Ventilation device

Abstract

The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is a countermeasure for condensation in a muffler. In an air conditioner (1), a CPU (81) performs a drying operation to dry the inside of a muffler (62). Since the muffler (62) can be loaded and unloaded, the duration of the drying operation differs depending on whether a muffler is provided in the supply and exhaust duct (61). The CPU (81) controls the drying operation in a manner such that the duration of the drying operation when a muffler (62) is provided in the supply and exhaust duct (61) is longer than the duration of the drying operation when a muffler (62) is not provided in the supply and exhaust duct (61).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation device for sending outdoor air to indoors or sending indoor air to outdoor. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, air conditioners that function as ventilation devices have become widely popular. For example, the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-69173) can perform air conditioning such as humidification and ventilation by sending outdoor air into the room.

[0003] In such an air conditioner, the sound of the air supply device may propagate along with the flow of air delivered to the room in the air delivery path and leak into the room. Therefore, a muffler is provided in the duct through which the air delivered from the air supply device to the indoor unit passes. Summary of the invention

[0004] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] However, since the transported air contains moisture and humidified air is sometimes transported in recent years, condensation may occur in the muffler. Condensation is a major cause of mold, so some countermeasures are needed, but there is no description in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. Therefore, there is a problem of countermeasures for condensation in the muffler.

[0006] Means for solving problems

[0007] The ventilation device of the first aspect includes a fan, a duct, a muffler, and a control unit. The duct allows air delivered by the fan to pass through. The muffler is provided in the duct to reduce the sound propagating in the duct. The control unit performs a drying operation to dry the inside of the muffler.

[0008] In this ventilator, even if condensation occurs in the muffler due to moisture contained in the transported air, the condensation in the muffler can be eliminated by performing the drying operation, thereby suppressing the occurrence of mold.

[0009] The ventilation device of the second aspect is the ventilation device of the first aspect, wherein the silencer is detachable. The drying operation time differs depending on whether the silencer is installed in the duct.

[0010] In this ventilation device, even when the duct is not provided with a muffler, it is necessary to perform a drying operation on the duct. In this case, it is not reasonable if the drying operation time when the duct is provided with a muffler is the same as the drying operation time when the duct is not provided with a muffler. Therefore, the drying operation time is made different depending on whether the duct is provided with a muffler.

[0011] The ventilator according to a third aspect is the ventilator according to the second aspect, wherein the control unit performs control so that the drying operation time when the muffler is installed in the duct is longer than the drying operation time when the muffler is not installed in the duct.

[0012] In this ventilator, the volume of the drying target space is larger when a muffler is installed in the duct than when no muffler is installed. Therefore, it is reasonable to make the drying operation time longer when a muffler is installed in the duct than when no muffler is installed in the duct.

[0013] The ventilation device of the fourth aspect is based on the ventilation device of the first aspect, and the silencer can be installed and removed. The drying operation is an operation of delivering dry air to the duct. The control unit controls in the following manner: the speed of the fan when the silencer is provided in the duct is greater than the speed of the fan when the silencer is not provided in the duct.

[0014] In this ventilation device, when the duct is provided with a muffler, even if the air volume increases, the muffler can reduce the sound caused by the increase in the air volume. Therefore, the air volume can be increased by making the fan rotation speed larger than when the duct is not provided with a muffler.

[0015] A ventilator according to a fifth aspect is the ventilator according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a humidifying mechanism, wherein the control unit alternately repeats a drying operation and a humidifying operation for supplying humidified air to the room through the duct.

[0016] In this ventilator, dry air is blown into the muffler in the subsequent drying operation to evaporate condensation water accumulated in the muffler during the humidification operation, thereby suppressing the occurrence of mold.

[0017] The ventilator according to a sixth aspect is the ventilator according to the fifth aspect, wherein the control unit starts the humidification operation from the drying operation when the humidification operation is started.

[0018] According to this ventilation device, even if condensed water accumulates in the muffler before the start of the humidification operation, the humidification operation can be performed after the condensed water is evaporated, and the increase of condensed water in the muffler can be suppressed.

[0019] The ventilator according to a seventh aspect is the ventilator according to the fifth aspect, wherein the control unit stops the humidification operation after performing the drying operation.

[0020] In this ventilator, since the drying operation is performed before the humidification operation is stopped, accumulation of condensation water in the muffler can be suppressed.

[0021] The ventilation device of an eighth aspect is the ventilation device of any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising: a humidifying mechanism; a first temperature sensor that detects an outside air temperature; and a second temperature sensor that detects an indoor temperature. When the outside air temperature is higher than the indoor temperature and the relative humidity in the muffler is such that condensation is likely to occur, the control unit performs a drying operation to deliver the outside air to the duct.

[0022] In this ventilation device, when the outside air temperature is higher than the indoor temperature and the relative humidity of the air is high and condensation is easily formed in the muffler, a drying operation is performed to blow outside air into the muffler. Therefore, condensation in the muffler can be suppressed even without a humidification operation.

[0023] The ventilation device of the ninth aspect is further provided with a humidifying mechanism on the basis of the ventilation device of any one of the first to fourth aspects. The humidifying mechanism includes a housing, a humidifying rotor, a moisture absorption passage, a humidifying passage and a heat collection passage through the humidifying rotor, and a heating unit. The humidifying rotor is rotatably arranged in the housing. The heating unit is provided between the heat collection passage and the humidifying passage. During the humidifying operation, the humidifying mechanism rotates the humidifying rotor in the forward direction in such a manner that each part of the humidifying rotor faces the moisture absorption passage, the humidifying passage, and the heat collection passage in sequence. Furthermore, during the drying operation, the humidifying mechanism rotates the humidifying rotor in such a manner that at least a part of the area of ​​the humidifying rotor facing the heat collection passage at the end of the humidifying operation faces the humidifying passage.

[0024] In this ventilation device, air is preheated by passing through the heat collection passage, further heated by the heating mechanism, and passes through the dried high temperature area of ​​the humidifying rotor facing the humidifying passage, thereby becoming dry air and being blown into the muffler. As a result, the time for performing the drying operation can be shortened.

[0025] The ventilation device of the tenth aspect is based on the ventilation device of any one of the first to fourth aspects, and further includes a humidification mechanism. The humidification mechanism includes a housing, a humidification rotor, a moisture absorption passage through the humidification rotor, a humidification passage and a heat collection passage, and a heating unit. The humidification rotor is rotatably arranged in the housing. The heating unit is arranged between the heat collection passage and the humidification passage. After the humidification operation of the humidification mechanism stops, the control unit stops the humidification rotor while the heating unit is running.

[0026] The ventilator according to an eleventh aspect is the ventilator according to the tenth aspect, wherein the control unit operates the heating unit with a reduced capacity, thereby suppressing thermal damage to the humidifying rotor.

[0027] The ventilator according to a twelfth aspect is the ventilator according to the tenth aspect or the eleventh aspect, wherein the control unit reduces the rotation speed of the fan, thereby reducing the sound of air blowing from the fan.

[0028] A ventilator according to a thirteenth aspect is the ventilator according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, wherein the humidifying mechanism further includes an adsorption fan that delivers external air to the moisture absorption passage. The control unit stops the adsorption fan after the humidifying operation of the humidifying mechanism stops. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is an external view of an air conditioner as the ventilation device according to the present embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a system diagram of a refrigerant circuit used in an air conditioner.

[0031] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the outdoor unit.

[0032] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the muffler in the longitudinal direction.

[0033] Figure 5 It is a graph showing the sound measurement results.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the humidification unit.

[0035] Figure 7 It is a diagram schematically showing the flow of air flowing through the moisture absorbing rotor.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a timing chart of the humidification operation and the drying operation in the heating operation of the air conditioner.

[0037] Fig. 9 Yes means Figure 8 A table showing the relationship between the drying operation time during the heating operation and the rotation speed of the supply and exhaust fan 43. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] (1) Schematic Structure of Air Conditioner 1

[0039] Figure 1 2 is an external view of an air conditioner as a ventilation device according to this embodiment. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 2 and an outdoor unit 3. The indoor unit 2 is mounted on a wall surface in a room, and the outdoor unit 3 is installed outdoors.

[0040] Figure 2 1 is a system diagram of a refrigerant circuit used in the air conditioner 1, and for the sake of convenience, an outline of the flow of air is added. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger, and the outdoor unit 3 includes an outdoor heat exchanger. The heat exchangers and the refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 connecting the heat exchangers constitute a refrigerant circuit.

[0041] (1-1) Indoor unit 2

[0042] The indoor heat exchanger 11 of the indoor unit 2 has a heat transfer tube and a plurality of fins. The heat transfer tube is folded back multiple times at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The heat transfer tube is inserted through the fins. The indoor heat exchanger 11 exchanges heat with the air it contacts.

[0043] In addition, the indoor unit 2 also includes a cross flow fan 12 and an indoor fan motor 13 that drives the cross flow fan 12 to rotate. The cross flow fan 12 is configured in a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of blades are provided on the circumference. The cross flow fan 12 generates an air flow in a direction intersecting with the rotation axis. The cross flow 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.

[0044] (1-2) Outdoor unit 3

[0045] The outdoor unit 3 includes an outdoor air conditioning unit 5, a humidifying unit 4, and a muffler 62. An air supply hose 6 is provided between the outdoor unit 3 and the indoor unit 2. The air supply hose 6 is used when supplying outdoor air or humidified air from the humidifying unit 4 to the indoor unit 2 and when exhausting indoor air to the outside.

[0046] The air supply and exhaust hose 6 forms, together with an air supply and exhaust duct 61 provided in the outdoor unit 3 , a delivery path 661 through which air that is taken into the outdoor unit 3 and delivered to the indoor unit 2 passes.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, a muffler 62 is provided in the middle of the air supply and exhaust duct 61. The muffler 62 reduces the sound transmitted together with the air sent from the air supply and exhaust duct 61 to the indoor unit 2 through the air supply and exhaust hose 6.

[0048] (2) Structure of outdoor air conditioning unit 5

[0049] Figure 3 FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the outdoor unit 3. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the outdoor air conditioning unit 5 includes refrigerant circuit components and a casing 50 that accommodates the refrigerant circuit components.

[0050] (2-1) Shell

[0051] The housing 50 is formed of a front panel 51 , side panels 52 , 53 , a protective metal mesh (not shown), and a metal bottom plate 54 .

[0052] The front panel 51 is a resin member that covers the front of the outdoor air conditioning unit 5. The front panel 51 is arranged at a position downstream of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 in the flow direction of the air passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 24. The front panel 51 has a blow-out port 51a. The blow-out port 51a is a plurality of slit-shaped openings. The air that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 24 is blown out from the inside of the outdoor air conditioning unit 5 to the outside of the outdoor unit 3 through the blow-out port 51a. In addition, a first bell mouth 56 and a partition plate 57 are installed behind the front panel 51.

[0053] The right side plate 52 and the left side plate 53 are metal parts covering the side of the outdoor air conditioning unit 5. Here, the right side plate 52 is provided on the right side of the outdoor unit 3 when viewed from the front. The left side plate 53 is provided on the left side of the outdoor unit 3 when viewed from the front.

[0054] The right plate 52 and the left plate 53 are provided substantially parallel to the blowing direction of the blown air from the blowout port 51a. In addition, a shutoff valve cover 55 is attached to the right plate 52. The shutoff valve cover 55 protects the liquid shutoff valve 27 and the gas shutoff valve 28.

[0055] (2-2) Refrigerant Circuit Components

[0056] The casing 50 accommodates the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 22, the gas-liquid separator 23, the outdoor heat exchanger 24, and the electric valve 25 as components of the refrigerant circuit (see Figure 2 The compressor 21 , the four-way switching valve 22 , the gas-liquid separator 23 , and the electric valve 25 are arranged in a machine room between the partition plate 57 and the right side plate 52 .

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, 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.

[0058] The outdoor heat exchanger 24 has a substantially L-shape in a plan view. The outdoor heat exchanger 24 is disposed in front of a protective metal mesh covering the rear surface of the outdoor air conditioning unit 5 .

[0059] One end of the electric valve 25 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 24 , and the other end is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger 11 via the filter 26 , the liquid stop valve 27 , and the refrigerant pipe 32 .

[0060] The four-way switching valve 22 is connected to the other end of the indoor heat exchanger 11 via the gas shutoff valve 28 and the refrigerant pipe 31. The refrigerant pipes 31 and 32 form a collective communication pipe 7 together with the air supply and exhaust hose 6.

[0061] The outdoor air conditioning unit 5 further includes a propeller fan 29. The propeller fan 29 is provided in the ventilation space between the partition plate 57 and the left side plate 53 in front of the outdoor heat exchanger 24. The propeller fan 29 is driven to rotate by the outdoor fan motor 30. The propeller fan 29 causes the air taken into the outdoor air conditioning unit 5 to come into contact with the outdoor heat exchanger 24 and then be discharged from the outdoor air conditioning unit outlet 51a to the front of the front panel 51.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the outdoor air conditioning unit 5 also has an electric component unit 58. The electric component unit 58 is arranged on the upper part of the outdoor air conditioning unit 5. The electric component unit 58 has an electric component box and a printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board is equipped with a CPU 81 for controlling various parts. A fireproof board 59 is installed above the electric component unit 58.

[0063] (3) Structure of Humidification Unit 4

[0064] The humidifying unit 4 has humidifying function, air supply function and exhaust function. Figure 3 As shown, the humidifying unit 4 includes a housing 40, a moisture absorption rotor 41, a heater 42, an air supply and exhaust fan 43, a switching damper 44, an adsorption duct 45, an adsorption fan 46, a rotor drive motor 47, a rotor drive gear 48 and a heater support plate 49.

[0065] (3-1) Housing 40

[0066] The housing 40 covers the front, rear, and both sides of the humidifying unit 4 . The upper portion of the housing 40 is covered by a top plate 66 .

[0067] The casing 40 is arranged to contact the upper part of the outdoor air conditioning unit 5. The casing 40 has an adsorption outlet 40a on its front surface. The adsorption outlet 40a is a plurality of slit-shaped openings. Air is blown out to the outside of the outdoor unit 3 through the adsorption outlet 40a.

[0068] In addition, a suction port 40b and an air supply and exhaust port 40c are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the back side of the housing 40. The suction port 40b is arranged on the left side and the air supply and exhaust port 40c is arranged on the right side when viewed from the front side.

[0069] Outdoor air is taken in through the adsorption inlet 40b and guided to the moisture absorption rotor 41. Moisture contained in the outdoor air is adsorbed by the moisture absorption rotor 41. The air supply and exhaust port 40c allows air sent to the indoor unit 2 to pass therethrough, or allows air exhausted from the indoor unit 2 to pass therethrough.

[0070] The housing 40 has two spaces on the left and right inside. The moisture absorption rotor 41 and the like are accommodated in the space on the right, and the adsorption fan 46 and the like are accommodated in the space on the left. The space on the left is referred to as an adsorption fan storage space S1.

[0071] A moisture absorption rotor 41 , a heater 42 , an air supply and exhaust fan 43 , a switching damper 44 , an adsorption duct 45 , and an adsorption fan 46 are arranged in the casing 40 .

[0072] (3-2) Moisture absorbing rotor 41

[0073] The moisture absorption rotor 41 is a ceramic rotor having a disk-shaped honeycomb structure, through which air can easily pass. The moisture absorption rotor 41 has a plurality of polygonal cylindrical portions in a cross section taken perpendicularly to the rotation axis, through which air passes.

[0074] The main part of the moisture absorbing rotor 41 is formed by calcining an adsorbent such as zeolite, silica gel or alumina. The adsorbent such as zeolite has the property of adsorbing moisture in the air it contacts and desorbing the adsorbed moisture by heating.

[0075] The moisture absorption rotor 41 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 40d provided on the housing 40. A gear is formed on the peripheral surface of the moisture absorption rotor 41, and meshes with a rotor drive gear 48 attached to the drive shaft of the rotor drive motor 47.

[0076] (3-3) Heater 42

[0077] The heater 42 is arranged so as to cover approximately half (the right half) of the upper surface of the moisture absorption rotor 41. An inlet and an outlet are formed on the lower surface of the heater 42. Air is inhaled from the inlet. The air heated by the heater 42 is discharged from the outlet to the moisture absorption rotor 41. The heater 42 is mounted above the moisture absorption rotor 41 via a heater support plate 49.

[0078] (3-4) Supply and exhaust fan 43

[0079] The supply and exhaust fan 43 is disposed on the side of the moisture absorption rotor 41. The supply and exhaust fan 43 sends air taken in from the outside to the indoor unit 2, or exhausts air taken in from the indoor unit 2 to the outside.

[0080] The air supply and exhaust fan 43 switches between air supply and exhaust by switching the switch damper 44. When sending outdoor air to the indoor unit 2, the air supply and exhaust fan 43 sends air that passes through the moisture absorption rotor 41 and falls from a predetermined portion of the moisture absorption rotor 41 to the air supply and exhaust duct 61.

[0081] The air supply and exhaust fan 43 and the indoor unit 2 are connected via a conveying path 661. The conveying path 661 is composed of an air supply and exhaust duct 61 and an air supply and exhaust hose 6. The air supply and exhaust fan 43 supplies air to the indoor unit 2 via the conveying path 661.

[0082] When exhausting indoor air to the outside, the air supply and exhaust fan 43 exhausts the air sent from the air supply and exhaust duct 61 to the outside through the air supply and exhaust port 40 c provided on the back surface of the casing 40 .

[0083] (3-5) Switching damper 44

[0084] The switching damper 44 is a rotary air flow path switching unit disposed below the air supply and exhaust fan 43 and switches between a first state and a second state.

[0085] In the first state, the air blown out from the supply and exhaust fan 43 is supplied to the indoor unit 2 through the delivery path 661. Figure 2 The humidified air or the outdoor air flows in the direction of the arrow indicated by the solid arrow A1 , and is supplied to the indoor unit 2 .

[0086] In the second state, the air Figure 2 The air from the indoor unit 2 flows in the direction of the arrow indicated by the dotted arrow A2, and is discharged to the outside from the supply and exhaust fan 43 through the supply and exhaust port 40c.

[0087] (3-6) Adsorption pipe 45

[0088] The adsorption duct 45 covers the portion of the upper surface of the moisture absorption rotor 41 where the heater 42 is not present. The adsorption duct 45 and the second bell mouth 63 form an air flow path from the upper surface of the left half of the moisture absorption rotor 41 to the upper portion of the adsorption fan storage space S1.

[0089] (3-7) Adsorption fan 46

[0090] The adsorption fan 46 is disposed in the adsorption fan storage space S1. The adsorption fan 46 is a centrifugal fan. The adsorption fan 46 is rotated by the adsorption fan motor 65. The adsorption fan 46 sucks air from the opening 63a of the second bell mouth 63 disposed at the upper portion, and generates an airflow that flows from the adsorption suction port 40b to the opening 63a via the moisture absorption rotor 41.

[0091] The adsorption fan 46 discharges dry air having absorbed moisture when passing through the moisture absorption rotor 41 from the adsorption outlet 40a toward the front of the housing 40. The second bell mouth 63 is provided at the upper portion of the adsorption fan storage space S1 and guides the air passing through the adsorption duct 45 to the adsorption fan 46.

[0092] (4) Structure of the silencer 62

[0093] The muffler 62 is a component that reduces the sound transmitted together with the air passing through the inside. Figure 1 As shown, the muffler 62 is connected to a midway of the air supply and exhaust duct 61 protruding from the humidifying unit 4 , and is housed between the right side plate 52 and the shutoff valve cover 55 .

[0094] Figure 4 62 is a cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the muffler 62. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the silencer 62 has a cylindrical outer shape. The silencer 62 includes a silencer case 62a and a sound absorbing material 62b.

[0095] (4-1) Muffler Case 62a

[0096] The muffler housing 62a includes an upper end portion 620, a lower end portion 621, a main body portion 622, and a connecting portion 623. The upper end portion 620 is located above the main body portion 622 in a vertical position. The lower end portion 621 is located below the main body portion 622 in a vertical position. The connecting portion 623 connects the upper end portion 620 and the main body portion 622, and the lower end portion 621 and the main body portion 622 with a gently curved surface. The main body portion 622 has an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the supply and exhaust duct 61.

[0097] (4-2) Sound absorbing material 62b

[0098] The sound absorbing material 62b is arranged inside the muffler housing 62a. The sound absorbing material 62b is formed into a cylindrical shape. The sound absorbing material 62b has a hole 62c with a circular cross section at the center. The hole 62c is connected to the hole of the air supply and exhaust duct 61. The air transported to or from the indoor unit 2 passes through the hole 62c. As the raw material of the sound absorbing material 62b, felt, foamed polyurethane, etc. can be used.

[0099] The location where the silencer 62 is provided is not limited to the middle of the air supply and exhaust duct 61 , and may be located at the end of the air supply and exhaust duct 61 or in a path in the outdoor unit 3 through which the air sent to the indoor unit 2 passes.

[0100] (4-2-1) Noise reduction effect of silencer 62

[0101] In the air conditioner 1 that sends outdoor air to the indoor unit 2, noise is generated in the air supply and exhaust fan 43 for sending air to the indoor unit 2. And this sound may propagate through the air supply and exhaust hose 6 together with the air sent to the indoor unit 2 and leak from the indoor unit 2 into the room.

[0102] However, in the air conditioner 1, the sound generated by the air supply and exhaust fan 43 is attenuated by the muffler 62 provided in the air supply and exhaust duct 61 of the outdoor unit 3 before being sent to the indoor unit 2. Therefore, in the air conditioner 1, the sound transmitted from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2 is reduced.

[0103] In fact, the applicant has experimentally confirmed the noise reduction effect of the silencer 62. Specifically, with the microphone arranged at the center of the length direction of the indoor unit 2, 100 cm in front of the front surface of the indoor unit 2 and 80 cm below the center of the front surface of the indoor unit 2, the volume of the wind blown out from the indoor unit 2 was changed, and the sound level was measured for each volume of wind.

[0104] Figure 5 is a graph showing the sound measurement results. Figure 5 The horizontal axis is the air volume (unit: m 3 / min), and the vertical axis is the sound level (unit: dBA). The sound level detected by the microphone is plotted for each air volume. Line L1 represents the result when the silencer 62 is installed, and line L2 represents the result when the silencer 62 is not installed. It can be seen that line L1 is located on the side with smaller sound than line L2, and the sound level emitted from the indoor unit 2 is reduced by installing the silencer 62.

[0105] The same effects as described above are achieved not only when the humidified air is sent to the indoor unit 2 but also when only air supply ventilation is performed to send air from the outdoor unit 3 to the indoor unit 2 .

[0106] Furthermore, the air conditioner 1 also has a noise reduction effect during the exhaust ventilation operation in which air is taken in from the indoor unit 2 and air is blown out from the outdoor unit 3 to the outside.

[0107] The silencer 62 has a larger inner diameter than the air supply and exhaust duct 61, and thus has an effect of reducing pressure loss. Therefore, the rotation speed of the air supply and exhaust fan 43 for sending the same air volume to the indoor unit 2 can be relatively reduced.

[0108] (5) Operation of the humidifying unit 4

[0109] Figure 6 4 is a schematic diagram of the humidification unit 4. Figure 7 Schematically shows the flow of air flowing through the moisture absorption rotor 41. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the figure, for the sake of convenience, the air passage from the adsorption suction port 40b to the adsorption fan 46 is called the moisture absorption passage X, the air passage from the supply and exhaust port 40c to the heater 42 is called the heat collection passage Y, and the air passage from the heater 42 to the supply and exhaust fan 43 is called the humidification passage Z.

[0110] (5-1) Humidification action

[0111] The humidifying unit 4 draws outdoor air from the adsorption inlet 40b into the moisture absorption passage X by operating the adsorption fan 46. The air Ax flowing through the moisture absorption passage X passes through the first region Rx of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the moisture absorption passage X, and moisture in the air Ax is absorbed in the first region Rx.

[0112] The air Ax passes through the adsorption fan 46 and is discharged from the adsorption fan storage space S1 to the front of the outdoor unit 3 through the adsorption outlet 40a.

[0113] In addition, the humidifying unit 4 takes outdoor air from the supply and exhaust port 40c into the heat collection passage Y by the rotation of the supply and exhaust fan 43. The air Ay flowing in the heat collection passage Y is heated by the heater 42 after passing through the second region Ry of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the heat collection passage Y. The air Ay is heated by the heater 42 to become high-temperature air Az, and flows toward the humidification passage Z. The high-temperature air Az passes through the third region Rz of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the humidification passage Z and flows toward the supply and exhaust duct 61.

[0114] The air Ay flowing through the heat extraction passage Y recovers heat from the second region Ry when passing through the second region Ry of the moisture absorption rotor 41 and its temperature rises, and is then further heated by the heater 42 to become high-temperature air Az. The high-temperature air Az flowing through the humidification passage Z absorbs moisture from the third region Rz when passing through the third region Rz of the moisture absorption rotor 41.

[0115] like Figure 7 As shown, the moisture absorption rotor 41 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow D, and sequentially passes through the moisture absorption passage X, the humidification passage Z, and the heat collection passage Y. As a result, in the moisture absorption rotor 41, the first region Rx of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the moisture absorption passage X, the third region Rz of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the humidification passage Z, and the second region Ry of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the heat collection passage Y sequentially move.

[0116] The moisture adsorbed from the air Ax in the moisture absorption passage X by the moisture absorption rotor 41 is released by the high-temperature air Az heated by the heater 42, and the high-temperature air Az is humidified.

[0117] The air supply and exhaust fan 43 delivers the air that has passed through the moisture absorption rotor 41 to the indoor unit 2 via the delivery path 661. The air delivered to the indoor unit 2 contains moisture adsorbed by the moisture absorption rotor 41.

[0118] The air supplied from the humidifying unit 4 to the indoor unit 2 in this manner is blown into the room via the indoor heat exchanger 11 .

[0119] (5-2) Ventilation action

[0120] The air conditioner 1 may not operate the adsorption fan motor 65 and the heater 42 to supply air by taking in outdoor air without humidification and sending it to the indoor unit 2. Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 may exhaust air by sending indoor air to the outside.

[0121] (5-3) Drying operation

[0122] If the temperature of the air sent to the indoor unit 2 decreases, water droplets may be generated due to condensation. The water droplets may cause mold in the air supply and exhaust duct 61 and the muffler 62. In addition, the noise reduction effect of the muffler 62 is impaired.

[0123] Therefore, in this embodiment, a drying operation is performed. The drying operation is an operation in which the air heated by the heater 42 is guided to the supply and exhaust duct 61 by the supply and exhaust fan 43 while the drive of the moisture absorption rotor 41 and the operation of the adsorption fan 46 are stopped, so that the supply and exhaust duct 61, the muffler 62 and the supply and exhaust hose 6 are dried.

[0124] At this time, the heating capacity of the heater 42 is smaller than the heating capacity of the heater 42 during the humidification operation. In the present embodiment, the heating capacity of the heater 42 during the drying operation is approximately 30% of the heating capacity of the heater 42 during the humidification operation.

[0125] In addition, in the present embodiment, the CPU 81 may reverse the desiccant rotor 41 in such a manner that at least a portion of the second region Ry of the desiccant rotor 41 facing the heat collection passage Y faces the humidification passage Z when the humidification operation is finished, so that the second region Ry of the desiccant rotor 41 facing the heat collection passage Y is quickly opposed to the humidification passage Z.

[0126] The moisture content of the second region Ry and the third region Rz of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the heat collection passage Y and the humidification passage Z is low and the temperature is high. Therefore, the air Ay is preheated by passing through the heat collection passage Y, and then heated by the heater 42, and becomes dry air by passing through the third region Rz of the moisture absorption rotor 41 facing the humidification passage Z after drying and having a high temperature, and is discharged to the conveying path 661. Therefore, the time for performing the above-mentioned drying operation is shortened, and the time for performing the humidification operation is prolonged, so that the average humidification amount per unit time can be increased.

[0127] (5-3-1) Drying operation during heating operation

[0128] Figure 8 1 is a timing chart of the humidification operation and the drying operation in the heating operation of the air conditioner 1. Figure 8In the embodiment, when the air conditioner 1 starts the humidification operation during the heating operation, the CPU 81 first performs the drying operation for a predetermined drying operation time ts, and then alternately performs the humidification operation and the drying operation. At this time, the humidification operation time t1 and the drying operation time t2 are respectively set to M minutes as the standard time, and are adjusted according to the length of the humidification hose, etc. In this embodiment, the standard time is 3 minutes.

[0129] In addition, when the humidification request instruction is no longer issued during the drying operation, the drying operation stops after the prescribed drying operation time t3 from that moment. In addition, when the humidification request instruction is no longer issued during the humidification operation, the humidification operation is stopped immediately, and the drying operation stops after the prescribed drying operation time t3 from that moment. In this embodiment, the prescribed drying operation time t3 when the operation stops is the same as the drying operation time t2 during the alternating operation, but it can also be set to different times.

[0130] (5-3-2) Drying operation during cooling operation

[0131] In the air conditioner 1, the CPU 81 performs a drying operation when it is determined that the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 71 is higher than the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 72 and the blown-out humidity detected by the blown-out humidity sensor 73 is 80% or more during the cooling operation without the humidification operation. Thus, even during the cooling operation without the humidification operation, the inside of the supply and exhaust duct 61, the muffler 62, and the supply and exhaust hose 6 can be dried.

[0132] (6) The presence or absence of the muffler 62, the drying operation time, and the rotation speed of the air supply and exhaust fan 43

[0133] The air conditioner 1 includes two types: a type without the silencer 62 and a type with the silencer. In addition, the silencer 62 may be attached to the type without the silencer 62.

[0134] Here, a first control for controlling the drying operation time of the type having the muffler 62 and a second control for controlling the rotation speed of the air supply and exhaust fan 43 of the type having the muffler 62 will be described.

[0135] (6-1) First Control

[0136] When the speed of the air supply and exhaust fan is constant, the type with the muffler 62 is controlled so that the drying operation time is longer than that of the type without the muffler 62 .

[0137] Fig. 9 Yes means Figure 8 The relationship between the drying operation time in the heating operation and the rotation speed of the supply and exhaust fan 43 is shown in the table. Fig. 9For the type without silencer 62, when the speed of the supply and exhaust fan is constant at N1 (r / m), the drying operation time ts = L1 (minutes), the drying operation time t2 = t3 = M1 (minutes), and the noise value of the sound propagated in the conveying path 661 is Q1.

[0138] On the other hand, in the type with the muffler 62, when the speed of the air supply and exhaust fan is constant at N1 (r / m), the drying operation time ts = L2 (minutes) and the drying operation time t2 = t3 = M2 (minutes) are controlled. At this time, the noise value of the sound propagating in the conveying path 661 is Q2. Among them, L2>L1, M2>M1, Q2<Q1.

[0139] Since the silencer 62 is installed in the air supply and exhaust duct 61 , the volume of the conveying path 661 increases, and therefore the CPU 81 performs control so that the drying operation time is longer than the drying operation time when the silencer 62 is not installed.

[0140] (6-2) Second Control

[0141] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the CPU 81 increases the rotation speed of the supply and exhaust fan 43 to shorten the drying operation time ts, t2, and t3. However, it is a condition that the noise value of the sound propagated in the conveying path 661 after the rotation speed of the supply and exhaust fan 43 is increased does not exceed the noise value of the type without the muffler 62, and the rotation speed that satisfies this condition is measured in advance.

[0142] In this embodiment, when the rotation speed of the air supply and exhaust fan 43 is constant at N1, the noise value of the type without the muffler 62 is Q1, but when the noise value of the type with the muffler 62 reaches Q1, the rotation speed of the air supply and exhaust fan 43 is N2 which is greater than N1.

[0143] Therefore, if the user wants to shorten the drying operation time, the user can use the remote controller 86 ( Figure 1 ) Change the rotation speed of the air supply and exhaust fan 43 during drying operation within the range of N1 to N2.

[0144] The CPU 81 controls the rotation speed of the supply and exhaust fan 43 according to the rotation speed selected by the user.

[0145] The first and second controls are described above using the drying operation time and the rotation speed of the air supply and exhaust fan 43 in heating operation as an example, but the first and second controls can also be appropriately applied to the drying operation time and the rotation speed of the air supply and exhaust fan 43 in cooling operation.

[0146] (7) Features

[0147] (7-1)

[0148] In the air conditioner 1, the CPU 81 performs a drying operation to dry the inside of the muffler 62. Therefore, even if condensation occurs in the muffler 62 due to moisture contained in the delivered air, the drying operation can eliminate the condensation in the muffler 62 and suppress the generation of mold.

[0149] (7-2)

[0150] The silencer 62 is detachable in the air conditioner 1. The drying operation time differs depending on whether the silencer is provided in the air supply and exhaust duct 61 or not.

[0151] (7-3)

[0152] In the air conditioner 1 , the CPU 81 performs control so that the drying operation time when the muffler 62 is provided in the air supply and exhaust duct 61 is longer than the drying operation time when the muffler 62 is not provided in the air supply and exhaust duct 61 .

[0153] (7-4)

[0154] In the air conditioner 1, when the silencer 62 is provided in the air supply and exhaust duct 61, even if the air supply volume increases, the silencer 62 can reduce the sound caused by the increase in the air supply volume. Therefore, the speed of the air supply and exhaust fan 43 is made larger than when the silencer 62 is not provided in the air supply and exhaust duct 61, and the air supply volume can be increased.

[0155] (7-5)

[0156] In the air conditioner 1, the CPU alternately repeats the humidification operation and the drying operation. Therefore, by blowing dry air into the muffler in the subsequent drying operation, condensed water accumulated in the muffler 62 during the humidification operation is evaporated, thereby suppressing the occurrence of mold.

[0157] (7-6)

[0158] In the air conditioner 1, the CPU 81 starts the humidification operation from the drying operation. Therefore, even if condensation water accumulates in the muffler 62 before the humidification operation starts, the humidification operation can be performed after the condensation water is evaporated, and the increase of condensation water in the muffler 62 can be suppressed.

[0159] (7-7)

[0160] In the air conditioner 1 , the CPU 81 stops after performing the drying operation when the humidifying operation is stopped, so that accumulation of condensed water in the muffler 62 can be suppressed.

[0161] (7-8)

[0162] In the air conditioner 1, when the outside air temperature is higher than the indoor temperature and the relative humidity of the air is such that condensation is easily formed in the muffler 62, a drying operation is performed to blow outside air into the muffler. Therefore, condensation in the muffler can be suppressed even when the humidification operation is not performed.

[0163] (7-9)

[0164] In the air conditioner 1, during the drying operation, the hygroscopic rotor 41 is rotated so that at least a portion of the area of ​​the hygroscopic rotor 41 facing the heat collection passage Y at the end of the humidification operation faces the humidification passage Z. As a result, the air is preheated by passing through the heat collection passage Y, and then heated by the heater 42, and passes through the high temperature area of ​​the hygroscopic rotor facing the humidification passage Z after drying, thereby becoming dry air and being blown into the muffler 62. As a result, the drying operation time can be shortened.

[0165] (7-10)

[0166] In the air conditioner 1, after the humidification operation is stopped, the CPU 81 stops the moisture absorption rotor 41 while the heater 42 is operating.

[0167] (7-11)

[0168] In the air conditioner 1 , the CPU 81 operates the heater 42 with its capacity reduced during the drying operation, thereby suppressing thermal damage to the moisture absorbing rotor 41 .

[0169] (7-12)

[0170] In the air conditioner 1, the CPU 81 stops the adsorption fan 46 after the humidification operation stops.

[0171] (8) Modification

[0172] In the air conditioner 1 of the modified example, the rotation speed of the air supply and exhaust fan 43 during the drying operation is reduced. As a result, although the drying time is prolonged, the sound propagating in the conveying path 661 can be reduced.

[0173] 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.

[0174] Description of symbols

[0175] 1 Air conditioner (ventilation device)

[0176] 4 Humidification unit (humidification mechanism)

[0177] 40 Shell (shell)

[0178] 41 Moisture absorbing rotor (humidifying rotor)

[0179] 42 Heater (heating unit)

[0180] 43 Supply and exhaust fan (fan)

[0181] 46 adsorption fan (adsorption fan)

[0182] 61 Supply and exhaust pipes (pipes)

[0183] 62 Silencer

[0184] 71 External air temperature sensor (first temperature sensor)

[0185] 72 Indoor temperature sensor (second temperature sensor)

[0186] 81CPU (control unit)

[0187] X Moisture Absorption Path

[0188] Y heat channel

[0189] Z Humidification passage

[0190] Prior art literature

[0191] Patent Literature

[0192] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-69173

Claims

1. A ventilation device (1), comprising: A fan (43) located outdoors; a duct (61), through which the air transported from the outside to the inside by the fan (43) passes; a muffler (62) disposed on the pipe (61) to reduce the sound propagating in the pipe (61); and a control unit (81) for performing a drying operation to dry the interior of the muffler (62); During the drying operation, dry air sent from the outside to the inside by the fan (43) passes through the muffler (62) via the duct (61).

2. The ventilation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The silencer (62) can be installed and removed. The drying operation time varies depending on whether the muffler (62) is provided in the duct (61).

3. The ventilation device (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The control unit (81) performs control in such a manner that the drying operation time when the muffler (62) is provided in the duct (61) is longer than the drying operation time when the muffler (62) is not provided in the duct (61).

4. The ventilation device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The silencer (62) can be installed and removed. The drying operation is an operation for delivering dry air to the duct (61). The control unit (81) controls the fan (43) in such a manner that the rotation speed of the fan (43) is higher when the muffler (62) is provided in the duct (61) than when the muffler (62) is not provided in the duct (61).

5. The ventilation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The ventilation device (1) further comprises a humidifying mechanism (4), The control unit (81) alternately and repeatedly performs the drying operation and the humidification operation for supplying humidified air into the room via the duct (61).

6. The ventilation device (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The control unit (81) starts the humidification operation from the drying operation when the humidification operation is started.

7. The ventilation device (1) according to claim 5, wherein: When the control unit (81) stops the humidifying operation, it stops after performing the drying operation.

8. The ventilation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The ventilation device (1) further comprises: Humidification mechanism (4); a first temperature sensor (71) for detecting an outside air temperature; and A second temperature sensor (72) detects the indoor temperature. When the outside air temperature is higher than the indoor temperature and the relative humidity in the muffler (62) is such that condensation is easily generated, the control unit (81) performs a drying operation to supply the outside air to the duct (61).

9. The ventilation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The ventilation device (1) further comprises a humidifying mechanism (4), The humidifying mechanism (4) comprises: Housing (40); A humidifying rotor (41) rotatably disposed in the housing (40); A moisture absorption passage (X), a humidification passage (Z), and a heat collection passage (Y) through the humidifying rotor (41); and A heating unit (42) is disposed between the heat collection passage (Y) and the humidification passage (Z). During humidification operation, the humidification mechanism (4) rotates the humidification rotor (41) in the forward direction so that each portion of the humidification rotor (41) faces the moisture absorption passage (X), the humidification passage (Z), and the heat collection passage (Y) in sequence, and During the drying operation, the humidifying mechanism (4) rotates the humidifying rotor (41) in such a manner that at least a portion of a region of the humidifying rotor (41) facing the heat collection passage (Y) at the end of the humidifying operation faces the humidifying passage (Z).

10. The ventilation device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The ventilation device (1) further comprises a humidifying mechanism (4), The humidifying mechanism (4) comprises: Housing (40); A humidifying rotor (41) rotatably disposed in the housing (40); A moisture absorption passage (X), a humidification passage (Z), and a heat collection passage (Y) through the humidifying rotor (41); and A heating unit (42) is provided between the heat collection passage (Y) and the humidification passage (Z), After the humidifying operation of the humidifying mechanism (4) is stopped, the control unit (81) stops the humidifying rotor (41) while operating the heating unit (42).

11. The ventilation device (1) according to claim 10, wherein: The control unit (81) operates the heating unit (42) with its capacity reduced.

12. The ventilation device (1) according to claim 10, wherein: The control unit (81) reduces the rotation speed of the fan (43).

13. The ventilation device (1) according to claim 10, wherein: The humidifying mechanism (4) further includes an adsorption fan (46) for conveying external air to the moisture absorption passage (X). The control unit (81) stops the adsorption fan (46) after the humidification operation of the humidification mechanism (4) stops.

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