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(11) | EP 2 415 928 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Dehumidifying-warming apparatus and clothes dryer using the same |
| (57) A dehumidifying-warming apparatus includes a heat pump device connecting a compressor,
a heat radiator, an expansion mechanism , and a heat absorber by using a pipe through
which a refrigerant circulates, a first temperature measuring unit, a second temperature
measuring unit, and a wind circuit through which air of the heat pump device flows
inside from an air inlet at the heat absorber side and flows outside from an air outlet
at the heat radiator side . Further, a drain pan that receives condensed water produced
by heat exchange between the air in the wind circuit and the air in the heat absorber
and the first temperature measuring unit is positioned under an overflow stream line
of the drain pan.
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TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidifying-warming apparatus using a heat pump device and a clothes dryer using the dehumidifying-warming apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In the related art, as the kind of dehumidifying-warming apparatus, a typical example has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 7-178289 (Patent Document 1) . Recently, a dehumidifying-warming apparatus has been used, instead of a heater used for a clothes dryer, in view of saving energy. A heat pump device is used as the dehumidifying-warming apparatus.
[0003] Hereinafter, a dehumidifying-warming apparatus of the related art is described. FIG. 17 is a view of a dehumidifying-warming apparatus of the related art, seen from above, FIG. 18 is a side view of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus of the related art, and FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 19-19 of FIG. 17.
[0004] Dehumidifying-warming apparatus 51 includes heat pump device 57 including, as shown in FIG. 19, compressor 53, heat radiator 54, heat absorber 55, and expansion mechanism 56, in housing 52. Temperature measuring unit 59 that measures the temperature of a refrigerant discharged from compressor 53 is disposed in pipe 58 connecting compressor 53 with heat radiator 54. Drain pan 60 that receives condensed water condensed in heat absorber 55 is disposed under heat absorber 55. The condensed water collecting in drain pan 60, as shown in FIG. 18, is discharged from drain outlet 61. Water level sensor 62 that senses the condensed water is disposed on the wall of drain pan 60, as shown in FIG. 18.
[0005] The flow of refrigerant is described by using FIG. 19. In the operation of heat pump device 57, a refrigerant that is compressed at high temperature and high pressure flows into heat radiator 54 through pipe 58 and exchanges heat with air blown by an air blower (not shown). The air is heated and the refrigerant is cooled and liquefied into a high-pressure refrigerant, through the heat exchange. The liquefied refrigerant flows into expansion mechanism 56 and is decompressed, such that it becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant and flows into heat absorber 55. In this process, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air blown by the air blower, through heat absorber 55. Meanwhile, the air is cooled and dehumidified. The refrigerant is heated to be a vapor refrigerant and returns to compressor 53.
[0006] When the refrigerant discharge temperature is above the temperature of the deterioration temperature of a lubricant in compressor 53, compressor 53 cannot normally operate. Therefore, when the refrigerant discharge temperature is above a regulated temperature, it needs to stop compressor 53.
[0007] Further, when the air is cooled and dehumidified in heat absorber 55, the water vapor in the air is condensed and condensed water is produced. The condensed water drops to drain pan 60 disposed under heat absorber 55. The condensed water that dropped to drain pan 60 is discharged to the outside of dehumidifying-warming apparatus 51 from drain outlet 61. When drain outlet 61 is clogged with foreign substances, abnormal drainage is caused and the condensed water is accumulated in drain pan 60. As a result, the water level of drain pan 60 rises. Water level sensor 62 is disposed in drain pan 60. The water level of the condensed water is sensed by water level sensor 62 and abnormal drainage is determined. Accordingly, for example, it is possible to prevent the condensed water from overflowing drain pan 60.
[0008] The flow of the air is described. The air is sent from air hatch 63 to dehumidifying-warming apparatus 51 by the air blower. The air is first cooled by heat absorber 55. When the temperature of heat absorber 55 is equal to or less than the saturation temperature of the air, the water vapor in the air is condensed on the surface of heat absorber 55. Therefore, the air is dehumidified. Thereafter, the air is heated by exchanging heat with the refrigerant that is compressed at high temperature and high pressure, in heat radiator 54. The heated air becomes high-temperature and low-humidity air and is discharged from dehumidifying-warming apparatus 51 through exhaust outlet 64.
[0009] In the dehumidifying-warming apparatus of the related art, water level sensor 62 that senses the condensed water in drain pan 60 is disposed. Accordingly, a space for disposing water level sensor 62 is needed. Therefore, the apparatus increases in size and the configuration is complicated.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION
MEANS FOR SOLVING THE INVENTION
[0011] A dehumidifying-warming apparatus of the invention includes: a heat pump device including a compressor, a heat radiator, an expansion mechanism , and a heat absorber, and a drain pan receiving condensed water produced by heat exchange between the heat absorber and air; a first temperature measuring unit; and a second temperature measuring unit. In the dehumidifying-warming apparatus of the present invention, a portion of a pipe connecting the compressor with the heat radiator leads into the drain pan. In the dehumidifying-warming apparatus of the present invention, the first temperature measuring unit is disposed at the portion, which leads into the drain pan, of the pipe.
[0012] Therefore, the first temperature measuring unit measures the temperature of a refrigerant of the heat pump device and also measures the temperature of condensed water when the condensed water is accumulated in the drain pan. The water level in the drain pan is detected by the temperature measured by the first temperature measuring unit and the second temperature measuring unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a view of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, seen from above.
FIG. 4 is a time chart showing the operation of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the operation of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a time chart showing the operation of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a time chart showing the operation of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the operation of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a time chart showing the operation of a dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a time chart showing the operation of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a time chart showing the operation of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a time chart showing the operation of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a time chart showing the operation of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a time chart showing the operation of a dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a time chart showing the operation of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the main parts of a clothes dryer equipped with a dehumidifying-warming apparatus, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a view of a dehumidifying-warming apparatus of the conventional art, seen from above.
FIG. 18 is a side view of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus of the conventional art.
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus of the conventional art, taken along the line 19-19 of FIG. 17.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the embodiments.
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT 1
[0015] FIG. 1 is a view showing a cross-section of a dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a view of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus, seen from above.
[0016] A dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, includes heat pump device 7 composed of compressor 2, heat radiator 3, expansion mechanism 4, heat absorber 5, and pipe 6 that connects them and in which the refrigerant circulates, is disposed in housing 1. The rotation speed of compressor 2 can be changed by an inverter or the like.
[0017] In a portion of pipe 6, first temperature measuring unit 8 is disposed at pipe 6A connecting compressor 2 with heat radiator 3. First temperature measuring unit 8 measures the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from compressor 2. The temperature of the refrigerant measured by first temperature measuring unit 8 is input to control device 9 that controls the operation of compressor 2. First temperature measuring unit 8 is implemented by a thermistor or the like.
[0018] Drain pan 10 is disposed under heat absorber 5 to receive the condensed water produced through heat absorber 5. The condensed water collecting in drain pan 10 is discharged from drain outlet 11. A portion of pipe 6A connecting compressor 2 with heat radiator 3 leads into drain pan 10. First temperature measuring unit 8 is disposed at the portion, which leads into drain pan 10, of pipe 6A. The position of first temperature measuring unit 8 may be the bottom or the side in drain pan 10.
[0019] In pipe 6A, first temperature measuring unit 8 is mounted such that a portion or the entire portion is disposed in the gravity direction under overflow stream line W that is the border position where the condensed water overflows drain pan 10.
[0020] Next, the basic operation of heat pump device 7 is described by using FIG. 2. The refrigerant is first compressed by compressor 2 into a high-temperature and high-pressure state. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant flows into heat radiator 3 through the portion, where first temperature measuring unit 8 is attached, of pipe 6A. In heat radiator 3, the air blown by the air blower (not shown) and the refrigerant exchange heat. The air is warmed, while the refrigerant is cooled and liquefied, through the heat exchange. The liquefied high-pressure refrigerant is depressurized into a low-temperature and low-pressure liquefied refrigerant by expansion mechanism 4 and flows into heat absorber 5. In heat absorber 5, the air blown by the air blower and the refrigerant exchange heat. The air is cooled and dehumidified through the heat exchange. Meanwhile, the refrigerant becomes a vapor refrigerant by heating. Thereafter, the vapor refrigerant returns to compressor 2.
[0021] When the refrigerant discharge temperature of compressor 2 is above a regulated temperature, deterioration of the lubricant in compressor 2 is intensified. When the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from compressor 2 is measured by first temperature measuring unit 8 and the refrigerant discharge temperature is above the regulated temperature, control device 9 stops the operation of compressor 2. Accordingly, deterioration of the lubricant is prevented.
[0022] In the heat pump cycle, the discharge temperature of the refrigerant discharged from compressor 2 is higher than condensation temperature. The refrigerant discharge temperature (for example, 80 to 100°C) is measured by first temperature measuring unit 8. Since the refrigerant discharge temperature depends on the rotation speed of compressor 2, the operation of compressor 2 is controlled such that the refrigerant discharge temperature is within a predetermined range. When the rotation speed of compression 2 is kept constant, the fluctuation of the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8, that is, the fluctuation of the refrigerant discharge temperature is about ± 1 degree. That is, the fluctuation range is small in this case.
[0023] Next, the flow of the air that is dehumidified and warmed by the dehumidifying-warming apparatus is described. The air in FIG. 1 is fed to the dehumidifying-warming apparatus from air inlet 14 disposed at housing 1 by the air blower (not shown) . Thereafter, the air flows into heat absorber 5 and is cooled. When the temperature of the air in heat absorber 5 becomes equal to or less than the saturation temperature, the water vapor in the air builds up condensation on the surface of heat absorber 5. Therefore, the air is dehumidified. The dehumidified air, thereafter, is heated into high-temperature and low-humid air by heat radiator 3 and discharged from air outlet 15. Wind circuit 13 is formed such that the air moves as described above in the dehumidifying-warming apparatus.
[0024] The condensed water produced through heat absorber 5 drops to drain pan 10. The condensed water collecting in drain pan 10 is discharged to the outside of housing 1 from drain outlet 11. In this process, lint, which is micro fiber of clothes, or other micro foreign substances are contained in the air blown by the air blower. The lint drops with the condensed water and accumulates in drain pan 10.
[0025] Drain outlet 11 through which the condensed water accumulated in drain pan 10 is discharged may be clogged with the lint. In this case, the condensed water is not discharged from drain outlet 11 and accumulates in drain pan 10. When condensed water is further produced through heat absorber 5, the water level of the condensed water in drain pan 10 rises. When the condensed water exceeds the boundary position where the condensed water overflows drain pan 10, the condensed water overflows drain pan 10. That is, abnormality in the water level of the condensed water is caused by drainage abnormality of drain outlet 11, so that the condensed water consequently overflows drain pan 10. The boundary position where the water overflows drain pan 10 is shown as overflow stream line W in Fig. 1. Overflow stream line W is the boundary position where water overflows and may be, for example, indicated by a line or may not be substantially indicated, in drain pan 10.
[0026] In pipe 6A, first temperature measuring unit 8 is mounted such that a portion or the entire portion is disposed in the gravity direction under overflow stream line W that is the border position where the condensed water overflows drain pan 10.
[0027] Second temperature measuring unit 12 is disposed in heat radiator 3 and measures the condensation temperature of the refrigerant. The temperature of the refrigerant which is measured by second temperature measuring unit 12 is input to control device 9.
[0028] Wind circuit 13 is disposed such that the air in heat pump device 7 flows inside from air inlet 14 at the heat absorber side and flows outside to air outlet 15 at the heat radiator 3 side. Condensed water is produced by heat exchange between the air in wind circuit 13 and the refrigerant in heat absorber 5.
[0029] The dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes heat pump device 7 connecting compressor 2, heat radiator 3, expansion mechanism 4, and heat absorber 5 by pipe 6 through which the refrigerant circulates, first temperature measuring unit 8 disposed in pipe 6A that is a portion of pipe 6, second temperature measuring unit 12 disposed in heat radiator 3, wind circuit 13, and drain pan 10, in which first temperature measuring unit 8 is positioned under the boundary position (overflow stream line W) where water overflows drain pan 10.
[0030] Therefore, when the water level of the condensed water in drain pan 10 rises, first temperature measuring unit 8 comes in contact with the condensed water. That is, first temperature measuring unit 8 comes in contact with the condensed water before the condensed water exceeds overflow stream line W. In general, the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from compressor 2 is, for example, 80 to 100°C. That is, in general, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is 80 to 100°C. Meanwhile, when the water level of the condensed water rises due to drainage abnormality and first temperature measuring unit 8 comes in contact with the condensed water, first temperature measuring unit 8 is cooled. That is, the measurement temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 decreases. Accordingly, first temperature measuring unit 8 is cooled by the condensed water and it is possible to detect the abnormality in the water level of the condensed water by measuring a change in the measured temperature of the first temperature measuring unit due to the cooling. Therefore, it is possible to detect the drainage abnormality, in drain pan 10.
[0031] First temperature measuring unit 8 has two functions of measuring the discharge temperature of the refrigerant and detecting the drainage abnormality of the condensed water, in the heat pump cycle. Accordingly, it is not required, as in the related art, to specifically dispose a water level sensor in drain pan 10. It is possible to simplify the apparatus and decrease the size.
[0032] Next, another example A1 of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described. Control device 9 stops the operation of compressor 2, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a change in the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 and second temperature measuring unit 12.
[0034] Section 1 shows an initial rising process after compressor 2 starts to operate. As the rotation speed of compressor 2 increases, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 and the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 both rise. Control device 9 revolves compressor 2 until a predetermined time passes or until a predetermined temperature is achieved. As compressor 2 is revolved, the temperature of the refrigerant rises.
[0035] In section 2, control device 9 controls the rotation speed of compressor 2 such that the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is within a first predetermined range (for example, 80 to 100°C). The first predetermined range is determined by the upper limit and the lower limit of temperature where the refrigerant is at a proper temperature. When drainage abnormality of the condensed water is generated while compressor 2 operates, the condensed water is accumulated in drain pan 10 and the water level gradually increases.
[0036] Section 3 is when drainage abnormality of the condensed water is generated and the water lever in drain pan 10 rises up to W2. Therefore, first temperature measuring unit 8 comes in contact with the condensed water in drain pan 10. The measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 rapidly decreases by cooling due to the condensed water. When the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the measure temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12, drainage abnormality is detected. Accordingly, when the drainage abnormality is detected, control device 9 stops the rotation of compressor 2.
[0037] As the operation of compressor 2 is stopped, new production of condensed water is decreased. The increase in water level of the condensed water stops to the state of W2 that is the water level that increases until the operation of compressor 2 is stopped, from W1 that is the water level where first temperature measuring unit 8 is in contact with the condensed water. As a result, overflow stream due to the overflowing condensed water is prevented.
[0038] Another example A2 of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described by using FIG. 5. Control device 9 decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 for a predetermined time when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12, and stops the operation of compressor 2 when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than again the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12.
[0039] The difference from example A1 is that control device 9 decreases the rotation speed before stopping compressor 2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, control device 9 decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 from r1 to r2 for a predetermined time, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12.
[0040] Thereafter, after a predetermined time T1 passes, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12, control device 9 stops the rotation speed of compressor 2.
[0041] The measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 may temporarily decrease through fluctuation of the heat pump cycle. However, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 even after a predetermined time passes, it is determined that first temperature measuring unit 8 is in contact with the condensed water. In this case, it is determined that the water level in drain pan 10 is abnormal.
[0042] As the operation of compressor 2 is stopped, new production of condensed water is stopped. Therefore, the increase in water level in drain pan 10 stops at W2 that is the water level that increases until the operation of compressor 2 is stopped, from W1 that is the water level where first temperature measuring unit 8 is in contact with the condensed water. As a result, overflow stream due to the overflowing condensed water is prevented. Accordingly, water abnormality is detected, without specifically disposing a water sensor in drain pan 10.
[0043] Rotation speed r1 and r2 of compressor 2 are appropriately determined on the basis of the characteristics of the refrigerant or the size or the like of drain pan 10.
[0044] Next, another example B1 of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described. The difference from example A1 and example A2 is that conditions for determining whether the heat pump cycle normally operates by using second temperature measuring unit 12 are added.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, in example B1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, control device 9 stops the rotation of compressor 2, when the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 is within a predetermined range and the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than a first predetermined temperature.
[0046] There are largely two reasons that the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 decreases. The first reason is fluctuation of the heat pump cycle caused by a change in the rotation speed of compressor 2. As the rotation speed of compressor 2 changes, the heat pump cycle fluctuates and the temperature of the refrigerant decreases. The second reason is that the condensed water comes in contact with first temperature measuring unit 8 due to the drainage abnormality.
[0047] The measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 is used to discriminate the reasons that the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 decreases. When the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 is within a predetermined range, that is, when it is a normal operation, it is determined that the heat pump cycle does not fluctuate. This is because the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 decreases, accompanying first temperature measuring unit 8, when the temperature is decreased through fluctuation of the heat pump cycle. Accordingly, it is possible to discriminate whether the reason that the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit decreases is because of the decrease in temperature due to the condensed water, by using the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12.
[0048] In this case, when the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 is within a predetermined range (for example 60 to 70°C), control device 9 stops the rotation of compressor 2 when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the first predetermined temperature (for example, 80°C). For example, the first predetermined temperature is set to the lower limit of the first predetermined range. Since the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 decreases while the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 is within a predetermined range, it is possible to determine that the condensed water has come in contact with first temperature measuring unit 8 and drainage abnormality is generated.
[0049] Accordingly, it is possible to accurately detect the drainage abnormality early. Further, it is possible to prevent overflow stream from drain pan 10 by stopping the operation of compressor 2.
[0050] Although the first predetermined temperature is set to the lower limit of the first predetermined range, it is not limited thereto and may be the upper limit of a second predetermined range, the lower limit of the second predetermined range, or a value between the upper limit and the lower limit of the second predetermined range. This is because it is preferable to appropriately determine the threshold value where the drainage abnormality occurs.
[0051] Next, another example B2 of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described. The difference from example B1 is that the control of reducing the rotation speed is performed before compressor 2 is stopped.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, control device 9 decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 for a predetermined time, when the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 is within a predetermined range and the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the first predetermined temperature. Thereafter, the operation of compressor 2 is stopped, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the first predetermined temperature.
[0053] In this case, when the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 is within a predetermined range (for example 60 to 70°C), control device 9 decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 from r1 to r2 for a predetermined time T1 (for example, 10 minutes) when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the first predetermined temperature (for example, 80°C).
[0054] The first predetermined temperature is the lower limit of the first predetermined range, as shown in FIG. 7. However, it is not limited thereto and may be the upper limit of the second predetermined range, the lower limit of the second predetermined range, or a value between the upper limit and the lower limit of the second predetermined range. This is because it is preferable to appropriately determine the threshold value where the drainage abnormality occurs.
[0055] The drain amount of the condensed water decreases in a state where drain outlet 11 of drain pan 10 is narrowed by accumulation of lint or the like. When condensed water above the drain amount is produced, the water level increases. In this case, the rotation speed of compressor 2 is decreased by control device 9 and the dehumidifying ability is decreased. Accordingly, the production amount of the condensed water decreases, so that the increase in the amount from water level W2 to W3 decreases. Control device 9 keeps operating because the condensed water does not overflow drain pan 10.
[0056] Thereafter, control device 9 decreases rotation speed of compressor 2 from r1 to r2 for predetermined time T1. When the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 does not increase again to the first predetermined temperature, complete drainage abnormality is determined and the operation of compressor 2 is stopped. Accordingly, overflow stream of the contact of the condensed water is definitely prevented, because the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 is within a predetermined range.
[0057] Next, another example B3 of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is described. The difference from example B2 is that the rotation speed of compressor 2 is decreased and a reference value for determining whether there is an overflow stream is changed before compressor 2 is stopped.
[0058] In example B3 of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, control device 9 changes the reference value where the operation of compressor 2 is controlled while reducing the rotation speed of compressor 2 for a predetermined time when the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 is within a predetermined range and the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the first predetermined temperature, and stops the operation of compressor 2 when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than a third predetermined temperature.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, when the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 is within a predetermined range (for example 60 to 70°C), the rotation speed of compressor 2 is decreased from r1 to r2 for predetermined time T1 (for example, 10 minutes) when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the first predetermined temperature (for example, 80°C).
[0060] The first predetermined temperature is the lower limit of a predetermined range of first temperature measuring unit 8, as shown in FIG. 8. It is not limited thereto and may be the upper limit of the second predetermined range, the lower limit of the second predetermined range, or a value between the upper limit and the lower limit of the second predetermined range. This is because it is preferable to set a value corresponding to the temperature when the condensed water comes in contact with first temperature measuring unit 8.
[0061] Thereafter, control unit 9 changes the reference value from the first predetermined temperature to the third predetermined temperature, for the predetermined temperature where the operation of compressor 2 is controlled. Further, the operation of compressor 2 is stopped, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the third predetermined temperature.
[0062] That is, the operation of compressor 2 is stopped, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 does not increase to the reference value after the change. The refrigerant discharge temperature decreases in accordance with the decrease of the rotation speed of compressor 2. The first predetermined temperature and the third predetermined temperature are reference values for determining an increase in the refrigerant discharge temperature. Control device 9 changes the reference value for determining an increase in the discharge temperature of the refrigerant from the first predetermined temperature to the third predetermined temperature lower than the first predetermined temperature, in accordance with the rotation speed of compressor 2. Accordingly, it is possible to keep the operation of compressor 2 even if it does not reach the first predetermined temperature and the drainage abnormality of the condensed water is overcome. Accordingly, compressor 2 is not directly stopped, but once, the operation is decreased. Therefore, it becomes easy to keep compressor 2 operating, so that the operation is stabilized. The overflow stream from drain pan 10 is more accurately detected by changing the reference value. It is possible to more accurately detect the drainage abnormality of the condensed water.
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT 2
[0063] Next, another example C1 of a dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described. The difference from the first embodiment is that a temperature change rate of first temperature measuring unit 8 is used to determine whether the condensed water overflows drain pan 10.
[0064] It is possible to accurately control the operation of compressor 2 by changing the threshold value in accordance with the rotation speed of compressor 2. Accordingly, an overflow stream is prevented.
[0065] In the dehumidifying-warning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the rotation of compressor 2 is stopped, when a temperature change rate of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature change rate while the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 increases.
[0066] This example is described by using the drawings. FIG. 9 is a time chart when the condensed water in drain pan 10 is not in contact with first temperature measuring unit 8. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a temperature when the condensed water comes in contact with first temperature measuring unit 8 in the initial rising process after an operation starts. A first temperature change rate is the temperature increase amount per unit time of the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8.
[0067] A second temperature change rate is the increase amount per unit time of the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12. In the starting of an operation, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 increases in accordance with the rotation of compressor 2 and the first temperature change rate shows a constant value. The measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 increases in accordance with the rotation of compressor 2 and the second temperature change rate also shows a constant value.
[0068] At point P where the water level in drain pan 10 rises to W1, first temperature measuring unit 8 comes in contact with the condensed water accumulated in drain pan 10. In this case, the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 stably increases, while the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 becomes smaller than a predetermined rise rate. When first temperature measuring unit 8 comes in contact with the condensed water accumulated in drain pan 10, the temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 becomes smaller than the first temperature change rate.
[0069] Drainage abnormality is detected by a change in the rise rate of temperature. Control device 9 stops the operation of compressor 2 after predetermined time T1 from detection of the drainage abnormality. The water level of the condensed water is stopped in the state where it rises from W1 that is the water level where first temperature measuring unit 8 is in contact with the condensed water to W2 where the operation of compressor 2 is stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an overflow stream of the condensed water.
[0070] That is, when the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12 stably increases, it is possible to determine that this is because drainage abnormality. It is possible to accurately detect the drainage abnormality at the early stage. Further, an overflow stream is prevented by stopping the operation of compressor 2.
[0071] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a change in temperature when the rotation speed of compressor 2 is smaller than that in FIG. 10. The increase in temperature stops, when first temperature measuring unit 8 comes in contact with the condensed water at point P where the water level in drain pan 10 rises up to W1. The stop of increase in temperature is because the amount of heat that is given to first temperature measuring unit 8 from the refrigerant is the same as the amount of heat taken to the condensed water.
[0072] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a change in temperature when the rotation speed of compressor 2 is further smaller than that in FIG. 11. First temperature measuring unit 8 comes in contact with the condensed water in drain pan 10 at point P, the temperature decreases from the contact time. The reduction of temperature is because as the circulating volume of the refrigerant further decreases, the amount of heat that is given to first temperature measuring unit 8 from the refrigerant is smaller than the amount of heat taken to the condensed water.
[0073] When any one of the above states is detected during the operation, the operation of compressor 2 is stopped after predetermined time T1
[0074] That is, the temperature increase amount per unit time of first temperature measuring unit 8 is measured. The operation of compressor 2 is stopped when the first temperature change rate is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature change rate even after predetermined time T1 passes. Accordingly, it is possible to more flexibly and accurately determine an overflow stream by using the temperature change rate for the conditions for determining an overflow.
[0075] Further, in this example, after predetermined time T1 passes, the first temperature change rate and a predetermined temperature change rate are compared. Further, until predetermined time T1 passes, the first temperature change rate and the predetermined temperature change rate are kept compared, and when the conditions are not satisfied at and above a predetermined number of times, the operation of compressor 2 may be stopped.
[0076] Predetermined time T1 is a time where a change in temperature rise can be detected and can be easily detected from a temperature change amount per unit time. The predetermined time, first temperature change rate, and second temperature change rate are appropriately determined from the characteristics of the refrigerant of compressor 2 and the size of drain pan 10.
[0077] Further, compressor 2 stops after it detects drainage abnormality based on point P. Compressor 2 stops sooner from point P, it is possible to decrease the increasing amount of the condensed water from the water level W1.
[0078] As described above, at the start of operation, the temperature change measured by first temperature measuring unit 8 is detected and the drainage abnormality is accurately and adequately detected.
[0079] Although the start of operation in this example is described with reference to the drawings, the drainage abnormality is detected by appropriately determining the first temperature change rate and the second temperature change rate during the operation.
[0080] Further, control device 9 may optionally set the rotation speed of compressor 2 in a plurality of steps, such as strong/weak. As in this example, the drainage abnormality is accurately and adequately detected even if the rotation speed of compressor 2 is switched from 'strong' to `weak' by detecting the change rate of temperature.
[0081] That is, compressor 2 is not directly stopped, but once, the operation is decreased. Therefore, it becomes easy to keep compressor 2 operating, so that the operation is stabilized. The overflow stream from drain pan 10 is more accurately detected by changing the reference value. It is possible to more accurately detect the drainage abnormality of the condensed water.
[0082] Next, another example C2 of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is described. The difference from the example C1 is that once the rotation speed of the compressor 2 is decreased before compressor 2 is stopped.
[0083] When the temperature change rate of the first temperature measuring unit8 is equal to or less than the predetermined temperature change rate while the temperature of the second temperature measuring unit 12 is rising, the rotation speed of the compressor2 is decreased for a predetermined time. When the temperature change rate of the first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the predetermined temperature change rate even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the operation of the compressor2 is stopped.
[0084] This example is described by using the drawings. FIG. 13 is a time chart showing the operation of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus. Compressor 2 is implemented to be able to change the rotation speed of an inverter or the like. Control device 9 decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 for a predetermined time T2, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is smaller than a predetermined temperature change rate. The operation of compressor 2 is stopped, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 does not increase again.
[0085] The drain amount of the condensed water decreases in a state where drain outlet 11 of drain pan 10 is narrowed by accumulation of lint or the like. The water level in drain pan 10 rises when condensed water of or above the drain amount of the condensed water is produced. Therefore, the dehumidifying performance decreases with the reduction of the rotation speed of compressor 2, so that the operation is implemented with the dew condensation amount decreased. Accordingly, it is possible to decrease the increase amount such that the water level of the condensed water becomes W3 from W2 (FIG. 13) . It is possible to keep the operation without allowing overflow from drain pan 10.
[0086] As in FIG. 13, control device 9 determines that there is drainage abnormality, when the rotation speed of compressor 2 does not increase again even after being decreased for predetermined time T2. Control device 9 prevents an overflow stream by stopping the operation of compressor 2. Control device 9 measures the temperature increase rate by comparing the temperature when reducing the rotation speed of compressor 2 with the temperature when a predetermined time passes after reducing the rotation speed of compressor 2. Although the first refrigerant temperature also decreases when the rotation speed of compressor 2 is decreased, when the first refrigerant temperature increases, it can be determined that the water level decreases without contact between the condensed water and first temperature measuring unit 8.
[0087] Accordingly, the reference value for determining the increase in the first refrigerant temperature is set in accordance with a change in the rotation speed of compressor 2. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately control the operation of compressor 2.
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT 3
[0088] The configuration of a dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment, so that the same reference numerals are given and the detailed description uses that of the first embodiment.
[0089] Next, another example D1 of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is described. Control device 9 decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 for a predetermined time, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than a second predetermined temperature. There are largely two cases that decrease the rotation speed of compressor 2 for a predetermined time.
[0090] First, the first case that decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 is described. FIG. 14 is a time chart showing the operation of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 14, in example D1, control device 9 decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 for a predetermined of time, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 becomes equal to or less than the second predetermined temperature. Compressor 2 is operated with a first predetermined rotation speed r1 (for example, 90 rps), which is set at a relatively high rotation range, after starting operating. Compressor 2 is controlled within a predetermined range by control device 9 such that the refrigerant discharge temperature, that is, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 becomes t1 (for example, 100°C). When the rotation speed of compressor 2 is kept constant, the fluctuation of the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is about ± 1 degree. That is, the fluctuation range of the temperature is small.
[0091] There are largely two reasons that the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 decreases. The first reason is a decrease in temperature due to fluctuation of the heat pump cycle caused by a change in the rotation speed of compressor 2. As the rotation speed of compressor 2 changes, the heat pump cycle fluctuates and the temperature of the refrigerant decreases. Another reason that the measure temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 decreases is when the condensed water comes in contact with first temperature measuring unit 8 by the drainage abnormality.
[0092] In section c of FIG. 14, the measure temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 decreases from t1 to t5. However, the decrease is very small, so that it is impossible to determine whether it is a temperature decrease due to fluctuation of the heat pump cycle or a temperature decrease due to the contact of temperature first measuring unit 8 with the condensed water accumulated in drain pan 10.
[0093] When the refrigerant discharge temperature decreases to a second predetermined temperature t5 (for example, 80°C), in section d, control device 9 decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 from a first predetermined rotation speed r1 to a second predetermined rotation speed r2 for a predetermined time. Accordingly, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 considerably decreases from t5. When first temperature measuring unit 8 comes in contact with the condensed water, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 easily decreases when the circulating volume of the refrigerant is small, that is, a heat-capacity flow rate is small, as compared with when the circulating volume of the refrigerant is normal, that is, the heat-capacity flow rate is large. Accordingly, since the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 considerably decreases, it is more easily detected that the drainage abnormality is generated. Therefore, detection accuracy of the drainage abnormality by first temperature measuring unit 8 increases.
[0094] When the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 decreases less than a third predetermined temperature t3 (for example, 60°C), it is determined that the temperature is decreased by the contact of first temperature measuring unit 8 with the condensed water accumulated in drain pan 10. That is, it is determined that first temperature measuring unit 8 is in contact with the condensed water. When the reason that the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is decreased is the fluctuation of the heat pump cycle cause by the change in the rotation speed of compressor 2, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is temperature corresponding to rotation speed r2. That is, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 decreases under the temperature corresponding to rotation speed r2 of compressor 2, it is determined that first temperature measuring unit 8 comes in contact with the condensed water. It is possible to prevent the condensed water from overflowing drain pan 10 on the basis of the determination.
[0095] Next, another example D2 of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is described. In example D2, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than second predetermined temperature t5, control device 9 decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 for a predetermined time, and when the measured temperature is equal to or less than third predetermined temperature t3 lower than second predetermined temperature t5, control device 9 stops the rotation of compressor 2.
[0096] In FIG. 14, compressor 2 is set at rotation speed r1 and operated such that the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is maintained at t1. The heat-capacity flow rate due to circulation of the refrigerant is large while compressor 2 revolves at first predetermined rotation speed r1. In the section c of FIG. 14, the refrigerant discharge temperature, that is, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 decreases from predetermined temperature t1 to t5. However, the decrease is very small, so that it is impossible to determine whether it is a temperature decrease due to fluctuation of the heat pump cycle or a temperature decrease due to the contact of first temperature measuring unit 8 with the condensed water accumulated in drain pan 10. The rotation speed of compressor 2 is decreased from first predetermined rotation speed r1 to second predetermined rotation speed r2. Accordingly, the circulating volume of the refrigerant decreases and the heat-capacity flow rate is decreased. When first temperature measuring unit 8 comes in contact with the condensed water, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 easily decreases when the circulating volume of the refrigerant is small, that is, a heat-capacity flow rate is small, as compared with when the circulating volume of the refrigerant is normal, that is, the heat-capacity flow rate is large. Accordingly, since the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 considerably decreases, it is more easily detected that the drainage abnormality is generated. Therefore, detection accuracy of the drainage abnormality by first temperature measuring unit 8 increases.
[0097] In section d of FIG. 14, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than second predetermined temperature t5, control device 9 decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 to r2. In this case, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is expected to be temperature corresponding to rotation speed r2 of compressor 2. However, when first temperature measuring unit 8 comes in contact with the condensed water, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 further decreases. Accordingly, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 decreases under third predetermined temperature t3 lower than second predetermined temperature t5, it is determined that first temperature measuring unit 8 is in contact with the condensed water accumulated in drain pan 10 and control device 9 stops the operation of compressor 2. Since the operation of compressor 2 is stopped, it is possible to prevent the condensed water from overflowing drain pan 10.
[0098] Next, another example D3 of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is described. In example D3, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than second predetermined temperature, control device 9 decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 for a predetermined time, and when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12, control device 9 stops the operation of compressor 2.
[0099] In example D3, control device 9 decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than a second predetermined temperature. In this case, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is expected to be temperature corresponding to rotation speed of compressor 2. However, when first temperature measuring unit 8 comes in contact with the condensed water, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 further decreases.
[0100] Control device 9 stops the operation of compressor 2, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12.
[0101] In the heat pump cycle, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is higher than the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12. Therefore, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12, control device 9 determines that the condensed water is in contact with first temperature measuring unit 8, with the heat pump cycle not abnormal. This is because the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 decreases, accompanying the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12, when abnormality is generated in the heat pump cycle. An overflow stream of the condensed water is definitely prevented, by stopping the operation of compressor 2.
[0102] Next, the second case that decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 for a predetermined time is described. In another example E1 of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, control device 9 operates compressor 2 at first rotation speed r1 and decreases the compressor to second rotation speed r2 lower than first rotation speed r1, after a predetermined time passes. Control device 9 controls the rotation speed of compressor 2 such that first rotation speed and second rotation speed are alternately repeated.
[0103] The difference of example E1 from example A1 is that the rotation speed of compressor 2 is alternately repeated to first rotation speed r1 and second rotation speed r2. Therefore, the condensed water is prevented from overflowing drain pan 10.
[0104] FIG. 15 is a time chart showing the operation of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus, which shows changes in the refrigerant discharge temperature, that is, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 and in the rotation speed of compressor 2. The refrigerant discharge temperature gradually increases after the operation is started.
[0105] Control device 9 sets the rotation speed of compressor 2 to first predetermined rotation speed r1 (for example, 90 rps) after a predetermined time passes from starting of the operation, and operates the compressor 2 for a predetermined time. Accordingly, heat pump device 7 performs dehumidification-drying of the air. After the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 reaches t1 (for example, 100°C) and predetermined time T10 (for example, 20 to 30 minutes) passes, control device 9 decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 within predetermined time T20 (for example, 20 to 30 seconds). As the rotation speed of compressor 2 decreases, the generation of condensed water is decreased. The condensed water accumulated in drain pan 10 is gradually discharged during predetermined time T20.
[0106] Compressor 2 is operated with a first predetermined rotation speed r1 (for example, 90 rps), which is set at a relatively high rotation range. In this process, the refrigerant discharge temperature is set at t1 (for example, 100°C). The refrigerant discharge temperature, that is, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 fluctuates with the operation of compressor 2 and is controlled within a predetermined range by control device 9. When the rotation speed of compressor 2 is kept constant, the fluctuation of the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is about ± 1 degree. That is, the fluctuation range of the temperature is small.
[0107] As shown in FIG. 15, control device 9 sets the rotation speed of compressor 2 to first predetermined rotation speed r1 after a predetermined time passes from starting of the operation, and operates the compressor for a predetermined time . Accordingly, heat pump device 7 performs dehumidification-drying of the air. After the measured temperature of temperature measuring unit 8 reaches t1 (for example, 100°C) and predetermined time T10 (for example, 20 to 30 minutes) passes, control device 9 decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 within predetermined time T20 (for example, 20 to 30 seconds). The rotation speed of compressor 2 decreases under a first predetermined rotation speed and the compressor operates at a second rotation speed r2 (for example, 45 rps), for predetermined time T20.
[0108] When the condensed water is normally discharged, the refrigerant discharge temperature decreases from t1 to t2. In section a, the refrigerant discharge temperature, that is, the measured temperature of temperature measuring unit 8 decreases to t2 that is temperature according to second predetermined rotation speed r2, with the decrease in the rotation speed. In this case, since first temperature measuring unit 8 is not in contact with the condensed water, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is higher than third predetermined temperature t6 (for example, 60°C). In this case, it is possible to determine that drainage abnormality is not generated. Thereafter, compressor 2 operates at the initial first predetermined rotation speed r1 after predetermined time T20 (for example, 20 to 30 seconds). That is, compressor 2 intermittently operates between rotation speed r1 and r2.
[0109] As the rotation speed of compressor 2 decreases to second rotation speed r2 from first predetermined rotation speed r1, the circulating volume of the refrigerant decreases and the heat-capacity flow rate is decreased. When the heart-capacity flow rate is decreased and temperature measuring unit 8 comes in contact with the condensed water, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 significantly decreases. Therefore, the detection accuracy of drainage abnormality by first temperature measuring unit 8 is improved.
[0110] The heat-capacity flow rate due to circulation of the refrigerant is large while compressor 2 operates at first predetermined rotation speed r1 The measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is decreased from t1 to t4 by the contact with the condensed water, but the heat-capacity flow rate is large, so that the reduction amount is small. When the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is t4, the rotation speed of compressor 2 is decreased from r1 to r2. The circulating volume of the refrigerant measured by first temperature measuring unit 8 decreases. Therefore, the heat-capacity flow rate decreases and t4 considerably decreases. That is, as the difference between t1 and t4 increases, drainage abnormality is easily detected by first temperature measuring unit 8, so that detection accuracy of the sensor is improved.
[0111] Predetermined time T10 where compressor 2 operates at first predetermined rotation speed r1 is, for example, tens of minutes (preferably, 20 to 30 minutes). When operation time T10 is shorter than tens of minutes, the refrigerant temperature may not sufficiently increase. That is, the dehumidification-drying of the air by heat pump device 7 may not be sufficiently performed. It is preferable that predetermined time T10 is time before the condensed water accumulated in drain pan 10 overflows. Accordingly, predetermined time T10 is appropriately determined by the size of the drain pan or the production speed of the condensed water.
[0112] Predetermined time T20 where compressor 2 operates at second predetermined rotation speed r2 is, for example, tens of seconds (preferably, 20 to 30 seconds). When predetermined time T20 is shorter than tens of seconds, the temperature of the refrigerant may not sufficiently decrease and the detection accuracy may be decreased. When predetermined time T20 is longer than tens of seconds, the temperature of the refrigerant excessively decreases and the air may not be sufficiently warmed. Predetermined time T20 is set to a time where the air can be sufficiently warmed and drying efficiency is decreased as little as possible.
[0113] Not being limited thereto, predetermined times T10 and T20 are appropriately determined in accordance with the performance or the rotation speed of compressor 2, the size of drain pan 10, and the production speed or drain speed of the condensed water. Predetermined times T10 and T20 are repeated to each other for a plurality of numbers of times. Accordingly, overflowing of the condensed water is detected even if drain pan 10 is clogged with foreign substances during the operation of compressor 2. Compressor 2 operates for predetermined time T10 with the rotation speed set to r1, and then operates for predetermined time T20 with the rotation speed set to r2. When compressor 2 is intermittently operate, rotation speed r1 and r2 may be the same rotation speed every time, or may be changed to different rotation speed. Further, when compressor 2 is intermittently operated, predetermined times T10 and T20 may be the same every time, or may be changed to different times. Accordingly, overflowing of the condensed water is detected even if foreign substances clog during the operation of compressor 2.
[0114] Another example E2 of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is described by using FIG. 15. In example E2, control device 9 operates compressor 2 at first rotation speed r1 and decreases compressor 2 to second rotation speed r2 lower than first rotation speed r1, after a predetermined time passes. Thereafter, the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed are alternately repeated. Further, control device 9 stops the operation of compressor 2 when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than fourth predetermined temperature t6.
[0115] In section b of FIG. 15, the refrigerant discharge temperature, that is, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 decreases under t6 that is the fourth predetermined temperature. This is because first temperature measuring unit 8 comes in contact with the condensed water accumulated in drain pan 10 and the heat is taken to the condensed water, so that the temperature decreases. In this case, control device 9 determines that there is drainage abnormality and stops the operation of compressor 2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the condensed water from overflowing drain pan 10.
[0116] Example E2 is different from example A1 in that the rotation speed of compressor 2 is alternately repeated to first rotation speed r1 and second rotation speed r2 and the operation of compressor 2 is stopped when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the fourth predetermined temperature. That is, the condensed water is prevented from overflowing by not reducing the rotation speed and keeping the operation of compressor, but stopping the operation of compressor 2.
[0117] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the temperature where the operation of compressor 2 is stopped is fourth predetermined temperature t6 (for example, 60°C). The fourth predetermined temperature is appropriately determined in accordance with the performance or the rotation speed of compressor 2, the size of drain pan 10, and the production speed or the drain speed of the condensed water. Further, after compressor 2 is operated, the fourth predetermined temperature may be predetermined temperature that is a value lower than the minimum value of the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 and higher than the refrigerant condensation temperature. Accordingly, it is possible to more rapidly determine drainage abnormality.
[0118] As described above, first temperature measuring unit 8 disposed in pipe 6A connecting compressor 2 with heat radiator 3 is disposed in drain pan 10. Further, control device 9 decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 after a predetermined time passes. Therefore, it is possible to increase the detection accuracy of drainage abnormality, using first temperature measuring unit 8. Further, it is possible to increase the detection accuracy by changing the rotation speed of compressor 2 within a predetermined gap. Further, it is possible to decrease the operation that decreases the rotation speed of compressor 2 and stabilize the operation of compressor.
[0119] Next, another example E3 of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is described. In example E3, control device 9 operates compressor 2 at first rotation speed r1 and decreases compressor 2 to second rotation speed r2 lower than first rotation speed r1, after a predetermined time passes. Thereafter, the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed are alternately repeated. The operation of compressor, 2 is stopped, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12.
[0120] In the heat pump cycle, the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is higher than the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12. Therefore, when the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 is equal to or less than the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12, control device 9 determines that the condensed water is in contact with first temperature measuring unit 8. This is because the measured temperature of first temperature measuring unit 8 decreases, accompanying the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12, when abnormality is generated in the heat pump cycle. An overflow stream of the condensed water is prevented for sure, by stopping the operation of compressor 2. That is, the drainage abnormality of the condensed water is adequately detected by using the measured temperature of second temperature measuring unit 12.
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT 4
[0121] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the main parts of a clothes dryer equipped with a dehumidifying-warming apparatus, according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus is the same as that of the first to third embodiments, the same reference numerals are given, and the detailed description uses that of the first to third embodiments.
[0122] A clothes dryer according to the embodiment is described by using a washing-drying machine provided with a washing function. The washing-drying machine shown in FIG. 16, performs a drying step, after washing, rinsing, and dewatering. Water tank 22 storing wash water is elastically supported in housing 21 of washing-drying machine. Drum 23 is rotatably disposed in water tank 22. Drum 23 functions as washing tub, dewater tub, and drying tub. Opening (not shown) through which laundry, such as clothes, is put into drum 23 is disposed at the front side of drum 23. Door 25 is disposed opposite to opening of drum 23, at housing 21. The rotary shaft of drum 23 is inclined upward toward the front portion, as shown by a dashed line of FIG. 16.
[0123] Drum 23 is driven forward/backward by motor 26 mounted at the rear side of water tank 22. Predetermined wash water that is set in accordance with the amount of put laundry is supplied into drum 23. Thereafter, drum 23 agitates the laundry in drum 23 and rotates for a predetermined time at a speed such that beat-washing that drops the laundry in drum 23 is performed. In dewatering, drum 23 rotates at a speed where the laundry sticks to the inner circumferential surface of drum 23 through the centrifugal force. The wash water separated from the laundry is discharged to the outside of housing 21 from water tank 22.
[0124] Drum 23 performs an operation of unraveling the laundry sticking to the inner circumferential surface of drum 23 in dewatering before drying. Thereafter, drum 23 rotates and agitates the laundry in drum 23. In this process, the air that is dehumidified and warmed for drying by the dehumidifying-warming apparatus is induced into drum 23. In detail, air blower 29 sends the dry high-temperature air for drying that is discharged from air outlet 15 of the dehumidifying-drying apparatus into water tank 22 from inlet 27 disposed at the upper portion of the rear side of water tank 22.
[0125] A plurality of through-holes (not shown) is formed through the inner circumferential surface of drum 23. The air for drying injected into water tank 22 flows into drum 23 from the through-holes. The air for drying takes the water from the laundry and becomes humid by coming in contact with the laundry stirred in drum 23. Accordingly, the laundry is dried. The humid air flows into water tank 22 from the through-holes and flows to wind circuit 13 of the dehumidifying-warming apparatus through air inlet 14 from outlet 28 disposed at the upper portion of the front side of water tank 22.
[0126] Thereafter, the humid air is cooled and dehumidified again through heat absorber 5, heated into high-temperature and humid air for drying in heat radiator 3, and inducted to induction inlet 27 from air outlet 15. Accordingly, the air for drying that is dehumidified and warmed by the dehumidifying-warming apparatus, as indicated by arrow B in FIG. 16, flows into drum 23 from inlet 27. Thereafter, the air for drying circulates circulation air path 30 returning to the dehumidifying-warming apparatus from outlet 28 and dries the laundry in drum 23.
1. A dehumidifying-warming apparatus comprising:
a heat pump device including a compressor, a heat radiator, an expansion mechanism , and a heat absorber;
a first temperature measuring unit disposed in a pipe connecting the compressor with the heat radiator;
a second temperature measuring unit disposed in the heat radiator; and
a drain pan for receiving condensed water produced by the heat absorber in the course
of exchanging heat with air,
wherein the first temperature measuring unit is positioned under a boundary position
where the condensed water overflows the drain pan.
2. The dehumidifying-warming apparatus of claim 1, wherein a control device for controlling
an operation of the compressor stops the operation of the compressor when a temperature
of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a temperature measured
by the second temperature measuring unit.
3. The dehumidifying-warming apparatus of claim 2, wherein the control device decreases
a rotation speed of the compressor for a predetermined time when the temperature of
the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than the temperature of the
second temperature measuring unit, and stops the operation of the compressor when
the temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than the
temperature of the second temperature measuring unit even after the predetermined
time has elapsed.
4. The dehumidifying-warming apparatus of claim 1,
wherein a control device for controlling an operation of the compressor stops the operation of the compressor when a temperature of the second temperature measuring unit is within a predetermined range and a temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a first predetermined temperature.
wherein a control device for controlling an operation of the compressor stops the operation of the compressor when a temperature of the second temperature measuring unit is within a predetermined range and a temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a first predetermined temperature.
5. The dehumidifying-warming apparatus of claim 4,
wherein the control device decreases a rotation speed of the compressor for a predetermined time when the temperature of the second temperature measuring unit is within a predetermined range and the temperature of the first temperature measuring unit decreases below the first predetermined temperature, and stops the operation of the compressor when the temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than the first predetermined temperature even after the predetermined time has elapsed.
wherein the control device decreases a rotation speed of the compressor for a predetermined time when the temperature of the second temperature measuring unit is within a predetermined range and the temperature of the first temperature measuring unit decreases below the first predetermined temperature, and stops the operation of the compressor when the temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than the first predetermined temperature even after the predetermined time has elapsed.
6. The dehumidifying-warming apparatus of claim 4,
wherein the control device decreases a rotation speed of the compressor for a predetermined time when the temperature of the second temperature measuring unit is within a predetermined range and the temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than the first predetermined temperature, changes a reference value of a predetermined temperature for controlling the operation of the compressor to a temperature lower than the first predetermined temperature, and stops the operation of the compressor when the temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than the reference value after the change, even after the predetermined time passes.
wherein the control device decreases a rotation speed of the compressor for a predetermined time when the temperature of the second temperature measuring unit is within a predetermined range and the temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than the first predetermined temperature, changes a reference value of a predetermined temperature for controlling the operation of the compressor to a temperature lower than the first predetermined temperature, and stops the operation of the compressor when the temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than the reference value after the change, even after the predetermined time passes.
7. The dehumidifying-warming apparatus of claim 1,
wherein a control device for controlling operation of the compressor stops the operation of the compressor, when a temperature change rate of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature change rate while the temperature of the second temperature measuring unit is rising.
wherein a control device for controlling operation of the compressor stops the operation of the compressor, when a temperature change rate of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature change rate while the temperature of the second temperature measuring unit is rising.
8. The dehumidifying-warming apparatus of claim 7,
wherein when the temperature change rate of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than the predetermined temperature change rate while the temperature of the second temperature measuring unit is rising, the rotation speed of the compressor is decreased for a predetermined time, and when the temperature change rate of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than the predetermined temperature change rate even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the operation of the compressor is stopped.
wherein when the temperature change rate of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than the predetermined temperature change rate while the temperature of the second temperature measuring unit is rising, the rotation speed of the compressor is decreased for a predetermined time, and when the temperature change rate of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than the predetermined temperature change rate even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the operation of the compressor is stopped.
9. The dehumidifying-warming apparatus of claim 1,
wherein a control device controlling operation of the compressor decreases a rotation speed of the compressor for a predetermined time, when the temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a second predetermined temperature.
wherein a control device controlling operation of the compressor decreases a rotation speed of the compressor for a predetermined time, when the temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a second predetermined temperature.
10. The dehumidifying-warming apparatus of claim 1,
wherein a control device for controlling operation of the compressor decreases a rotation speed of the compressor for a predetermined time when a temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a second predetermined temperature, and then stops the operation of the compressor when the temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a third predetermined temperature lower than the second predetermined temperature.
wherein a control device for controlling operation of the compressor decreases a rotation speed of the compressor for a predetermined time when a temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a second predetermined temperature, and then stops the operation of the compressor when the temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a third predetermined temperature lower than the second predetermined temperature.
11. The dehumidifying-warming apparatus of claim 1,
wherein a control device for controlling operation of the compressor decreases a rotation speed of the compressor for a predetermined time when a temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a second predetermined temperature, and then stops the operation of the compressor when the temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a temperature of the second temperature measuring unit.
wherein a control device for controlling operation of the compressor decreases a rotation speed of the compressor for a predetermined time when a temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a second predetermined temperature, and then stops the operation of the compressor when the temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a temperature of the second temperature measuring unit.
12. The dehumidifying-warming apparatus of claim 1,
wherein a control device for controlling operation of the compressor drives the compressor at a first rotation speed, decreases the compressor of the rotation speed to a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed after a predetermined time has elapsed, and alternately repeats the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed.
wherein a control device for controlling operation of the compressor drives the compressor at a first rotation speed, decreases the compressor of the rotation speed to a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed after a predetermined time has elapsed, and alternately repeats the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed.
13. The dehumidifying-warming apparatus of claim 1,
wherein a control device for controlling operation of the compressor drives the compressor at a first rotation speed, decreases the compressor to a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed after a predetermined time has elapsed, alternately repeats the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed, and stops the operation of the compressor when a temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a fourth predetermined temperature.
wherein a control device for controlling operation of the compressor drives the compressor at a first rotation speed, decreases the compressor to a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed after a predetermined time has elapsed, alternately repeats the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed, and stops the operation of the compressor when a temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a fourth predetermined temperature.
14. The dehumidifying-warming apparatus of claim 1,
wherein a control device for controlling operation of the compressor drives the compressor at a first rotation speed, decreases the compressor to a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed after a predetermined time has elapsed, alternately repeats the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed, and stops the operation of the compressor when a temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a temperature of the second temperature measuring unit.
wherein a control device for controlling operation of the compressor drives the compressor at a first rotation speed, decreases the compressor to a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed after a predetermined time has elapsed, alternately repeats the first rotation speed and the second rotation speed, and stops the operation of the compressor when a temperature of the first temperature measuring unit is equal to or less than a temperature of the second temperature measuring unit.
15. A clothes dryer including the dehumidifying-warming apparatus of any one of claims
1 to 14.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
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Patent documents cited in the description