Dehumidifying and humidifying unit

Abstract

The dehumidifying and humidifying unit of the present application has a fan (66), an adsorption and desorption member, a heater, and a damper (74a). The fan (66) sucks in air that is the object of dehumidification and humidification, and generates an air flow. The adsorption and desorption member adsorbs moisture in the air and desorbs the adsorbed moisture. The heater heats the air in order to desorb the moisture. The damper (74a) switches the flow direction of the air after the adsorption and desorption member between the indoor and the outdoor. The dehumidifying and humidifying unit of the present application is configured so that the air pressure of the air that applies a load to the damper (74a) acts in a manner that promotes the airtightness of the damper (74a) and the surrounding portion of the damper, and the air is inhibited from flowing in a direction opposite to the direction switched by the damper (74a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dehumidification and humidification unit for use in air conditioners and the like. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a fan 107 included in a humidification unit. Figures 11-13 These are perspective views, front views, and side cross-sectional views showing the structure of the fan 107 in Patent Document 1. The fan 107 supplies air to the adsorption element for adsorption and detachment of the adsorption element (adsorption-detachment element).

[0003] like Figures 11-13 As shown, the fan 107 includes a fan rotor 171, a fan motor 172, a fan housing 173, a diffuser 174, and a diffuser drive unit 175.

[0004] The fan rotor 171 is fixed on the rotating shaft 172a of the fan motor 172.

[0005] The fan rotor 171 is a turbine fan (specifically a centrifugal and diagonal flow composite fan) with multiple fins 171b vertically arranged on the inner peripheral edge of the annular main board 171a.

[0006] The fan housing 173 is a vortex housing with a vortex shape, with an air inlet 107a of the fan 107 formed on the lower surface side and an exhaust port 107b of the fan 107 formed on the side.

[0007] Additionally, an opening 107c, which is opened and closed by the diffuser 174, is formed on the upper surface side of the fan housing 173.

[0008] The diffuser 174 is a switching component that switches between a first state that allows the adsorption of exhaust gas F3 and a second state that suppresses the adsorption of exhaust gas F3, which is airflow delivered from the fan rotor 171 in the centrifugal direction. The opening 107c opened and closed by the diffuser 174 becomes the outlet for the centrifugal airflow, i.e., the adsorption of exhaust gas F3, in the first state. The airflow route inside the fan housing 173 near the opening 107c is formed by the inner surface of the diffuser 174 and the inner surface of the fan housing 173. Therefore, the diffuser 174 can adjust the adsorption of exhaust gas F3, which is the centrifugal airflow in the first state, to a specified airflow and pressure. The diffuser 174 is provided such that it covers the opening 107c on the upper surface side of the fan housing 173. Driven by the diffuser drive unit 175, the diffuser 174 moves back and forth in a direction that intersects the centrifugal direction (the direction of the adsorption of exhaust gas F3) of the fan rotor 171, for example, the extension direction D1 of the rotation shaft 172a, thereby opening and closing the opening 107c. Therefore, when the adsorbent (adsorbent material) is adsorbed, the diffuser 174 moves upward to open the opening 107c, switching to the first state. As a result, the fan 107 can supply the adsorbent with low static pressure and a large airflow. On the other hand, when the adsorbent detaches, the diffuser 174 moves downward to close the opening 107c, switching to the second state. As a result, the fan 107 can supply the adsorbent with high static pressure and a small airflow.

[0009] like Figure 13 As shown, the diffuser drive unit 175 includes a drive motor 177, a drive gear 178, and a gear support 179. The drive motor 177 is a stepper motor that drives the drive gear 178 to rotate. The drive gear 178 has a bar shape and an external thread (male thread) 178a is formed on its surface. The lower end of the drive gear 178 is rotatably supported on the central fixing part 180 of the fan housing 173. The upper end of the drive gear 178 is connected to the drive shaft 177a of the drive motor 177. The gear support 179 has a cylindrical shape and an internal thread (female thread) that engages with the external thread 178a of the drive gear 178 is formed on its inner surface. The gear support 179 is integrally formed with the diffuser 174.

[0010] In the diffuser drive unit 175, the drive motor 177 causes the drive gear 178 to rotate forward or backward, thereby enabling the following operation: Using the diffuser drive unit 175, the gear receiving part 179, which is screwed onto the drive gear 178, and the diffuser 174, which is integrally formed with the gear receiving part 179, can reciprocate along the extending direction D1 of the rotation axis 172a. Thus, the diffuser 174 can switch between the first state and the second state described above.

[0011] In addition, a seal (sealing material) made of foamed rubber or the like is provided at the peripheral edge of the diffuser 174 so that air will not leak from the gap between the diffuser 174 and the fan housing 173 when the diffuser 174 is closed.

[0012] The fan 107 is configured such that the fan rotor 171 rotates at different speeds when the adsorption element is adsorbed and when it is detached.

[0013] Existing technical documents

[0014] Patent documents

[0015] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-101058 Summary of the Invention

[0016] This invention provides a dehumidification and humidification unit that can enhance the airtightness of the damper and its surrounding parts, reduce the leakage of dehumidified and humidified air, and improve dehumidification performance or humidification performance or both.

[0017] The dehumidification and humidification unit of the present invention includes a fan, an adsorption / detachment element, a heater, and an air damper. The fan draws in air that is to be dehumidified and humidified and generates an airflow. The adsorption / detachment element adsorbs moisture from the air and detaches the adsorbed moisture. The heater heats the air to remove the moisture. The air damper switches the direction of airflow after passing through the adsorption / detachment element (i.e., the direction of airflow) between indoor and outdoor environments. The dehumidification and humidification unit of the present invention is configured such that the air pressure of the air applied to the air damper promotes the airtightness of the air damper and its surrounding portion, and inhibits airflow in the direction opposite to the direction the air damper switches.

[0018] The dehumidification and humidification unit of the present invention can enhance the airtightness of the area around the damper, reduce the leakage of dehumidified and humidified air, and improve dehumidification performance or humidification performance or both. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the air conditioner according to Embodiment 1.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the outdoor unit in Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the dehumidification and humidification unit in Embodiment 1.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the state in which some of the components of the dehumidification and humidification unit have been removed.

[0023] Figure 5It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which a part of the components of the dehumidification and humidification unit has been removed.

[0024] Figure 6 These are three-view diagrams showing the state in which the damper device of Embodiment 1 delivers outdoor air (dehumidified air and humidified air) into the room.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a three-view diagram showing the state in which the damper device releases outdoor air (humidified air) to the outside.

[0026] Figure 8 These are three views showing the state in which the damper device of Embodiment 2 delivers outdoor air (dehumidified air and humidified air) into the room.

[0027] Figure 9A This is a front view showing the state in which the damper device of Embodiment 3 delivers outdoor air (dehumidified air and humidified air) into the room.

[0028] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A AA section diagram.

[0029] Figure 9C yes Figure 9A An enlarged view of circle C.

[0030] Figure 10A This is a front view showing the state in which the damper device of Embodiment 4 delivers outdoor air (dehumidified air and humidified air) into the room.

[0031] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A AA section diagram.

[0032] Figure 11 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of a fan in the prior art.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a front view showing the structure of a fan in the prior art.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a side cross-sectional view showing the structure of a fan in the prior art. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, sometimes unnecessary detailed descriptions will be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of known matters or repetitive descriptions of substantially the same structure will sometimes be omitted. In addition, hereafter, the Z-axis direction (vertical direction) in each figure will sometimes be referred to as the up-down direction.

[0036] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0037] (Implementation Method 1)

[0038] First, use Figure 1 The structure of an air conditioner 10 having the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the air conditioner 10. As shown in the figure, the air conditioner 10 includes an indoor unit 20 disposed in the indoor unit Rin, which is the object of air conditioning, and an outdoor unit 30 disposed in the outdoor unit Rout.

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

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

[0041] The heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20, the heat exchanger 32 of the outdoor unit 30, the compressor 36, and the expansion valve 38 are connected by refrigerant piping 40, thus forming the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 10. The air conditioner 10 performs heating operation by blowing heated indoor air Ain into indoor air Rin, cooling operation by blowing cooled indoor air Ain into indoor air Rin, and dehumidification operation by blowing dehumidified indoor air Ain into indoor air Rin. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 includes a control device (not shown) that controls each operation. This control device has a computer system with a processor and a memory. The computer system functions as a control device by executing a program stored in the memory through the processor. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, but it can also be recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card and provided, or it can be provided via telecommunications lines such as the Internet.

[0042] In addition, in this embodiment, the air conditioner 10 includes a controller 42, which is used by the user to select the operation of the air conditioner 10, such as heating operation, cooling operation, and dehumidification operation, and to set the parameters required for operation, such as the set temperature.

[0043] In addition, the outdoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 10 has a dehumidification and humidification unit 50 that supplies outdoor air Aout to the indoor Rin, that is, ventilates the indoor Rin.

[0044] The following uses Figures 2-5 The structure of the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 is described. Figure 2 This is a 3D view showing the appearance of outdoor unit 30. Additionally, Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the dehumidification and humidification unit 50. Furthermore, Figure 4 and Figure 5 These are top views and approximate cross-sectional views showing the state in which some components of the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 have been removed.

[0045] In this embodiment, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, the dehumidifying and humidifying unit 50 has an open-top housing and a top plate 54 covering the housing 52. The housing 52 of the dehumidifying and humidifying unit 50 is provided with multiple air inlets 52a, 52b, and 52c for drawing outdoor air Aout into the housing 52; and exhaust outlets 52d, 52e, and 52f for expelling the outdoor air Aout drawn into the housing 52 to the outside. Figure 2 The conduit 56 shown is connected to the exhaust port 52d. For example... Figure 2 As shown, conduit 56 is installed on the side of outdoor unit 30 and connected to the ventilation hose that communicates with indoor unit 20. The remaining exhaust ports 52e and 52f are connected to the outdoor Rout.

[0046] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 has an adsorption and detachment component (adsorption and detachment material) 58 in the center of the housing 52 to absorb and detach moisture from the outdoor air Aout.

[0047] The adsorption detachment member 58 is a component through which air can pass, and it is used to capture moisture from or supply moisture to the passing air. In this embodiment, the adsorption detachment member 58 is a disc-shaped component through which air can pass in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and rotate about a rotation center line C1 extending in the vertical direction. The adsorption detachment member 58 is held by a cylindrical holding member and rotated by an adsorption detachment member motor (not shown) including gears that engage with the external teeth of the holding member. During the operation of the dehumidification and humidification unit 50, the adsorption detachment member 58 rotates continuously at a certain speed.

[0048] Furthermore, the adsorption release element 58 is preferably formed of a polymeric adsorbent material that adsorbs moisture from the air. For example, the polymeric adsorbent material is composed of cross-linked sodium polyacrylate. Compared to adsorbent materials such as silica gel and zeolite, polymeric adsorbent materials absorb moisture quickly, can release the retained moisture at lower heating temperatures, and can retain moisture for longer periods.

[0049] like Figure 5As shown, the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 also includes a fan 66, which draws outdoor air Aout into the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 and makes it pass through the adsorption and detachment member 58, and then sends the outdoor air Aout after passing through the adsorption and detachment member 58 to the indoor unit 20.

[0050] In addition, the dehumidification and humidification unit 50, such as Figure 4 As shown, heater 67 is positioned near adsorption detachment member 58. Heater 67, for example, is a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater, located upstream of adsorption detachment member 58 in the airflow of outdoor air Aout, to heat the outdoor air Aout for detachment. Furthermore, heater 67 is not limited to a PTC heater; it can also be a heater using nickel-chromium alloy wire, carbon fiber, etc.

[0051] The fan 66 is positioned relative to the adsorption / detachment member 58 on one side of the dehumidification / humidification unit 50 along its length (Y-axis direction), for example, a Sirocco fan. The fan 66 is housed within a cylindrical portion 68a of a partition plate 68, which divides the space on one side of the length direction into upper and lower parts relative to the adsorption / detachment member 58. Figure 5 As shown, the partition plate 68 forms an upper space S1 that is connected to a portion of the upper surface 58a of the adsorption detachment member 58, and a lower space S2 that is connected to a portion of the lower surface 58b of the adsorption detachment member 58.

[0052] An opening 68b connected to an exhaust port 52d and an opening 68c connected to an exhaust port 52e are formed in the cylindrical portion 68a of the partition plate 68. In addition, a through hole 68d for drawing air into the fan 66 inside the cylindrical portion 68a is formed in the partition plate 68.

[0053] Additionally, a fan shroud 70 covering the fan 66 is installed on the cylindrical portion 68a of the partition plate 68. An electric motor 72 for rotating the fan 66 is provided in the fan shroud 70. Furthermore, a damper device 74 (see reference) is provided in the fan shroud 70 to close one of the openings 68b and 68c of the partition plate 68. Figure 4 The damper assembly 74 includes a rotatable damper 74a, which closes one of the openings 68b and 68c of the partition plate 68 by rotating the damper 74a, as will be described in detail later.

[0054] When the motor 72 causes the fan 66 to rotate, as Figure 4 As shown, outdoor air Aout flows into housing 52 through air inlets 52a and 52b. Specifically, as... Figure 5As shown, outdoor air Aout flows in through inlets 52a and 52b into the upper space S1 above the partition plate 68, and flows upwards towards the adsorption / detachment member 58. Next, outdoor air Aout moves from the upper surface 58a to the lower surface 58b of the adsorption / detachment member 58. Having passed through the adsorption / detachment member 58, outdoor air Aout moves within the lower space S2 below the partition plate 68 and is drawn into the fan 66 through the through-hole 68d of the partition plate 68. Outdoor air Aout drawn into the fan 66 passes through openings 68b and 68c that are not closed by the damper 74a of the damper device 74. That is, outdoor air Aout ultimately reaches the indoor unit 20 through the exhaust port 52d, or is discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 52e. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a fan shroud 70 and a motor 72 exist between air inlets 52a and 52b of the housing 52. Therefore, there are actually two flow paths for outdoor air Aout to flow through the adsorption detachment member 58, connecting the outdoor Rout to the indoor unit 20.

[0055] The following uses Figure 6 and Figure 7 Explain the flow (airflow) of outdoor air Aout in damper device 74. Figure 6 This is a three-view diagram showing the state in which the damper device 74 delivers outdoor air Aout (dehumidified air Aout and humidified air Aout) to indoor Rin.

[0056] The damper 74a of the damper device 74 can rotate about the rotation axis 74c. Figure 6 In the middle, it indicates that the area 74m (the part around the damper 74a) that releases air to the outside Rout is closed (refer to...). Figure 7 The protrusion 74d and edge 74e of the damper 74a are subjected to the air pressure from the air blown out by the fan 66, and the force is directed towards... Figure 6 The wind pressure acts in the upper left direction (arrow direction), tending to close. That is, in this state, the greater the wind speed, the higher the wind pressure, and the more tightly the area 74m that releases air to the outside Rout is closed, and the tightness of the closed state of the area 74m that releases air to the outside Rout is strengthened. In other words, the wind pressure of the outdoor air Aout that applies a load to the damper 74a acts in a way that promotes the tightness of the damper 74a and the area 74m (the part surrounding the damper 74a) that releases air to the outside Rout, inhibiting the flow of outdoor air Aout to the outside Rout.

[0057] Figure 7 This is a three-view diagram showing the state in which the damper device 74 releases outdoor air Aout (humidified air Aout) to outdoor Rout.

[0058] Figure 7 This indicates that the portion of the damper device 74 connected to the outdoor Rout is open in order to release the humidified air (Aout) that has been detached from the adsorption and release element 58 to the outdoor Rout. Figure 7 In this design, the damper 74a opens to blow air outwards to the outside (Rout) by rotating around the rotation axis 74c. The protrusion 74d and edge 74e of the damper 74a are in close contact with the air supply surface 74j (the portion surrounding the damper 74a) of the air supply passage 74i, which communicates with the indoor (Rin), thus inhibiting the flow of humidified air (Aout) towards the indoor (Rin). Furthermore, the force acting on the damper 74a becomes... Figure 7 In the lower left direction (arrow direction), there is a tendency to close the part connected to the indoor Rin. That is, the greater the wind speed, the higher the wind pressure, the more closed the part connected to the indoor Rin, and the stronger the airtightness of the closed part connected to the indoor Rin. In other words, the wind pressure of the outdoor air Aout that applies a load to the damper 74a acts in a way that promotes the airtightness between the damper 74a and the air supply surface 74j (the part surrounding the damper 74a), thus inhibiting the flow of outdoor air Aout into the indoor Rin.

[0059] (Implementation Method 2)

[0060] Next, use Figure 8 The damper device 75 of the dehumidification and humidification unit of Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. Figure 8 This is a three-view diagram showing the state in which the damper device 75 delivers outdoor air Aout (dehumidified air Aout and humidified air Aout) to indoor Rin.

[0061] The damper 74a can rotate about the rotating shaft 74c. Figure 8shows a state where the region 74m (the peripheral portion of the damper 74a) that discharges air to the outdoor Rout is closed. The damper device 75 differs from the aforementioned damper device 74 in that the cross-sectional area of the air supply passage 75i communicating with the indoor Rin is different at the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the damper 74a. That is, the damper 74a is disposed in the flow contraction portion 75k where the cross-sectional area gradually decreases in the air supply passage 75i communicating with the indoor Rin. The duct cross-sectional area S3 at the upstream portion of the damper 74a and the duct cross-sectional area S4 at the downstream portion satisfy the relationship S4<S3, and the outdoor air Aout tends to increase in velocity as it flows downstream. That is, the wind pressure of the outdoor air Aout that applies a load to the damper 74a tends to increase, a force acts in the direction to close the damper 74a, and the sealing performance is enhanced. That is, the wind pressure of the outdoor air Aout that applies a load to the damper 74a acts in a manner that promotes the sealing performance between the damper 74a and the region 74m (the peripheral portion of the damper 74a) that discharges air to the outdoor Rout, and suppresses the flow of the outdoor air Aout toward the indoor Rin.

[0062] (Embodiment 3)

[0063] Using Figures 9A to 9C , the damper device 76 included in the dehumidifying and humidifying unit according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. Figure 9A is a front view showing a state where the damper device 76 delivers outdoor air Aout (dehumidified air Aout and humidified air Aout) to the indoor Rin. Figure 9B is Figure 9A taken along line A-A, Figure 9C is Figure 9A an enlarged view of circle C.

[0064] The damper 76a can perform a rotational motion around the rotation shaft 74c, and in Figure 9A shows a state where the region 76m (the peripheral portion of the damper 76a) that discharges air to the outdoor Rout is closed. That is, Figure 9A shows a state where the dehumidified air Aout and the humidified air Aout are delivered to the indoor Rin. As shown in Figure 9B , Figure 9C , the damper 76a differs from the aforementioned damper 74a in that a convex portion 76f is provided around the back surface of the damper 76a. In addition, the damper device 76 is provided with a concave portion 76g on the air supply passage side, into which the convex portion 76f is fitted. As a result, the contact area between the damper 76a and the air supply passage increases, and the sealing performance is enhanced. That is, the wind pressure of the outdoor air Aout that applies a load to the damper 76a acts in a manner that promotes the sealing performance between the damper 76a and the region 76m (the peripheral portion of the damper 76a) that discharges air to the outdoor Rout, and suppresses the flow of the outdoor air Aout toward the outdoor Rout.

[0065] (Implementation Method 4)

[0066] use Figure 10A and Figure 10B The damper device 77 of the dehumidification and humidification unit of Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. Figure 10A This is a front view showing the state in which the damper device 77 delivers outdoor air Aout (dehumidified air Aout and humidified air Aout) to indoor Rin. Figure 10B yes Figure 10A A-A cross-sectional view.

[0067] The damper 77a can rotate around the rotating shaft 74c. Figure 10A The text indicates that the area 77m (around the damper 77a) that releases air to the outside Rout is closed. That is, Figure 10A This indicates the status of supplying dehumidified air Aout and humidified air Aout to the indoor Rin. For example... Figure 10A , Figure 10B As shown, the difference between damper 77a and damper 74a described above is that an elastomer component 77h is attached to its back side. This ensures that damper 77a is in close contact with the air supply path, enhancing its airtightness. Specifically, the wind pressure of the outdoor air Aout, which applies a load to damper 77a, promotes the airtightness of damper 77a and the area (the surrounding portion of damper 77a) from which air is released to the outdoor Rout, thereby inhibiting the flow of outdoor air Aout to the outdoor Rout.

[0068] (Effects, etc.)

[0069] As described above, the dehumidification and humidification units of each embodiment are configured as follows.

[0070] (1) The dehumidification and humidification unit 50 of Embodiment 1 includes a fan 66, an adsorption-detachment member 58, a heater 67, and an air damper 74a. The fan 66 draws in outdoor air Aout (an example of air that is the object of dehumidification and humidification in this invention) and generates an airflow of outdoor air Aout. The adsorption-detachment member 58 adsorbs moisture from the outdoor air Aout and detaches the adsorbed moisture. The heater 67 heats the outdoor air Aout to remove the moisture. The air damper 74a switches the flow direction of the outdoor air Aout after passing through the adsorption-detachment member 58 between indoor Rin and outdoor Rout. Moreover, the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 is configured such that the wind pressure of the outdoor air Aout that applies a load to the air damper 74a functions in a way that promotes the airtightness of the air damper 74a and its surrounding portion, and suppresses the flow of outdoor air Aout in the direction opposite to the direction switched by the air damper 74a.

[0071] (2) In the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 of Embodiment 1, when the damper 74a switches the flow direction of outdoor air Aout to indoor air Rin, it is as follows. That is, the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 is configured such that the wind pressure of outdoor air Aout, which applies a load to the damper 74a, functions to promote the sealing of the damper 74a and the area 74m (the part around the damper 74a) that releases air to the outdoor Rout, thereby suppressing the flow of outdoor air Aout to the outdoor Rout.

[0072] Therefore, the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 is configured such that the air pressure of the outdoor air Aout, which applies a load to the damper 74a, can enhance the airtightness of the damper 74a and its surrounding parts. That is, because the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 can suppress the flow of outdoor air Aout in the direction opposite to the switching direction of the damper 74a, it can reduce the leakage of dehumidified and humidified air, thereby improving dehumidification performance, humidification performance, or both.

[0073] Furthermore, in the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 of Embodiment 1, when the damper 74a switches the flow direction of outdoor air Aout to outdoor Rout, the following applies. That is, the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 is configured such that the wind pressure of the outdoor air Aout, which applies a load to the damper 74a, promotes the sealing of the damper 74a and the air supply path 74j (the portion surrounding the damper 74a) of the air supply path 74i connected to the indoor Rin, thereby suppressing the flow of outdoor air Aout into the indoor Rin.

[0074] (3) In the dehumidification and humidification unit of Embodiment 2, the damper 74 is provided in the air supply path 75i that is connected to the indoor Rin and has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area of ​​the constriction section 75k.

[0075] Therefore, as the cross-sectional area of ​​the air supply path 75i decreases, the wind pressure of the outdoor air Aout, which applies a load to the damper 74a, gradually increases. Consequently, the wind pressure of the outdoor air Aout enhances the airtightness of the damper 74a and its surrounding area. That is, the dehumidification and humidification unit of Embodiment 2 can suppress the flow of outdoor air Aout in the direction opposite to the switching direction of the damper 74a, thereby reducing leakage of dehumidified and humidified air and improving dehumidification performance, humidification performance, or both.

[0076] (4) Figure 6 As shown, in the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 of Embodiment 1, a protrusion 74d is provided on the damper 74a. Therefore, by having the protrusion 74d of the damper 74a bear the wind pressure of the outdoor air Aout, the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 can enhance the airtightness of the damper 74a and its surrounding area. That is, as... Figure 6As shown, the dehumidification and humidification unit 50 can reduce the leakage of dehumidified and humidified air by suppressing the flow of outdoor air Aout to outdoor Rout, thereby improving dehumidification performance or humidification performance or both.

[0077] In addition, in the dehumidification and humidification unit of embodiment 3, a protrusion 76f is provided on the damper 76a, and a recess 76g is provided on the part of the damper 74a that abuts around the damper 76a.

[0078] Therefore, by embedding the protrusion 76f into the recess 76g, the dehumidification and humidification unit of Embodiment 3 can enhance the sealing of the damper 76a and its surrounding portion. That is, the dehumidification and humidification unit of Embodiment 3 can suppress the flow of outdoor air Aout in the direction opposite to the switching direction of the damper 76a, reduce leakage of dehumidified and humidified air, and improve dehumidification performance, humidification performance, or both.

[0079] (5) In the dehumidification and humidification unit of embodiment 4, the damper 77a includes an elastomer component 77h.

[0080] This enhances the airtightness of the damper 77a and its surrounding area. In other words, the dehumidification and humidification unit of Embodiment 4 can suppress the flow of outdoor air Aout in the direction opposite to the switching direction of the damper 77a, thereby reducing leakage of dehumidified and humidified air and improving dehumidification performance, humidification performance, or both.

[0081] The above description illustrates the case where the dehumidification and humidification unit of each embodiment is located in the outdoor unit 30. However, this is only one example, and the dehumidification and humidification unit of the present invention may not be located in the outdoor unit. That is, of course, the dehumidification and humidification unit of the present invention may be located in the indoor unit, or it may be neither an indoor unit nor an outdoor unit but rather a different unit.

[0082] Furthermore, in Embodiment 3, a case was described in which a protrusion 76f is provided in the damper 76a, and a recess 76g is provided in the portion of the area surrounding the damper 76a that abuts against the damper 76a. However, it is also possible to provide only either the recess or the protrusion. For example, it is conceivable to consider a structure in which only a recess is provided in the portion of the area surrounding the damper of the present invention that abuts against the damper of the present invention, and the damper of the present invention is embedded in the recess.

[0083] In addition, in Embodiment 4, the case where the damper 77a has an elastic member 77h has been described, but it can be replaced by another method, or on this basis, the portion 77l around the damper 77a that the damper 77a abuts against has an elastic member.

[0084] Industrial availability

[0085] This invention is applicable, for example, to air conditioners that include indoor and outdoor units, and can be applied to waterless humidification units or waterless humidification and dehumidification units located either indoors or outdoors.

[0086] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0087] 10 Air conditioners

[0088] 20 Indoor Units

[0089] 22 (Indoor Unit) Heat Exchanger

[0090] 24 (Indoor unit) Fan

[0091] 30 outdoor units

[0092] 32 (Outdoor Unit) Heat Exchanger

[0093] 34 (outdoor unit) fan

[0094] 36 Compressor

[0095] 38 Expansion valve

[0096] 40 Refrigerant piping

[0097] 42 Controller

[0098] 50 dehumidification and humidification units

[0099] 52 enclosures

[0100] 52a air intake

[0101] 52b air intake

[0102] 52c air intake

[0103] 52d exhaust port

[0104] 52e exhaust port

[0105] 52f exhaust port

[0106] 54 Top Plate

[0107] 56 catheters

[0108] 58 Adsorption / Desorption Component

[0109] 58a upper surface

[0110] 58b lower surface

[0111] 66 (Dehumidification and Humidification Unit) Fan

[0112] 67 Heater

[0113] 68. Partition wall

[0114] 68a Cylindrical part

[0115] 68b Opening

[0116] 68c Opening

[0117] 68d through hole

[0118] 70 Fan Cover

[0119] 72 Electric Motor

[0120] 74 Damper device

[0121] 74a Air damper

[0122] 74c (damper) rotating shaft

[0123] 74d convex part

[0124] 74e Edge

[0125] 74i air supply path connected to the indoor unit

[0126] 74j air supply road surface

[0127] 74m area for releasing air outdoors

[0128] 75 Damper device

[0129] 75i air supply path connected to the indoor unit

[0130] 75k constriction section

[0131] 76. Damper device

[0132] 76a Air damper

[0133] 76f convex part

[0134] 76g concave part

[0135] 76m area for releasing air outdoors

[0136] 77 Damper device

[0137] 77a Air damper

[0138] 77h Elastomer Components

[0139] 77L Part of the damper contact

[0140] 77m area for releasing air outdoors

[0141] 107 Fan

[0142] 107a air intake

[0143] 107b Exhaust Port

[0144] 107c Opening

[0145] 171 Fan Rotor

[0146] 171a motherboard

[0147] 171b fin

[0148] 172 Fan motor

[0149] 172a Rotating Shaft

[0150] 173 Fan Housing

[0151] 174 Diffuser

[0152] 175 Diffuser Drive Unit

[0153] 176 Sealing components

[0154] 177 drive motor

[0155] 177a drive shaft

[0156] 178 Drive gear

[0157] 178a Male Thread

[0158] 179 Gear bearing section

[0159] 180 Central Fixed Unit

[0160] Ain Indoor Air

[0161] Aout outdoor air (humidified air, dehumidified air)

[0162] C circle

[0163] C1 Centerline of Rotation

[0164] D1 Direction of rotation axis extension

[0165] F3 Adsorption Exhaust

[0166] Rin indoor

[0167] Rout Outdoor

[0168] S1 Upper Space

[0169] S2 Lower Space

[0170] S3 upstream pipe cross-sectional area

[0171] S4 downstream pipe cross-sectional area.

Claims

1. A dehumidification and humidification unit, characterized in that, have: A fan draws in air that is to be dehumidified and humidified, and generates the airflow. The adsorption and release element that adsorbs moisture from the air and releases the moisture. A heater for heating the air in order to facilitate the separation; and A damper that switches the airflow direction between indoors and outdoors after passing through the adsorption and detachment element. The air pressure that applies a load to the damper functions in a way that promotes the airtightness of the damper and its surrounding area, suppressing the flow of air in the direction opposite to the direction in which the damper switches. The damper is rotatable about a rotation axis and has a protrusion and an edge. The protrusion and the edge are subjected to the air pressure, causing a force to act in the direction that closes the damper.

2. The dehumidification and humidification unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When the damper switches the airflow direction to the indoor direction, the air pressure applied to the damper acts to promote the airtightness of the damper and its surrounding area, thereby suppressing the airflow to the outside.

3. The dehumidification and humidification unit as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The damper is located in a constriction section with a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area in the air supply path that connects to the room.

4. The dehumidification and humidification unit as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: One or both of the damper and the portion of the surrounding area that the damper abuts against are provided with a recess or a protrusion.

5. The dehumidification and humidification unit as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: One or both of the damper and the portion of the surrounding area that the damper abuts against have elastomeric components.

6. The dehumidification and humidification unit as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When dehumidifying the room, The damper operates such that: moisture is removed from the adsorption / detachment element, and humidified air containing the moisture removed from the adsorption / detachment element is delivered to the outside via the damper; and... The damper operates such that: the adsorption and detachment element adsorbs moisture, and the dehumidified air that has passed through the adsorption and detachment element is delivered to the room via the damper.

7. The dehumidification and humidification unit as described in claim 6, characterized in that: When humidifying the room, The damper operates such that moisture is removed from the adsorption / detachment element, and humidified air containing the moisture removed from the adsorption / detachment element is delivered into the room via the damper.

Images