Air conditioner

Abstract

The absorbing material (58) of the air conditioner absorbs moisture of outdoor air. Flow paths (R1, R2) pass through the absorbing material (58) and connect the outdoor and indoor units (20) for outdoor air to flow therethrough. A fan (first fan (66)) generates an air current of the outdoor air toward the indoor unit (20) in the flow paths (R1, R2). The air conditioner performs a dehumidifying operation in which the fan (66) is operated to send outdoor air, from which moisture has been captured by the absorbing material (58), to the indoor unit (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to air conditioners (also known as air conditioning units). Background Technology

[0002] Currently, as described in Patent Document 1, known air conditioners consist of an indoor unit located inside the room where the air is to be conditioned and an outdoor unit located outside the room. This air conditioning unit is capable of supplying humidified outdoor air from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-91000 Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, in such air conditioners, it is necessary to reduce indoor humidity while supplying outdoor air to the room.

[0007] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide an air conditioner that can simultaneously supply outdoor air to the room and reduce indoor humidity.

[0008] The air conditioner of the present invention includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and comprises: an absorbent material, a flow path, and a fan. The absorbent material absorbs moisture from outdoor air. The flow path passes through the absorbent material, connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, allowing outdoor air to flow through it. The fan generates an airflow of outdoor air towards the indoor unit within the flow path. The air conditioner of the present invention operates the fan to perform a dehumidification operation, causing the outdoor air, dried by the absorption material, to be carried towards the indoor unit.

[0009] The air conditioner of the present invention can supply outdoor air to the room while reducing indoor humidity. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the outdoor unit in the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the ventilation device according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional representation of a ventilation device in which some components of the embodiment have been removed.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a top view showing the ventilation device of the embodiment with some components removed.

[0015] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation device in the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of some of the components of the ventilation device in its implementation method, viewed from different angles.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation device in the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the humidification operation (low humidification operation) of the ventilation device in the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the humidification operation (high humidification operation) of the ventilation device in the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a timing diagram of the humidification operation of the ventilation device in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the dehumidification and regeneration operations of the ventilation device in the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a timing diagram of the dehumidification and regeneration operations of the ventilation device in the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the ventilation operation of the ventilation device in the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 15 This is an exploded view of a portion of the ventilation duct in the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the ventilation duct in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The air conditioner of the present invention includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and has an absorbent material (absorbent element), a flow path, and a fan. The absorbent material absorbs moisture from the outdoor air. The flow path connects the outdoor air and the interior of the indoor unit through the absorbent material, allowing outdoor air to flow through. The fan generates an airflow of outdoor air towards the indoor unit within the flow path. The air conditioner of the present invention operates the fan to perform dehumidification, causing the outdoor air, dried by the moisture captured by the absorbent material, to be sent to the indoor unit.

[0027] The air conditioner of this invention can supply outdoor air to the room while reducing indoor humidity.

[0028] Additionally, for example, in the air conditioner of the present invention, the flow path may also be oriented towards the indoor unit and the outdoor branch. Furthermore, the air conditioner of the present invention may also include: a heater that heats outdoor air upstream of the absorbent material in the flow path; and a damper device that directs the outdoor air flowing through the flow path towards the indoor unit or the outside. Dehumidification operation can also be performed by stopping the heater and directing the outdoor air towards the indoor unit using the damper device. Additionally, a regeneration operation can be performed where the outdoor air is heated by the heater and directed towards the outside by the damper device, and the absorbent material is dried using the heated outdoor air.

[0029] Alternatively, for example, in the air conditioner of the present invention, dehumidification operation and regeneration operation may be performed alternately.

[0030] Alternatively, for example, in the air conditioner of the present invention, the indoor unit may include a heat exchanger, to which outdoor air dried by dehumidification operation is blown.

[0031] Alternatively, for example, in the air conditioner of the present invention, the heater may be a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater.

[0032] Alternatively, for example, in the air conditioner of the present invention, the absorbent material may be a polymer adsorbent material.

[0033] Alternatively, for example, in the air conditioner of the present invention, the flow path may include a labyrinthine structure through which outdoor air passes.

[0034] (Implementation Method)

[0035] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Additionally, the Z-axis direction (vertical direction) in the figures will sometimes be referred to as the up-down direction.

[0036] First, use Figure 1 The structure of the air conditioner 10 in this embodiment will be described.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of air conditioner 10.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner 10 includes: an indoor unit 20 disposed in the indoor space Rin where the air conditioner (air conditioning) object is located; and an outdoor unit 30 disposed in the outdoor space Rout.

[0039] The indoor unit 20 is provided with: a heat exchanger 22 that exchanges heat with indoor air Ain in the indoor unit Rin; and a fan 24 that draws indoor air Ain into the indoor unit 20 and blows the air that has exchanged heat with the heat exchanger 22 out to the indoor unit Rin.

[0040] The outdoor unit 30 includes: a heat exchanger 32 that exchanges heat with outdoor air Aout of outdoor Rout; a fan 34 that generates airflow of outdoor air Aout through the heat exchanger 32; a compressor 36; and an expansion valve 38.

[0041] The heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20, the heat exchanger 32 of the outdoor unit 30, the compressor 36, and the expansion valve 38 are connected by refrigerant piping 40, thereby forming the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 10. Using this refrigeration cycle, the air conditioner 10 performs the following operations: heating operation (blowing heated indoor air Ain into indoor air Rin); cooling operation (blowing cooled indoor air Ain into indoor air Rin); and dehumidification operation (blowing dehumidified indoor air Ain into indoor air Rin). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air conditioner 10 has a controller 42 for the user to select the operation of the air conditioner 10, such as heating operation, cooling operation, and dehumidification operation, and to set parameters required for operation, such as the set temperature.

[0042] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 10 has a ventilation device 50 that supplies outdoor air Aout to the indoor Rin, i.e., ventilates the indoor Rin. In addition, in this embodiment, the outdoor unit 30 is described as having a ventilation device 50, but the ventilation device 50 may not be included in the outdoor unit 30.

[0043] The following uses Figures 2-8 The structure of the ventilation device 50 will be described.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a 3D view showing the appearance of outdoor unit 30. Additionally, Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the ventilation device 50. Furthermore, Figure 4 and Figure 5 These are perspective and top views showing the state after some components of the ventilation system 50 have been removed. Additionally, Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation device 50. Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of some of the components of the ventilation device 50 when viewed from different angles. Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation device 50.

[0045] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the ventilation device 50 has: a housing 52 that opens at the top, and a top plate 54 covering the housing 52. The housing 52 of the ventilation device 50 is provided with multiple air intake ports 52a, 52b, 52c for drawing outdoor air Aout into the housing 52, and exhaust ports 52d, 52e, 52f for discharging the outdoor air Aout drawn into the housing 52 to the outside. Figure 2 The ventilation duct 56 shown is connected to the exhaust port 52d. (As shown) Figure 2 As shown, the ventilation duct 56 is installed on the side of the outdoor unit 30 and connected to the ventilation hose leading to the indoor unit 20. That is, the ventilation duct 56 connects the interior of the outdoor unit 30 to the interior of the indoor unit 20. The remaining exhaust ports 52e and 52f are connected to the outdoor Rout.

[0046] like Figure 4 , 5 As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the ventilation device 50 has an absorbent material 58 in the center of the housing 52 to absorb moisture from the outdoor air Aout.

[0047] The absorbent material 58 is a component through which air can pass, and it is used to capture moisture from or supply moisture to the passing air. In this embodiment, the absorbent material 58 is a disk-shaped component that allows air to pass through in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and rotates around a rotation center line C1 extending in the vertical direction. Figure 6 As shown, the absorbent material 58 is held by a cylindrical retainer 60 and rotated by an absorbent material motor 64 having a gear 62 that engages with the external teeth of the retainer 60. During the operation of the ventilation device 50, the absorbent material 58 rotates continuously at a certain speed.

[0048] Furthermore, the absorbent material 58 is preferably formed of a polymeric adsorbent material that adsorbs moisture from the air. For example, the polymeric adsorbent material is composed of sodium polyacrylate cross-linked polymers. Compared to adsorbent materials such as silica gel and zeolite, polymeric adsorbent materials absorb moisture quickly, can remove moisture held at low heating temperatures, and can retain moisture for extended periods.

[0049] like Figure 6 , 7 As shown in Figure 8, the ventilation device 50 also includes a first fan 66, which draws outdoor air Aout into the ventilation device 50 and makes it pass through the absorbent material 58, and then delivers the outdoor air Aout after passing through the absorbent material 58 to the indoor unit 20.

[0050] A first fan 66 is positioned on one side of the ventilation device 50 along the length (Y-axis) relative to the adsorbent material 58, for example, a Sirocco fan. The first fan 66 is housed within a cylindrical portion 68a of a partition plate 68, which divides the space on the side of the adsorbent material 58 along the length (long side) in two. Using this partition plate 68, such as... Figure 8 As shown, an upper space S1 is formed where a portion of the upper surface 58a of the absorbent material 58 is in contact (connected), and a lower space S2 is formed where a portion of the lower surface 58b of the absorbent material 58 is in contact (connected).

[0051] In the cylindrical portion 68a of the partition plate 68, an opening 68b connected to the exhaust port 52d and an opening 68c connected to the exhaust port 52e are formed. In addition, a through hole 68d for drawing (taking in) air into the first fan 66 inside the cylindrical portion 68a is formed in the partition plate 68.

[0052] Additionally, a fan shroud 70 covering the first fan 66 is installed on the cylindrical portion 68a of the partition plate 68. An electric motor 72 for rotating the first blades 66 is provided in this fan shroud 70. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, a damper device 74 is provided on the fan shroud 70 to close one of the openings 68b and 68c of the partition plate 68. The damper device 74 has a rotatable damper 74a, configured to close one of the openings 68b and 68c of the partition plate 68 by rotating the damper 74a.

[0053] When the motor 72 causes the first fan 66 to rotate, as Figure 4 As shown, outdoor air Aout flows into housing 52 through air intakes 52a and 52b. Specifically, as... Figure 8 As shown, outdoor air Aout flows in through intake ports 52a and 52b into the upper space S1 above the partition plate 68, and flows above the absorbent material 58. Next, outdoor air Aout passes through the absorbent material 58 from its upper surface 58a towards its lower surface 58b. After passing through the absorbent material 58, outdoor air Aout moves in the lower space S2 below the partition plate 68, and is drawn into the first fan 66 after passing through the through hole 68d in the partition plate 68. The outdoor air Aout drawn in by the first fan 66 passes through the openings 68b and 68c, which are not closed by the damper 74a of the damper device 74. That is, outdoor air Aout eventually reaches the indoor unit 20 after passing through the exhaust port 52d, or is discharged to the outside Rout via the exhaust port 52e. Thus, the first fan 66 draws outdoor air Aout into the outdoor unit 30 and delivers the drawn-in outdoor air Aout to the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56.

[0054] In this embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a fan shroud 70 and a motor 72 exist between the air intake 52a and air intake 52b of the housing 52. Therefore, there are essentially two flow paths for outdoor air Aout to flow through the absorbent material 58, connecting the outdoor Rout to the indoor unit 20, i.e., to the ventilation duct 56. Figure 6As shown, the two flow paths R1 and R2 include a converging flow path where they merge after passing through the absorbent material 58, and the first fan 66 is disposed in this converging flow path. That is, the first fan 66 generates an airflow of outdoor air Aout towards the indoor unit 20 in flow paths R1 and R2. Figure 5 As shown, the ventilation device 50 includes a first heater 76A provided for a flow path R1 starting from the air intake 52a; and a second heater 76B provided for a flow path R2 starting from the air intake 52b. The reason why the ventilation device 50 provides multiple flow paths for outdoor air Aout to the indoor unit 20, as described above, and why the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are respectively provided in these flow paths, will be explained later.

[0055] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are disposed near the absorbent material 58. Specifically, the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are disposed upstream of the absorbent material 58 in the flow paths R1 and R2 of the outdoor air Aout. In this embodiment, the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are disposed on the partition plate 78 (see reference). Figure 6 Additionally, such as Figure 4 As shown, the upper surface 58a of the absorbent material 58 through which the first heater 76A, the second heater 76B, and flow paths R1 and R2 pass is covered by the heater cover 80. Thus, outdoor air Aout heated by the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B can pass through the absorbent material 58. Furthermore, details regarding the use of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B to heat the outdoor air Aout will be described later.

[0056] The first heater 76A and the second heater 76B can be heaters with the same heating capacity or heaters with different heating capacities. Furthermore, the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are preferably PTC heaters whose resistance increases as the current flows and the temperature rises, i.e., capable of suppressing excessive temperature rise during heating. Heaters utilizing nickel-chromium alloy wire, carbon fiber, etc., can also be used; however, in these cases, the heating temperature (surface temperature) will continuously rise as the current flows, thus requiring monitoring of this temperature. On the other hand, when using a PTC heater, the heater itself regulates the heating temperature within a certain temperature range, therefore, monitoring the heating temperature is unnecessary. In this respect, a PTC heater is more preferred.

[0057] like Figure 8As shown, the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are covered by a heater cover 80. Therefore, the outdoor air Aout flowing through flow paths R1 and R2 first descends along the outer surface of the sidewall portion 80a to enter the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B. Then, the outdoor air Aout enters the gap and moves upwards. Next, the outdoor air Aout moves through the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B. The outdoor air Aout descends towards the upper surface 58a of the absorbent material 58. That is, the two flow paths R1 and R2 include a labyrinthine structure (zigzag structure) through which the outdoor air Aout passes.

[0058] The flow paths R1 and R2 through which outdoor air Aout flows include a labyrinthine structure, thereby preventing dust, sand, and other contaminants in the outdoor air Aout from reaching the ventilation duct 56, indoor unit 20, and indoor unit Rin. That is, as outdoor air Aout moves through the labyrinthine structure, dust, sand, and other contaminants separate from it due to gravity. Furthermore, a tray 82 for receiving and collecting dust and other contaminants separated from the outdoor air Aout is located in a portion of the partition plate 78 near the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B.

[0059] like Figure 4 , 5 As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the ventilation device 50 has a flow path R3 other than flow paths R1 and R2 as the flow path for outdoor air Aout.

[0060] Unlike flow paths R1 and R2, the flow path R3 for outdoor air Aout is not connected to the indoor unit 20. Flow path R3 is the flow path through the absorbent material 58, through which outdoor air Aout flows from outdoor Rout to outdoor Rout.

[0061] Specifically, flow path R3 starts from intake port 52c, passes through the lower surface 58b of absorbent material 58 toward the upper surface 58a, and reaches exhaust port 52f. Ventilation device 50 has a second fan 84 that generates an airflow of outdoor air Aout in this flow path R3.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown, the second fan 84 is positioned opposite the absorbent material 58 on the opposite side of the ventilation device 50 along its long side (Y-axis direction), for example, a Sirocco fan. The second fan 84 is rotated by a motor 86 mounted on the outer side of the base plate 52g of the housing 52. Furthermore, the second fan 84 is housed within a cylindrical portion 52h, which is located on the inner side of the base plate 52g of the housing 52. The internal space of the cylindrical portion 52h communicates with the exhaust port 52f.

[0063] Furthermore, a partition plate 78 covering the second fan 84 is installed on the cylindrical portion 52h of the housing 52. This partition plate 78 divides the space on the opposite side of the absorbent material 58 in the long side direction (Y-axis direction) into two parts vertically. Additionally, the partition plate 78 is provided with a through hole 78a for drawing outdoor air Aout into the second fan 84. Moreover, the partition plate 78 is provided with an absorbent material storage portion 78b, which does not cover the upper surface 58a, allowing the absorbent material 58 to be rotatably stored.

[0064] When the motor 86 causes the second fan 84 to rotate, as Figure 4 As shown, outdoor air Aout flows into housing 52 through air intake 52c. Specifically, as... Figure 8 As shown, outdoor air Aout flows in through intake port 52c and into the lower space S4 below partition plate 78, flowing downwards toward the absorbent material 58. Next, outdoor air Aout passes through absorbent material 58 from its lower surface 58b toward its upper surface 58a. Having passed through absorbent material 58, outdoor air Aout moves within the upper space S3 above partition plate 78 and is drawn into the second fan 84 through the through hole 78a in partition plate 78. Outdoor air Aout drawn into the second fan 84 is discharged to the outside through exhaust port 52f.

[0065] Additionally, in order to cut off the flow of outdoor air Aout between the lower space S2 and the lower space S4 below the absorbent material 58, such as Figure 6 and 8 As shown, the housing 52 has a sealing portion 52j on its bottom plate portion 52g. Furthermore, in order to cut off the flow of outdoor air Aout between the upper spaces S1 and S3 above the absorbent material 58, the partition plate 78 has a sealing portion 78c, and a sealing member 88 is also provided between the partition plate 78 and the top plate 54 to seal the space between them. Thus, the outdoor air Aout flowing through flow paths R1 and R2 and the outdoor air Aout flowing through flow path R3 can pass through the absorbent material 58 at different locations, and mixing between them can be suppressed.

[0066] This concludes the explanation of the structure of the ventilation device 50. Next, we will use... Figures 9-14 The operation of the ventilation device 50 will be explained.

[0067] The ventilation device 50 is configured to perform humidification, dehumidification, regeneration, and ventilation operations as described below. Specifically, the ventilation device 50 includes a control unit that controls the first fan 66, the second fan 84, the first heater 76A, the second heater 76B, and the damper device 74 (damper 74a) to perform humidification, dehumidification, regeneration, and ventilation operations. The control unit includes a computer system with a processor and memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory, thereby enabling the computer system to function as a control unit. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, but it can also be provided via a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, or via telecommunications lines such as the Internet.

[0068] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the humidification operation of the ventilation device 50. Additionally, Figure 11 A timing diagram showing the operation of the humidifier.

[0069] like Figure 9 , 10 As shown in Figure 11, the humidification operation of the ventilation device 50 is performed with at least one of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B (the first heater 76A in this embodiment) operational. This results in a slight increase in indoor humidity (low humidification operation), such as... Figure 9 As shown, at least one of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B is in operation. On the other hand, in cases where the indoor humidity of the room Rin is significantly increased (high humidification operation), such as... Figure 10 As shown, both the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are operational. Additionally, during humidification operation, both the first fan 66 and the second fan 84 rotate. Furthermore, during humidification operation, the exhaust port 52e (IN state) is closed so that the outdoor air Aout is directed towards the indoor unit 20 by the damper 74a.

[0070] In this humidification operation, the outdoor air Aout, heated by at least one of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B, captures (takes away) the moisture held by the absorbent material 58 and supplies it to the indoor Rin. As a result, the indoor Rin is humidified. Additionally, the heated outdoor air Aout captures moisture from the absorbent material 58, trapping moisture from the outdoor air Aout flowing through the flow path R3. Thus, the absorbent material 58 can continuously retain a certain amount of moisture, resulting in the ventilation device 50 being able to continuously perform humidification operation.

[0071] By using multiple heaters (first heater 76A, second heater 76B) as heating means for outdoor air Aout, the moisture content of outdoor air Aout (the moisture removed from the absorbent material 58) can be finely adjusted compared to using a single heating means. That is, the humidification amount of indoor Rin can be precisely controlled. For example, if the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B operate at a certain temperature, by turning the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B on / off respectively, the moisture content of outdoor air Aout can be adjusted in three levels. As a result, over-humidification can be suppressed, and wasted electricity by the heaters can be reduced (compared to using a single heating means).

[0072] Furthermore, with the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B being heaters that can not only be turned on / off but also have adjustable output power, the moisture content of the outdoor air Aout (the moisture removed from the absorbent material 58) can be more precisely adjusted. This makes it easier to maintain indoor humidity at a user-set value. In this case, Figure 1 The controller 42 shown is configured to allow users to set the indoor humidity level. An indoor humidity sensor 90 is installed in the indoor unit 20. This sensor measures the indoor humidity and outputs the measured value. The outputs of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are controlled so that the indoor humidity (measured value) output by the indoor humidity sensor 90 becomes the set value. For example, if the difference between the measured value and the set value of the indoor humidity sensor 90 is greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 30%), both the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B operate at maximum output. Conversely, if the difference between the measured value and the set value of the indoor humidity sensor 90 is less than the predetermined value, only one of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B operates, adjusting its output value.

[0073] Alternatively, when the measured value of the indoor humidity sensor 90 is approximately the same as the set value, the speed of the first fan 66 can be adjusted while maintaining the output of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B at a constant (fixed) state. While adjusting the speed of the first fan 66 based on the measured value of the indoor humidity sensor 90 has a smaller adjustable range compared to adjusting via the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B, it allows for faster adjustment of indoor humidity.

[0074] Furthermore, the output adjustment of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B can also be performed based on the amount of moisture retained by the absorbent material 58. The amount of moisture in the outdoor air Aout that can be taken away (acquired) and retained by the absorbent material 58 depends on its temperature, i.e., the output of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B. Therefore, if the amount of moisture retained by the absorbent material 58 is less than the amount of moisture that the outdoor air Aout can retain when heated by the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B at maximum output, electricity will be wasted heating the outdoor air Aout. To suppress such wasted electricity by the heaters, it is preferable to perform the output adjustment of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B based on the amount of moisture retained by the absorbent material 58. In addition, the amount of moisture retained by the absorbent material 58 can be estimated, for example, based on the humidity of the outdoor Rout and the rotation time of the second fan 84. In this case, an outdoor humidity sensor (not shown) for measuring outdoor humidity can be installed in the outdoor unit 30.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, even after the air conditioning unit 10 stops operating (after time Te), the second fan 84 can still operate for a predetermined time. In this case, although the indoor unit 20 fan 24, the outdoor unit 30 fan 34, and the compressor 36 stop, the second fan 84 of the ventilation device 50 rotates. Therefore, after the air conditioning unit 10 stops operating, moisture is accumulated in the absorbent material 58. As a result, if humidification is performed simultaneously with the start of subsequent air conditioning operation, humidification can be reliably performed while the absorbent material 58 retains sufficient moisture. That is, indoor Rin can be humidified sufficiently and quickly immediately after the air conditioning starts operating.

[0076] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, the second fan 84 can also start operating before the air conditioning unit 10 begins operation (before time T0). Therefore, moisture is accumulated in the absorbent material 58 before the air conditioning unit 10 begins operation. As a result, if humidification operation is performed simultaneously with the subsequent start of air conditioning operation, humidification operation can be reliably performed while maintaining sufficient moisture in the absorbent material 58. Furthermore, in this case, the user can... Figure 1 The controller 42 shown performs a setting operation to start the air conditioner's operation, and the second fan 84 begins rotating before this set start time. The set time is, for example, the time required for the moisture retention of the absorbent material 58 to increase from zero to its maximum.

[0077] Next, the dehumidification and regeneration operations of the ventilation device 50 will be explained.

[0078] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the dehumidification and regeneration operations of the ventilation unit 50. Additionally, Figure 13 It is a timing diagram of dehumidification and regeneration operations.

[0079] like Figure 12 , 13 As shown, the dehumidification operation of the ventilation device 50 is carried out with the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B stopped (OFF state). Additionally, during dehumidification operation, the first fan 66 rotates while the second fan 84 stops. During dehumidification operation, in order for the damper 74a to direct outdoor air Aout towards the indoor unit 20, the exhaust port 52e is closed (IN state).

[0080] In this dehumidification operation, outdoor air Aout passes through the absorbent material 58 without being heated. As a result, the moisture in the outdoor air Aout is captured (collected) by the absorbent material 58, and the outdoor air Aout is supplied to the indoor Rin in a dry state. Consequently, the indoor Rin is dehumidified.

[0081] During continuous dehumidification operation, the absorbent material 58 continuously captures moisture from the outdoor air Aout. Therefore, the absorbent material 58 will eventually reach a saturation point where it can no longer retain moisture. Thus, a regeneration operation (restoration operation) is implemented to regenerate (restore) the capturing capacity of the absorbent material 58.

[0082] like Figure 12 , 13 As shown, the regeneration operation of the ventilation device 50 is performed with the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B in the ON state. Furthermore, during regeneration operation, the first fan 66 rotates while the second fan 84 stops. Also, during regeneration operation, in order for the damper 74a to direct outdoor air Aout to outdoor Rout instead of indoor unit 20, the exhaust port 52d is closed (OUT state).

[0083] In this regenerative operation, outdoor air Aout, heated by both the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B, draws away the moisture held by the absorbent material 58 and is discharged to the outside Rout. As a result, the absorbent material 58 dries, and its moisture-capturing capacity is regenerated.

[0084] Regeneration and dehumidification operations are performed in pairs. Specifically, regeneration operation is performed when the duration of dehumidification operation is longer than the time it takes for the absorbent material 58 to reach saturation. In this case, such as Figure 13 As shown, dehumidification and regeneration operations are performed alternately. Thus, dehumidification continues intermittently.

[0085] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the ventilation operation of the ventilation device 50.

[0086] like Figure 14As shown, the ventilation operation of the ventilation device 50 is performed with the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B stopped (OFF state). Additionally, during ventilation operation, the first fan 66 rotates while the second fan 84 stops. During ventilation operation, the damper 74a closes the exhaust port 52e (IN state) to direct outdoor air Aout towards the indoor unit 20.

[0087] With this ventilation system, outdoor air (Aout) is directly supplied to indoor air (Rin). As a result, indoor air (Rin) is ventilated.

[0088] Which of the humidification, dehumidification, and ventilation operations of the ventilation unit 50 is performed is determined by the user, for example. The user selects the operation of the ventilation unit 50 via the controller 42, thereby performing the selected operation among humidification, dehumidification, and ventilation. Furthermore, if the air conditioner 10 is configured such that the user can set the indoor humidity via the controller 42, humidification and dehumidification operations are selectively performed so that the measurement value of the indoor humidity sensor 90 becomes the set value. Additionally, regeneration operation is not performed by the user, but rather based on the duration of the dehumidification operation and the moisture retention of the absorbent material 58.

[0089] Additionally, when outdoor air Aout flows into the ventilation system 50 (especially during humidification), Figure 1 When the ventilation duct 56 is shown, condensation may occur and water may accumulate inside the ventilation duct 56, depending on the surrounding environment and season. Specifically, water may sometimes accumulate at the bottom of the ventilation duct 56.

[0090] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the ventilation duct 56 includes: a fixed piping 92 fixed to the side of the outdoor unit 30; a ventilation hose (not shown) connecting the fixed piping 92 and the indoor unit 20; and a connector 94. The connector 94 is installed at the front end of the ventilation hose and is detachably connected to the front end 92a of the fixed piping 92. The front end 92a of the fixed piping 92 is located at the bottom of the ventilation duct 56 and may accumulate water.

[0091] Figure 15 This is an exploded view of a portion of the ventilation duct 56. Additionally, Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the ventilation duct 56.

[0092] like Figure 16As shown, a through hole 92b is formed at the lowest part of the front end 92a of the fixed piping 92. That is, the ventilation duct 56 has a through hole 92b at its lowest part. Water accumulated in the ventilation duct 56 is discharged to the outside through this through hole 92b. In addition, in order to prevent outdoor air Aout from leaking to the outside from the outdoor unit 30 to the indoor unit 20 through the through hole 92b, the fixed piping 92 (i.e., the ventilation duct 56) has a semi-cylindrical cover 92c extending from the outdoor unit 30 side and covering the through hole 92b. In addition, although the cover 92c is semi-cylindrical in this embodiment, it can also be other shapes, such as triangular, rectangular or polygonal.

[0093] Furthermore, the flow path of water entering the cover 92c and reaching the through hole 92b is configured such that the water flow direction is opposite to the flow direction of outdoor air Aout. This prevents outdoor air Aout from entering the cover 92c and unnecessarily leaking through the through hole 92b. Additionally, the diameter of the through hole 92b is preferably 2.5 mm or more. This is because the diameter of a water droplet is approximately 2 mm, preventing the formation of liquid bridges and blockage in the through hole 92b.

[0094] As described above, the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment can reduce indoor humidity while supplying outdoor air Aout to indoor Rin.

[0095] Thus, the air conditioner 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an air conditioner including an indoor unit 20 and an outdoor unit 30, having an absorbent material 58, flow paths R1 and R2, and a fan (first fan 66). Here, the first fan 66 is an example of the fan in the present invention. The absorbent material 58 absorbs moisture from the outdoor air Aout. The flow paths R1 and R2 connect the outdoor air Aout to the indoor unit 20 through the absorbent material 58, allowing the outdoor air Aout to flow. The fan (first fan 66) generates an airflow of outdoor air Aout towards the indoor unit 20 in the flow paths R1 and R2. Moreover, the air conditioner 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention performs a dehumidification operation: by operating the fan (first fan 66), the outdoor air Aout, dried by the moisture captured by the absorbent material 58, flows towards the indoor unit 20.

[0096] Furthermore, in the air conditioner 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, the flow paths R1 and R2 branch towards the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor Rout. Additionally, the air conditioner 10 of the embodiment of the present invention also includes heaters (first heater 76A and second heater 76B) and a damper device 74. Here, the first heater 76A and second heater 76B are examples of the heaters of the present invention. The heaters (first heater 76A and second heater 76B) heat the outdoor air Aout upstream of the absorbent material 58 in the flow paths R1 and R2. The damper device 74 directs the outdoor air Aout flowing through the flow paths R1 and R2 towards the indoor unit 20 or the outdoor Rout. In the air conditioner 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, dehumidification operation is performed by stopping the heaters (first heater 76A and second heater 76B) and directing the outdoor air Aout towards the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 74. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 of the embodiment of the present invention is capable of regenerative operation. During regeneration operation, the heaters (first heater 76A, second heater 76B) heat the outdoor air Aout, and the damper device 74 turns the outdoor air Aout to the outdoor Rout, thereby using the heated outdoor air Aout to dry the absorbent material 58.

[0097] Furthermore, in the air conditioner 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, dehumidification operation and regeneration operation are performed alternately.

[0098] In addition, in the air conditioner 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, the indoor unit 20 includes a heat exchanger 22, and outdoor air Aout, which has been dried by dehumidification operation, is blown toward the heat exchanger 22.

[0099] Furthermore, in the air conditioner 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, the heaters (first heater 76A, second heater 76B) are PTC heaters.

[0100] Furthermore, in the air conditioner 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent material 58 is a polymer adsorbent material.

[0101] Furthermore, in the air conditioner 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, the flow paths R1 and R2 include a labyrinth structure through which outdoor air Aout passes.

[0102] The air conditioner 10 described above according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an indoor unit 20 and an outdoor unit 30, with the outdoor unit 30 having a ventilation device 50. However, the air conditioner 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may also be configured with the outdoor unit 30 and the ventilation device 50 separately, that is, a variation including an indoor unit 20, an outdoor unit 30, and a ventilation device 50 (Variation 1). Moreover, the air conditioner 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may also be varied to include an indoor unit 20 and an outdoor unit 30, and at least have an absorbent material 58, flow paths R1 and R2, and a fan (first fan 66) (Variation 2).

[0103] Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 according to the embodiments of the present invention and the air conditioners of the above-described modifications 1 and 2 have two flow paths (flow path R1 and flow path R2) and two heaters (first heater 76A and second heater 76B). However, the air conditioner 10 according to the embodiments of the present invention and the air conditioners of the above-described modifications 1 and 2 can also be modified to have a structure having a flow path R1 and a first heater 76A or a structure having a flow path R2 and a second heater 76B (modification 3). That is, for example, the air conditioner of modification 3 has a flow path R1 and a heater (first heater 76A). The flow path R1 connects the outdoor Rout to the indoor unit 20 through the absorbent material 58, allowing outdoor air Aout to flow. The heater (first heater 76A) heats the outdoor air Aout upstream of the absorbent material 58 in the flow path R1.

[0104] The present invention has been described above with examples of the above-described embodiments (including variations 1 to 3), but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0105] For example, in the embodiment described above, a first heater 76A and a second heater 76B are provided as heating means for heating outdoor air Aout. However, the number of heaters as heating means is not limited to this. There may also be only one means for heating outdoor air Aout.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, dehumidification operation is performed to reduce indoor humidity, but the purpose of performing dehumidification operation is not limited to this. For example, dehumidification operation can also be performed to dry the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20, which contains water droplets, after cooling operation. In this case, the indoor unit 20 is configured such that outdoor air Aout, dried by dehumidification operation, is blown toward the heat exchanger 22.

[0107] That is, the air conditioner according to the embodiments of the present invention is broadly defined as an air conditioner including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and has an absorbent material, a flow path, and a fan. The absorbent material absorbs moisture from the outdoor air. The flow path connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit through the absorbent material, allowing outdoor air to flow through it. The fan generates an airflow of outdoor air towards the indoor unit within the flow path. Furthermore, the air conditioner according to the embodiments of the present invention operates the fan to perform dehumidification operation, whereby the outdoor air, whose moisture has been captured and dried by the absorbent material, is sent to the indoor unit.

[0108] Industrial availability

[0109] This invention is applicable to air conditioners that include indoor and outdoor units.

[0110] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0111] 10 Air conditioners

[0112] 20 Indoor Units

[0113] 22 Heat Exchanger

[0114] 24 fans

[0115] 30 Outdoor Unit

[0116] 32 Heat Exchanger

[0117] 34 fans

[0118] 36 Compressor

[0119] 38 Expansion valve

[0120] 40 Refrigerant piping

[0121] 42 Controller

[0122] 50. Ventilation device

[0123] 52. Housing

[0124] 52a Intake port

[0125] 52b Intake port

[0126] 52c intake port

[0127] 52d exhaust port

[0128] 52e exhaust port

[0129] 52f exhaust port

[0130] 52g base plate

[0131] 52h Cylindrical section

[0132] 52j Sealing section

[0133] 54 Top Plate

[0134] 56. Ventilation duct

[0135] 58 Absorbent Materials

[0136] 58a upper surface

[0137] 58b lower surface

[0138] 60 Retaining parts

[0139] 62 Gears

[0140] 64 Electric motors for absorbing materials

[0141] 66 First Fan

[0142] 68. Partition wall

[0143] 68a Cylindrical part

[0144] 68b Opening

[0145] 68c Opening

[0146] 68d through hole

[0147] 70 Fan Cover

[0148] 72 Electric Motor

[0149] 74 Damper device

[0150] 74a Air damper

[0151] 76A First Heater

[0152] 76B Second Heater

[0153] 78. Partition wall

[0154] 78a Through Hole

[0155] 78b Absorbent Material Storage Section

[0156] 78c Sealing part

[0157] 80 Heater Cover

[0158] 80a Sidewall

[0159] 82 pallets

[0160] 84 Second Fan

[0161] 86 Electric Motor

[0162] 88 Sealing components

[0163] 90 Indoor humidity sensor

[0164] 92 Fixed piping

[0165] 92a Front end

[0166] 92b Through Hole

[0167] 92c Cover

[0168] 94 Connector

[0169] Ain Indoor Air

[0170] Aout outdoor air

[0171] C1 Centerline of Rotation

[0172] R1 flow path

[0173] R2 flow path

[0174] R3 flow path

[0175] Rin indoor

[0176] Rout Outdoor

[0177] S1 Upper Space

[0178] S2 Lower Space

[0179] S3 upper space

[0180] S4 Lower Space

[0181] T0 time

[0182] Te moment.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, characterized in that it has: Absorbent materials that absorb moisture from outdoor air; The outdoor air flows through the flow path of the absorbent material, which connects the outdoor unit and the indoor unit and faces the indoor unit and the outdoor branch. A fan that generates an airflow of outdoor air toward the indoor unit in the flow path; A heater that heats the outdoor air upstream of the absorbent material in the flow path; and A damper device that directs the outdoor air flowing through the airflow path towards the indoor unit or the outdoor unit. The electric motor that drives the fan is positioned upstream of the heater. The fan, driven by the electric motor, is positioned downstream of the heater. The air conditioner is capable of performing dehumidification and regeneration operations, wherein... The dehumidification operation involves turning on the fan and stopping the heater, using the damper device to redirect the dried outdoor air (whose moisture has been captured by the absorbent material) towards the indoor unit. The regeneration operation is an operation in which the outdoor air is directed to the outside through the damper device while the fan and heater are in operation, and the heated outdoor air is used to dry the absorbent material.

2. The air conditioner as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The dehumidification operation and the regeneration operation are performed alternately.

3. The air conditioner as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The indoor unit includes a heat exchanger. The outdoor air, dried by the dehumidification operation, is blown toward the heat exchanger.

4. The air conditioner as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heater is a positive temperature coefficient heater.

5. The air conditioner as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The absorbent material is a polymeric adsorbent.

6. The air conditioner as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The flow path includes a labyrinthine structure through which the outdoor air passes.

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