Air conditioning device

Abstract

An air conditioning device (1) is an air conditioning device that performs at least one of a cooling operation and a dehumidification operation, and includes a ventilation device (1b) and a control unit (100). The ventilation device (1b) performs a first ventilation operation for supplying outdoor air to a room and a second ventilation operation for exhausting indoor air to the outside. The control unit (100) controls the air supply operation or the ventilation operation in the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation. The control unit (100) determines whether to perform an exhaust operation based on a heat load (L) in the room.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-032855) discloses an air conditioner having a ventilation blower for discharging indoor air to the outdoors. The air conditioner starts a compressor at the beginning of cooling, dehumidification operation and the first operation of a season, and after a first predetermined time, operates the indoor blower at a low speed and the ventilation blower. Summary of the invention

[0003] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] In the air conditioner of Patent Document 1, the ventilation blower is turned on and off according to the odor condition. However, the operation efficiency of the air conditioner is not particularly considered, so there is room for improvement.

[0005] Means for solving problems

[0006] The air conditioning device of the first aspect is an air conditioning device that performs at least one of a cooling operation and a dehumidification operation, and includes a ventilation device and a control unit. The ventilation device performs a first ventilation operation to supply outdoor air to the room and a second ventilation operation to exhaust indoor air to the outside. The control unit controls in a cooling operation or a dehumidification operation to perform the first ventilation operation or the second ventilation operation. The control unit determines whether to perform the second ventilation operation according to the indoor heat load.

[0007] According to the air conditioning device of the first aspect, the control unit can perform the second ventilation operation based on exhaust when the indoor heat load is high. Therefore, by exhausting the indoor air to the outside, the indoor heat load can be reduced. Therefore, the efficiency of the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation can be improved.

[0008] The air-conditioning apparatus according to a second aspect is the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the heat load is determined by at least one of the temperature of the indoor air and the humidity of the indoor air.

[0009] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the second aspect, the heat load depends on at least one of the temperature and humidity of the indoor air. Therefore, as a condition of the second ventilation operation based on exhaust gas, at least one of the temperature and humidity of the indoor air is considered.

[0010] The air conditioning apparatus according to the third aspect is the air conditioning apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect, and further comprises an indoor unit arranged indoors. The indoor unit includes a heat exchanger. The heat load is determined by the temperature of a main structure constituting the room in which the indoor unit is installed.

[0011] In the air conditioning apparatus according to the third aspect, the heat load depends on the body structure temperature. Therefore, the body structure temperature is considered as a condition for the second ventilation operation based on exhaust gas.

[0012] An air-conditioning apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first to third aspects, wherein the control unit performs the second ventilation operation when the temperature of the indoor air is higher than the temperature of the outdoor air.

[0013] In the air conditioning device of the fourth aspect, when the temperature of the indoor air is higher than that of the outdoor air, the indoor air is discharged to the outside, thereby reducing the cooling or dehumidification of the indoor air with high temperature, and thus further improving the efficiency of the cooling operation and the dehumidification operation.

[0014] The air-conditioning apparatus according to a fifth aspect is the air-conditioning apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the control unit performs the second ventilation operation when the temperature of the indoor air is higher than the temperature of the outdoor air at the start of the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation.

[0015] At the start of cooling operation or dehumidification operation, the heat load is usually high. Therefore, in the air conditioning device of the fifth aspect, at the start of cooling operation or dehumidification operation, when the temperature of the indoor air is higher than the temperature of the outdoor air, the second ventilation operation based on exhaust gas is performed, thereby improving the following effect: improving the efficiency of cooling operation and dehumidification operation.

[0016] An air-conditioning apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first to fifth aspects, wherein the control unit performs the first ventilation operation when the temperature of the indoor air is lower than the temperature of the outdoor air.

[0017] In the air conditioning apparatus of the sixth aspect, when the temperature of the indoor air is lower than that of the outdoor air, the outdoor air is supplied indoors. Thus, the low-temperature indoor air is not discharged outdoors, and thus the efficiency of the cooling operation and the dehumidification operation can be further improved.

[0018] An air-conditioning apparatus according to a seventh aspect is the air-conditioning apparatus according to the first to third aspects, wherein the control unit ends the second ventilation operation when the difference between the temperature of the indoor air and the temperature of the outdoor air becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.

[0019] In the air conditioning apparatus of the seventh aspect, when the difference between the temperature of the indoor air and the temperature of the outdoor air becomes less than a predetermined value, it is determined that the indoor heat load is relieved, and the second ventilation operation based on exhaust is terminated. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the indoor air whose temperature has been lowered by the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation from being discharged to the outside, thereby further improving the efficiency of the cooling operation and the dehumidification operation.

[0020] The air conditioning device of the eighth aspect is based on the air conditioning device of the first to seventh aspects, and further includes an indoor unit arranged indoors. The indoor unit includes a heat exchanger. In the indoor unit, an inlet for sucking indoor air during the second ventilation operation is formed. The inlet is arranged upstream of the heat exchanger.

[0021] In the air conditioning device of the eighth aspect, the air inlet during the second ventilation operation based on exhaust gas is arranged upstream of the heat exchanger, thereby preventing the indoor air that has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger from being discharged outdoors. Therefore, the efficiency of the cooling operation and the dehumidification operation can be further improved.

[0022] The air conditioning device of the ninth aspect is based on the air conditioning devices of the first to eighth aspects, and the control unit does not perform the first ventilation operation and the second ventilation operation for a specified time during cooling operation or dehumidification operation when the temperature of the indoor air is lower than the temperature of the outdoor air.

[0023] In the air conditioning device of the ninth aspect, when the temperature of the indoor air is lower than the temperature of the outdoor air, both the first ventilation operation and the second ventilation operation are temporarily not performed. Therefore, the low-temperature indoor air is not discharged to the outdoors, thereby further improving the efficiency of the cooling operation and the dehumidification operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 This is an external view of an air conditioning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a diagram in which the outline of the flow of air is added to the system diagram of the refrigerant circuit used in the air-conditioning apparatus.

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the outdoor unit and the ventilation device.

[0027] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the damper (first state).

[0028] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the damper (second state).

[0029] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the flow of air in the damper in the first state.

[0030] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the flow of air in the damper in the second state.

[0031] Figure 8(a) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of air in the damper in the first state, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the flow of air in the damper in the second state.

[0032] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram showing the flow of air in the damper in the third state.

[0033] Fig.10 It is the control block diagram of the air conditioning device.

[0034] Fig.11 This is a top view of the remote control.

[0035] Fig.12 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the heat load L.

[0036] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing the control of the ventilation device by the control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] (1) Overall structure

[0038] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, an air conditioning device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure performs air conditioning and ventilation in a building or the like. The air conditioning device 1 includes an air conditioning device 1a for performing indoor air conditioning, a ventilation device 1b for performing indoor ventilation, and a control unit 100 (see Fig.10 ).

[0039] The air-conditioning apparatus 1a performs at least one of a cooling operation and a dehumidifying operation. The air-conditioning apparatus 1a of the present embodiment performs a cooling operation, a dehumidifying operation, and a heating operation.

[0040] The air conditioning device 1a includes an indoor unit 2, an outdoor unit 3, and communication pipes 31 and 32. The indoor unit 2 is arranged indoors. The outdoor unit 3 is arranged outdoors. The communication pipes 31 and 32 connect the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3. The indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 are connected via the communication pipes 31 and 32, thereby forming a vapor compression refrigerant circuit.

[0041] The ventilator 1b performs a first ventilation operation (hereinafter also referred to as air supply operation) for supplying outdoor air to the room and a second ventilation operation (hereinafter also referred to as exhaust operation) for exhausting indoor air to the outside. The ventilator 1b of this embodiment performs an air supply operation, an exhaust operation, and a humidification operation for humidifying outdoor air and supplying it to the room.

[0042] The control unit 100 controls the components of the air conditioner 1a and the ventilator 1b. The control unit 100 controls to perform air supply operation or exhaust operation in cooling operation or dehumidification operation. The control unit 100 determines whether to perform exhaust operation according to the indoor heat load.

[0043] (2) Detailed structure

[0044] (2-1) Indoor unit

[0045] The indoor unit 2 of this embodiment is a wall-mounted type. Figure 2 As shown, the indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 11, an indoor fan 12 and a fan motor 13. The indoor heat exchanger 11 includes a heat transfer tube folded multiple times at both ends in the longitudinal direction and a plurality of fins through which the heat transfer tube is inserted, and performs heat exchange with the contacting air.

[0046] The indoor fan 12 is, for example, a cross-flow fan. The indoor fan 12 is cylindrical in shape, has a plurality of blades disposed on the circumference, and generates an air flow in a direction intersecting the rotation axis. The indoor fan 12 draws indoor air into the indoor unit 2, and blows the air that has undergone heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 11 into the room. The fan motor 13 drives the indoor fan 12 to rotate.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the indoor unit 2 is formed with an inlet 18 and an outlet 19. The inlet 18 inhales indoor air during exhaust operation. In the present embodiment, the inlet 18 also inhales indoor air during air conditioning operation. The outlet 19 blows indoor air and outdoor air into the room. The inlet 18 and the outlet 19 are formed on the housing of the indoor unit 2.

[0048] The suction port 18 is provided upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 11. In the exhaust operation, a part of the indoor air introduced from the suction port 18 is discharged to the outside from the supply and exhaust port 14 without passing through the indoor heat exchanger 11. In the exhaust operation, the remaining part of the indoor air introduced from the suction port 18 exchanges heat with the indoor heat exchanger 11 when passing through the indoor heat exchanger 11, and is supplied to the room from the blow-out port 19 after cooling, dehumidifying or heating.

[0049] In the air supply operation, the indoor air introduced from the air inlet 18 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 11 , is cooled, dehumidified, or heated, and is then supplied to the room from the air outlet 19 .

[0050] In addition, the indoor unit 2 is provided with an air supply and exhaust port 14. The air supply and exhaust port 14 is an air supply port for introducing outdoor air during air supply operation, and is an exhaust port for exhausting indoor air during exhaust operation. In other words, during air supply operation, outdoor air is supplied to the room through the air supply and exhaust port 14, and during exhaust operation, indoor air is exhausted to the outside through the air supply and exhaust port 14. In other words, the air supply and exhaust port 14 is a flow path for outdoor air to pass during air supply operation, and is a flow path for indoor air to pass during exhaust operation.

[0051] The air supply and exhaust port 14 is formed in the wall portion W of the room (see Fig.12 ) opening. The indoor unit 2 further includes an air supply and exhaust port member forming an air supply and exhaust port 14. The air supply and exhaust port member is connected to a hose 6 described later. Therefore, the air supply and exhaust port 14 is communicated with the internal space of the hose 6.

[0052] The air supply and exhaust port 14 is provided upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 11. In the air supply operation, the outdoor air introduced from the air supply and exhaust port 14 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 11. Therefore, in the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation, the outdoor air is cooled or dehumidified by the indoor heat exchanger 11 and then supplied to the indoor room from the blow-out port 19. In addition, the unhumidified outdoor air in the case of the air supply operation in the heating operation or the humidified outdoor air in the case of the humidification operation in the heating operation is heated by the indoor heat exchanger 11 and then supplied to the indoor room from the blow-out port 19.

[0053] Various sensors are disposed in the indoor unit 2. Here, the indoor unit 2 includes an indoor temperature sensor 15, an indoor humidity sensor 16, and a human detection sensor 17.

[0054] The indoor temperature sensor 15 detects the indoor temperature. The indoor humidity sensor 16 detects the indoor humidity. The indoor temperature sensor 15 and the indoor humidity sensor 16 may be indoor temperature and humidity sensors that detect the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity.

[0055] The human detection sensor 17 detects the presence of a person in the room. The human detection sensor 17 is, for example, an infrared sensor having one or more infrared light receiving elements.

[0056] In addition, the indoor temperature sensor 15, the indoor humidity sensor 16, and the human detection sensor 17 may be arranged somewhere indoors instead of in the indoor unit 2.

[0057] (2-2) Outdoor unit

[0058] The outdoor unit 3 includes a compressor 21 , a four-way switching valve 22 , a gas-liquid separator 23 , an outdoor heat exchanger 24 , an expansion valve 25 , a filter 26 , a liquid stop valve 27 , a gas stop valve 28 , an outdoor fan 29 , and a fan motor 30 .

[0059] The compressor 21 is a device that compresses the low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle to a high pressure. The four-way switching valve 22 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 21. The gas-liquid separator 23 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 21. The outdoor heat exchanger 24 is connected to the four-way switching valve 22. The expansion valve 25 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 24. The expansion valve 25 is connected to the communication pipe 32 via the filter 26 and the liquid stop valve 27, and is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger 11 via the communication pipe 32. In addition, the four-way switching valve 22 is connected to the communication pipe 31 via the gas stop valve 28, and is connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 11 via the communication pipe 31. These communication pipes 31 and 32 form a collective communication pipe 7 together with the hose 6.

[0060] The outdoor fan 29 discharges the outdoor air after the heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 24 to the outside. The outdoor fan 29 is, for example, a propeller fan. The fan motor 30 drives the outdoor fan 29 to rotate.

[0061] Here, refer to Figure 3 The structure of the outdoor unit 3 is described. Figure 3 As shown, the outdoor unit 3 is composed of a front panel 51, side panels 52, 53, a protective metal mesh (not shown), a metal bottom plate 54 and other casing members, and refrigerant circuit components housed therein.

[0062] The front panel 51 is a resin component that covers the front surface of the outdoor unit 3 and is arranged on the downstream side of the air that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 24 relative to the outdoor heat exchanger 24. The front panel 51 is provided with a blow-out port 51a consisting of a plurality of slit-shaped openings, and the air that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 24 is blown out from the inside of the outdoor unit 3 to the outside of the outdoor unit 3 through the blow-out port 51a. In addition, a fan blow-out port component 56 and a partition plate 57 are installed at the rear of the front panel 51.

[0063] The side plates 52 and 53 are metal parts covering the sides of the outdoor unit 3. Here, when viewed from the front of the outdoor unit 3, the right side plate 52 is provided on the right side, and the left side plate 53 is provided on the left side. In addition, each side plate 52 and 53 is provided substantially parallel to the blowing direction of the air blown out from the blowing port 51a through the outdoor heat exchanger 24. In addition, a valve for protecting the liquid stop valve 27 and the gas stop valve 28 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) of the stop valve cover 55.

[0064] The outdoor heat exchanger 24 has a substantially L-shaped structure in a plan view and is disposed in front of the protective wire mesh covering the back of the outdoor unit 3. An outdoor fan 29 and a fan motor 30 are provided in front of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 and in the ventilation space between the partition plate 57 and the left side plate 53 (see FIG. Figure 2The outdoor fan 29 causes the air taken into the outdoor unit 3 to come into contact with the outdoor heat exchanger 24 and discharges the air to the front of the front panel 51 from the air outlet 51 a.

[0065] The components constituting the refrigerant circuit, such as the compressor 21, the gas-liquid separator 23, the four-way switching valve 22, and the expansion valve 25, are arranged in the machine room between the partition plate 57 and the right side plate 52. In addition, an electric component unit 58 is installed on the upper part of the outdoor unit 3. The electric component unit 58 is composed of an electric component box and a printed circuit board equipped with circuit components for controlling each part. A flameproof plate 59 is installed above the electric component unit 58.

[0066] In addition, various sensors are provided in the outdoor unit 3. Figure 2 As shown, the outdoor unit 3 is provided with an outdoor temperature sensor 33 and an outdoor humidity sensor 34 .

[0067] The outdoor temperature sensor 33 detects the outdoor temperature. The outdoor humidity sensor 34 detects the outdoor humidity. The outdoor temperature sensor 33 and the outdoor humidity sensor 34 may be outdoor temperature and humidity sensors that detect the outdoor temperature and the outdoor humidity.

[0068] In addition, the outdoor temperature sensor 33 and the outdoor humidity sensor 34 may be arranged somewhere outdoors instead of being arranged in the outdoor unit 3 .

[0069] (2-3) Ventilation device

[0070] The ventilator 1b includes a ventilator unit 4 and a hose 6. The ventilator unit 4 is disposed indoors or outdoors, and is disposed in the outdoor unit 3 in this case. The hose 6 connects the ventilator unit 4 and the indoor unit 2.

[0071] (2-3-1) Ventilation unit

[0072] The ventilation unit 4 is a unit capable of performing an air supply operation (first ventilation operation) for supplying outdoor air to the room and an exhaust operation (second ventilation operation) for exhausting indoor air to the outside. Here, the ventilation unit 4 can perform an air supply operation, an exhaust operation, and a humidification operation. In addition, the air supply operation and the humidification operation are the same in that outdoor air is supplied to the room, but the air supply operation is different from the humidification operation that humidifies the outdoor air in that the outdoor air is not humidified but supplied to the room.

[0073] The ventilation unit 4 of this embodiment is arranged on the upper part of the outdoor unit 3 and is integrated therewith. Figure 3 The structure of the ventilation unit 4 will be described.

[0074] The ventilation unit 4 includes a casing 40 , an adsorption and humidification rotor 41 , a heater assembly 42 , a radial fan assembly 43 , a damper 44 , an adsorption-side duct 45 , and an adsorption fan 46 .

[0075] (2-3-1-1) Housing

[0076] The housing 40 is configured to cover the front, rear and both sides of the ventilation unit 4 and to contact the upper portion of the outdoor unit 3. An adsorption air outlet 40a consisting of a plurality of slit-shaped openings is provided on the front surface of the housing 40, and outdoor air is blown out to the outside of the outdoor unit 3 through the adsorption air outlet 40a.

[0077] In addition, an adsorption air inlet 40b and an air supply and exhaust port 40c are arranged in the left-right direction on the back side of the housing 40. The adsorption air inlet 40b is an opening for passing air taken in from the outside so that the adsorption humidification rotor 41 adsorbs moisture. The air supply and exhaust port 40c is an opening for passing air taken in for delivery to the indoor unit 2 or for passing air taken in from the indoor unit 2 and discharged to the outside.

[0078] In addition, the upper part of the housing 40 is covered by a top plate 66. The right side in the housing 40 becomes a space for storing the adsorption humidification rotor 41 and the like, and the left side in the housing 40 becomes an adsorption fan storage space SP1 for storing the adsorption fan 46 and the like. The adsorption humidification rotor 41, the heater assembly 42, the radial fan assembly 43, the damper 44, the adsorption side duct 45, the adsorption fan 46 and the like are arranged in the housing 40.

[0079] (2-3-1-2) Adsorption humidification rotor

[0080] The adsorption humidification rotor 41 is a ceramic rotor having a honeycomb structure with a roughly disk shape, and has a structure through which air can easily pass. The adsorption humidification rotor 41 has a circular shape when viewed from above. The adsorption humidification rotor 41 has a fine honeycomb shape in a cross section cut with a horizontal plane. The air passes through the multiple cylinder parts of the adsorption humidification rotor 41 with polygonal cross sections.

[0081] The main part of the adsorption humidification rotor 41 is made of an adsorbent such as zeolite, silica gel or alumina. The adsorbent has the property of adsorbing moisture in the air it contacts and removing the adsorbed moisture by heating. The adsorption humidification rotor 41 is rotatably supported on a support shaft 40d via a rotor guide (not shown), and the support shaft 40d is provided on the housing 40 side. A gear is formed on the circumferential surface of the adsorption humidification rotor 41, which meshes with a rotor drive gear 48 mounted on the drive shaft of the rotor drive motor 47.

[0082] (2-3-1-3) Heater assembly

[0083] The heater assembly 42 is composed of a heater cover 42a and a heater body 42b housed therein (see Fig.10 ) is configured to heat the air taken in from the outside and sent to the adsorption humidification rotor 41. The heater assembly 42 is installed above the adsorption humidification rotor 41 via a heater support plate 49.

[0084] (2-3-1-4) Radial fan assembly

[0085] The radial fan assembly 43 is disposed on the side of the adsorption humidification rotor 41 and includes a radial fan 430 (see Figure 8 (a)) and a radial fan motor 431 for rotating the radial fan 430 (see Fig.10 ). In addition, Figure 4 As shown, the radial fan assembly 43 and the damper 44 share an upper cover 73, and the upper cover 73 closes the bottom surface of the radial fan assembly 43. The upper cover 73 is provided with a blow-out port 73a and an intake port 73b. The blow-out port 73a is an opening for the air transported from the radial fan assembly 43 to the damper 44 to pass through. The intake port 73b is an opening for the air transported from the damper 44 to the radial fan assembly 43 to pass through. The radial fan assembly 43 generates a flow of air that reaches the room from the air supply and exhaust port 40c via the adsorption humidification rotor 41 and the damper 44, and transports the air taken in from the outside to the indoor unit 2. In addition, the radial fan assembly 43 can also discharge the air taken in from the indoor unit 2 to the outside. The radial fan assembly 43 switches these actions by switching the damper 44.

[0086] When outdoor air taken in from the outside is sent to the indoor unit 2, the radial fan assembly 43 sends the outdoor air that has passed through the right side of the adsorption humidification rotor 41 to the air supply and exhaust duct 61 through the damper 44. Figure 1 ) is connected, and the radial fan assembly 43 supplies outdoor air to the indoor unit 2 via the supply and exhaust duct 61 and the hose 6.

[0087] When the indoor air taken in from the indoor unit 2 is discharged to the outside, the radial fan assembly 43 discharges the air sent from the air supply and exhaust duct 61 to the outside from the air supply and exhaust port 40 c provided on the back surface of the casing 40 .

[0088] (2-3-1-5) Air door

[0089] The damper 44 is a rotary air flow path switching unit disposed below the radial fan assembly 43 and switches between a first state, a second state, and a third state.

[0090] In the first state, the air blown out from the radial fan assembly 43 is supplied to the indoor unit 2 through the supply and exhaust duct 61 through the hose 6. Figure 2 The outdoor air flows in the direction of the arrow indicated by the solid arrow A1 , and is supplied to the air supply and exhaust port 14 of the indoor unit 2 through the hose 6 .

[0091] In the second state, the indoor air Figure 2 The indoor air flows in the direction of the arrow indicated by the dotted arrow A2, and the indoor air passes through the hose 6 and the air supply and exhaust duct 61 from the air supply and exhaust port 14 of the indoor unit 2 and is discharged from the radial fan assembly 43 to the outside through the air supply and exhaust port 40c.

[0092] In the third state, the path connecting the damper 44 and the air supply and exhaust duct 61 is closed, and the flow of air between the outdoor unit 3 and the indoor unit 2 is cut off.

[0093] The specific structure and operation of the damper 44 will be described in detail later.

[0094] (2-3-1-6) Adsorption side duct and adsorption fan

[0095] The adsorption side duct 45 covers the portion of the upper surface of the adsorption humidification rotor 41 where the heater assembly 42 is not present (approximately the left half portion). The adsorption side duct 45, together with the adsorption side bell mouth 63 described later, forms an air flow path from the left half portion of the adsorption humidification rotor 41 to the adsorption fan storage space SP1 described below.

[0096] The adsorption fan 46 accommodated in the adsorption fan accommodation space SP1 is a centrifugal fan rotated by the adsorption fan motor 65, and by sucking air from the opening 63a of the adsorption side bell mouth 63 arranged at the upper part, an air flow is generated that flows from the adsorption air intake port 40b to the opening 63a via the adsorption humidification rotor 41. Furthermore, the adsorption fan 46 discharges the dry air to which moisture is adsorbed when passing through the adsorption humidification rotor 41 from the adsorption air outlet 40a toward the front of the housing 40. The adsorption side bell mouth 63 is provided at the upper part of the adsorption fan accommodation space SP1, and plays a role in guiding the air passing through the air flow path formed by the adsorption side duct 45 to the adsorption fan 46.

[0097] (2-3-1-7) Detailed structure of the damper

[0098] like Figure 4 As shown, the damper 44 is composed of a housing 71, a flow path switching component 72, an upper cover 73, and a damper drive motor 74 (see Fig.10 ), and a limit switch 75 for detecting whether the flow path switching component 72 moves normally (refer to Fig.10 The damper 44 is arranged below the radial fan assembly 43, and switches the flow of air by rotating the flow path switching member 72.

[0099] The housing 71 is composed of a housing side wall 71a and a housing bottom plate 71b, and is open at the top. The housing side wall 71a extends upward from the housing bottom plate 71b and is curved to the side in an arc shape. In addition, a portion of the housing 71 has a housing side opening 71c where the housing side wall 71a does not exist, and the space inside the housing 71 becomes a space opened to the side by means of the housing side opening 71c. A track 71d protruding upward from the housing bottom plate 71b is provided near the center of the housing bottom plate 71b, and is curved in a manner substantially parallel to the housing side wall 71a. The space sandwiched by the track 71d and the housing side wall 71a becomes a moving space for the flow path switching component 72 to rotate and move. A housing bottom opening 71e is provided in the portion of the housing bottom plate 71b where the flow path switching component 72 passes, and is connected to the hole of the connecting pipe 71f provided on the outer surface of the housing bottom plate 71b. The connecting pipe 71f is connected to the supply and exhaust duct 61.

[0100] The upper cover 73 is a plate-shaped member that blocks the upper surface of the housing 71, and the radial fan assembly 43 is mounted on the upper cover 73. As described above, the upper cover 73 is provided with the blowout port 73a and the intake port 73b. The blowout port 73a is an opening for the air conveyed from the radial fan assembly 43 to the damper 44 to pass through, and is provided above the housing bottom opening 71e of the housing 71. The intake port 73b is an opening for the air conveyed from the damper 44 to the radial fan assembly 43 to pass through, and is provided in a manner facing the space between the housing bottom opening 71e and the housing side opening 71c in the moving space.

[0101] The flow path switching member 72 is a member that switches the flow of air passing through the damper 44 by moving in the moving space. The flow path switching member 72 divides the space in the housing 71 formed by the housing 71 and the upper cover 73 into a space SP2 inside the flow path switching member 72 and a space SP3 outside the flow path switching member 72 (see Figure 8 (a) Figure 8 (b) and Fig. 9). The flow path switching component 72 is mainly composed of an inner wall 72a, an outer wall 72b, flat side walls 72c, 72d and a bottom plate 72e. The top of the flow path switching component 72 is open, and the upper surface is closed by an upper cover 73. The inner wall 72a and the outer wall 72b are parallel to each other and are bent laterally into an arc shape with a central angle of about 90 degrees. The outer wall 72b is arranged on the side of the outer shell side wall 71a, and the inner wall 72a is arranged on the side of the track 71d. In addition, a gear 72f is arranged on the outer surface of the inner wall 72a, which meshes with the gear 740 of the damper drive motor 74 to transmit the rotation of the damper drive motor 74 to the flow path switching component 72. The flat side walls 72c and 72d are plate-shaped components that connect the side ends of the inner wall 72a and the outer wall 72b, and a side opening 72g is arranged on the flat side wall 72c. The side opening 72g is connected to the hole of the pipe 72h provided on the outer surface of the flat side wall 72c. The pipe 72h is bent downward by about 90 degrees from the outer surface of the flat side wall 72c, and the air entering from the hole below the pipe 72h is transported from the side opening 72g to the space SP2 inside the flow path switching component 72. In addition, the bottom plate 72e is provided with a bottom opening 72i. Figure 8 As shown in (a), the size of the flow path switching component 72, the position of the bottom opening 72i, etc. are determined so that when the bottom opening 72i is located directly above the housing bottom opening 71e of the housing 71, the space SP2 inside the flow path switching component 72 is not connected to the inlet 73b of the upper cover 73. Figure 8 As shown in (b), when the downward opening 720h of the piping 72h of the flow switching component 72 is located directly above the shell bottom opening 71e of the shell bottom plate 71b, the space SP2 inside the flow switching component 72 is connected to the inlet 73b of the upper cover 73 and is not connected to the blow-out outlet 73a.

[0102] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the damper drive motor 74 is provided to rotate the flow path switching component 72. The damper drive motor 74 rotates the flow path switching component 72 to Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 (a) shows the first state of the rotation position, Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 (b) The second state of the rotation position shown, and the Fig. 9 The third state of the rotational position shown is switched.

[0103] In addition, the limit switch 75 is set to work when the flow path switching member 72 moves normally, and can detect whether the first state, the second state, and the third state can be switched according to whether the limit switch 75 works when the damper drive motor 74 is driven. The limit switch 75 is connected to the control unit 100 and sends the detection result to the control unit 100.

[0104] Next, the first state, the second state, and the third state of the damper 44 will be described. Figure 6 and Figure 8 (a) The first state is described.

[0105] In the first state, if Figure 8 As shown in (a), the space SP2 inside the flow path switching member 72 is connected to the blow-out port 73a through the open upper portion, and is connected to the housing bottom opening 71e of the housing 71 through the bottom opening 72i. In addition, the space SP3 outside the flow path switching member 72 is connected to the inlet 73b. The passage for guiding the outdoor air that has passed through the heater assembly 42 and the adsorption humidification rotor 41 to the damper 44 is connected to the space SP3 outside the flow path switching member 72 through the housing side opening 71c. Therefore, the outdoor air that has passed through the heater assembly 42 and the adsorption humidification rotor 41 is rotated by the radial fan 430 accommodated in the radial fan assembly 43 and enters the inside of the radial fan assembly 43 through the inlet 73b. Furthermore, the outdoor air blown out from the blow-out port 73a is transported to the outside of the damper 44 from the connecting pipe 71f through the space SP2 inside the flow path switching member 72, the bottom opening 72i of the flow path switching member 72, and the housing bottom opening 71e. The connecting pipe 71f is connected to the air supply and exhaust duct 61 (see Figure 3 and Figure 6 ) is connected to the hose 6, so in the first state, the air blown out from the outlet 73a of the radial fan assembly 43 is supplied to the indoor unit 2 through the hose 6. Figure 6 and Figure 8 The outdoor air flows in the direction of the arrow shown in (a), and is supplied to the indoor unit 2 through the hose 6.

[0106] Next, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 (b) The second state is described. In the second state, if Figure 8As shown in (b), the connecting pipe 71f is connected to the space SP2 inside the flow switching component 72 via the pipe 72h. In addition, the space SP2 inside the flow switching component 72 is connected to the inlet 73b of the radial fan assembly 43 via the open upper portion. Moreover, the outlet 73a of the radial fan assembly 43 is connected to the space SP3 outside the flow switching component 72, and is connected to the passage leading to the outside of the outdoor unit 3 via the side opening 71c of the casing. Therefore, in the second state, the indoor air flows to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The indoor air flows in the direction of the arrow shown in (b), and is exhausted from the indoor unit 2 and passes through the hose 6, is blown out from the side opening 71c of the casing through the air supply and exhaust duct 61, and is exhausted to the outside of the outdoor unit 3 through the air supply and exhaust port 40c of the casing 40.

[0107] Next, refer to Fig. 9 The third state is described. In the third state, the flow path switching component 72 is located between the first state and the second state. In the third state, the inlet 73b of the radial fan assembly 43 is connected to the space SP3 outside the flow path switching component 72. In addition, the outlet 73a of the radial fan assembly 43 is connected to the space SP2 inside the flow path switching component 72. However, the bottom opening 72i of the flow path switching component 72 and the opening 720h below the pipe 72h are closed by the housing bottom plate 71b of the housing 71. In addition, the housing bottom opening 71e of the housing 71 is also closed by the bottom plate 72e of the flow path switching component 72. In this way, in the third state, the air path connecting the outdoor unit 3 and the indoor unit 2 becomes a state closed by the damper 44.

[0108] (2-3-2) Hose

[0109] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, between the ventilation unit 4 disposed outdoors and the indoor unit 2, there is provided a hose 6 used when supplying outdoor air from the ventilation unit 4 to the indoor unit 2 side and when exhausting indoor air to the outdoors. Here, the hose 6 connects the ventilation unit 4 and the indoor unit 2. In detail, one end of the hose 6 is connected to a supply and exhaust port component (here, the wall portion W) forming the supply and exhaust port 14 of the indoor unit 2, and the other end of the hose 6 is connected to the ventilation unit 4. Therefore, in the air supply operation, outdoor air is supplied to the room via the hose 6, and in the exhaust operation, indoor air is exhausted to the outdoors via the hose 6. In other words, the hose 6 is a component that constitutes a flow path for outdoor air to pass during the air supply operation, and is a component that constitutes a flow path for indoor air to pass during the exhaust operation. In addition, the hose 6 is also a component that constitutes a flow path for humidified outdoor air to pass during the humidification operation.

[0110] (2-4) Remote control

[0111] Fig.10 and Fig.11 The remote controller 102 shown is installed indoors. The remote controller 102 may be connected to the control unit 100 by wire via a transmission line, a communication line, etc., or may be connected wirelessly.

[0112] The remote controller 102 allows the user to select various operations of air conditioning operation and ventilation operation. Fig.11 As shown, the remote controller 102 of this embodiment includes buttons for selecting heating operation, cooling operation and dehumidification operation as air conditioning operation, air supply operation, exhaust operation and humidification operation as ventilation operation, and settings of air conditioning operation.

[0113] Here, the remote controller 102 switches between air supply operation and exhaust operation. When the button 102a is pressed, the air supply operation starts. When the button 102b is pressed, the exhaust operation starts. In this way, the user can select the air supply operation and the exhaust operation through the buttons 102a and 102b of the remote controller 102. For example, when eating or when more people are in the room, the exhaust operation can be performed by the user pressing the button 102b.

[0114] Furthermore, the remote controller 102 further includes a display unit 102c. The display unit 102c displays the selected operation, the set temperature, humidity, messages, and the like.

[0115] In addition, when the button 102d of the remote controller 102 is pressed, the air supply operation or the exhaust operation is automatically performed in the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation by the control unit 100.

[0116] (2-5) Control Unit

[0117] (2-5-1)Outline

[0118] Fig.10 The control unit 100 shown is implemented by, for example, a computer. The computer, for example, includes a control operation device and a storage device. The control operation device can use a processor. The control unit 100 includes a CPU as a processor. The control operation device, for example, reads out a program stored in the storage device, and performs a predetermined image processing, operation processing, or timing processing according to the program. Moreover, the control operation device, for example, can write the operation result to the storage device or read out the information stored in the storage device according to the program. The storage device can be used as a database. The control unit 100 includes a memory as a storage device.

[0119] The control unit 100 of this embodiment is separately present in the indoor unit 2, the outdoor unit 3, the ventilation unit 4, etc. of the air conditioning device 1. Fig.10As shown, the control unit 100 is connected to the outdoor temperature sensor 33, the outdoor humidity sensor 34, the indoor temperature sensor 15, the indoor humidity sensor 16, the limit switch 75, the indoor unit 2, the outdoor unit 3, and other devices of the ventilation unit 4. The control unit 100 controls the operation of each device based on an operation instruction from a remote controller 102 or the like, or automatically according to various operations such as heating operation, cooling operation, dehumidification operation, air supply operation, exhaust operation, and humidification operation.

[0120] The control unit 100 controls the air supply operation or the exhaust operation in the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation. The control unit 100 of this embodiment also controls the air supply operation, the exhaust operation, or the humidification operation in the heating operation.

[0121] However, the control unit 100 controls the humidification operation to continue even if receiving an instruction to perform the exhaust operation during the humidification operation. Specifically, when the exhaust operation button 102b is pressed from the remote controller 102 during the humidification operation, the control unit 100 continues the humidification operation and displays a message indicating that the exhaust operation cannot be used, such as "Cannot be used due to humidification operation" on the display unit 102c of the remote controller 102.

[0122] In addition, when the control unit 100 receives an instruction to perform the air supply operation during the humidification operation, it may stop the humidification operation and switch to the air supply operation, or continue the humidification operation.

[0123] The control unit 100 determines whether to perform the exhaust operation according to the indoor heat load. In other words, the control unit 100 that performs the air supply operation or the exhaust operation during the cooling or dehumidification operation determines whether to perform the exhaust operation according to the indoor heat load.

[0124] (2-5-2) Indoor heat load

[0125] Here, refer to Fig.12 , the heat load L of the indoor SI is explained. Fig.12 The indoor space SI (indoor space) to be air-conditioned defined by the room R is shown in FIG.

[0126] The indoor SI has a heat load L. When the air-conditioning apparatus 1 performs cooling operation, the heat load L is the amount of heat that the air-conditioning apparatus 1 needs to remove from the indoor air in order to make the indoor temperature Ti reach the target temperature Tt.

[0127] The heat load L includes an external load Lo and an internal load Li. The external load Lo is caused by the outdoor temperature To. The internal load Li exists in the indoor SI and is caused by heat sources 80 such as home appliances, electronic devices, and people. In order to reduce the heat load L in the indoor SI, the air conditioning device 1 generates an air conditioning capacity Q.

[0128] The control unit 100 calculates the heat load L of the room SI when generating an appropriate air-conditioning capacity Q. The heat load L calculated here may not be a heat load in a strict sense, but may be a quantity related to the heat load.

[0129] As an example, the heat load L to be calculated is obtained as a function of the target temperature Tt, the indoor temperature Ti, and the outdoor temperature To.

[0130] (2-5-3) Control of ventilation device

[0131] The control unit 100 automatically switches the air supply operation and the exhaust operation according to the heat load L during the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation. The user can select the automatic operation through the remote controller 102. However, the control unit 100 gives priority to the ventilation operation selected by the user through the remote controller 102 or the like.

[0132] The following mainly refers to Fig.13 The button 102d (see Fig.11 ) will be described below. Here, the heat load L to be calculated will be described below assuming that it is obtained as a function of the indoor temperature Ti and the outdoor temperature To.

[0133] First, from Fig.13 The processing of step SS starts from the starting point.

[0134] Next, the control unit 100 checks whether the air conditioning operation (here, the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation) has started. The control unit 100 of this embodiment regards the initial start of the operation of the compressor 21 after the air conditioning operation is stopped as the start time of the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation. In other words, the control unit 100 does not regard the start time of the operation of the compressor when the temperature control off state changes to the temperature control on state as the start time of the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation.

[0135] The control unit 100 shifts the process to S1 when the air-conditioning operation has started, and returns the process to S0 when the air-conditioning operation has not started.

[0136] In step S1 , the control unit 100 sets a first value V1 as a heat load threshold value Lth which is a variable managed by the control unit 100 .

[0137] In step S2 , the control unit 100 obtains the indoor temperature Ti as the temperature of the indoor air through the indoor temperature sensor 15 .

[0138] Furthermore, in step S3 , the control unit 100 obtains the outdoor temperature To as the temperature of the outdoor air through the outdoor temperature sensor 33 .

[0139] In step S4, the control unit 100 calculates the heat load L of the indoor SI based on the indoor temperature Ti and the outdoor temperature To. For example, the control unit 100 compares the outdoor temperature To with the indoor temperature Ti, and calculates the heat load L based on the difference ΔT between the two.

[0140] In step S5, the control unit 100 compares the heat load L with a heat load threshold value Lth stored in the control unit 100. In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 determines the difference ΔT according to the height of the indoor temperature Ti and the outdoor temperature To.

[0141] When the heat load L exceeds the heat load threshold value Lth, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the control unit 100 performs an exhaust operation using the ventilator 1b. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines to perform an exhaust operation when the indoor temperature Ti is higher than the outdoor temperature To.

[0142] On the other hand, in step S5, when the heat load L is equal to or lower than the heat load threshold value Lth, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the control unit 100 performs air supply operation based on the ventilation device 1b. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines to perform air supply operation when the indoor temperature Ti is lower than the outdoor temperature To or is the same as the outdoor temperature To. In other words, the control unit 100 determines not to perform exhaust operation when the indoor temperature Ti is lower than the outdoor temperature To or is the same as the outdoor temperature To.

[0143] Thus, when the exhaust operation (step S6) or the air supply operation (step S7) is performed according to the decision of the control unit 100 whether to perform the exhaust operation or the air supply operation in the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation, the control unit 100 returns the process to step S2. Thus, even after the air conditioning operation starts, the control unit 100 determines whether to perform the exhaust operation according to the heat load of the indoor SI. Therefore, the control unit 100 of the present embodiment performs the exhaust operation (step S6) when the indoor temperature Ti is higher than the outdoor temperature To. When the indoor temperature Ti is lower than the outdoor temperature To, the air supply operation (step S7) is performed.

[0144] (3) Operation

[0145] Next, the operation of the air conditioning device 1 is described. The air conditioning device 1 of this embodiment performs heating operation, cooling operation and dehumidification operation as air conditioning operation, and performs air supply operation, exhaust operation and humidification operation as ventilation operation. Various operations are performed by the control unit 100 controlling each component device.

[0146] (3-1) Refrigeration operation

[0147] During cooling operation, the controller 100 switches the four-way switching valve 22 to a state in which the outdoor heat exchanger 24 functions as a radiator of the refrigerant and the indoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant.

[0148] In the refrigerant circuit in such a state, the low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is sucked into the compressor 21, compressed to the high pressure in the refrigeration cycle, and then discharged. The high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 24 through the four-way switching valve 22. The high-pressure refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 24 exchanges heat with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 29 in the outdoor heat exchanger 24 to dissipate heat. The high-pressure refrigerant after dissipating heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 24 is sent to the expansion valve 25 and is decompressed to the low pressure in the refrigeration cycle. The low-pressure refrigerant after decompression in the expansion valve 25 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 11 through the filter 26, the liquid stop valve 27, and the communication pipe 32. The low-pressure refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 11 exchanges heat with the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 12 in the indoor heat exchanger 11 and evaporates. As a result, the indoor air is cooled and blown into the room. The low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 11 passes through the communication pipe 31 , the gas shutoff valve 28 , the four-way switching valve 22 , and the gas-liquid separator 23 , and is sucked into the compressor 21 again.

[0149] Thus, in cooling operation, the controller 100 causes the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit to circulate in the order of the compressor 21 , the outdoor heat exchanger 24 , the expansion valve 25 , and the indoor heat exchanger 11 .

[0150] (3-2) Dehumidification operation

[0151] During the dehumidification operation, similarly to the cooling operation, the control unit 100 switches the four-way switching valve 22 to a state in which the outdoor heat exchanger 24 functions as a radiator of the refrigerant and the indoor heat exchanger 11 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant. Also, during the dehumidification operation, similarly to the cooling operation, the control unit 100 circulates the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit in the order of the compressor 21, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, the expansion valve 25, and the indoor heat exchanger 11.

[0152] (3-3) Heating operation

[0153] During the heating operation, the controller 100 switches the four-way switching valve 22 to a state in which the outdoor heat exchanger 24 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant and the indoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a radiator of the refrigerant.

[0154] In the refrigerant circuit in such a state, the low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is sucked into the compressor 21, compressed to the high pressure in the refrigeration cycle, and then discharged. The high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 11 through the four-way switching valve 22, the gas stop valve 28, and the communication pipe 31. The high-pressure refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 11 exchanges heat with the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 12 in the indoor heat exchanger 11 to dissipate heat. As a result, the indoor air is heated and blown into the room. The high-pressure refrigerant after dissipating heat in the indoor heat exchanger 11 is sent to the expansion valve 25 through the communication pipe 32, the liquid stop valve 27, and the filter 26, and is decompressed to the low pressure in the refrigeration cycle. The low-pressure refrigerant after being decompressed in the expansion valve 25 is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 24. The low-pressure refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 24 exchanges heat with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 29 in the outdoor heat exchanger 24 and evaporates. The low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 24 passes through the four-way switching valve 22 and the gas-liquid separator 23 and is sucked into the compressor 21 again.

[0155] Thus, in the heating operation, the controller 100 causes the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant circuit to circulate in the order of the compressor 21 , the indoor heat exchanger 11 , the expansion valve 25 , and the outdoor heat exchanger 24 .

[0156] (3-4) Gas supply operation

[0157] During the air supply operation, the control unit 100 switches the damper 44 to Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 (a) shows the first state.

[0158] Specifically, when the radial fan assembly 43 is driven, Figure 2 As shown, outdoor air is taken into the housing 40 from the air supply and exhaust port 40c, and the outdoor air is introduced into the heater assembly 42 through the approximately half portion on the right side of the adsorption humidification rotor 41. Then, the outdoor air entering the heater assembly 42 passes through the approximately half portion on the right side of the adsorption humidification rotor 41, and reaches the radial fan assembly 43 from the housing side opening 71c of the damper 44 through the inside of the damper 44. Such air flow is generated by the radial fan assembly 43. The radial fan assembly 43 conveys the outdoor air that has passed through the adsorption humidification rotor 41 and the damper 44 as described above from the air supply and exhaust port 14 to the indoor unit 2 through the damper 44, the air supply and exhaust duct 61 and the hose 6. The outdoor air supplied to the indoor unit 2 is blown into the room from the blow-out port 19 through the indoor heat exchanger 11.

[0159] In this way, the outdoor air taken in from the outside is guided into the room through the flow path connecting the air supply and exhaust port 40 c , the adsorption and humidification rotor 41 , the heater assembly 42 , the radial fan assembly 43 , and the damper 44 .

[0160] (3-5) Exhaust operation

[0161] During the exhaust operation, the control unit 100 switches the damper 44 to Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 (b) The second state shown.

[0162] When the radial fan assembly 43 is driven, indoor air taken in from the suction port 18 of the indoor unit 2 passes through the hose 6 from the air supply and exhaust port 14 , passes through the air supply and exhaust duct 61 and the inside of the damper 44 to reach the radial fan assembly 43 .

[0163] The indoor air reaching the radial fan assembly 43 passes through the inside of the damper 44 again, and is blown out of the damper 44 from the housing side opening 71c of the damper 44. The indoor air blown out to the outside of the damper 44 passes through the roughly half portion on the right side of the adsorption humidification rotor 41, and is introduced into the heater assembly 42. Then, the indoor air entering the heater assembly 42 passes through the roughly half portion on the right side of the adsorption humidification rotor 41, and is discharged to the outside from the air supply and exhaust port 40c.

[0164] In this way, the indoor air taken in from the indoor unit 2 passes through the flow path in the opposite direction to that during the air supply operation, and is discharged from the ventilation unit 4 to the outside.

[0165] (3-6) Humidification operation

[0166] The humidification operation is basically the same as the flow path for supplying outdoor air to indoor air during the air supply operation, but is different in that the outdoor air is humidified.

[0167] Specifically, the ventilation unit 4 drives the adsorption fan 46 to rotate. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , air from the outside is taken into the housing 40 from the adsorption air inlet 40b. The air entering the housing 40 passes through the approximately left half of the adsorption humidification rotor 41 and passes through the Figure 3 The air flow path formed by the adsorption side duct 45 and the adsorption side bell mouth 63 and the adsorption fan 46 is discharged from the adsorption fan storage space SP1 through the adsorption air outlet 40a to the front of the outdoor unit 3 (see Figure 2 Arrow A3 and Figure 3 When the air taken into the casing 40 from the outside passes through the substantially left half of the adsorption humidification rotor 41, the adsorption humidification rotor 41 adsorbs moisture contained in the air.

[0168] The approximately left half of the adsorption humidification rotor 41 that adsorbs moisture in the adsorption process becomes the approximately right half of the adsorption humidification rotor 41 by the rotation of the adsorption humidification rotor 41. The moisture moved here is then separated from the air flow generated by the radial fan assembly 43 by the heat from the heater assembly 42. Thus, the outdoor air sent to the indoor unit 2 contains the moisture adsorbed by the adsorption humidification rotor 41.

[0169] (3-7) Air supply operation during cooling operation or dehumidification operation

[0170] The control unit 100 controls the air conditioner 1 a to perform the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation described above, and controls the ventilator 1 b to perform the air supply operation described above according to the indoor heat load L.

[0171] Specifically, according to the above-mentioned air supply operation, the ventilation unit 4 supplies outdoor air to the air supply and exhaust port 14 of the indoor unit 2 through the hose 6. The outdoor air is cooled or dehumidified by the indoor heat exchanger 11 and supplied to the room. Therefore, the outdoor air generated by the air supply is supplied to the room together with the cooled or dehumidified indoor air by the air conditioning device 1a.

[0172] (3-8) Exhaust operation during cooling operation or dehumidification operation

[0173] The control unit 100 controls the air conditioner 1 a to perform the cooling operation or the dehumidifying operation described above, and controls the ventilator 1 b to perform the exhaust operation described above according to the indoor heat load L.

[0174] Specifically, according to the above-mentioned exhaust operation, the ventilation unit 4 supplies indoor air from the air supply and exhaust port 14 of the indoor unit 2 to the ventilation unit 4 via the hose 6. The indoor air is discharged to the outside from the ventilation unit 4. Therefore, a part of the indoor air is discharged to the outside by the ventilation device 1b, and another part of the indoor air is cooled or dehumidified by the indoor heat exchanger 11 by the air conditioning device 1a and supplied to the room.

[0175] (3-9) Air supply operation or humidification operation during heating operation

[0176] The control unit 100 controls the air conditioner 1 a to perform the above-mentioned heating operation, and the ventilator 1 b to perform the above-mentioned air supply operation or humidification operation.

[0177] Specifically, the ventilation unit 4 supplies outdoor air that has not been humidified according to the above-mentioned air supply operation or outdoor air that has been humidified according to the above-mentioned humidification operation to the air supply and exhaust port 14 of the indoor unit 2 through the hose 6. The outdoor air is heated and supplied through the indoor heat exchanger 11. Therefore, the outdoor air introduced by the ventilation device 1b is supplied to the room together with the heated indoor air by the air conditioning device 1a.

[0178] (3-10) Exhaust operation during heating operation

[0179] The control unit 100 performs control so that the air conditioner 1 a performs the above-mentioned heating operation and the ventilator 1 b performs the above-mentioned exhaust operation.

[0180] Specifically, according to the above-mentioned exhaust operation, the ventilation unit 4 supplies indoor air from the air supply and exhaust port 14 of the indoor unit 2 to the ventilation unit 4 via the hose 6. The indoor air is discharged to the outside from the ventilation unit 4. Therefore, a part of the indoor air is discharged to the outside by the ventilation device 1b, and the other part of the indoor air is heated by the indoor heat exchanger 11 by the air conditioning device 1a and supplied to the room.

[0181] (4) Features

[0182] (4-1)

[0183] The air conditioning device 1 of the present embodiment is an air conditioning device that performs at least one of a cooling operation and a dehumidification operation, and is provided with a ventilation device 1b and a control unit 100. The ventilation device 1b performs a first ventilation operation (air supply operation) for supplying outdoor air to the room and a second ventilation operation (exhaust operation) for exhausting indoor air to the outside. The control unit 100 controls in a cooling operation or a dehumidification operation in a manner of performing an air supply operation or a ventilation operation. The control unit 100 determines whether to perform an exhaust operation according to the heat load L of the indoor SI.

[0184] According to the air conditioning device 1 of this embodiment, the exhaust operation can be performed when the heat load L of the indoor SI is high by the control unit 100. Therefore, by exhausting the indoor air to the outside, the heat load L of the indoor SI can be reduced. Therefore, the efficiency of the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation can be improved.

[0185] (4-2)

[0186] In the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the heat load L is determined by the temperature of the indoor air and the temperature of the outdoor air.

[0187] According to this configuration, the heat load L depends on the temperature of the indoor air and the temperature of the outdoor air. Therefore, the temperature of the indoor air and the temperature of the outdoor air are considered as conditions for the exhaust operation.

[0188] (4-3)

[0189] In the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 100 performs the exhaust operation when the temperature of the indoor air is higher than the temperature of the outdoor air (step S6 ).

[0190] Here, when the temperature of the indoor air is higher than that of the outdoor air, exhaust operation is performed (step S6) to exhaust the indoor air to the outside. Thus, cooling or dehumidifying the indoor air with high temperature can be reduced, thereby further improving the efficiency of cooling operation and dehumidification operation.

[0191] (4-4)

[0192] In the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation is started, the control unit 100 performs the exhaust operation when the temperature of the indoor air is higher than the temperature of the outdoor air (step S6 ).

[0193] At the start of cooling operation or dehumidification operation, the heat load L of indoor SI is high in most cases. Therefore, at the start of cooling operation or dehumidification operation, when the temperature of indoor air is higher than the temperature of outdoor air, exhaust operation (step S6) is performed, thereby improving the following effect: improving the efficiency of cooling operation and dehumidification operation.

[0194] (4-5)

[0195] In the air-conditioning apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 100 performs the air supply operation when the temperature of the indoor air is lower than the temperature of the outdoor air (step S7 ).

[0196] Here, when the temperature of the indoor air is lower than that of the outdoor air, the outdoor air is supplied to the indoor S1. Thus, the indoor air with low temperature is not discharged to the outdoors, and therefore, the efficiency of the cooling operation and the dehumidification operation can be further improved.

[0197] In addition, the control unit 100 performs exhaust operation (step S6) at the start of cooling or dehumidification operation, and switches from exhaust operation to air supply operation (step S7) when the indoor temperature Ti becomes lower than the outdoor temperature To. Furthermore, preferably, the control unit 100 basically performs air supply operation (step S7) during cooling or dehumidification operation, and performs exhaust operation (step S6) only when the indoor temperature Ti becomes higher than the outdoor temperature To. Thus, the air cooled or dehumidified by the indoor unit 2 is not discharged to the outside, so the efficiency of cooling operation and dehumidification operation can be further improved.

[0198] (4-6)

[0199] The air conditioning apparatus 1 of this embodiment further includes an indoor unit 2 disposed indoors. The indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 11. The indoor unit 2 is provided with an inlet 18 for sucking indoor air during exhaust operation. The inlet 18 is provided upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 11.

[0200] According to this structure, the indoor air sucked from the suction port 18 can be discharged to the outside from the supply and exhaust port 14 without passing through the indoor heat exchanger 11. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the indoor air that has undergone heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 11 from being discharged to the outside. Therefore, the efficiency of the cooling operation and the dehumidification operation can be further improved.

[0201] (4-7)

[0202] The air conditioning device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a flow path component that connects the indoor and outdoor and forms a flow path for indoor air and outdoor air. The flow path is, for example, the internal space of the hose 6 of the ventilation device 1b, the supply and exhaust port 14 of the indoor unit 2, etc. In the air supply operation, outdoor air is supplied to the room via the flow path. In the exhaust operation, the indoor air is exhausted to the outdoors via the flow path. In this way, the components constituting the flow path for outdoor air to pass through during the air supply operation and the components constituting the flow path for indoor air to pass through during the exhaust operation are shared.

[0203] According to this structure, the flow path for indoor air and outdoor air to pass through can be enlarged, so the air supply and exhaust volume can be increased. Therefore, when the air supply operation or exhaust operation is performed in the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation, the uneven ventilation can be reduced between the air after cooling or dehumidification and the air supply or exhaust.

[0204] (4-8)

[0205] In the air conditioning device 1 of the present embodiment, the ventilation device 1b includes a ventilation unit 4 and a hose 6. The ventilation unit 4 is provided at the outdoor unit 3. The hose 6 connects the ventilation unit 4 to the indoor unit 2. The above-mentioned flow path component is the hose 6. In this way, the hose 6 through which the outdoor air supplied and the indoor air discharged is common. Thus, under the constraint of the size of the supply and exhaust ports 14, the diameter of the hose 6 can be increased, and therefore, the air supply amount supplied in the air supply operation and the exhaust amount discharged in the exhaust operation can be increased. Therefore, the uneven ventilation can be further reduced.

[0206] (5) Modification

[0207] (5-1) Modification 1

[0208] In the above embodiment, the heat load L to be calculated is obtained as a function of both the indoor temperature Ti and the outdoor temperature To, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In this modification, the heat load L is obtained as a function of only the indoor temperature Ti without using the outdoor temperature To.

[0209] According to this configuration, the control unit 100 determines whether to perform the exhaust operation only based on the indoor temperature Ti. Therefore, the calculation performed by the control unit 100 is simple.

[0210] (5-2) Modification 2

[0211] In the above embodiment, the heat load L is determined by the indoor temperature Ti and the outdoor temperature To, but in this modification, it is determined by the indoor temperature Ti and the set temperature. The set temperature is, for example, a temperature set by the user through the remote controller 102. For example, when the indoor temperature Ti is higher than the set temperature, the exhaust operation is performed, and when the indoor temperature Ti is lower than the set temperature, the air supply operation is performed.

[0212] According to this configuration, the control unit 100 can determine whether to perform the exhaust operation based on the set temperature and the indoor temperature Ti.

[0213] (5-3) Modification 3

[0214] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the heat load L is determined by various temperatures. In this modification, various humidities may be used instead of various temperatures or together with various temperatures to determine the heat load L. Specifically, the heat load L may be determined by at least one of the temperature of the indoor air and the humidity of the indoor air. For example, the heat load L may also be determined based on the humidity of the indoor air, i.e., the indoor humidity Hi, and the humidity of the outdoor air, i.e., the outdoor humidity Ho. The indoor humidity Hi can be obtained by the indoor humidity sensor 16. The outdoor humidity Ho can be obtained by the outdoor humidity sensor 34. For example, an exhaust operation is performed when the indoor humidity Hi is higher than the outdoor humidity Ho, and an air supply operation is performed when the indoor humidity Hi is lower than the outdoor humidity Ho.

[0215] According to this configuration, the control unit 100 can determine whether to perform the exhaust operation based on the indoor humidity Hi and the outdoor humidity Ho.

[0216] In addition, the heat load L may be obtained as a function of only the indoor humidity Hi without using the outdoor humidity Ho.

[0217] (5-4) Modification 4

[0218] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the heat load L is determined by various temperatures. In this modification, the heat load L is determined by the temperature of the main structure constituting the room R in which the indoor unit 2 is installed, that is, the main structure temperature. The main structure temperature can be obtained by a main structure temperature sensor (not shown). In calculating the heat load L, the control unit 100 can use not only the main structure temperature but also various temperatures, various humidities, or both.

[0219] According to this configuration, the control unit 100 can determine whether to perform the exhaust operation based on the body structure temperature.

[0220] (5-5) Modification 5

[0221] In the above embodiment, in cooling operation or dehumidification operation, the exhaust operation is performed when the indoor air temperature is higher than the outdoor air temperature, and the air supply operation is performed when the indoor air temperature is lower than the outdoor air temperature, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0222] In this modification, the control unit 100 may also perform exhaust operation when the difference between the temperature of the indoor air and the temperature of the outdoor air exceeds a specified value during cooling operation or dehumidification operation, and perform air supply operation when the difference between the temperature of the indoor air and the temperature of the outdoor air is below a specified value. Therefore, the control unit 100 terminates the exhaust operation when the difference between the temperature of the indoor air and the temperature of the outdoor air becomes below a specified value during the exhaust operation. The specified value (indoor temperature Ti-outdoor temperature To) is, for example, 0°C or more and 7°C or less, preferably 1°C or more and 5°C or less.

[0223] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the indoor air whose temperature has been lowered by the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation from being discharged to the outside, and thus the efficiency of the cooling operation and the dehumidification operation can be further improved.

[0224] (5-6) Modification 6

[0225] In the above embodiment, the control unit 100 determines whether to perform exhaust operation according to the indoor heat load L, but the control unit 100 may also have a condition. In this modified example, the control unit 100 determines to perform exhaust operation when the heat load L exceeds the heat load threshold Lth and the human detection sensor 17 detects a person. In addition, the control unit 100 determines to perform air supply operation when the heat load L is less than the heat load threshold Lth and the human detection sensor 17 detects a person.

[0226] According to this configuration, the exhaust operation or the air supply operation is performed when a person is present in the room R. In other words, when a person is not present, the ventilator 1 b does not operate, and thus the energy consumption of the air-conditioning apparatus 1 can be suppressed.

[0227] (5-7) Modification 7

[0228] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the control unit 100 performs control in a manner that exhaust operation or air supply operation is always performed during cooling operation or dehumidification operation, but it is not limited to this as long as the control is performed in a manner that exhaust operation or air supply operation is performed during at least a part of cooling operation or dehumidification operation. In other words, the air conditioning device of the present disclosure may also be controlled in a manner that exhaust operation and air supply operation are not performed during a part of cooling operation or dehumidification operation.

[0229] In this modification, during cooling operation or dehumidification operation, control is basically performed so as to perform exhaust operation or air supply operation. However, when the temperature of the indoor air is lower than the temperature of the outdoor air, the exhaust operation and the air supply operation are not performed for a predetermined time.

[0230] According to this configuration, when the temperature of the indoor air is lower than the temperature of the outdoor air, both the exhaust operation and the air supply operation are temporarily not performed. Therefore, a time period can be set to prioritize the efficiency of the cooling or dehumidification operation over the ventilation operation.

[0231] (5-8) Modification 8

[0232] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the ventilation unit 4 is provided in the outdoor unit, but it is not limited to this. The ventilation unit of this modification is provided in the indoor unit.

[0233] (5-9) Modification 9

[0234] In the above embodiment, the hose 6 and the air supply and exhaust port 14 are used as examples of the flow path components that form the flow path of the outdoor air and the indoor air, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the flow path component is the hose 6, but the air supply port and the air exhaust port may be formed separately in the indoor unit 2. In this case, during the air supply operation, the outdoor air is supplied to the room from the hose 6 via the air supply port, and during the air exhaust operation, the indoor air is introduced into the hose 6 via the air exhaust port.

[0235] (5-10) Modification 10

[0236] In the above embodiment, the flow path component constituting the flow path for outdoor air (air supply) to pass through and the flow path component constituting the flow path for indoor air (exhaust) to pass through are used together, but it is not limited to this. For example, the hose as the flow path component for air supply and the hose as the flow path component for exhaust can also be separate components.

[0237] (5-11) Modification 11

[0238] In the above embodiment, the air conditioner 1 that performs cooling operation, dehumidification operation and heating operation is described as an example, but the air conditioner of the present disclosure is not limited to this as long as it can perform at least one of cooling operation and dehumidification operation. The air conditioner of this modified example is dedicated to cooling.

[0239] (5-12) Modification 12

[0240] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the wall-mounted indoor unit 2 is described as an example, but the indoor unit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The indoor unit of the present disclosure can adopt any type such as ceiling embedded type or floor-standing type.

[0241] (5-13) Modification 13

[0242] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 1 including one indoor unit 2 is described as an example, but the air conditioning apparatus of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The air conditioning apparatus of the present disclosure can also be applied to a plurality of types including a plurality of indoor units 2 .

[0243] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims.

[0244] Description of symbols

[0245] 1 Air conditioning device

[0246] 1a Air conditioning unit

[0247] 1b Ventilation device

[0248] 2Indoor unit

[0249] 3Outdoor unit

[0250] 11Indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)

[0251] 18 suction port

[0252] 100 Control Department

[0253] LHeat load

[0254] Prior art literature

[0255] Patent Literature

[0256] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-032855

Claims

1. An air conditioning device (1) that performs at least one of a cooling operation and a dehumidification operation, wherein: The air conditioning device (1) comprises: A ventilation device (1b) that performs a first ventilation operation for supplying outdoor air to a room and a second ventilation operation for exhausting indoor air to the outside; and a control unit (100) for controlling the first ventilation operation or the second ventilation operation in cooling operation or dehumidification operation, The control unit determines whether to perform the second ventilation operation according to the indoor heat load (L). When the indoor heat load is high, only the second ventilation operation is performed, and when the indoor heat load is low, only the first ventilation operation is performed. The control unit performs the second ventilation operation when the temperature of the indoor air is higher than the temperature of the outdoor air at the start of the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation, wherein the start time of the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation is the initial start time of the operation of the compressor of the air conditioning device.

2. The air conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein: The heat load is determined by at least one of the temperature of the indoor air and the humidity of the indoor air.

3. The air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The air conditioning device further comprises an indoor unit (2), which is arranged indoors and includes a heat exchanger (11). The heat load is determined by the temperature of a main structure constituting a room in which the indoor unit is installed.

4. The air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit performs the second ventilation operation when the temperature of the indoor air is higher than the temperature of the outdoor air.

5. The air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit performs the first ventilation operation when the temperature of the indoor air is lower than the temperature of the outdoor air.

6. The air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit ends the second ventilation operation when the difference between the temperature of the indoor air and the temperature of the outdoor air becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.

7. The air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The air conditioning device further comprises an indoor unit (2), which is arranged indoors and includes a heat exchanger (11). The indoor unit is provided with an inlet (18) for sucking in indoor air during the second ventilation operation. The suction port is disposed upstream of the heat exchanger.

8. The air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit suspends the first ventilation operation and the second ventilation operation for a predetermined time when the temperature of the indoor air is lower than the temperature of the outdoor air during the cooling operation or the dehumidification operation.

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