Air conditioner

Abstract

An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an absorbent (58), a first flow path (flow path (R1), flow path (R2)), a second flow path (flow path (R3)), a first fan (66), a second fan (84), and a heater (a first heater (76A), a second heater (76B)). The air conditioner is configured to be capable of performing a humidification operation in which the heaters (76A, 76B) heat outdoor air and allow the heated outdoor air to take in moisture from the absorbent (58) and flow toward an indoor unit (20). Furthermore, after the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner is stopped, the second fan (84) operates for a predetermined time to allow the absorbent (58) to retain moisture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an air conditioner including an indoor unit disposed in a room to be air-conditioned and an outdoor unit disposed outdoors, as described in Patent Document 1. The air conditioner is configured so that humidified outdoor air can be supplied from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

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

[0006] However, sometimes, immediately after the start of the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner, it is desired to perform a humidification operation to supply humidified outdoor air to the room. However, in the case of the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the moisture retained by the adsorbent is insufficient and the indoor humidification cannot be performed sufficiently and quickly.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner capable of sufficiently and quickly humidifying a room after the start of an air conditioning operation.

[0008] The air conditioner of the present invention is an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and has an absorbent, a first flow path, a second flow path, a first fan, a second fan and a heater. The absorbent absorbs moisture from outdoor air. The first flow path passes through the absorbent and connects the outdoor with the indoor unit to circulate outdoor air. The second flow path passes through the absorbent, and outdoor air flows from the outdoor to the outdoor. The first fan causes the outdoor air to flow toward the indoor unit in the first flow path. The second fan causes the outdoor air to flow in the second flow path. The heater heats the outdoor air on the upstream side of the absorbent in the first flow path. The air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention is configured to be able to perform a humidification operation in which the heater heats the outdoor air, and the heated outdoor air obtains moisture from the absorbent and moves toward the indoor unit. Furthermore, after the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention is stopped, the second fan operates for a specified time to keep moisture in the absorbent.

[0009] The air conditioner of the present invention can fully and quickly humidify the room immediately after the start of the air conditioning operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0011] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the outdoor unit according to the embodiment.

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

[0013] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a state in which a part of the components of the ventilation device according to the embodiment is removed.

[0014] Figure 5 It is a plan view of a state where some components of the ventilation device according to the embodiment are removed.

[0015] Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation device according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 It is an exploded perspective view of some components of the ventilation device according to the embodiment, viewed from different angles.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation device according to the embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing the humidification operation (low humidification operation) of the ventilation device according to the embodiment.

[0019] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing the humidification operation (high humidification operation) of the ventilation device according to the embodiment.

[0020] Fig.11 It is a timing chart showing the humidification operation of the ventilation device according to the embodiment.

[0021] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing the dehumidification operation and the regeneration operation of the ventilation device according to the embodiment.

[0022] Fig.13 It is a timing chart of the dehumidification operation and the regeneration operation of the ventilation device according to the embodiment.

[0023] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing the ventilation operation of the ventilation device according to the embodiment.

[0024] Fig.15 is an exploded view of a portion of a ventilation catheter according to an embodiment.

[0025] Fig.16 It is a cross-sectional view of a part of the ventilation catheter of an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The air conditioner of the present invention is an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and has an absorbent, a first flow path, a second flow path, a first fan, a second fan and a heater. The absorbent absorbs moisture from outdoor air. The first flow path passes through the absorbent and connects the outdoor with the indoor unit, and outdoor air flows therein. The second flow path passes through the absorbent, and outdoor air flows from the outdoor to the outdoor through it. The first fan generates an airflow of outdoor air to the indoor unit in the first flow path. The second fan generates an airflow of outdoor air in the second flow path. The heater heats the outdoor air on the upstream side of the absorbent in the first flow path. The air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention is configured to be able to perform a humidification operation in which the heater heats the outdoor air, and the heated outdoor air obtains moisture from the absorbent and moves toward the indoor unit. In addition, after the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention is stopped, the second fan works for a specified time to keep moisture in the absorbent.

[0027] The air conditioner of the present invention can fully and quickly humidify the room immediately after the start of the air conditioning operation.

[0028] Furthermore, for example, in the air conditioner of the present invention, the absorbent may be a polymer absorbent.

[0029] In addition, for example, the air conditioner of the present invention may further include a controller for the user to set the start time of the air conditioning operation, and the second fan may start operating before the start time of the air conditioning operation.

[0030] Furthermore, for example, in the air conditioner of the present invention, the heater may be a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater.

[0031] Furthermore, for example, in the air conditioner of the present invention, the first flow path may include a tortuous passage through which outdoor air passes.

[0032] (Implementation Method)

[0033] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the Z-axis direction (vertical direction) in each drawing may be described as the up-down direction.

[0034] First, regarding the structure of the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment, Figure 1 Provide explanation.

[0035] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the air conditioner 10.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner 10 includes an indoor unit 20 disposed in a room Rin to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit 30 disposed in an outdoor Rout.

[0037] The indoor unit 20 is provided with a heat exchanger 22 for performing heat exchange with indoor air Ain in the room Rin, and a fan 24 for sucking the indoor air Ain into the indoor unit 20 and blowing the air having performed heat exchange with the heat exchanger 22 to the room Rin.

[0038] The outdoor unit 30 is provided with a heat exchanger 32 that exchanges heat with outdoor air Aout at the outdoor Rout, a fan 34 that generates a flow of the outdoor air Aout passing through the heat exchanger 32 , a compressor 36 , and an expansion valve 38 .

[0039] 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 a refrigerant pipe 40, thereby forming a refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 10. The air conditioner 10 implements the following refrigeration cycle: a heating operation in which the heated indoor air Ain is blown into the indoor Rin; a cooling operation in which the cooled indoor air Ain is blown into the indoor Rin; and a dehumidification operation in which the dehumidified indoor air Ain is blown into the indoor Rin. In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, the air conditioner 10 has a controller 42, which is used by the user to select the operation of the air conditioner 10 such as heating operation, cooling operation, dehumidification operation, etc. or set parameters required for the operation such as set temperature.

[0040] The outdoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 10 has a ventilator 50 for supplying outdoor air Aout to the indoor room Rin, that is, ventilating the indoor room Rin. In the present embodiment, the outdoor unit 30 is described as having the ventilator 50, but the ventilator 50 may not be included in the outdoor unit 30.

[0041] Next, regarding the structure of the ventilation device 50, Figure 2 to Figure 8 Provide explanation.

[0042] Figure 2 30 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the outdoor unit 30. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the ventilation device 50. Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is a perspective view and a plan view of a state where some components of the ventilation device 50 are removed. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation device 50. In addition, Figure 7 1 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the components of the ventilation device 50 viewed from different angles. Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation device 50 .

[0043] In the case of this embodiment, the ventilation device 50 is as follows Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the ventilator 50 has a housing 52 opened at the top and a top plate 54 covering the housing 52. The housing 52 of the ventilator 50 is provided with a plurality of air intake ports 52a, 52b, and 52c for taking in outdoor air Aout into the housing 52, and exhaust ports 52d, 52e, and 52f for exhausting the outdoor air Aout taken into the housing 52 to the outside. Figure 2 The ventilation catheter 56 shown. The ventilation catheter 56 is as shown Figure 2 As shown, it is installed on the side of the outdoor unit 30 and connected to the ventilation hose communicated with the indoor unit 20. That is, the ventilation duct 56 connects the inside of the outdoor unit 30 with the inside of the indoor unit 20. The remaining exhaust ports 52e and 52f communicate with the outdoor Rout.

[0044] The ventilation device 50 is as follows Figure 4 , 5 As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 , an absorbent material 58 for absorbing moisture from the outdoor air Aout is provided in the center of the housing 52 .

[0045] The absorbent material 58 is a component through which air can pass, and which captures moisture from the passing air or provides moisture to the passing air. In the case of the present embodiment, the absorbent material 58 is a disc-shaped component through which air can pass in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and which can rotate around the rotation center line C1 extending in the vertical direction. Figure 6 As shown, the absorbent 58 is held by a cylindrical holder 60 and rotated by an absorbent motor 64 having a gear 62 engaged with the external teeth of the holder 60. During the operation of the ventilation device 50, the absorbent 58 continuously rotates at a constant rotation speed.

[0046] In addition, the absorbent material 58 is preferably formed of a polymer absorbent material that absorbs moisture in the air. The polymer absorbent material is composed of, for example, cross-linked sodium polyacrylate. Compared with absorbent materials such as silica gel and zeolite, the polymer absorbent material has a high rate of absorbing moisture, can release the retained moisture at a lower heating temperature, and can retain the moisture for a long time.

[0047] In addition, if Figure 6 , 7 The ventilation device 50 shown in FIGS. , , and 8 includes a first fan 66 that guides the outdoor air Aout into the ventilation device 50 to pass through the absorption material 58 , and sends the outdoor air Aout that has passed through the absorption material 58 to the indoor unit 20 .

[0048] The first fan 66 is disposed on one side of the ventilation device 50 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) relative to the absorbent material 58, and is, for example, a sirocco fan. The first fan 66 is housed in a cylindrical portion 68a provided on a partition wall plate 68 that divides the space on one side of the longitudinal direction relative to the absorbent material 58 into two upper and lower parts. Figure 8 As shown, an upper space S1 with which a part of the upper surface 58 a of the absorbent material 58 contacts and a lower space S2 with which a part of the lower surface 58 b of the absorbent material 58 contacts are formed.

[0049] The cylindrical portion 68a of the partition wall plate 68 has an opening 68b connected to the exhaust port 52d and an opening 68c connected to the exhaust port 52e. The partition wall plate 68 also has a through hole 68d for the first fan 66 to take air into the cylindrical portion 68a.

[0050] A fan cover 70 covering the first fan 66 is mounted on the cylindrical portion 68a of the partition wall plate 68. A motor 72 for rotating the first fan 66 is provided on the fan cover 70. Figure 7 As shown, a damper device 74 is provided to close one of the openings 68b and 68c of the partition wall plate 68. The damper device 74 has a rotatable damper 74a, and is configured to close one of the openings 68b and 68c of the partition wall plate 68 by rotating the damper 74a.

[0051] When the motor 72 rotates the first fan 66, Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 5 , outdoor air Aout flows into the housing 52 through the air inlets 52a and 52b of the housing 52. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in the figure, the outdoor air Aout flowing in through the air inlets 52a and 52b flows into the upper space S1 above the partition wall plate 68 and flows toward the upper side of the absorbent material 58. Then, the outdoor air Aout passes through the absorbent material 58 from the upper surface 58a to the lower surface 58b of the absorbent material 58. And the outdoor air Aout that has passed through the absorbent material 58 moves in the lower space S2 below the partition wall plate 68, and is taken into the first fan 66 through the through hole 68d of the partition wall plate 68. The outdoor air Aout taken into the first fan 66 passes through the opening 68b and the opening 68c that is not closed by the damper 74a of the damper device 74. That is, the outdoor air Aout finally reaches the indoor unit 20 through the exhaust port 52d, or is discharged to the outdoor Rout through the exhaust port 52e. In this manner, the first fan 66 takes the outdoor air Aout into the outdoor unit 30 , and sends the taken-in outdoor air Aout to the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 .

[0052] In the case of this embodiment, if Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, between the air inlet 52a and the air inlet 52b of the housing 52, there are a fan cover 70 and a motor 72. Therefore, the outdoor air Rout is connected to the indoor unit 20 through the absorbent material 58, that is, connected to the ventilation duct 56, and there are actually two flow paths for the outdoor air Aout to flow. Figure 6 As shown, the two flow paths R1 and R2 include a converging path where the air flows merge with each other after passing through the absorbent material 58, and a first fan 66 is provided in the converging path. That is, the first fan 66 generates a flow of outdoor air Aout toward the indoor unit 20 in the flow paths R1 and R2. Figure 5 As shown, the ventilation device 50 has a first heater 76A provided for the flow path R1 starting from the air intake port 52a; and a second heater 76B provided for the flow path R2 starting from the air intake port 52b. In this way, the ventilation device 50 is provided with a plurality of flow paths for outdoor air Aout to the indoor unit 20. The reason for providing the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B in each of the flow paths will be described later.

[0053] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , 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 on the upstream side of the absorbent material 58 in the flow paths R1 and R2 of the outdoor air Aout. In the case of the present embodiment, the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are disposed on the partition wall plate 78 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 6 ).

[0054] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first heater 76A, the second heater 76B, and the portion of the upper surface 58a of the absorbent material 58 through which the flow paths R1 and R2 pass are covered by a heater cover 80. Thus, the outdoor air Aout heated by the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B can pass through the absorbent material 58. The details of the heating of the outdoor air Aout by the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B will be described later.

[0055] The first heater 76A and the second heater 76B may be heaters having the same heating capacity or heaters having different heating capacities. In addition, the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are preferably PTC heaters whose resistance increases when the temperature rises when the current flows, that is, the rise in the excessive heating temperature can be suppressed. A heater using nickel-chromium alloy wire or carbon fiber or the like may also be used. In this case, since the heating temperature (surface temperature) continues to rise when the current continues to flow, it is necessary to monitor its temperature. On the other hand, in the case of a PTC heater, since the heater itself adjusts the heating temperature within a certain temperature range, it is not necessary to monitor the heating temperature. In this respect, a PTC heater is more preferred.

[0056] like Figure 8 As shown, the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are covered by a heater cover 80. Therefore, the outdoor air Aout flowing through the flow paths R1 and R2 first enters the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B, and descends along the outer side surface of the side wall portion 80a. Then, the outdoor air Aout enters the gap and moves upward. Then, the outdoor air Aout moves through the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B. And, the outdoor air Aout descends toward the upper surface 58a of the absorbent material 58. That is, the two flow paths R1 and R2 include a labyrinth through which the outdoor air Aout passes.

[0057] The flow paths R1 and R2 through which the outdoor air Aout flows include a zigzag passage through which the outdoor air Aout passes, thereby preventing dust or sand contained in the outdoor air Aout from reaching the ventilation duct 56, the indoor unit 20, and the indoor Rin. That is, when the outdoor air Aout moves in the zigzag passage, dust or sand is separated from the outdoor air Aout by gravity. In addition, a tray 82 for collecting and recovering dust separated from the outdoor air Aout is provided at a portion of the partition wall plate 78 near the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B.

[0058] like Figure 4 , 5 , 6 and 8, the ventilator 50 has a flow path R3 as a flow path for the outdoor air Aout in addition to the flow paths R1 and R2.

[0059] The flow path R3 of the outdoor air Aout is different from the flow paths R1 and R2, and is not connected to the interior of the indoor unit 20. The flow path R3 is a flow path in which the outdoor air Aout flows from the outdoor Rout to the indoor Rout through the absorbent 58.

[0060] Specifically, the flow path R3 starts from the air inlet 52c, passes through the absorbent 58 from the lower surface 58b to the upper surface 58a of the absorbent 58, and reaches the exhaust port 52f. The ventilator 50 includes a second fan 84 that generates a flow of outdoor air Aout in the flow path R3.

[0061] The second fan 84 Figure 6 As shown, the ventilator 50 is arranged on the other side of the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) relative to the absorbent material 58, and is, for example, a sirocco fan. The second fan 84 is rotated by a motor 86 mounted on the outer side of the bottom plate 52g of the housing 52. In addition, the second fan 84 is accommodated in the cylindrical portion 52h provided on the inner side of the bottom plate 52g of the housing 52. The internal space of the cylindrical portion 52h is communicated with the exhaust port 52f.

[0062] In addition, a partition wall plate 78 covering the second fan 84 is mounted on the cylindrical portion 52h of the housing 52. The partition wall plate 78 divides the space on the other side of the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the absorbent material 58 into two parts, upper and lower. In addition, a through hole 78a for taking outdoor air Aout into the second fan 84 is provided in the partition wall plate 78. In addition, an absorbent material storage portion 78b for rotatably storing the absorbent material 58 is provided in the partition wall plate 78 without covering the upper surface 58a.

[0063] When the motor 86 rotates the second fan 84, Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 5 , outdoor air Aout flows into the housing 52 through the air inlet 52c of the housing 52. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the outdoor air Aout flowing in through the air inlet 52c flows into the lower space S4 below the partition wall plate 78, and flows below the absorbent material 58. Then, the outdoor air Aout passes through the absorbent material 58 from the lower surface 58b to the upper surface 58a of the absorbent material 58. And, the outdoor air Aout that has passed through the absorbent material 58 moves in the upper space S3 above the partition wall plate 78, and is taken into the second fan 84 through the through hole 78a of the partition wall plate 78. The outdoor air Aout taken into the second fan 84 is discharged to the outside Rout through the exhaust port 52f.

[0064] In order to block the flow of outdoor air Aout between the lower space S2 and the lower space S4 below the absorbent material 58, Figure 6 and 8As shown, the housing 52 has a sealing portion 52j at its bottom plate portion 52g. In addition, in order to block the flow of outdoor air Aout between the upper spaces S1 and S3 above the absorbent material 58, the partition wall plate 78 has a sealing portion 78c, and a sealing member 88 for sealing between the partition wall plate 78 and the top plate 54 is provided therebetween. Thus, the outdoor air Aout flowing through the flow paths R1 and R2 and the outdoor air Aout flowing through the flow path R3 can pass through the absorbent material 58 at different positions, and can be prevented from mixing with each other.

[0065] So far, the structure of the ventilation device 50 has been described. Figures 9 to 14 Provide explanation.

[0066] The ventilation device 50 is configured to perform humidification operation, dehumidification operation, regeneration operation and ventilation operation described below. Specifically, the ventilation device 50 has a control device that performs humidification operation, dehumidification operation, regeneration operation and ventilation operation by controlling the first fan 66, the second fan 84, the first heater 76A, the second heater 76B and the damper device 74 (damper 74a). The control device has a computer system with a processor and a memory. And, the computer system functions as a control device by executing the program stored in the memory by the processor. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, but it can also be recorded in a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card and provided, or it can be provided through an electrical communication line such as the Internet.

[0067] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 is a diagram showing the humidification operation of the ventilation device 50. Fig.11 This is a timing chart showing the humidification operation.

[0068] like Fig. 9 , 10 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, the humidification operation of the ventilation device 50 is performed in a state where at least one of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B (the first heater 76A in this embodiment) is in operation. When the indoor humidity of the room Rin is increased slightly (low humidification operation), as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , at least one of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B is in operation. On the other hand, when the indoor humidity of the room Rin is greatly increased (high humidification operation), as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, both the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B operate. In addition, in the humidification operation, both the first fan 66 and the second fan 84 rotate. In addition, in the humidification operation, the damper 74a closes the exhaust port 52e (IN state) in order to turn the outdoor air Aout to the indoor unit 20.

[0069] According to such humidification operation, the outdoor air Aout heated by at least one of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B takes the moisture retained by the absorbent 58 and supplies it to the indoor Rin. As a result, the indoor Rin is humidified. In addition, the absorbent 58, which has taken the moisture from the heated outdoor air Aout, captures the moisture from the outdoor air Aout flowing through the flow path R3. As a result, the absorbent 58 can continuously retain a certain amount of moisture, and as a result, the ventilator 50 can continue the humidification operation.

[0070] By using a plurality of heaters (the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B) as the heating means for the outdoor air Aout, the moisture content of the outdoor air Aout (the moisture content obtained from the absorbent material 58) can be finely adjusted compared to the case where a single heating means is used. That is, the humidification amount of the indoor air Rin can be very finely controlled. For example, in the case of a type in which the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B operate at a certain temperature, the moisture content of the outdoor air Aout can be adjusted in three stages by turning the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B on / off respectively. As a result, it is possible to suppress excessive humidification and suppress ineffective power consumption of the heater (compared to the case of using a single heating means).

[0071] Furthermore, when the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are heaters that can be turned on / off and can adjust the output, the moisture content of the outdoor air Aout (the moisture content obtained from the absorbent material 58) can be adjusted more finely. Thus, when the indoor humidity is maintained at the set value set by the user, the maintenance becomes easy. In this case, Figure 1 The controller 42 shown is configured so that the user can perform setting operation of indoor humidity. The indoor unit 20 is provided with an indoor humidity sensor 90 that measures indoor humidity and outputs the measured indoor humidity 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, when the difference between the measured value of the indoor humidity sensor 90 and the set value is larger than a prescribed value (for example, 30%), both the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are operated at maximum output. In addition, for example, when the difference between the measured value of the indoor humidity sensor 90 and the set value is smaller than the above prescribed value, only one of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B is operated and its output value is adjusted.

[0072] In addition, for example, when the measurement value of the indoor humidity sensor 90 is substantially consistent with the set value, the rotation speed of the first fan 66 may be adjusted while the outputs of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are maintained constant. By adjusting the rotation speed of the first fan 66 based on the measurement value of the indoor humidity sensor 90, the indoor humidity can be adjusted quickly, although the adjustable range is smaller than when the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are used.

[0073] Furthermore, the output adjustment of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B may be performed based on the moisture content retained by the absorbent 58. The moisture content of the outdoor air Aout that can be retained by the absorbent 58 is determined by its temperature, that is, the output of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B. Therefore, when the moisture content retained by the absorbent 58 is less than the moisture content that can be retained by the outdoor air Aout heated by the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B at the maximum output, the outdoor air Aout is heated while consuming power ineffectively. In order to suppress such ineffective power consumption of the heaters, the output adjustment of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B is preferably performed based on the moisture content retained by the absorbent 58. In addition, the moisture content retained by the absorbent 58 can be estimated based on, for example, 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 the outdoor humidity is provided in the outdoor unit 30.

[0074] And, if Fig.11 As shown, after the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 stops (after the time Te), the second fan 84 can also work for a predetermined time. In this case, although the fan 24 of the indoor unit 20, the fan 34 of the outdoor unit 30 and the compressor 36 are stopped, the second fan 84 of the ventilation device 50 rotates. As a result, after the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 stops, moisture accumulates in the absorbent 58. As a result, when the humidification operation is performed at the same time as the start of the subsequent air conditioning operation, the humidification operation can be reliably performed in a state where the moisture retention amount of the absorbent 58 is not insufficient but sufficient. That is, immediately after the start of the air conditioning operation, the indoor Rin can be humidified sufficiently and quickly.

[0075] Moreover, if Fig.11As shown, the second fan 84 may also start operating before the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 starts (before time T0). Thus, moisture can be accumulated in the absorbent 58 before the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 starts. As a result, when the humidification operation is performed at the start of the subsequent air conditioning operation, the humidification operation can be reliably performed in a state where the moisture retention amount of the absorbent 58 is sufficient rather than insufficient. In addition, in this case, Figure 1 The controller 42 shown is configured so that the user can set the start time of the air conditioning operation, and the second fan 84 starts rotating a predetermined time before the start time. The predetermined time is, for example, the time required for the moisture retention of the absorbent 58 to reach the maximum from zero.

[0076] Next, the dehumidification operation and the regeneration operation of the ventilator 50 will be described.

[0077] Fig.12 is a diagram showing the dehumidification operation and regeneration operation of the ventilation device 50. In addition, Fig.13 This is a timing diagram of dehumidification operation and regeneration operation.

[0078] like Fig.12 and 13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the dehumidification operation of the ventilation device 50 is performed in a state where the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are stopped (OFF state). In addition, in the dehumidification operation, the first fan 66 rotates and the second fan 84 stops. In addition, in the dehumidification operation, the damper 74a closes the exhaust port 52e (IN state) in order to turn the outdoor air Aout to the indoor unit 20.

[0079] According to such a dehumidification operation, the outdoor air Aout passes through the absorption material 58 without being heated. Thus, moisture in the outdoor air Aout is captured by the absorption material 58 and supplied to the indoor air Rin in a dry state. As a result, the indoor air Rin is dehumidified.

[0080] As the dehumidification operation continues, the absorbent 58 continues to capture moisture in the outdoor air Aout. Therefore, the absorbent 58 eventually reaches a saturated state where it cannot retain any more moisture. Therefore, a regeneration operation is performed to regenerate the capture capability of the absorbent 58.

[0081] like Fig.12 and 13 As shown, the regeneration operation of the ventilation device 50 is performed in the state where the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are in operation (ON state). In addition, during the regeneration operation, the first fan 66 rotates and the second fan 84 stops. In addition, during the regeneration operation, the damper 74a closes the exhaust port 52d (OUT state) in order to turn the outdoor air Aout to the outdoor Rout instead of the indoor unit 20.

[0082] According to such a regeneration operation, the outdoor air Aout heated by both the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B takes in the moisture retained by the absorbent 58 and discharges it to the outside Rout. As a result, the absorbent 58 is dried and its moisture collection capability is regenerated.

[0083] The regeneration operation is performed in pairs with the dehumidification operation. Specifically, when the duration of the dehumidification operation is longer than the time it takes for the absorbent material 58 to reach the saturated state, the regeneration operation is performed. Fig.13 As shown, the dehumidification operation and the regeneration operation are performed alternately. Thus, the dehumidification operation continues intermittently.

[0084] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing the ventilation operation of the ventilation device 50.

[0085] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the ventilation operation of the ventilator 50 is performed in a state where the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are stopped (OFF state). In addition, during the ventilation operation, the first fan 66 rotates and the second fan 84 stops. Furthermore, during the ventilation operation, the damper 74a closes the exhaust port 52e (IN state) in order to turn the outdoor air Aout to the indoor unit 20.

[0086] According to such ventilation operation, the outdoor air Aout is supplied directly to the indoor room Rin.

[0087] As a result, the room Rin is ventilated.

[0088] Whether to execute any one of the humidification operation, dehumidification operation, and ventilation operation of the ventilation device 50 is determined by, for example, the user. For example, the user selects the operation of the ventilation device 50 via the controller 42, thereby executing the operation selected by the user among the humidification operation, dehumidification operation, and ventilation operation. In addition, when the air conditioner 10 is configured so that the user can set the indoor humidity via the controller 42, the humidification operation and the dehumidification operation are selectively executed so that the measurement value of the indoor humidity sensor 90 becomes the set value. In addition, the regeneration operation is not executed by the user's operation, but based on the duration of the dehumidification operation or the moisture retention amount of the absorbent 58.

[0089] In addition, by the operation of the ventilation device 50 (particularly the humidification operation), the outdoor air Aout flows to Figure 1 In the case of the ventilation duct 56 shown, depending on the surrounding environment and season, condensation may occur and water may accumulate in the ventilation duct 56. Specifically, in the ventilation duct 56, water may accumulate at the lowest part.

[0090] In the case of this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, the ventilation duct 56 includes a fixed pipe 92 fixed to the side of the outdoor unit 30, a ventilation hose (not shown) connecting the fixed pipe 92 and the indoor unit 20, and a connector 94. The connector 94 is mounted on the front end of the ventilation hose and is detachably connected to the front end 92a of the fixed pipe 92. The front end 92a of the fixed pipe 92 is located at the lowest position in the ventilation duct 56, and there is a possibility of water accumulation.

[0091] Fig.15 is an exploded view of a portion of the ventilation duct 56. In addition, Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the ventilation catheter 56.

[0092] like Fig.16 As shown, a through hole 92b is formed at the lowest part of the front end portion 92a of the fixed pipe 92. That is, the ventilation duct 56 has a through hole 92b at the lowest part of the ventilation duct 56. Through the through hole 92b, water accumulated in the ventilation duct 56 is discharged to the outside. In addition, in order to prevent the outdoor air Aout from the outdoor unit 30 to the indoor unit 20 from leaking to the outside through the through hole 92b, the fixed pipe 92 (i.e., the ventilation duct 56) has a semi-cylindrical outer cover portion 92c extending from the outdoor unit 30 side to cover the through hole 92b. In addition, in the present embodiment, the outer cover portion 92c is semi-cylindrical, but it may also be other shapes, such as a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, or a polygonal shape.

[0093] Furthermore, the flow path of water entering the through hole 92b of the outer cover 92c is set in such a way that the flow direction of water is opposite to the direction of the outdoor air Aout, thereby preventing the outdoor air Aout from entering the outer cover 92c and escaping ineffectively from the through hole 92b. In addition, the diameter of the through hole 92b is preferably 2.5 mm or more. This is because the diameter of a water droplet is about 2 mm, and it is blocked in order not to bridge in the through hole 92b.

[0094] As described above, the air conditioner 10 of the present embodiment can fully and quickly humidify the indoor air Rin immediately after the start of the air conditioning operation.

[0095] As described above, the air conditioner 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is an air conditioner having an indoor unit 20 and an outdoor unit 30. The air conditioner 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention has an absorbent 58, a first flow path (flow path R1, flow path R2), a second flow path (flow path R3), a first fan 66, a second fan 84, and a heater (a first heater 76A, a second heater 76B). Here, the flow path R1 and the flow path R2 are examples of the first flow path of the present invention, and the flow path R3 is an example of the second flow path of the present invention. In addition, the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are examples of the heater of the present invention. The absorbent 58 absorbs moisture from the outdoor air Aout. The first flow path (flow path R1, flow path R2) connects the outdoor Rout and the indoor unit 20 through the absorbent 58, and the outdoor air Aout flows. The second flow path (flow path R3) passes through the absorbent 58, and the outdoor air Aout flows from the outdoor Rout to the outdoor Rout. The first fan 66 generates a flow of outdoor air Aout toward the indoor unit 20 in the first flow path (flow path R1, flow path R2). The second fan 84 generates a flow of outdoor air Aout in the second flow path (flow path R3). The heater (first heater 76A, second heater 76B) heats the outdoor air Aout on the upstream side of the absorbent 58 in the first flow path (flow path R1, flow path R2). The air conditioner 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured to be able to perform a humidification operation in which the heater (first heater 76A, second heater 76B) heats the outdoor air Aout and the heated outdoor air Aout takes moisture from the absorbent 58 and moves to the indoor unit 20. Furthermore, after the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is stopped, the second fan 84 operates for a predetermined time to retain moisture in the absorbent 58.

[0096] Furthermore, in an embodiment, if Fig.11 As shown, an example is described in which the second fan 84 operates for a predetermined time after the humidification operation of the air conditioner 10 stops (after time Te), but the second fan 84 may also operate for a predetermined time after an operation other than the humidification operation stops, that is, after the air conditioning operation stops. In addition, it is also possible to limit the second fan 84 to operate for a predetermined time only after the humidification operation of the air conditioner 10 stops.

[0097] In the air conditioner 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent 58 is a polymer adsorbent.

[0098] Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes the controller 42 for the user to set the start time of the air conditioning operation, and the second fan 84 starts operating before the start time of the air conditioning operation.

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

[0100] Furthermore, in the air conditioner 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first flow path (the flow path R1 , the flow path R2 ) includes a tortuous passage through which the outdoor air Aout passes.

[0101] In addition, the air conditioner 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described as having an indoor unit 20 and an outdoor unit 30, and the outdoor unit 30 has a ventilation device 50. However, the air conditioner 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention may also be configured by separating the outdoor unit 30 and the ventilation device 50, that is, it may also be deformed in a manner having the indoor unit 20, the outdoor unit 30 and the ventilation device 50 (Variation 1). Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention may also be deformed in a manner having the indoor unit 20 and the outdoor unit 30, and having at least the following structure (Variation 2). That is, the air conditioner of Variation 2 has at least an absorbent material 58, a first flow path (flow path R1, flow path R2), a second flow path (flow path R3), a first fan 66, a second fan 84, and a heater (a first heater 76A, a second heater 76B).

[0102] In addition, the air conditioner 10 of the embodiment of the present invention and the air conditioners of the above-mentioned modified examples 1 and 2 are described as having two flow paths (flow path R1, flow path R2) and two heaters (first heater 76A, second heater 76B). However, the air conditioner 10 of the embodiment of the present invention and the air conditioners of the above-mentioned modified examples 1 and 2 may be modified to have a structure having flow path R1 and a first heater 76A or a structure having flow path R2 and a second heater 76B (modification 3). That is, for example, the air conditioner of modification 3 has a first flow path (flow path R1) and a heater (first heater 76A). The first flow path (flow path R1) passes through the absorption material 58, and connects the outdoor air Rout to the indoor unit 20, and circulates the outdoor air Aout. The heater (first heater 76A) heats the outdoor air Aout on the upstream side of the absorption material 58 in the first flow path (flow path R1).

[0103] As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described by taking the above-mentioned embodiment (including Modifications 1 to 3) as an example, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0104] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are provided as the heating means for heating the outdoor air Aout. However, the number of heaters as the heating means is not limited thereto. The means for heating the outdoor air Aout may be one.

[0105] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the dehumidification operation is performed to reduce the indoor humidity, but the purpose of performing the dehumidification operation is not limited to this. For example, the dehumidification operation may be performed to dry the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20 with water droplets after the cooling operation. In this case, the indoor unit 20 is configured so that the outdoor air Aout dried by the dehumidification operation is blown toward the heat exchanger 22.

[0106] That is, the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention is an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit in a broad sense, and has an absorbent, a first flow path, a second flow path, a first fan, a second fan, and a heater. The absorbent absorbs moisture from outdoor air. The first flow path passes through the absorbent and connects the outdoor with the indoor unit to circulate outdoor air. The second flow path passes through the absorbent, and outdoor air flows from the outdoor to the outdoor. The first fan causes a flow of outdoor air toward the indoor unit in the first flow path. The second fan causes a flow of outdoor air in the second flow path. The heater heats the outdoor air on the upstream side of the absorbent in the first flow path. The air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured to be able to perform a humidification operation in which the heater heats the outdoor air, and the heated outdoor air takes moisture from the absorbent and moves toward the indoor unit. Furthermore, after the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention is stopped, the second fan operates for a predetermined time to keep moisture in the absorbent.

[0107] Industrial Applicability

[0108] The present invention is applicable to any air conditioner as long as it has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

[0109] Description of Reference Numerals

[0110] 10 Air conditioner

[0111] 20 Indoor unit

[0112] 22 Heat exchanger

[0113] 24 Fan

[0114] 30 Outdoor unit

[0115] 32 Heat exchanger

[0116] 34 Fan

[0117] 36 Compressor

[0118] 38 Expansion valve

[0119] 40 Refrigerant piping

[0120] 42 Controller

[0121] 50 Ventilation device

[0122] 52 Housing

[0123] 52a Inlet

[0124] 52b Inlet

[0125] 52c Inlet

[0126] 52d Exhaust port

[0127] 52e Exhaust port

[0128] 52f Exhaust port

[0129] 52g Base plate

[0130] 52h Cylindrical part

[0131] 52j Sealing part

[0132] 54 Top Plate

[0133] 56 Ventilation catheter

[0134] 58 Absorbent material

[0135] 58a Upper surface

[0136] 58b Lower surface

[0137] 60 retaining parts

[0138] 62 Gear

[0139] 64 Motor for absorbing material

[0140] 66 No.1 Fan

[0141] 68 partition wall

[0142] 68a Cylindrical portion

[0143] 68b Opening

[0144] 68c Open

[0145] 68d Through hole

[0146] 70 Fan cover

[0147] 72 Electric Motor

[0148] 74 damper device

[0149] 74a Air door

[0150] 76A No.1 heater

[0151] 76B 2nd heater

[0152] 78 partition wall

[0153] 78a Through hole

[0154] 78b Absorbent material storage unit

[0155] 78c Sealing part

[0156] 80 Heater cover

[0157] 80a Side wall

[0158] 82 Pallets

[0159] 84 No.2 Fan

[0160] 86 Electric Motor

[0161] 88 Sealing parts

[0162] 90 Indoor humidity sensor

[0163] 92 Fixed piping

[0164] 92a Front end

[0165] 92b Through hole

[0166] 92c Outer cover

[0167] 94 Connectors

[0168] Ain Indoor Air

[0169] Aout Outdoor air

[0170] C1 Rotation Centerline

[0171] R1 flow path

[0172] R2 flow path

[0173] R3 flow path

[0174] Rin indoor

[0175] Rout Outdoor

[0176] S1 Upper space

[0177] S2 Lower space

[0178] S3 Upper Space

[0179] S4 Lower space

[0180] T0

[0181] Te moment.

Claims

1. An air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, characterized in that: have: An absorbing material disposed in the outdoor unit and absorbing moisture from outdoor air; a first flow path that passes through the absorbent material and connects the outside with the inside of the indoor unit, and in which the outdoor air to be supplied to the indoor unit flows; a second flow path that passes through the absorbent material and connects the outside with the outside, and in which the outdoor air that is not to be supplied to the indoor unit flows; a first fan for generating an airflow of outdoor air in the first flow path toward the indoor unit; a second fan for generating an airflow of outdoor air in the second flow path toward the outdoors; and a heater that heats outdoor air on the upstream side of the absorbent in the first flow path, The air conditioner is capable of performing a humidification operation in which the heater heats the outdoor air and the heated outdoor air absorbs the moisture of the absorbent and flows to the indoor unit. After the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner is stopped, the second fan is operated for a predetermined time so that the absorbent material retains moisture in the outdoor air flowing in the second flow path toward the outdoors. The volume of the portion of the absorbent material in the second flow path is larger than the volume of the portion of the absorbent material in the first flow path.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The absorbent material is a polymer absorbent material.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The device also includes a controller for allowing a user to set the start time of the air conditioning operation. The second fan starts operating before the start time of the air conditioning operation.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heater is a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first flow path includes a labyrinth structure through which outdoor air passes.

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