JP7613836B2 - Air conditioner, control method thereof, and control program thereof - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an air conditioner, a control method for an air conditioner, and a control program for an air conditioner.

Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, an indoor unit of an air conditioner includes a heat exchanger disposed within a case, a drain pan disposed within the case to receive condensed water that drips from the heat exchanger, and a drain pump for discharging the condensed water contained in the drain pan to the outside.

Patent No. 6614389

Many kinds of foreign matter, such as organic matter, dust, and microorganisms, float in the indoor air of the indoor unit of an air conditioner, and these foreign matter, sucked into the indoor unit along with the air, accumulate in the indoor unit's drain pan, drain pump, and other parts. Furthermore, the indoor unit is humid, and the drain pan and drain pump remain wet with drain water for a long time, causing the proliferation of microorganisms to form a sticky slime on the surface of the drain pan. When foreign matter and slime accumulate and become large, drainage parts such as the drain pump become easily clogged, and the drain water that overflows from the drain pan causes water leakage into the room. In addition, if the drain pump deteriorates over time and its pumping power decreases, the drain water that overflows from the drain pan may also cause water leakage into the room.

Therefore, it is necessary to periodically conduct tests to check the drainage performance of the condensed water stored in the drain pan. This test is carried out, for example, by a maintenance worker carrying a bucket filled with water to the vicinity of the air conditioner, then using a manual pump (oil pump (kerosene pump)) to move the water from the bucket to the drain pan, and visually checking the drainage of the moved water.

In this test method, when moving the bucket or using a manual pump to move the water, water may splash or splash, causing the room in which the indoor unit is located to get wet and become dirty with the water. In particular, if the air conditioner is a free-standing package air conditioner whose indoor unit cools information equipment (servers, workstations, etc.) installed in a computer room or server room, getting the room wet with water is not permitted as it could lead to the information equipment breaking down.

The objective of this disclosure is to provide an air conditioner, a control method thereof, and a control program thereof that can prevent the room in which the indoor unit is installed from becoming wet with water during a drainage inspection of the water contained in the drain pan.

To solve the above problems, the air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes a case having an intake port and an exhaust port and arranged indoors, a heat exchanger arranged within the case, a drain pan arranged within the case and including a water storage section that receives water produced by the heat exchanger, a water tank to which water is supplied from a water pipe, a water passage that guides water in the water tank to the water storage section, a water valve that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank to the water storage section, an operation unit that can perform opening and closing operations of the water valve, and a control device that controls the water valve based on a signal representing the opening and closing operation of the water valve from the operation unit to perform the opening and closing operation corresponding to the signal.

According to the present disclosure, water can be automatically supplied from the water pipe to the water tank, and furthermore, when conducting a drainage test, a person can open and close the water valve by simply operating the operating unit, and water can be supplied from the water tank to the drain pan. Therefore, there is no need for a person to carry water using a bucket or the like, and there is no need to transfer water to the drain pan using a manual pump. This makes it possible to prevent the room in which the indoor unit is installed from getting wet during a drainage test of the water contained in the drain pan.

In addition, in the present disclosure, a sensor may be provided for detecting when water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section, and the control device may control the water valve to close when it receives a signal from the sensor indicating that the water has reached the predetermined water level.

With this configuration, once the water reaches a specified water level in the water storage section of the drain pan, water is not supplied to the water storage section. Therefore, water does not overflow from the water storage section during a drainage inspection, and water overflowing from the water storage section can be prevented from wetting the room in which the indoor unit is installed.

In addition, the present disclosure includes a cleaning liquid tank that contains a cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid passage that guides the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section, and a cleaning liquid valve that adjusts the cleaning liquid flowing from the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section, and the operation section is capable of opening and closing the cleaning liquid valve, and the control device may control the cleaning liquid valve based on a signal representing the opening and closing operation of the cleaning liquid valve from the operation section to perform the opening and closing operation corresponding to the signal.

According to this configuration, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank can be supplied to the drain pan. Therefore, the cleaning liquid can easily dissolve and remove foreign matter (slime, etc.) in the drain pan and in the drainage path located downstream of the drain pan. In addition, after supplying the cleaning liquid, water from the water tank can be supplied to the drain pan, in which case the dissolved foreign matter can be efficiently discharged.

In addition, the case may be installed in the room in which the information device is installed to cool the information device, and the intake opening may be provided on the upper end surface of the case, while the exhaust opening may be provided on the bottom surface of the case.

As mentioned above, water is not permitted in computer rooms or server rooms because it could lead to breakdowns in information devices. In this context, in rooms where information devices are installed, such as computer rooms and server rooms, the indoor units of air conditioners are generally provided with an intake opening on the top surface of the case and an exhaust opening on the bottom surface of the case in order to efficiently cool the information devices.

With this configuration, the room in which the information equipment is installed, such as a computer room or server room, will not get wet during a water drainage inspection. Therefore, the effect of preventing water from getting inside the room is exceptional and remarkable.

In addition, in the present disclosure, the water tank may be arranged horizontally adjacent to the upper side wall of the case.

With this configuration, the suction port opening is located on the upper end surface of the case, and water is supplied from the water tank to the drain pan by the water's own weight. This prevents the room in which the information device is installed from getting wet, and also reduces manufacturing costs.

In addition, in the present disclosure, a second sensor that detects whether or not a predetermined amount of water is contained in the water tank, and a water supply control valve that controls the water supplied from the water pipe to the water tank and is arranged outside the room, and when the control device determines based on a signal from the second sensor that the water tank does not contain a predetermined amount of water, it controls the opening of the water supply control valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, and when the control device determines based on the signal from the second sensor that the water tank contains a predetermined amount of water, it controls the opening of the water supply control valve to fully closed.

With this configuration, the water supplied to the water tank can be temporarily blocked outside the room. Therefore, even if the water pipes are damaged, the room can be prevented from becoming flooded.

The operation unit may also include a valve opening operation unit for setting the water valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, and a valve closing operation unit for setting the water valve to a fully closed position.

With this configuration, a person can supply water to the drain pan using the valve opening operation unit, and can stop the supply of water to the drain pan using the valve closing operation unit. Therefore, for example, a person can easily visually inspect the water drainage.

In addition, in the present disclosure, the operation unit includes a test operation unit for performing a test to determine whether the amount of water discharged per unit time that flows into the water storage unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and further includes a notification unit for notifying that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount, and when a test start operation is performed using the test operation unit, the control device controls the opening of the water valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed to start the test, and if the water does not reach the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the control device controls the opening of the water valve to fully closed when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, and the test ends, while if the water reaches the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the control device controls the opening of the water valve to fully closed, and the control device may cause the notification unit to execute a notification indicating that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount.

With this configuration, a person can easily and accurately perform a drainage test of the water contained in the drain pan by simply operating the test operation unit.

In addition, in the present disclosure, the operation unit includes a test operation unit for performing a test to determine whether the amount of water discharged per unit time that flows into the water storage unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and further includes a cleaning liquid tank that stores cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid passage that guides the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage unit, a cleaning liquid valve that adjusts the cleaning liquid flowing from the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage unit, and a notification unit that notifies the user that the amount of water discharged is less than a predetermined amount, and when a test start operation is performed using the test operation unit, the control device controls the opening of the cleaning liquid valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed only for a first predetermined time period to start the test, and a predetermined amount of the cleaning liquid flows into the water storage unit. When a second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the control device controls the water valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, and water pouring into the water storage section is started. If the water does not reach the predetermined water level before a third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the water pouring, the control device controls the water valve to fully closed when the third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the water pouring, and the test ends. On the other hand, if the water reaches the predetermined water level before the third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the water pouring, the control device controls the water valve to fully closed, and the control device may cause the notification section to issue a notification indicating that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount.

It is preferable to carry out a drainage performance test after the cleaning liquid has dissolved the slime and other foreign matter in the drainage path. It is also preferable that the cleaning liquid is discharged together with the dissolved foreign matter and the water in the water tank after dissolving the slime and other foreign matter, i.e., a predetermined time after being supplied to the drain pan.

The above-mentioned specified time may be any time greater than or equal to 0 hours, and includes 0 hours.

According to this configuration, water drainage inspection can be performed after the cleaning liquid dissolves at least a portion of the slime and other foreign matter in the drainage path, and high-quality drainage inspection can be performed after removing easily removable foreign matter. In addition to the water drainage inspection, the drain pan and the drainage path downstream of the drain pan can also be cleaned with the cleaning liquid. This makes it possible to perform maintenance on the air conditioner.

In addition, in the present disclosure, the notification unit may include a display unit, and while the test is being performed, the display unit may display a message indicating that the test is being performed, and if the water does not reach the predetermined water level from the start of the test until the end of the test, the display unit may display a message indicating that the drainage performance of the water contained in the drain pan is normal, while if the water reaches the predetermined water level during the test, the display unit may display a message indicating that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount.

This configuration allows a person to know for sure that a drainage test is in progress and that the drainage performance is normal, providing a sense of security to the person. It also allows a person to recognize that the drainage volume is below a predetermined volume, and in that case, recognize that action such as cleaning is necessary.

In addition, in the present disclosure, the notification unit may include a display unit, and the operation unit and the display unit may be provided in a remote controller for controlling air conditioning.

This configuration ensures that people will not be confused by the location of the operating unit and can be assured that they will receive notifications regarding the drainage test.

The control method for an air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes an air conditioner including a drain pan including a water storage section that receives water generated in a heat exchanger, a water tank to which water is supplied from a water pipe, a water passageway that guides water in the water tank to the water storage section, a water valve that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank to the water storage section, a sensor that detects when water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section, a test operation section that performs a test to determine whether the amount of water discharged per unit time that has flowed into the water storage section is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and an alarm section that notifies the user that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount. The control method for an air conditioner includes an air conditioner including a drain pan including a water storage section that receives water generated in a heat exchanger, a water tank to which water is supplied from a water pipe, a water passageway that guides water in the water tank to the water storage section, a water valve that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank to the water storage section, a sensor that detects when water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section, a test operation section that performs a test to determine whether the amount of water discharged per unit time that has flowed into the water storage section is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and an alarm section that notifies the user that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount, and a control method for an air conditioner using a computer that receives signals from the test operation section and signals from the sensor to control the water valve and the alarm section, the control method including the computer receiving a signal from the test operation section indicating the start of a test, The method includes a first step in which, upon receiving the signal, the computer executes an open control to control the water valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed; and a second step in which, if the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has not reached the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer executes a first fully closed control to control the water valve to fully closed after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, while, if the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has reached the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer executes a second fully closed control to control the water valve to fully closed, and an alarm control to cause the alarm unit to issue an alarm indicating that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount.

According to the present disclosure, a person can easily and accurately perform a drainage test of the water contained in the drain pan by simply operating the test operation unit.

The control program for an air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes an air conditioner including a drain pan including a water storage section that receives water generated in a heat exchanger, a water tank to which water is supplied from a water pipe, a water passage that guides water in the water tank to the water storage section, a water valve that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank to the water storage section, a sensor that detects when water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section, a test operation section that performs a test to determine whether the amount of water discharged per unit time that has flowed into the water storage section is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and an alarm section that notifies the user that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount. The control program for an air conditioner includes an air conditioner including a drain pan including a water storage section that receives water from a heat exchanger, a water tank to which water is supplied from a water pipe, a water passage that guides water in the water tank to the water storage section, a water valve that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank to the water storage section, a sensor that detects when water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section, a test operation section that performs a test to determine whether the amount of water discharged per unit time that has flowed into the water storage section is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and an alarm section that notifies the user that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount. The control program for the air conditioner causes a computer that receives a signal from the test operation section and a signal from the sensor to control the water valve and the alarm section, When a signal indicating the start of a test is received from the operating unit, the computer is caused to execute an open control that controls the water valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, and when the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has not reached the predetermined water level before the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer is caused to execute a first fully closed control that controls the water valve to fully closed after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, while when the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has reached the predetermined water level before the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer is caused to execute a second fully closed control that controls the water valve to fully closed, and a notification control that causes the notification unit to issue a notification indicating that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount.

According to the present disclosure, a person can easily and accurately perform a drainage test of the water contained in the drain pan by simply operating the test operation unit.

The air conditioner, its control method, and its control program disclosed herein can prevent the room in which the indoor unit is installed from getting wet during a drainage inspection of the water contained in the drain pan.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an overview of a computer room in which an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a main configuration of an indoor unit of the air conditioner. FIG. 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the air conditioner, which is a simplified refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating only main components. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of parts related to a drainage performance test of the drain pan of the air conditioner. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the control device when a first test operation unit of the air conditioner is operated. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the control device when a second test operation unit of the air conditioner is operated. FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an overview of a computer room in which an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a modified example is installed.

The following describes in detail the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, when multiple embodiments or variations are included, it is assumed from the beginning that new embodiments will be constructed by appropriately combining the characteristic parts of those. In the following examples, the same components are given the same reference numerals in the drawings, and duplicated explanations are omitted. In addition, multiple drawings include schematic diagrams, and the dimensional ratios of length, width, height, etc. of each member do not necessarily match between different drawings. In addition, among the components described below, components that are not described in the independent claim that indicates the highest concept are optional components and are not essential components. In addition, when the word "approximately" is used in this specification, it is used in the same sense as the word "roughly speaking", and the requirement of "approximately ~" is met if a person looks roughly ~. For example, the requirement of approximately circular is met if a person looks roughly circular.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a computer room (server room, installation room) 5 in which an indoor unit 10 of an air conditioner 1,1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed. In Figure 1, the movement of hot air is indicated by solid arrows, and the movement of cold air is indicated by dotted arrows. In the following, the computer room 5 may be referred to as the installation room 5, or simply as the room 5. As shown in Figure 1, for example, multiple servers 3 are arranged in one direction in the computer room 5, and each server 3 dissipates heat generated by the electronic components built into it. The air conditioner 1,1 arranged in the computer room 5 cools the computer room 5, for example, maintaining the temperature in the computer room 5 at a constant temperature, and preventing thermal deterioration of the electronic components in the servers 3.

The computer room 5 has an above-floor room 5a and an under-floor room 5b, and the two above-floor and under-floor rooms 5a, 5b are separated by a mesh-like floorboard 6 with multiple (many) through-holes. Hot air generated by heat released from each server 3 flows upward from the server 3 as indicated by arrow a, then flows along the path indicated by arrow b, and is sucked into the indoor unit 10 through an intake port provided on the upper side of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1,1, and is cooled within the indoor unit 10. The indoor unit 10 blows out cool air downward, in the direction indicated by arrow c, from an outlet provided on the lower side.

The cold air blown out from the indoor unit 10 flows into the underfloor room 5b through multiple through holes provided on the lower periphery of the indoor unit 10 among the many through holes provided in the floorboard 6, and then flows in the direction indicated by arrow d and collides with the bottom side of the servers 3 through multiple through holes provided on the lower periphery of each server 3 among the many through holes provided in the floorboard 6. The servers 3 are cooled by the collision of this cold air.

Since precision machinery such as servers 3 are placed in the computer room 5, it is not permitted for the computer room 5 to get wet. Therefore, for example, multiple water leakage sensors (not shown) are installed below each air conditioner 1,1 to constantly and strictly monitor for water leakage from the air conditioners 1,1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the indoor units 10 of two air conditioners 1,1 of the same structure are installed in the computer room 5, but it goes without saying that the number of indoor units of the air conditioners installed varies depending on the size of the computer room. The cooling operation by the indoor units 10 will be explained in detail later.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the main components of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioner 1. The internal configuration of the indoor unit 10 is not visible and should be shown by dotted lines, but is shown by solid lines for ease of understanding. The air conditioner 1 is a so-called floor-standing packaged air conditioner. As shown in Figure 2, the indoor unit 10 includes a main body 15, a water supply device 30, and a cleaning liquid supply device 60. The main body 15 also includes a box-shaped case 11 placed on the floor board 6, indoor heat exchangers 12, 13, a drain pan 14, a blower 17, a first sensor 19, and a control device 20. The case 11 has an intake port 11a on the top plate and an outlet port 11b on the bottom plate. The drain pan 14 receives condensation water that drips from the indoor heat exchangers 12, 13 during the cooling operation described below.

The blower 17 is disposed in a position facing the outlet 11b in the case 11, and blows air drawn in from the intake port 11a through the indoor heat exchangers 12, 13 and out of the outlet 11b. The first sensor 19 detects whether the water level stored in the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14 has reached a predetermined water level, and outputs a signal including information that can determine whether the water level has reached the predetermined water level to the control device 20. The first sensor 19 may be composed of any sensor that can detect the water level, and may be composed of, for example, a water pressure type water level gauge, a light wave type water level gauge, a float type water level gauge, or a capacitance type water level gauge. The control performed by the control device 20 will be described in detail later.

Next, the cooling operation of the air conditioner 1 will be briefly explained. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 has an outdoor unit 25 outside the computer room 5, and the outdoor unit 25 has one or more compressors, one or more outdoor heat exchangers, an expansion valve, etc. FIG. 3 is a refrigerant circuit diagram of the air conditioner 1, which is a simplified refrigerant circuit diagram showing only the main components. When performing cooling operation, the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 25 is driven in response to a signal from the control device 20 and discharges gas refrigerant. The gas refrigerant discharged by the compressor 21 reaches the outdoor heat exchanger 22 of the outdoor unit 25.

Because the temperature of the refrigerant is high, even in extremely hot summer air (air at 30 to 40 degrees), the refrigerant is cooled by the outdoor heat exchanger 22, and the gas refrigerant loses heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 22 and becomes liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant passes through the expansion valve 23. By passing through the expansion valve 23, the liquid refrigerant becomes mist-like, low-temperature liquid refrigerant, and then flows into the indoor heat exchangers 12, 13. The mist-like, low-temperature liquid refrigerant that flows into the indoor heat exchangers 12, 13 removes heat from the indoor heat exchangers 12, 13 and cools the air in the computer room 5, while also receiving heat from the indoor heat exchangers 12, 13 and vaporizing. In this way, the refrigerant removes heat from the indoor heat exchangers 12, 13 while releasing heat to the outdoor heat exchanger 22, thereby cooling the interior of the computer room 5. The vaporized gas refrigerant flows from the indoor heat exchangers 12 and 13 into the intake port of the compressor 21. During cooling operation, this series of operations is repeated.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the water supply device 30 includes a water tank 32, a water passage 34, a water valve 35, a second sensor 37, and a water supply control valve 39. The water tank 32 is a container capable of holding water, and is fixed to the upper side of one widthwise side wall of the box-shaped case 11 using attachment means such as fastening members, welding, adhesives, etc. The water passage 34 extends downward from the water tank 32 toward the drain pan 14, and guides the water in the water tank 32 to the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14.

The water passage 34 has two first and second water passage sections 34a and 34b, and the water valve 35 connects the first water passage section 34a and the second water passage section 34b. More specifically, the first water passage section 34a connects the water tank 32 and the water valve 35. The upper end of the second water passage section 34b is connected to the water valve 35, and the second water passage section 34b guides water from the water valve 35 to the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14. Therefore, when the water valve 35 is not fully closed, the water in the water tank 32 flows through the first water passage section 34a, the water valve 35, and the second water passage section 34b to the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14. The amount of water flowing per unit time varies depending on the opening degree of the water valve 35.

Water is supplied to the water passage 34 from the water pipe 41. A water supply control valve 39 is connected to the water pipe 41, and the amount of water supplied to the water tank 32 can be adjusted by controlling the opening of the water supply control valve 39. The water supply control valve 39 is located outside the computer room 5. Each of the water valve 35 and the water supply control valve 39 is composed of an electromagnetic valve or an electric valve whose opening is electrically controlled, and the opening of each valve 35, 39 may be controlled by a control signal from the control device 20. The second sensor 37 is installed, for example, in the water tank 32, detects whether the water has reached a predetermined water level in the water tank 32, and outputs a signal including information that can determine whether the water level has reached the predetermined water level to the control device 20. Like the first sensor 19, the second sensor 37 may be any sensor capable of detecting the water level, such as a water pressure type water level gauge, a light wave type water level gauge, a float type water level gauge, or a capacitance type water level gauge.

The air conditioner 1 further includes a cleaning liquid tank 62, a cleaning liquid passage 64, and a cleaning liquid valve 65. The cleaning liquid tank 62 is a container capable of storing cleaning liquid, and is fixed to the upper side of the side wall on the other widthwise side of the box-shaped case 11 using attachment means such as fastening members, welding, adhesives, etc. The cleaning liquid tank 62 has a lid 62a at its upper part, and the lid 62a is fastened, for example, by screwing into the main body 62b of the cleaning liquid tank 62. When a person rotates the lid 62a to one side, the lid 62a is removed from the main body 62b, making it possible to refill the cleaning liquid tank 62 with cleaning liquid.

The cleaning liquid passage 64 extends downward from the cleaning liquid tank 62 toward the drain pan 14, and guides the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank 62 to the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14. The cleaning liquid passage 64 has two first and second cleaning liquid passage sections 64a, 64b, and the cleaning liquid valve 65 connects the first cleaning liquid passage section 64a and the second cleaning liquid passage section 64b. In detail, the first cleaning liquid passage section 64a connects the cleaning liquid tank 62 and the cleaning liquid valve 65. In addition, the upper end of the second cleaning liquid passage section 64b is connected to the cleaning liquid valve 65, and the second cleaning liquid passage section 64b guides the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid valve 65 to the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14.

Therefore, when the cleaning liquid valve 65 is not fully closed, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank 62 flows through the first cleaning liquid passage 64a, the cleaning liquid valve 65, and the second cleaning liquid passage 64b into the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14. The amount of cleaning liquid flowing per unit time varies depending on the opening degree of the cleaning liquid valve 65. The cleaning liquid valve 65 is composed of a solenoid valve or an electric valve whose opening degree is electrically controlled. The opening degree of the cleaning liquid valve 65 may be controlled by a control signal from the control device 20.

The air conditioner 1 further includes a drain pump 70 and a timer 71. The drain pump 70 has a tip 70a including an intake port housed in a lower area of the water storage section 36, and when water reaches the tip 70a, it sucks up the water and discharges it outside the air conditioner 1, preventing the water from rising to a predetermined water level in the water storage section 36. The timer 71 also starts timing when it receives a signal indicating the start of timing from the control device 20, and outputs time information from when timing started to the control device 20.

The air conditioner of the present disclosure does not need to be equipped with a drain pump. In this case, for example, a slope may be provided on the bottom surface of the water storage section so that water collects in a specified area of the water storage section, and the air conditioner may further have piping extending from the bottom of that area to the outside of the air conditioner. For example, this piping extends so that the height of the installation position gradually decreases the further away from the water storage section. In this way, the water in the drain pan can be smoothly flowed to the outside of the air conditioner without using a drain pump.

Next, the control performed by the control device 20 during the drainage performance test of the drain pan 14 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the parts related to the drainage performance test of the drain pan 14. Referring to Fig. 4, the control device 20 is preferably configured by a computer, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a control unit 73 and a storage unit 74. The control unit 73, i.e., the processor, includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 74 is configured by a hard disk drive (HDD) or a semiconductor memory, and the semiconductor memory is configured by a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 74 may be configured by only one storage medium, or may be configured by a plurality of different storage media. The CPU reads out and executes a program, etc., stored in advance in the storage unit 74. The non-volatile memory stores a control program, a predetermined threshold value, etc. in advance. The volatile memory temporarily stores the read program and processing data.

2 and 4, the air conditioner 1 includes a remote controller (hereinafter, simply referred to as remote control) 75, which includes an operation unit 76 and a display unit 77 as an example of an alarm unit. The operation unit 76 is composed of a touch panel or a plurality of push buttons, and the display unit 77 is composed of a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The remote control 75 is configured to perform two-way wireless communication with the control device 20. For example, infrared communication or wireless communication using the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard can be used as the wireless communication. The operation unit 76 includes a water valve opening operation unit 81, a water valve closing operation unit 82, a cleaning liquid valve opening operation unit 83, a cleaning liquid valve closing operation unit 84, a first test operation unit 85, and a second test operation unit 86.

When a person operates the water valve opening operation operation unit 81, the control unit 73 receives a signal from the water valve opening operation operation unit 81, refers to the control program stored in the memory unit 74 when the water valve opening operation operation unit 81 is operated, and controls the water valve 35 so that the opening degree of the water valve 35 is a predetermined opening degree other than fully closed (for example, fully open opening degree). Also, when a person operates the water valve closing operation operation unit 82, the control unit 73 receives a signal from the water valve closing operation operation unit 82, refers to the control program stored in the memory unit 74 when the water valve closing operation operation unit 82 is operated, and controls the water valve 35 so that the opening degree of the water valve 35 is 0 (fully closed state).

When a person operates the cleaning liquid valve opening operation operation unit 83, the control unit 73, which has received a signal from the cleaning liquid valve opening operation operation unit 83, refers to the control program stored in the memory unit 74 when the cleaning liquid valve opening operation operation unit 83 is operated, and controls the cleaning liquid valve 65 so that the opening degree of the cleaning liquid valve 65 is a predetermined opening degree other than fully closed (for example, fully open opening degree). When a person operates the cleaning liquid valve closing operation operation unit 84, the control unit 73, which has received a signal from the cleaning liquid valve closing operation operation unit 84, refers to the control program stored in the memory unit 74 when the cleaning liquid valve closing operation operation unit 84 is operated, and controls the cleaning liquid valve 65 so that the opening degree of the cleaning liquid valve 65 is 0 (fully closed state).

When a person operates the first test operation unit 85, the control unit 73 receives a signal from the first test operation unit 85, refers to the control program stored in the memory unit 74 when the first test operation unit 85 is operated, acquires information about the water level in the water storage unit 36 from the first sensor 19, communicates bidirectionally with the timer 71, and further controls the water valve 35 and the display unit 77. The specific control when the first test operation unit 85 is operated will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 5.

When a person operates the second test operation unit 86, the control unit 73 receives a signal from the second test operation unit 86 and refers to the control program stored in the memory unit 74 when the second test operation unit 86 is operated, acquires information about the water level in the water storage unit 36 from the first sensor 19, communicates bidirectionally with the timer 71, and further controls the water valve 35, the cleaning liquid valve 65, and the display unit 77. The specific control when the second test operation unit 86 is operated will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 6.

When the control device 20 recognizes based on the signal received from the second sensor 37 that the water level in the water tank 32 is below a predetermined water level, it controls the water supply control valve 39 to be fully open to supply tap water to the water tank 32, and when it recognizes that the water level in the water tank 32 is equal to or higher than the predetermined water level, it controls the water supply control valve 39 to be fully closed to stop the supply of tap water to the water tank 32. This makes it possible to prevent a shortage of water in the water tank 32. By providing the water supply control valve 39 outside the computer room 5, the flow of water into the water tank 32 can be temporarily stopped outside the computer room 5. This makes it possible to prevent the computer room 5 from being flooded due to damage to the water pipe 41, etc.

Next, the control executed by the control device 20 when the first test operation unit 85 is operated will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure executed by the control device 20 when the first test operation unit 85 is operated. Referring to FIG. 5, when a person operates the first test operation unit 85, the control starts, and in step S1, the control device 20 controls the water valve 35 so that the water valve 35 is opened to a predetermined opening degree that is not fully closed, and then in step S2, the display unit 77 is caused to display a message indicating that a test is being performed, such as "Drainage test in progress."

In step S3 after step S2, the control device 20 determines whether the water level in the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14 has reached a predetermined water level based on the signal from the first sensor 19. If a positive determination is made in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4, in which the control device 20 controls the water valve 35 so that the opening degree of the water valve 35 is 0 (fully closed), and then proceeds to step S5, in which the display unit 77 displays a message indicating that the drainage amount is less than a predetermined amount, such as "Drainage performance is not normal," and then the control ends.

On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S3, the process proceeds to step S6, where the control device 20 judges, based on a signal from the timer 71, whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test. If a negative judgment is made in step S6, steps S3 and onwards are repeated. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step S6, the process proceeds to step S7, where the control device 20 controls the water valve 35 so that the opening degree of the water valve 35 is 0 (fully closed), and then the process proceeds to step S8, where the display unit 77 displays a message indicating that the drainage performance is normal, such as "Drainage performance is normal," and then the control ends.

Next, the control executed by the control device 20 when the second test operation unit 86 is operated will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure executed by the control device 20 when the second test operation unit 86 is operated. Referring to FIG. 6, when a person operates the second test operation unit 86, the control starts, and in step S11, the control device 20 controls the cleaning fluid valve 65 so that the opening of the cleaning fluid valve 65 is a predetermined opening that is not fully closed for a first predetermined time, and then in step S12, the display unit 77 is caused to display a message indicating that a test is being performed, such as "Drainage test in progress."

Then, in step S13, the control device 20 determines, based on information from the timer 71, whether a second predetermined time has elapsed since the opening of the cleaning liquid valve 65 became a predetermined opening that is not fully closed. If a negative determination is made in step S13, step S13 is repeated. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S13, the process proceeds to step S14, where the control device 20 controls the water valve 35 so that the opening of the water valve 35 becomes a predetermined opening that is not fully closed.

In step S15 after step S14, the control device 20 determines whether the water level in the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14 has reached a predetermined water level based on the signal from the first sensor 19. If a positive determination is made in step S15, the process proceeds to step S16, where the control device 20 controls the water valve 35 so that the opening degree of the water valve 35 is 0 (fully closed), and then proceeds to step S17, where the display unit 77 displays a message indicating that the drainage amount is less than a predetermined amount, such as "Drainage performance is not normal," and then the control ends.

On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S15, the process proceeds to step S18, where the control device 20 judges whether a third predetermined time has elapsed since the water valve 35 became a predetermined opening degree that is not fully closed. If a negative judgment is made in step S18, steps S15 and onward are repeated. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in step S18, the process proceeds to step S19, where the control device 20 controls the water valve 35 so that the opening degree of the water valve 35 becomes 0 (fully closed), and then the process proceeds to step S20, where the display unit 77 displays a message indicating that the drainage performance is normal, such as "Drainage performance is normal," and then the control ends.

As described above, the air conditioner 1 according to the present disclosure includes a case 11 having an intake port 11a and an exhaust port 11b and arranged in a computer room (room) 5, indoor heat exchangers 12, 13 arranged in the case 11, and a drain pan 14 arranged in the case 11 and including a water storage section 36 that receives water generated in the indoor heat exchangers 12, 13. The air conditioner 1 also includes a water tank 32 to which water is supplied from a water pipe 41, a water passage 34 that guides the water in the water tank 32 to the water storage section 36, a water valve 35 that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank 32 to the water storage section 36, an operation section 76 that can execute the opening and closing operation of the water valve 35, and a control device 20 that controls the water valve 35 to perform the opening and closing operation corresponding to a signal indicating the opening and closing operation of the water valve 35 from the operation section 76.

According to the present disclosure, water can be automatically supplied from the water pipe 41 to the water tank 32, and furthermore, when performing a drainage test, a person can open and close the water valve 35 by simply operating the operation unit 76, and water can be supplied from the water tank 32 to the drain pan 14. Therefore, there is no need for a person to carry water using a bucket or the like, and there is no need to transfer water to the drain pan 14 using a manual pump. This prevents the interior of the installation room 5 of the indoor unit 10 from getting wet during a drainage test of the water contained in the drain pan 14.

The air conditioner 1 may also be provided with a first sensor 19 that detects when the water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section 36, and the control device 20 may control the water valve 35 to close when it receives a signal from the first sensor 19 indicating that the water has reached the predetermined water level.

According to this configuration, when the water reaches a predetermined water level in the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14, no more water is supplied to the water storage section 36. Therefore, water does not overflow from the water storage section 36 during the drainage inspection, and water overflowing from the water storage section 36 can be prevented from wetting the installation room 5 of the indoor unit 10.

Although it is preferable to adopt this configuration, it is not necessary, and the air conditioner does not have to have the first sensor. In this case, a person may use the operation unit, for example, to open the water valve 35 to a degree that is not fully closed only for a predetermined period of time, to introduce water into the water storage section 36 of the drain pan 14. Then, the drainage performance of the drain pan and the area downstream thereof may be inspected by visually observing the amount of water decreasing from the drain pan.

The air conditioner 1 may also include a cleaning liquid tank 62 that contains cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid passage 64 that guides the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank 62 to the water storage section 36, and a cleaning liquid valve 65 that adjusts the cleaning liquid flowing from the cleaning liquid tank 62 to the water storage section 36. The operation section 76 may be capable of opening and closing the cleaning liquid valve 65, and the control device 20 may control the cleaning liquid valve 65 based on a signal indicating the opening and closing operation of the cleaning liquid valve 65 from the operation section 76 so as to perform the opening and closing operation corresponding to the signal.

According to this configuration, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank 62 can be supplied to the drain pan 14. Therefore, the cleaning liquid can easily dissolve and remove foreign matter (slime, etc.) in the drain pan 14 and in the drainage path located downstream of the drain pan 14. In addition, after supplying the cleaning liquid, water from the water tank 32 can be supplied to the drain pan, in which case the dissolved foreign matter can be efficiently discharged. Note that although it is preferable to adopt this configuration, it is not necessary, and the air conditioner does not need to be equipped with a cleaning liquid tank.

In addition, in the air conditioner 1, the case 11 may be installed in a computer room 5 in which information equipment is installed in order to cool the information equipment. Also, the opening of the intake port 11a may be provided on the upper end surface of the case 11, while the opening of the exhaust port 11b may be provided on the bottom surface of the case 11.

As mentioned above, water is not permitted in computer rooms or server rooms because it could lead to breakdowns in information devices. In this context, in rooms where information devices are installed, such as computer rooms and server rooms, the indoor units of air conditioners are generally provided with an intake opening on the top surface of the case and an exhaust opening on the bottom surface of the case in order to efficiently cool the information devices.

With this configuration, the room 5 in which the information equipment is installed, such as a computer room or server room, will not get wet during a drainage inspection of the water contained in the drain pan 14. Therefore, the effect of preventing water from getting inside the room 5 is exceptionally remarkable.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner disclosed herein may be placed in any room other than the computer room 5, for example, in a company showroom or on board a cruise ship. The intake opening does not have to be provided on the top end surface of the case, and may be provided anywhere on the air conditioner, and the exhaust opening may also be provided anywhere on the air conditioner, for example, on the front of the case.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the water tank 32 may be arranged horizontally adjacent to the upper side wall of the case 11.

With this configuration, the opening of the suction port 11a is located on the upper end surface of the case, and a configuration can be easily realized in which water is supplied from the water tank 32 to the drain pan 14 by the water's own weight. This prevents the room 5 in which the information equipment is installed from getting wet, and also reduces manufacturing costs.

The water tank does not have to be arranged horizontally adjacent to the upper side wall of the case. For example, as described above, the opening of the suction port may be provided at a location other than the top end surface of the case. In that case, it is preferable to arrange the water tank above the top surface of the main body of the air conditioner, as this will result in a compact and stylish air conditioner. The water tank may be configured to be placed on the support surface of the air conditioner, and may be configured to use a pump to send the water in the water tank to the water storage section of the drain pan located above when the water in the water tank is used. In this way, it is possible to reliably prevent water from pouring down from above if the water pipe is damaged.

The air conditioner 1 also includes a second sensor 37 that detects whether or not a predetermined amount of water is stored in the water tank 32, and a water supply control valve 39 that controls the water supplied to the water tank 32 from the water pipe 41 and is located outside the room 5. When the control device 20 determines based on the signal from the second sensor 37 that the water tank 32 does not contain a predetermined amount of water, it controls the opening of the water supply control valve 39 to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, and when the control device 20 determines based on the signal from the second sensor 37 that the water tank 32 contains a predetermined amount of water, it may control the opening of the water supply control valve 39 to fully closed.

With this configuration, the water supplied to the water tank 32 can be temporarily blocked outside the room 5. Therefore, even if the water pipe 41 is damaged, the room 5 can be prevented from being flooded with water. Note that this configuration does not have to be adopted, and the flow of water supplied from the water pipe can be controlled only by a water valve located downstream of the water tank 32.

The operation unit 76 may also include a water valve opening operation unit 81 for setting the water valve 35 to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, and a water valve closing operation unit 82 for setting the water valve 35 to a fully closed position.

With this configuration, a person can supply water to the drain pan 14 using the water valve opening operation operating unit 81, and can stop the supply of water to the drain pan 14 using the water valve closing operation operating unit 82. Therefore, for example, a person can visually pour an appropriate amount of water into the drain pan 14 using these operating units 81, 82, and can easily perform visual water drainage inspection.

The operation unit 76 may include a first test operation unit 85 for performing a test to determine whether the amount of water discharged per unit time into the water storage unit 36 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and may further include a display unit (notification unit) 77 for notifying that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount. When a test start operation is performed using the first test operation unit 85, the control unit 20 may control the opening of the water valve 35 to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed and start the test. If the water does not reach the predetermined water level in the water storage unit 36 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the control unit 20 may control the opening of the water valve 35 to fully closed when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, and the test may end. On the other hand, if the water reaches the predetermined water level in the water storage unit 36 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the control unit 20 may control the opening of the water valve 35 to fully closed, and the control unit 20 may cause the display unit 77 to execute a notification that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount.

According to this configuration, a person can easily and accurately perform a drainage test of the water contained in the drain pan 14 simply by operating the first test operation unit 85. In the above embodiment, the notification unit includes the display unit 77, and when the drainage amount is less than the predetermined amount, the display unit 77 displays a message indicating that the drainage amount is less than the predetermined amount. However, when the drainage amount is less than the predetermined amount, the display unit may notify the user by using an image to indicate that the drainage amount is less than the predetermined amount, or the notification unit may not include a display unit. In this case, when the water reaches a predetermined water level in the water storage unit 36 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the notification unit may notify the user that the water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage unit 36 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test by outputting a sound such as an alarm sound in addition to the notification by the display unit. Alternatively, if the water reaches a predetermined water level in the water storage section 36 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the notification section may output a sound such as an alarm instead of a notification by the display section to notify the user that the water has reached the predetermined water level in the water storage section 36 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test. Also, the air conditioner may not have the first test operation section.

In addition, in the present disclosure, the operation unit 76 may include a second test operation unit 86 for performing a test to determine whether the amount of water discharged per unit time that has flowed into the water storage unit 36 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and the air conditioner 1 may further include a cleaning liquid tank 62 that stores cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid passage 64 that guides the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank 62 to the water storage unit 36, a cleaning liquid valve 65 that adjusts the cleaning liquid flowing from the cleaning liquid tank 62 to the water storage unit 36, and a display unit (an example of a notification unit) 77 that notifies the user that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount. Also, when a test start operation is performed using the second test operation unit 86, the control device 20 may control the opening of the cleaning liquid valve 65 to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed only for a first predetermined time period to start the test and a predetermined amount of cleaning liquid flows into the water storage unit 36, and when a second predetermined time period has elapsed since the start of the test (the second predetermined time period may be any time period equal to or greater than 0 hours, for example, 1 hour or 1 day), the control device 20 may control the opening of the water valve 35 to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed to start pouring water into the water storage unit 36. Then, if the water does not reach the predetermined water level in the water storage unit 36 before a third predetermined time period has elapsed since the start of water pouring, the control device 20 may control the opening of the water valve 35 to fully closed when the third predetermined time period has elapsed since the start of water pouring, and the test may end. In addition, if the water reaches a predetermined water level in the water storage section 36 before the third predetermined time has elapsed since the water pouring started, the control device 20 may control the water valve 35 to be fully closed, and the control device 20 may cause the display unit 77 to issue a notification indicating that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount.

It is preferable to carry out a drainage performance test after the cleaning liquid has dissolved the slime and other foreign matter in the drainage path. It is also preferable that the cleaning liquid is discharged together with the dissolved foreign matter and the water in the water tank after dissolving the slime and other foreign matter, i.e., a predetermined time after being supplied to the drain pan.

According to this configuration, water drainage inspection can be performed after the cleaning liquid dissolves at least a portion of the slime and other foreign matter in the drainage path, and high-quality drainage inspection can be performed after removing easily removable foreign matter. In addition to the water drainage inspection, the drain pan 14 and the drainage path downstream of the drain pan 14 can also be cleaned with the cleaning liquid. Therefore, maintenance of the air conditioner 1 can also be performed. Note that the air conditioner does not need to have the second test operation unit.

The notification unit may also include a display unit 77, and while the test is being performed, the display unit 77 may display a message indicating that the test is being performed. If the water does not reach a predetermined water level in the water storage unit 36 from the start of the test until the end of the test, the display unit 77 may display a message indicating that the drainage performance of the water stored in the drain pan 14 is normal. On the other hand, if the water reaches the predetermined water level in the water storage unit 36 during the test, the display unit 77 may display a message indicating that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount.

This configuration allows a person to know for sure that a drainage test is in progress and that the drainage performance is normal, providing a sense of security to the person. It also allows a person to recognize that the drainage volume is below a predetermined volume, and in that case, recognize that action such as cleaning is necessary.

The notification unit may also include a display unit 77, and the operation unit 76 and the display unit 77 may be provided in a remote control 75 for controlling air conditioning.

With this configuration, a situation will not occur in which a person does not know the location of the operation unit 76, and the person can reliably receive notifications regarding the drainage test. Note that the operation unit does not necessarily have to be provided on the remote control, but may be provided on the outer surface of the air conditioner case, and the display unit may also be provided on the outer surface of the case. In addition, the notification unit (display unit) does not have to be present.

It is also preferable to use a control method and a control program for an air conditioner 1 that satisfy the following conditions. In detail, the control method for the air conditioner 1 includes a drain pan 14 including a water storage section 36 that receives water generated in the indoor heat exchangers 12 and 13, a water tank 32 to which water is supplied from a water pipe 41, a water passage 34 that guides the water in the water tank 32 to the water storage section 36, a water valve 35 that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank 32 to the water storage section 36, a first sensor 19 that detects that the water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section 36, a first test operation section 85 that performs a test to determine whether the amount of water discharged per unit time that flows into the water storage section 36 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and a display section (notification section) 76 that notifies the user that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount. The control method for the air conditioner 1 controls the water valve 35 and the display section 77 using a computer that receives a signal from the first test operation section 85 and a signal from the first sensor 19.

The control method of the air conditioner 1 also includes a first step in which, when the computer receives a signal from the first test operation unit 85 indicating the start of a test, the computer executes an open control to control the water valve 35 to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed; and a second step in which, when the computer determines based on the signal from the first sensor 19 that the water has not reached a predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer executes a first fully closed control to control the water valve 35 to fully closed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, while, when the computer determines based on the signal from the first sensor 19 that the water has reached a predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer executes a second fully closed control to control the water valve 35 to fully closed, and an alarm control to cause the display unit 77 to execute an alarm indicating that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount.

The control program for the air conditioner 1 includes a drain pan 14 including a water storage section 36 that receives water generated in the indoor heat exchangers 12 and 13, a water tank 32 to which water is supplied from a water pipe 41, a water passage 34 that guides the water in the water tank 32 to the water storage section 36, a water valve 35 that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank 32 to the water storage section 36, a first sensor 19 that detects when the water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section 36, a first test operation section 85 that performs a test to determine whether the amount of water discharged per unit time that flows into the water storage section 36 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and a display section (notification section) 77 that notifies the user that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount. The control program for the air conditioner 1 controls the water valve 35 and the display section 77 using a computer that receives a signal from the first test operation section 85 and a signal from the first sensor 19.

The control program of the air conditioner 1 also causes the computer to execute an open control that controls the water valve 35 to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed when the computer receives a signal from the first test operation unit 85 indicating the start of a test, and causes the computer to execute a first fully closed control that controls the water valve 35 to be fully closed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of a test when the computer determines based on a signal from the first sensor 19 that the water has not reached a predetermined water level in the water storage unit 36 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of a test, while causing the computer to execute a second fully closed control that controls the water valve 35 to be fully closed and an alarm control that causes the display unit 77 to execute an alarm indicating that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount when the computer determines based on a signal from the first sensor 19 that the water has reached the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of a test.

As is clear from the description of the above embodiment, by using these methods and programs, a person can easily and accurately perform a drainage test of the water contained in the drain pan 14 simply by operating the first test operation unit 85.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment and its modified examples, and various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents. For example, in the above embodiment, the water passage 34 and the cleaning liquid passage 64 are separate passages, but the water passage and the cleaning liquid passage may be connected downstream to form a single passage.

In the above embodiment, the air conditioner 1 is an air-cooled packaged air conditioner. However, the air conditioner may be a water-cooled packaged air conditioner. In detail, as shown in FIG. 7, that is, a schematic diagram showing an overview of a computer room (server room, installation room) 105 in which the indoor unit 110 of the modified air conditioner 101, 101 is installed, the hot liquid refrigerant may be cooled by water cooled in a cooling tower 140 using a heat exchanger 130 composed of a water-cooled condenser (for example, a double-pipe water-cooled condenser) or the like. Even in this case, by installing a water tank 32 in the air conditioner 101, it is possible to prevent the installation room 105 of the indoor unit 110, or the computer room 5 in the case shown in FIG. 7, from getting wet with water during a drainage inspection of the water stored in the drain pan.

1,101 Air conditioner, 3 Server, 5,105 Computer room (server room, installation room), 10,110 Indoor unit, 11 Case, 11a Intake port, 11b Outlet port, 12,13 Indoor heat exchanger, 14 Drain pan, 19 First sensor, 20 Control device, 21 Compressor, 22 Outdoor heat exchanger, 23 Expansion valve, 25 Outdoor unit, 30 Water supply device, 32 Water tank, 34 Water passage, 35 Water valve, 36 Water storage section of drain pan, 37 Second sensor, 39 Water supply control valve, 41 Water pipe, 60 Cleaning liquid supply device, 62 Cleaning liquid tank, 64 Cleaning liquid passage, 65 Cleaning liquid valve, 70 Drain pump, 71 Timer, 73 control unit, 74 memory unit, 75 remote control, 76 operation unit, 77 display unit, 81 water valve open operation unit, 82 water valve close operation unit, 83 cleaning liquid valve open operation unit, 84 cleaning liquid valve close operation unit, 85 first test operation unit, 86 second test operation unit, 130 heat exchanger, 140 cooling tower.

Claims (12)

a case having an intake port and an exhaust port and being placed indoors;
A heat exchanger disposed within the case;
A drain pan is disposed in the case and includes a water storage portion for receiving water generated in the heat exchanger;
a water tank supplied with water from a water pipe;
a water passage for guiding water in the water tank to the water storage portion;
a water valve for adjusting the flow of water from the water tank to the water storage section;
An operation unit capable of opening and closing the water valve;
a control device that controls the water valve based on a signal representing an opening/closing operation of the water valve from the operation unit so as to perform the opening/closing operation corresponding to the signal;
Equipped with
the water tank stores water to be supplied to the water storage section,
A cleaning liquid tank for storing a cleaning liquid;
a cleaning liquid passage for guiding the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage portion;
a cleaning liquid valve for adjusting the cleaning liquid flowing from the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section,
the operation unit is capable of opening and closing the cleaning liquid valve,
The control device controls the cleaning liquid valve based on a signal representing an opening/closing operation of the cleaning liquid valve from the operation unit so as to perform the opening/closing operation corresponding to the signal. a sensor for detecting when water reaches a predetermined water level in the water storage section;
2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls the water valve to close when the control device receives a signal from the sensor indicating that the water has reached the predetermined water level. the case is installed in the room in which the information equipment is installed in order to cool the information equipment;
The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air inlet opening is provided in an upper end surface of the case, and the air outlet opening is provided in a bottom surface of the case. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the water tanks are arranged horizontally adjacent to the upper side wall of the case. a second sensor for detecting whether a predetermined amount of water is contained in the water tank;
a water supply control valve that controls the water supplied from the water pipe to the water tank and is disposed outside the room;
An air conditioner as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein when the control device determines based on the signal from the second sensor that a predetermined amount of water is not contained in the water tank, it controls the opening of the water supply control valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, and when the control device determines based on the signal from the second sensor that a predetermined amount of water is contained in the water tank, it controls the opening of the water supply control valve to fully closed. An air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operation unit includes a valve opening operation unit for opening the water valve to a predetermined opening degree other than fully closed, and a valve closing operation operation unit for opening the water valve to fully closed. the operation unit includes a test operation unit for performing a test as to whether or not a drainage amount per unit time of the water flowing into the water storage unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount,
Further, a notification unit is provided that notifies the user that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount,
When a test start operation is performed using the test operation unit, the control device controls the opening of the water valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, and the test is started,
The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein if the water does not reach the specified water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the control device controls the water valve to fully close when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, and the test ends, whereas if the water reaches the specified water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the control device controls the water valve to fully close and causes the alarm unit to execute an alarm to indicate that the discharge amount is less than a predetermined amount. a case having an intake port and an exhaust port and being placed indoors;
A heat exchanger disposed within the case;
A drain pan is disposed in the case and includes a water storage portion for receiving water generated in the heat exchanger;
a water tank supplied with water from a water pipe;
a water passage for guiding water in the water tank to the water storage portion;
a water valve for adjusting the flow of water from the water tank to the water storage section;
An operation unit capable of opening and closing the water valve;
a control device that controls the water valve based on a signal representing an opening/closing operation of the water valve from the operation unit so as to perform the opening/closing operation corresponding to the signal;
Equipped with
the water tank stores water to be supplied to the water storage section,
a sensor for detecting when water reaches a predetermined water level in the water storage section;
the control device controls the water valve to close when the control device receives a signal from the sensor indicating that the water has reached the predetermined water level;
the operation unit includes a test operation unit for performing a test as to whether or not a drainage amount per unit time of the water flowing into the water storage unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount,
A cleaning liquid tank for containing a cleaning liquid;
a cleaning liquid passage for guiding the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage portion;
a cleaning liquid valve for adjusting the flow of the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section;
and a notification unit that notifies the user that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount.
When a test start operation is performed using the test operation unit, the control device controls the opening of the cleaning liquid valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed only for a first predetermined time period, thereby starting the test and causing a predetermined amount of the cleaning liquid to flow into the water storage unit,
When a second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the control device controls the opening of the water valve to a predetermined opening that is not fully closed, and water pouring into the water storage section begins;
If the water does not reach the predetermined water level before a third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the water pouring, the control device controls the water valve to fully close when the third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the water pouring, and the test ends. On the other hand, if the water reaches the predetermined water level before the third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the water pouring, the control device controls the water valve to fully close, and the control device causes the notification unit to execute a notification indicating that the drainage amount is less than a predetermined amount.
When the test start operation is performed, a water drainage inspection is performed after the cleaning liquid dissolves at least a part of the foreign matter in the drainage path. The notification unit includes a display unit,
While the test is being performed, the display unit displays a message indicating that the test is being performed;
9. The air conditioner of claim 7 or 8, wherein if the water does not reach the specified water level from the start of the test to the end of the test, the display unit displays a message indicating that the drainage performance of the water contained in the drain pan is normal, while if the water reaches the specified water level during the test, the display unit displays a message indicating that the drainage amount is less than a specified amount. The notification unit includes a display unit,
10. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein the operation section and the display section are provided in a remote controller for controlling air conditioning. The drain pan includes a water storage section that receives water produced in a heat exchanger, a water tank that receives water from a water pipe and stores water to be supplied to the water storage section, a water passage that guides water in the water tank to the water storage section, a water valve that adjusts the water flowing from the water tank to the water storage section, a sensor that detects when water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section, a test operation section that performs a test to determine whether the amount of water discharged per unit time from the water storage section is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and a test function that detects whether the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount. a cleaning liquid tank for storing cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid passage for guiding the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section, and a cleaning liquid valve for adjusting the cleaning liquid flowing from the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section, wherein an operation section is capable of opening and closing the cleaning liquid valve, and a control method for an air conditioner is provided, the control method comprising the steps of: controlling the water valve, the notification section, and the cleaning liquid valve using a computer that receives signals from the test operation section, signals from the sensor, and signals from the operation section, the method comprising the steps of:
A first step of executing an opening control in which the computer controls the opening degree of the water valve to a predetermined opening degree other than a fully closed position when the computer receives a signal indicating a start of a test from the test operation unit;
a second step in which, when the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has not reached the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer executes a first full-close control to control the opening of the water valve to fully close after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, while, when the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has reached the predetermined water level before the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer executes a second full-close control to control the opening of the water valve to fully close and an alarm control to cause the alarm unit to issue an alarm indicating that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount;
and a third step in which the computer controls the cleaning liquid valve based on a signal representing the opening/closing operation of the cleaning liquid valve from the operating unit so as to perform the opening/closing operation corresponding to the signal. a drain pan including a water storage section for receiving water produced in a heat exchanger; a water tank for receiving water from a water pipe and storing water to be supplied to the water storage section; a water passage for guiding water in the water tank to the water storage section; a water valve for adjusting the water flowing from the water tank to the water storage section; a sensor for detecting when water has reached a predetermined water level in the water storage section; a test operation section for executing a test as to whether the amount of water discharged per unit time that has flowed into the water storage section is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount; and an alarm section for notifying that the amount of water discharged is less than the predetermined amount. a cleaning liquid tank for storing cleaning liquid, a cleaning liquid passage for guiding the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section, and a cleaning liquid valve for adjusting the cleaning liquid flowing from the cleaning liquid tank to the water storage section, wherein an operation section is capable of opening and closing the cleaning liquid valve, the control program for an air conditioner causes a computer that receives signals from the test operation section, the sensor, and the operation section to control the water valve, the notification section, and the cleaning liquid valve,
When the computer receives a signal indicating a start of a test from the test operation unit, the computer executes an opening control for controlling the opening of the water valve to a predetermined opening other than a fully closed opening;
When the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has not reached the predetermined water level before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer executes a first full-close control that controls the opening of the water valve to fully close after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, while when the computer determines based on the signal from the sensor that the water has reached the predetermined water level before the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the test, the computer executes a second full-close control that controls the opening of the water valve to fully close and an alarm control that causes the alarm unit to issue an alarm indicating that the amount of drainage is less than a predetermined amount;
A control program for an air conditioner, which, when the computer receives a signal representing an opening/closing operation of the cleaning liquid valve from the operating unit, causes the computer to execute the opening/closing operation of the cleaning liquid valve corresponding to the signal.

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