodiment 1. 4 is a front view of the rear side of a hub device which is a main part of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring system in embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of the front side of a hub device which is a main part of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring system in embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a front view of a first example of a display device which is a main part of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring system according to embodiment 1. FIG. 11 is a front view of a second example of a display device which is a main part of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring system in embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a front view of a display screen of a terminal device which is a main part of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring system in embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of a terminal device which is a main part of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring system in embodiment 1.

The embodiment will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals. Duplicate explanations of the parts will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioner piping temperature measuring system according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 1, the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 1 includes a compressor 2, a condenser 3, an expansion valve 4, and an evaporator 5.

For example, the multiple pipes are composed of a first pipe 6, a second pipe 7, a third pipe 8, and a fourth pipe 9.

The first pipe 6 connects the compressor 2 and the condenser 3. The second pipe 7 connects the condenser 3 and the expansion valve 4. The third pipe 8 connects the expansion valve 4 and the evaporator 5. The fourth pipe 9 connects the evaporator 5 and the compressor 2.

The compressor 2 increases the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by compressing it. The condenser 3 liquefies the refrigerant and releases heat to the outside. The expansion valve 4 reduces the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by rapidly expanding it. The evaporator 5 evaporates the refrigerant by absorbing heat from the outside.

The pipe temperature measurement system 10 includes multiple pipe temperature measurement devices 11, a hub device 12, a display device 13, and a terminal device 14.

Each of the multiple pipe temperature measuring devices 11 is temporarily attached to the inlet and outlet of each of the multiple pipes. Each of the multiple pipe temperature measuring devices 11 measures the temperature of each of the multiple pipes. The hub device 12 accepts input of information indicating the temperature of each of the multiple pipes from each of the multiple pipe temperature measuring devices 11. The display device 13 accepts input of information indicating the temperature of each of the multiple pipes from the hub device 12. The display device 13 displays information selected from the information indicating the temperature of each of the multiple pipes. The terminal device 14 accepts input of information indicating the temperature of each of the multiple pipes from the hub device 12. The terminal device 14 displays the information indicating the temperature of each of the multiple pipes in association with the information indicating each of the multiple pipes.

Next, a first example of the pipe temperature measuring device 11 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a first example of a pipe temperature measuring device which is a main part of the pipe temperature measuring system for an air conditioner in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pipe temperature measuring device 11 includes a gripping body 15, a temperature detection body 16, and a confirmation body 17.

The gripping body 15 comprises a main body portion 15a, a first gripping portion 15b, a second gripping portion 15c, and a gripping force generating portion 15d.

The main body 15a is formed of a plate-shaped metal. The first gripping portion 15b is formed of a plate-shaped metal. For example, the first gripping portion 15b is integrally formed with the main body 15a on one side of the main body 15a. The first gripping portion 15b is formed so as to be perpendicular to one side of the main body 15a. The second gripping portion 15c is formed of a plate-shaped metal. The gripping force generating portion 15d is screwed into the second gripping portion 15c. The gripping force generating portion 15d moves the second gripping portion 15c toward the first gripping portion 15b by rotating in the screwing direction. The gripping force generating portion 15d moves the second gripping portion 15c in the opposite direction to the first gripping portion 15b by rotating in the opposite direction to the screwing direction.

For example, the temperature detector 16 is a temperature sensor. The temperature detector 16 is attached to one of the opposing surfaces of the first gripping portion 15b and the second gripping portion 15c.

For example, the confirmation body 17 is a pressure sensor. The confirmation body 17 is attached to the other of the opposing surfaces of the first gripping portion 15b and the second gripping portion 15c. The confirmation body 17 detects the pressure when the temperature detection body 16 is in contact with the piping.

Next, a second example of the pipe temperature measuring device 11 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a second example of a pipe temperature measuring device which is a main part of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring system in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pipe temperature measuring device 11 includes a gripping body 15, a temperature detection body 16, and a confirmation body 17.

The gripping body 15 comprises a main body portion 15a, a first gripping portion 15b, a second gripping portion 15c, and a gripping force generating portion 15d.

The main body 15a is formed of a cylindrical metal. The first gripping portion 15b is formed of a plate-shaped metal. One side of the first gripping portion 15b is rotatably connected to the main body 15a. The second gripping portion 15c is formed of a plate-shaped metal. One side of the second gripping portion 15c is rotatably provided to the main body 15a. For example, the gripping force generating portion 15d is a torsion coil spring. The gripping force generating portion 15d is built into the main body 15a. The gripping force generating portion 15d generates a load in a direction in which the first gripping portion 15b and the second gripping portion 15c approach each other.

For example, the temperature detector 16 is a temperature sensor. The temperature detector 16 is attached to one of the opposing surfaces of the first gripping portion 15b and the second gripping portion 15c.

For example, the confirmation body 17 is a pressure sensor. The confirmation body 17 is attached to the other of the opposing surfaces of the first gripping portion 15b and the second gripping portion 15c.

Next, a third example of the pipe temperature measuring device 11 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a third example of a pipe temperature measuring device which is a main part of the pipe temperature measuring system for an air conditioner in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pipe temperature measuring device 11 includes a gripping body 15, a temperature detection body 16, and a confirmation body 17.

The gripping body 15 comprises a main body portion 15a, a first gripping portion 15b, a second gripping portion 15c, and a gripping force generating portion 15d.

The main body 15a is formed of a cylindrical metal. The first gripping portion 15b is formed of a plate-shaped metal. One side of the first gripping portion 15b is provided so as to be freely rotatable relative to the main body 15a. The second gripping portion 15c is formed of a plate-shaped metal. One side of the second gripping portion 15c is provided so as to be freely rotatable relative to the main body 15a. For example, the gripping force generating portion 15d is a torsion coil spring. The gripping force generating portion 15d is built into the main body 15a. The gripping force generating portion 15d generates a load in a direction in which the first gripping portion 15b and the second gripping portion 15c approach each other.

For example, the temperature detector 16 is a temperature sensor. The temperature detector 16 is attached to one of the opposing surfaces of the first gripping portion 15b and the second gripping portion 15c.

For example, the confirmation body 17 is a temperature sensor. The confirmation body 17 is placed at a position a preset distance away from the pipe than the temperature detection body 16 when the temperature detection body 16 is in contact with the pipe. The confirmation body 17 detects the temperature around the pipe.

Next, a fourth example of the measuring device will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a fourth example of a pipe temperature measuring device which is a main part of the pipe temperature measuring system for an air conditioner in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the measurement device includes a grip body 18 and a temperature detector 16.

For example, the grip body 18 is formed from a rod-shaped metal.

The temperature detector 16 is needle-shaped. The temperature detector 16 is in contact with the outer surface of the pipe while piercing the insulation that covers the entire outer surface of the pipe.

A confirmation device 17 similar to that in the third example of the pipe temperature measuring device 11 may also be provided.

Next, the hub device 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Fig. 6 is a front view of the back side of the hub device which is a main part of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring system in embodiment 1. Fig. 7 is a front view of the front side of the hub device which is a main part of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring system in embodiment 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the hub device 12 has multiple input units 12a. Each of the multiple input units 12a is provided so that the cords of the multiple pipe temperature measuring devices 11 can be connected. For example, in the ten input units 12a, the first input unit to the fifth input unit are provided horizontally lined up on the upper part of the back surface of the hub device 12. For example, in the ten input units 12a, the sixth input unit to the tenth input unit are provided horizontally lined up on the lower part of the back surface of the hub device 12.

As shown in FIG. 7, the hub device 12 has multiple rotary switches 12b and multiple illumination lamps 12c.

Each of the multiple rotary switches 12b is provided corresponding to each of the multiple input sections 12a. For example, in the ten rotary switches 12b, the first rotary switch to the fifth rotary switch are provided horizontally lined up at the top of the surface of the hub device 12. The first rotary switch to the fifth rotary switch correspond to the first input section to the fifth input section, respectively. The first rotary switch to the fifth rotary switch set the addresses of the first input section to the fifth input section, respectively. For example, in the ten rotary switches 12b, the sixth rotary switch to the tenth rotary switch are provided horizontally lined up at the bottom of the surface of the hub device 12. The sixth rotary switch to the tenth rotary switch correspond to the sixth input section to the tenth input section, respectively. The sixth rotary switch to the tenth rotary switch set the addresses of the sixth input section to the tenth input section, respectively.

Each of the multiple lighting lamps 12c is provided corresponding to each of the multiple rotary switches 12b. Each of the multiple lighting lamps 12c is provided directly below each of the multiple rotary switches 12b on the surface of the hub device 12. Each of the multiple lighting lamps 12c changes its lighting state depending on whether or not the multiple temperature detectors 16 are in contact with the piping.

Next, a first example of the display device 13 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a front view of a first example of a display device which is a main part of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring system in the first embodiment.

In FIG. 8, the display device 13 is connected to the cord of the pipe temperature measuring device 11 or the cord of the hub device 12. The display device 13 includes a first switch unit 13a, a second switch unit 13b, and a display unit 13c.

The first switch unit 13a is a switch for selecting whether the display device 13 is connected to the hub device 12 or not. When the first switch unit 13a is placed on the "ON" side, the display device 13 is recognized as being connected to the hub device 12. When the first switch unit 13a is placed on the "OFF" side, the display device 13 is recognized as being connected to the pipe temperature measuring device 11.

For example, the second switch unit 13b is a rotary switch. The second switch unit 13b is a switch for selecting a specific pipe temperature measuring device 11 from among the multiple pipe temperature measuring devices 11 connected to the hub device 12.

The display unit 13c displays temperature information according to the states of the first switch unit 13a and the second switch unit 13b. For example, when the first switch unit 13a is placed on the "OFF" side, the display unit 13c displays temperature information measured by a pipe temperature measuring device 11 connected to the display device 13. For example, when the second switch unit 13b is placed on the "ON" side, the display unit 13c displays temperature information measured by a pipe temperature measuring device 11 selected by the second switch unit 13b from among the multiple pipe temperature measuring devices 11 connected to the hub device 12.

Next, a second example of the display device 13 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a front view of a second example of a display device which is a main part of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring system in the first embodiment.

In FIG. 9, the display device 13 is connected to the cord of the hub device 12. The display device 13 includes a first button section 13d, a second button section 13e, and a display section 13c.

The first button section 13d is a switch for selecting a specific pipe temperature measuring device 11 from among the multiple pipe temperature measuring devices 11 connected to the hub device 12. For example, when the first button section 13d is pressed, the pipe temperature measuring device 11 with the address number one smaller than the address number assigned to the currently selected pipe temperature measuring device 11 is selected.

The second button section 13e is a switch for selecting a specific pipe temperature measuring device 11 from among the multiple pipe temperature measuring devices 11 connected to the hub device 12. For example, when the second button section 13e is pressed, a pipe temperature measuring device 11 with an address number one greater than the address number assigned to the currently selected pipe temperature measuring device 11 is selected.

The display unit 13c displays a number indicating the address number of the selected pipe temperature measuring device 11 in association with a number indicating the temperature measured by the pipe temperature measuring device 11. In FIG. 9, the address number "1" of the selected pipe temperature measuring device 11 is displayed in association with the temperature "90"° measured by the pipe temperature measuring device 11.

Next, the terminal device 14 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a front view of a display screen of a terminal device which is a main part of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring system in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the terminal device 14 displays a "refrigerant distribution diagram" that shows a schematic diagram of a refrigeration cycle including multiple pipes. The terminal device 14 simultaneously displays information showing the temperature of each of the multiple pipes based on information from the hub device 12 around the diagram showing each of the multiple pipes.

For example, the terminal device 14 stores information on the screen displayed at a preset time interval. For example, the terminal device 14 stores information indicating the temperature of each of the multiple pipes and the identification symbol of each of the multiple pipes in association with each other at a preset time interval.

For example, the terminal device 14 sets a name corresponding to the address number of the pipe temperature measuring device 11 based on an external operation. For example, when a type of refrigerant is selected based on an external operation, the terminal device 14 displays a P-H diagram corresponding to that type. For example, when an area corresponding to the "background" is clicked with a mouse or the like, the terminal device 14 changes the background. For example, when an area displaying the temperature is dragged and dropped with a mouse or the like, the terminal device 14 moves that area.

According to the first embodiment described above, the confirmation element 17 checks whether the temperature detector 16 is in contact with the piping of the air conditioner 1. Therefore, even if the temperature detector 16 is released, the temperature of the refrigerant piping can be accurately measured.

The confirmation element 17 also detects the pressure when the temperature detection element 16 is in contact with the piping. This makes it possible to more reliably confirm whether the temperature detection element 16 is in contact with the piping of the air conditioner 1.

The confirmation body 17 also detects the temperature around the piping. This makes it possible to more reliably confirm whether the temperature detection body 16 is in contact with the piping of the air conditioner 1.

The display device 13 also displays information on a temperature selected from the temperatures measured by the multiple pipe temperature measuring devices 11. This allows the user to check the pipe temperature at a desired location.

The terminal device 14 also simultaneously displays the temperatures measured by each of the multiple pipe temperature measuring devices 11 around the diagram showing each of the multiple pipes. This makes it easy to check the temperature status of the entire refrigeration cycle.

The terminal device 14 also stores the information displayed on the screen at preset time intervals. This allows a history of the temperature status of the entire refrigeration cycle to be kept.

The lighting state of the multiple lighting lamps 12c changes depending on whether the multiple temperature detectors 16 are in contact with the piping of the air conditioner. This makes it possible to more reliably check whether the temperature detectors 16 are in contact with the piping of the air conditioner 1.

The connection between the pipe temperature measuring device 11 and the hub device 12, the connection between the hub device 12 and the display device 13, and the connection between the hub device 12 and the terminal device 14 may be wired or wireless.

The confirmation body 17 in FIG. 3 and the confirmation body 17 in FIG. 4 may be used in combination. In this case, if the detection results of both the confirmation body 17 in FIG. 3 and the confirmation body 17 in FIG. 4 indicate that the temperature detection body 16 is in contact with the piping of the air conditioner 1, it is determined that the temperature detection body 16 is in contact with the piping of the air conditioner 1. In this case, it is possible to more reliably confirm whether the temperature detection body 16 is in contact with the piping of the air conditioner 1.

Next, an example of the main part of the terminal device 14 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a hardware configuration diagram of a main part of a terminal device which is a main part of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring system in the first embodiment.

The functions of the main parts of the terminal device 14 can be realized by a processing circuit. For example, the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b. For example, the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200.

When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 100a and at least one memory 100b, the functions of the main parts of the terminal device 14 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of the software and firmware is written as a program. At least one of the software and firmware is stored in at least one memory 100b. At least one processor 100a realizes each function of the main parts of the terminal device 14 by reading and executing the program stored in at least one memory 100b. At least one processor 100a is also called a central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. For example, at least one memory 100b is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc., a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD, etc.

When the processing circuit includes at least one dedicated hardware 200, the processing circuit is realized, for example, by a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination of these. For example, each function of the main parts of the terminal device 14 is realized by a processing circuit. For example, each function of the main parts of the terminal device 14 is realized collectively by a processing circuit.

Some of the functions of the main parts of the terminal device 14 may be realized by dedicated hardware 200, and the rest may be realized by software or firmware. For example, the simultaneous display of the temperatures measured by each of the multiple pipe temperature measuring devices 11 around the diagram showing each of the multiple pipes may be realized by a processing circuit as the dedicated hardware 200, and the functions other than the simultaneous display of the temperatures measured by each of the multiple pipe temperature measuring devices 11 around the diagram showing each of the multiple pipes may be realized by at least one processor 100a reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory 100b.

In this way, the processing circuitry realizes the functions of the main parts of the terminal device 14 using hardware 200, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

1 air conditioner, 2 compressor, 3 condenser, 4 expansion valve, 5 evaporator, 6 first pipe, 7 second pipe, 8 third pipe, 9 fourth pipe, 10 pipe temperature measurement system, 11 pipe temperature measurement device, 12 hub device, 12a input section, 12b rotary switch, 12c lighting lamp, 13 display device, 13a first switch section, 13b second switch section, 13c display section, 13d first button section, 13e second button section, 14 terminal device, 15 gripping body, 15a main body section, 15b first gripping section, 15c second gripping section, 15d gripping force generating section, 16 temperature detection body, 17 confirmation body, 18 grip body, 100a processor, 100b memory, 200 Hardware

Claims (8)

A temperature detector that detects a temperature;
a confirmation body that detects a physical quantity to confirm whether the temperature detection body is in contact with a pipe of an air conditioner;
An air conditioner piping temperature measuring device equipped with this device. The air conditioner pipe temperature measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation body detects the pressure when the temperature detection body is in contact with the pipe. The pipe temperature measuring device for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the confirmation body is disposed at a position farther away from the pipe than the temperature detector when the temperature detector is in contact with the pipe, and detects the temperature around the pipe. The air conditioner pipe temperature measuring device according to claim 3, wherein the temperature detector is in contact with the outer periphery of the pipe while piercing the insulation that entirely covers the outer periphery of the pipe. A plurality of pipe temperature measuring devices each having the function of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and measuring the temperatures of the plurality of pipes of the air conditioner,
a hub device that receives input of information on temperatures measured by the plurality of pipe temperature measuring devices;
a display device that receives input of information from the hub device and displays information on a temperature selected from the temperatures measured by the plurality of pipe temperature measuring devices;
An air conditioner piping temperature measurement system equipped with this device. A plurality of pipe temperature measuring devices each having the function of the air conditioner pipe temperature measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and measuring the temperatures of the plurality of pipes of the air conditioner,
a hub device that receives input of information on temperatures measured by the plurality of pipe temperature measuring devices;
a terminal device that receives input of information from the hub device and simultaneously displays temperatures measured by each of the plurality of pipe temperature measuring devices around a diagram showing each of the plurality of pipes;
An air conditioner piping temperature measurement system equipped with this device. The air conditioner pipe temperature measurement system according to claim 6, wherein the terminal device stores screen information displayed at preset time intervals. The hub device is
a plurality of lighting lamps each changing a lighting state depending on whether the plurality of temperature detectors are in contact with the piping of the air conditioner;
The pipe temperature measuring system for an air conditioner according to claim 5 , further comprising:

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