Ventilation unit

Abstract

The ventilation unit (130) includes an air supply fan, a ventilation hose (132), an air inlet (SP), a blow-out port (BP), an adsorption component, and a control unit. The adsorption component is disposed in a ventilation path (VP) that extends from the air inlet (SP) to the blow-out port (BP) via the air supply fan. The control unit performs air supply operation and exhaust operation. The air supply operation is an operation in which the air supply fan is driven to supply outdoor air from the ventilation path (VP) through the ventilation hose (132) to the indoor room (ID). The exhaust operation is an operation in which the air supply fan is driven in the same rotation direction as the air supply operation and the indoor air is discharged to the outdoors (OD) through the ventilation hose (132) instead of the adsorption component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a ventilation unit. Background Art

[0002] Sometimes, it is connected to the room through a ventilation hose, and the air supply fan is driven to perform air supply and exhaust operations.

[0003] Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-286432) discloses a ventilation unit including an adsorption member, wherein during an exhaust operation, indoor air is discharged to the outside through the adsorption member. Summary of the invention

[0004] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] In the ventilation unit of Patent Document 1, pollutants contained in the indoor air are adsorbed by the adsorption member during the exhaust operation.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a ventilation unit that suppresses contamination of an adsorption component during exhaust operation.

[0007] Means for solving problems

[0008] The ventilation unit of the first aspect includes an air supply fan, a ventilation hose, an air inlet, an air outlet, an adsorption component, and a control unit. The adsorption component is provided in a ventilation path from the air inlet to the air outlet via the air supply fan. The control unit performs air supply operation and exhaust operation. The air supply operation is an operation in which the air supply fan is driven to supply outdoor air from the ventilation path through the ventilation hose to the indoor room. The exhaust operation is an operation in which the air supply fan is driven in the same rotation direction as the air supply operation and the indoor air is discharged to the outdoors through the ventilation hose instead of the adsorption component.

[0009] The ventilation unit performs an air supply operation in which air is supplied from a ventilation path provided with an adsorption component, and an exhaust operation in which the air supply fan is driven in the same rotation direction as the air supply operation to exhaust air without passing through the adsorption component. Therefore, the ventilation unit can supply outdoor air that has passed through the adsorption component to the room, and can prevent pollutants from being adsorbed on the adsorption component during the exhaust operation.

[0010] A ventilation unit according to a second aspect is the ventilation unit according to the first aspect, wherein the adsorption member is provided between the air inlet and the air blowing fan in the ventilation path.

[0011] The ventilation unit performs air supply operation and exhaust operation by means of the suction force of the air supply fan. When the adsorption component is arranged between the air supply fan and the blow-out port during the exhaust operation, it is necessary to arrange a path that can utilize the suction force and does not pass through the adsorption component. Therefore, the exhaust path of the ventilation unit becomes complicated, and it is difficult to switch between the air supply operation and the exhaust operation.

[0012] The adsorption component of the ventilation unit is disposed between the suction port and the air supply fan in the ventilation path. Therefore, the ventilation unit can easily switch between the air supply operation through the adsorption component and the exhaust operation without the adsorption component.

[0013] The ventilation unit of the third aspect is the ventilation unit of the first aspect or the second aspect, further comprising a switching mechanism that switches an air supply path that is a path of air during air supply operation and an exhaust path that is a path of air during exhaust operation.

[0014] The ventilation unit can more easily switch between the air supply operation and the exhaust operation by using a switching mechanism that switches the air supply path and the exhaust path.

[0015] The ventilation unit of the fourth aspect is the ventilation unit of the third aspect, and further includes an exhaust port. The exhaust port discharges indoor air to the outside during exhaust operation. In addition, the switching mechanism switches in such a way that the exhaust path becomes a path for the air passing through the ventilation hose to reach the exhaust port from the blow-out port via the air supply fan.

[0016] In addition to the inlet for sucking in outdoor air during air supply operation, the ventilation unit also has an exhaust port for exhausting indoor air to the outside during exhaust operation. Therefore, the ventilation unit can more easily switch between air supply operation and exhaust operation using the exhaust port.

[0017] The ventilation unit of the fifth aspect is the ventilation unit of the fourth aspect, further comprising a heater. The adsorption component is a rotor for humidification. The heater heats the air introduced into the rotor. The control unit also performs a regeneration operation, in which outdoor air is sucked in, the outdoor air is heated by the heater, passes through the rotor, and is discharged to the outside again through the exhaust port.

[0018] The present ventilation unit can humidify the air by using the adsorption component of the rotor used for humidification to supply moisture. Furthermore, the present ventilation unit performs a regeneration operation in which the heated air removes moisture from the rotor. Therefore, the present ventilation unit can regenerate the moisture adsorption capacity of the rotor. In addition, the exhaust port used in the regeneration operation of the present ventilation unit is the same as the exhaust port used in the exhaust operation. The present ventilation unit does not need to further provide an exhaust port for the regeneration operation, and can perform a regeneration operation that effectively utilizes the existing structure. Therefore, the present ventilation unit can simplify the structure.

[0019] Ventilation unit according to a sixth aspect In the ventilation unit according to the fifth aspect, the switching mechanism switches the regeneration path as the path of air during the regeneration operation to a path through which air sucked from the suction port reaches the exhaust port via the air supply fan.

[0020] Therefore, the ventilation unit can more easily switch between other operations and the regeneration operation using the switching mechanism.

[0021] The ventilation unit according to a seventh aspect is the ventilation unit according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, further comprising a shutter that closes the exhaust port during air supply operation and opens the exhaust port during exhaust operation.

[0022] Therefore, the ventilation unit can more easily switch between the air supply operation and the exhaust operation.

[0023] A ventilation unit according to an eighth aspect is the ventilation unit according to any one of the first to fourth aspects and the seventh aspect, wherein the adsorption member is at least one of a humidification rotor, a prefilter, a dust collection filter, and a deodorization filter.

[0024] When the adsorption member is a humidification rotor, the ventilation unit can humidify the air by supplying moisture to the air. Furthermore, when the adsorption member is a pre-filter, a dust collection filter, or a deodorization filter, the ventilation unit can purify the air. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the air conditioner 100 .

[0026] Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the unit main body 131 .

[0027] Figure 3 It is a plan view showing the unit main body 131 .

[0028] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the humidifying device 320 .

[0029] Figure 5 1 is a control block diagram of the indoor unit 110 and the outdoor unit 120.

[0030] Figure 6 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the air supply path SU in the air conditioner 100 .

[0031] Figure 7 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the air supply path SU in the unit body 131 .

[0032] Figure 8 1 is a plan view showing the air supply path SU in the unit body 131 .

[0033] Fig. 9 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the air supply path SU in the humidifier 320 .

[0034] Fig.10 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an exhaust passage EX in the air conditioner 100 .

[0035] Fig.11 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the exhaust path EX in the unit body 131 .

[0036] Fig.12 It is a plan view showing the exhaust path EX in the unit main body 131 .

[0037] Fig.13 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the regeneration path RP in the air conditioner 100 .

[0038] Fig.14 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the regeneration path RP in the unit main body 141 .

[0039] Fig.15 1 is a plan view showing the reproducing path RP in the unit main body 141 .

[0040] Fig.16 It is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the air conditioner 102 .

[0041] Fig.17 It is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the unit body 50 .

[0042] Fig.18 This is a perspective view of a state in which some components of the unit body 50 are removed.

[0043] Fig.19 It is a plan view of a state where some components of the unit body 50 are removed.

[0044] Fig. 20 It is an exploded perspective view of the unit body 50 .

[0045] Fig.21 It is an exploded perspective view of some components of the unit body 50 .

[0046] Fig. 22 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the unit body 50 .

[0047] Fig.23 It is a schematic structural diagram showing the operation of the shutter 74a during the air supply operation.

[0048] Fig.24 It is a schematic structural diagram showing the operation of the shutter 74a during the regeneration operation.

[0049] Fig.25 It is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the unit main body 50 during the exhaust operation.

[0050] Fig.26 It is an exploded perspective view of the unit main body 50 during the exhaust operation.

[0051] Fig. 27 It is an exploded perspective view of some components of the unit main body 50 during the exhaust operation.

[0052] Fig.28 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the unit main body 50 during the exhaust operation.

[0053] Fig.29 It is a schematic structural diagram showing the operation of the shutter 74a during the exhaust operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] <First embodiment>

[0055] (1) Overall structure

[0056] An air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 performs air conditioning of the indoor ID by heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air, and supplying and exhausting the air. Examples of air conditioning include cooling, freezing, heating, humidification, dehumidification, air purification, air supply, ventilation, etc. In the present embodiment, the air conditioning performed by the air conditioner 100 is cooling, heating, humidification, and ventilation.

[0057] The air conditioner 100 includes an indoor unit 110 and an outdoor unit 120. The indoor unit 110 and the outdoor unit 120 are electrically connected.

[0058] (1-1) Indoor unit

[0059] The indoor unit 110 is installed in the room ID. The indoor unit 110 includes an indoor air inlet IP1, an indoor air outlet IP2, an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), and an indoor fan (not shown).

[0060] The indoor suction port IP1 is an opening for sucking air in the indoor room ID into the indoor unit 110. The indoor blow-out port IP2 is an opening for blowing air in the indoor unit 110 out to the indoor room ID.

[0061] The indoor heat exchanger performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air. The indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger described later constitute a refrigeration cycle. The indoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator or a condenser.

[0062] The indoor fan is driven to rotate and generate suction force. Due to the suction force of the indoor fan, the air in the room ID is sucked from the indoor suction port IP1 and blown out from the indoor blow port IP2.

[0063] (1-2) Outdoor unit

[0064] The outdoor unit 120 is installed outdoors OD. The outdoor unit 120 includes a heat exchange unit 121 and a ventilation unit 130 .

[0065] (1-2-1) Heat exchange unit

[0066] The heat exchange unit 121 includes an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air. The outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger etc. constitute a refrigeration cycle. The outdoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator or a condenser.

[0067] (1-2-2) Ventilation unit

[0068] The ventilation unit 130 supplies air from the outside OD to the room ID and discharges air from the room ID to the outside OD, thereby performing air conditioning of the room ID. The ventilation unit 130 includes a unit body 131 and a ventilation hose 132 .

[0069] The unit body 131 is provided with a suction port SP, a blow-out port BP, and an exhaust port EP. The detailed structure of the unit body 131 will be described later.

[0070] The ventilation hose 132 forms an air path between the indoor unit 110 and the outdoor unit 120 .

[0071] (2) Detailed structure

[0072] The detailed structure of the unit main body 131 will be described. Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the unit main body 131 . Figure 3 1 is a plan view showing the unit main body 131. The unit main body 131 includes a casing 310, a humidifying device 320, a fan unit 330, a damper unit 340, a shutter 350, a control device 360, and the like.

[0073] (2-1) Shell

[0074] The housing 310 is a casing that accommodates the humidifier 320, the fan unit 330, the damper unit 340, the shutter 350, the control device 360, etc. The fan unit 330 is an example of a blower fan. The damper unit 340 is an example of a switching mechanism. In addition, the housing 310 may not accommodate the control device 360.

[0075] The housing 310 is placed on the upper surface side of the heat exchange unit 121 and has a short box shape. The humidifier 320, the fan unit 330, the damper unit 340, the shutter 350, the control device 360, etc. are arranged in the internal space 604 formed by the housing 310. The housing 310 is provided with a suction port SP, a blower port BP, and an exhaust port EP.

[0076] (2-1-1) Inlet, outlet, exhaust port

[0077] The blow port BP is an opening for blowing out air from the unit body 131 to the ventilation hose 132. Also, the blow port BP is an opening for sucking air from the ventilation hose 132 to the unit body 131. The blow port BP is provided on the bottom wall surface 601 of the housing 310. The blow port BP is provided at a position close to one side of the housing 310.

[0078] The suction port SP is an opening for sucking air from the outside OD into the unit body 131. The suction port SP is provided on the side wall surface 603 of the casing 310. The suction port SP is provided at a position close to one side of the casing 310. The suction port SP is provided appropriately separated from the blow-out port BP.

[0079] The exhaust port EP is an opening for exhausting air from the unit body 131 to the outside of the room OD. The exhaust port EP is provided on the side wall surface 603 of the casing 310 .

[0080] (2-1-2) Ventilation path

[0081] The ventilation path VP is a path from the air inlet SP to the air outlet BP via the fan unit 330. The air inlet SP side in the ventilation path VP is referred to as the upstream side US. The air outlet BP side in the ventilation path VP is referred to as the downstream side DS.

[0082] (2-1-3)Tube socket

[0083] The socket 602 is a component inserted into the blowout port BP. The socket 602 is in the shape of a hollow cylinder. The socket 602 is connected to one end of the ventilation hose 132. The socket 602 extends downward through the blowout port BP.

[0084] (2-2) Humidification device

[0085] The humidifier 320 humidifies the air by causing moisture to be absorbed by the air. The humidifier 320 is provided in the ventilation path VP. In the present embodiment, the humidifier 320 is provided near the air inlet SP. In other words, the humidifier 320 is provided between the air inlet SP and the fan unit 330.

[0086] Figure 4 3 is a schematic diagram showing a humidifying device 320. The humidifying device 320 includes an adsorption member and a heater 322. In the present embodiment, the adsorption member is a humidifying rotor 321. The humidifying device 320 may include at least one of a humidifying tray, a humidifying tank, and a humidifying motor.

[0087] (2-2-1) Rotor

[0088] The rotor 321 is composed of a humidifying element (not shown). Examples of the humidifying element include nonwoven fabrics and woven fabrics. The humidifying element can pass the air of the ventilation path VP in a state where moisture is adsorbed thereon.

[0089] (2-2-2) Heater

[0090] The heater 322 heats the air introduced into the rotor 321. The heater 322 is provided on the upstream side US with respect to the rotor 321. The heater 322 is configured to allow the air of the ventilation path VP to pass through. The heater 322 may be configured by a plurality of heaters smaller than the heater 322.

[0091] (2-3) Fan unit

[0092] The fan unit 330 generates a suction force SF by rotationally driving a fan impeller 407 described later. The fan unit 330 includes a fan case 405, a bell plate 406, a fan impeller 407, a fan motor 408, and the like.

[0093] (2-3-1) Fan housing

[0094] The fan housing 405 is composed of a bottom plate 403 and a side plate 404. The bottom plate 403 has a spiral plane shape. The side plate 404 surrounds the outer periphery of the bottom plate 403.

[0095] (2-3-2) Bell mouth plate

[0096] The bell mouth plate 406 is fixedly arranged on the open end side of the fan housing 405 so as to close the fan housing 405. The bell mouth plate 406 is in the shape of a rectangular flat plate. The bell mouth plate 406 is arranged in parallel with the fan suction port 401 and the fan outlet 402 being appropriately separated.

[0097] (2-3-2-1) Fan inlet, fan outlet

[0098] The fan suction port 401 is an opening for sucking air from outside the fan unit 330 into the fan unit 330 .

[0099] The fan outlet 402 is an opening for blowing air from the inside of the fan unit 330 to the outside of the fan unit 330. The fan outlet 402 is provided so as to be coaxial with the air outlet BP.

[0100] (2-3-3) Fan impeller

[0101] Fan impeller 407 is arranged in a space surrounded by bell mouth plate 406 and fan housing 405. Fan impeller 407 is arranged to face fan suction port 401.

[0102] The fan impeller 407 is driven to rotate by a fan motor 408 described later to generate an attraction force SF. When the fan unit 330 is in operation, the rotation direction of the fan impeller 407 is the same regardless of the type of operation. Therefore, when the fan unit 330 is in operation, the direction of the attraction force SF generated by the fan impeller 407 is also the same regardless of the type of operation.

[0103] (2-3-4) Fan motor

[0104] The fan motor 408 is fixed to the outer surface side of the fan case 405. The fan motor 408 drives the fan impeller 407 to rotate.

[0105] (2-4) Damper unit

[0106] The damper unit 340 switches between an air supply path SU described later and an exhaust path EX described later. The damper unit 340 includes a damper package body 341 and a damper main body 342 .

[0107] (2-4-1) Air door package

[0108] The damper package 341 is formed by bending a plate into a substantially U-shape. The damper package 341 includes a bottom wall 501 and side walls 502. The bottom wall 501 has substantially the same size and shape as the bell mouth plate 406. The side walls 502 are a pair of walls of the same height that rise from the left and right edges of the bottom wall 501.

[0109] The damper package 341 makes the side wall 502 and the lower surface of the bell-mouth plate 406 on the damper unit 340 side docked and fixed to form an integral body. Therefore, a through-domain 505 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape is formed by the bell-mouth plate 406 and the damper package 341. The two ends of the through-domain 505, namely the upstream end 503 and the downstream end 504, are openings. Therefore, the through-domain 505 is tunnel-shaped. In the through-domain 505, the damper body 342 described later is configured to be movable in the axial direction (through-direction) of the through-domain 505.

[0110] The damper housing 341 is provided with an air supply and exhaust port 515 at a position corresponding to one end of the through area 505. The air supply and exhaust port 515 has substantially the same diameter as the fan outlet 402 on the fan unit 330 side. The pipe base 602 extending downward from the bottom wall 501 is formed integrally with the bottom wall 501.

[0111] The damper package 341 is mounted on the housing 310 side by docking and fixing the bottom wall 501 with the bottom wall surface 601 of the housing 310. Therefore, when the damper package 341 is mounted on the housing 310 side, the air supply and exhaust port 515 on the damper package 341 side and the fan outlet 402 on the bell mouth plate 406 side are arranged to roughly overlap in the vertical direction.

[0112] (2-4-2) Air damper body

[0113] The damper body 342 includes a base 506, an extension portion 507, a bottom wall 508, a side wall 509, and a curved wall 510. The base 506 has a rectangular box shape with an open upper surface. The extension portion 507 is continuously extended to the side with one corner of the base 506. The bottom wall 508 spans from the base 506 to the extension portion 507. The side wall 509 is erected around the base 506 in a manner surrounding the base 506. The curved wall 510 covers the periphery of the extension portion 507 in a spherical shape.

[0114] A first opening 511 is provided at a position of the bottom wall 508 corresponding to one side of the base 506. A second opening 512 is provided at a position of the bottom wall 508 corresponding to the extended portion 507. In the first opening 511, a cylindrical member 513 having a circular cross section is formed integrally with the damper body 342 and extends upward from the first opening 511.

[0115] The height of the cylindrical member 513 is set so that the upper end of the cylindrical member 513 is located at substantially the same height as the upper end of the side wall 509. The height dimensions of the cylindrical member 513 and the side wall 509 are set corresponding to the height dimension of the through-region 505 of the damper package 341. The damper body 342 is slidably embedded in the through-region 505.

[0116] A portion of the space surrounded by the side wall 509 of the damper body 342 excluding the cylindrical member 513 (an outer portion of the cylindrical member 513 ) is referred to as a damper inner space 514 .

[0117] The sliding direction of the damper body 342 in the through-domain 505 is the axial direction (the direction of arrow a, the direction of arrow b) of the through-domain 505. The relative positions of the first opening 511 and the second opening 512 in the plane direction are set so that as the damper body 342 slides, the first opening 511 and the second opening 512 can be selectively connected to the air supply and exhaust port 515.

[0118] When the first opening 511 is in communication with the air supply and exhaust port 515, the fan inlet 401 is located outside the damper body 342, and thus the communication between the fan inlet 401 and the damper body 342 is cut off. On the other hand, when the second opening 512 is in communication with the air supply and exhaust port 515, the fan inlet 401 is located in the damper inner space 514, and thus the fan inlet 401 and the damper body 342 are in communication.

[0119] (2-5) Gate

[0120] The shutter 350 closes the exhaust port EP during the air supply operation described later, and opens the exhaust port EP during the exhaust operation described later. The first side surface 351 of the shutter 350 is fixed to the side wall surface 603. The shutter 350 is rotatable and moves in the direction of arrow c and arrow d.

[0121] When the gate 350 moves in the direction of arrow c, the second side surface 352 of the gate 350 contacts the bottom plate 403. Therefore, when the gate 350 moves in the direction of arrow c, the gate 350 opens the exhaust port EP. And, when the gate 350 moves in the direction of arrow c, the gate 350 cuts off the path of the air in the direction of arrow e. On the other hand, when the gate 350 moves in the direction of arrow d, the second side surface 352 contacts the side wall surface 603. Therefore, when the gate 350 moves in the direction of arrow d, the gate 350 closes the exhaust port EP.

[0122] (2-6) Control device

[0123] The control device 360 ​​performs air supply operation, exhaust operation, adsorption operation, etc. The details of the air supply operation, exhaust operation, and adsorption operation will be described later. The control device 360 ​​controls the operation of the humidifier 320, the fan unit 330, the damper unit 340, the shutter 350, etc. The control device 360 ​​is an example of a control unit.

[0124] The control device 360 ​​is provided in the unit main body 131. The unit main body 131 in which the control device 360 ​​is arranged is omitted from the drawing. Figure 5 1 is a control block diagram of the indoor unit 110 and the outdoor unit 120. The control device 360 ​​is electrically connected to the humidifier 320, the fan unit 330, the damper unit 340, and the shutter 350. The heat exchange unit 121 is electrically connected to the unit body 131. The indoor unit 110 is electrically connected to the outdoor unit 120.

[0125] The control device 360 ​​is implemented by a computer. The control unit 30 has a control operation device and a storage device (both are omitted in the figure). The control operation device can use a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control operation device reads out a program stored in the storage device and performs prescribed image processing and operation processing according to the program. In addition, the control operation device can write the operation results to the storage device according to the program, or read out the information stored in the storage device. The storage device can be used as a database. The specific functions implemented by the control device 360 ​​are described later.

[0126] The configuration of the control device 360 ​​described here is merely an example, and the functions of the control device 360 ​​described below may be implemented by software, by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0127] (3) Action

[0128] The operation of the air conditioner 100 will be described. The air conditioner 100 performs cooling, heating, humidification, ventilation, and the like.

[0129] Cooling is an action in which the refrigerant removes heat from the indoor air through a refrigerant circuit that uses the indoor heat exchanger as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger as a condenser. The operation in which the refrigerant removes heat from the indoor air through a refrigerant circuit that uses the indoor heat exchanger as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger as a condenser is called cooling operation. Cooling is performed by cooling operation.

[0130] Heating is an action in which the refrigerant supplies heat to the indoor air through a refrigerant circuit that uses the indoor heat exchanger as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger as an evaporator. The operation in which the refrigerant supplies heat to the indoor air through a refrigerant circuit that uses the indoor heat exchanger as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger as an evaporator is called heating operation. Heating is performed by heating operation.

[0131] Humidification is an operation in which the fan unit 330 is driven to supply outdoor air with moisture adsorbed thereon to the indoor ID from the ventilation path VP through the ventilation hose 132. The operation in which the fan unit 330 is driven to supply outdoor air to the indoor ID from the ventilation path VP through the ventilation hose 132 is called air supply operation. The operation in which moisture is adsorbed to the outdoor air is called adsorption operation. Humidification is performed by air supply operation and adsorption operation.

[0132] Sometimes the indoor humidity is lower than the target humidity. As an example of the target humidity, there can be cited a humidity suitable for people or objects in the indoor ID. When the indoor humidity is lower than the target humidity, when outdoor air adsorbed with moisture is supplied to the indoor ID, the indoor humidity becomes higher due to the adsorbed moisture.

[0133] Ventilation is an operation in which the fan unit 330 is driven to supply outdoor air to the indoor room ID from the ventilation path VP through the ventilation hose 132, and the fan unit 330 is driven in the same rotation direction as the air supply operation to discharge the indoor air to the outdoor room OD through the ventilation hose 132 instead of the rotor 321. The operation in which the fan unit 330 is driven in the same rotation direction as the air supply operation and the indoor air is discharged to the outdoor room OD through the ventilation hose 132 instead of the rotor 321 is called exhaust operation. Ventilation is performed by air supply operation and exhaust operation. In addition, ventilation can also be performed by exhaust operation instead of air supply operation.

[0134] Sometimes pollutants are present in the air of indoor ID. Pollutants are substances that are not suitable for people or objects in indoor ID. Examples of pollutants include substances contained in cigarette smoke, substances contained in cooking smoke, dust, PM2.5, etc. Examples of substances contained in cigarette smoke include asbestos, acetaldehyde, carbon monoxide, cadmium, tar, dioxin, nicotine, etc. Examples of substances contained in cooking smoke include nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, PM2.5, etc.

[0135] When pollutants are present in the air of the indoor ID, it is necessary to remove the pollutants. When the indoor air is discharged to the outdoor OD, the pollutants contained in the indoor air are also discharged. And when the outdoor air is supplied to the indoor ID, the concentration of the pollutants contained in the indoor air becomes dilute. Therefore, when pollutants are present in the air of the indoor ID, ventilation is performed in order to discharge the pollutants and reduce the concentration of the pollutants.

[0136] The air supply operation, adsorption operation, and exhaust operation related to humidification and ventilation are explained in detail.

[0137] (3-1) Gas supply operation

[0138] The gas supply operation is explained in detail. Figure 6 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air supply path SU in the air conditioner 100. The air supply path SU is a path for air during the air supply operation. Figure 7 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the air supply path SU in the unit body 131 . Figure 8 1 is a plan view showing the air supply path SU in the unit body 131 .

[0139] The damper body 342 is moved in the direction of arrow b to connect the air supply and exhaust port 515 and the fan outlet 402 via the tubular member 513 (first opening 511). The second opening 512 is closed by the bottom wall 501. Since the shutter 350 is moved in the direction of arrow d, the exhaust port EP is closed.

[0140] When the fan impeller 407 is driven to rotate, a suction force SF is generated. Air from the outdoor OD is sucked into the internal space 604 from the suction port SP by the suction force SF. Since the gate 350 closes the exhaust port EP, the air from the outdoor OD is not sucked from the exhaust port EP. Therefore, a path for the air from the exhaust port EP is not formed.

[0141] A ventilation path VP is provided from the suction port SP to the blow-out port BP via the fan unit 330. Furthermore, the humidifier 320 is provided between the suction port SP and the fan unit 330. Therefore, the outdoor air sucked from the suction port SP passes through the humidifier 320.

[0142] The outdoor air that has passed through the humidifier 320 reaches the through-region 505 along the ventilation path VP. The outdoor air that has reached the through-region 505 is sucked into the fan unit 330 from the fan suction port 401 .

[0143] The outdoor air is blown out from the fan outlet 402 toward the tubular member 513 in a state of increased static pressure. The outdoor air blown out toward the tubular member 513 reaches the air supply and exhaust port 515. The outdoor air reaching the air supply and exhaust port 515 passes through the ventilation hose 132 and reaches the indoor unit 110.

[0144] The outdoor air reaching the indoor unit 110 is supplied to the indoor ID through the indoor outlet IP2 by the rotational drive of the indoor fan. The outdoor air is supplied to the indoor ID through the ventilation hose 132 from the ventilation path VP by the driving of the fan unit 330.

[0145] (3-2) Adsorption operation

[0146] The adsorption operation is described in detail. Fig. 9 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the air supply path SU in the humidifier 320 .

[0147] During the air supply operation, the outdoor air passes through the humidifier 320 along the ventilation path VP. First, the outdoor air reaches the heater 322 provided on the upstream side US of the rotor 321. The outdoor air is heated by the heater 322 while passing through the heater 322. The heated outdoor air reaches the rotor 321. Since the outdoor air is heated, the moisture contained in the rotor 321 is adsorbed by the outdoor air. The outdoor air adsorbs the moisture contained in the rotor 321 while passing through the rotor 321. The outdoor air adsorbed with moisture flows along the ventilation path VP to the downstream side DS. Therefore, through the adsorption operation, the outdoor air adsorbs moisture.

[0148] (3-3) Exhaust operation

[0149] The exhaust operation will be described in detail. Fig.10 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an exhaust path EX in the air conditioner 100. The exhaust path EX is a path for air during an exhaust operation. Fig.11 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the exhaust path EX in the unit body 131 . Fig.12 It is a plan view showing the exhaust path EX in the unit main body 131 .

[0150] The damper body 342 is moved in the direction of arrow a to connect the air supply and exhaust port 515 and the fan inlet 401 via the damper inner space 514 (via the outer portion of the tubular member 513). The tubular member 513 is closed by the bottom wall 501. Since the shutter 350 moves in the direction of arrow c, the exhaust port EP is opened.

[0151] When the indoor fan is driven to rotate, indoor air is sucked from the indoor ID into the indoor unit 110 through the indoor suction port IP1. The indoor air in the indoor unit 110 reaches the unit body 131 through the ventilation hose 132.

[0152] When the fan impeller 407 is driven to rotate, an attraction force SF is generated. The fan impeller 407 rotates in the same direction as during the air supply operation. Therefore, the attraction force SF generated by the fan impeller 407 also acts in the same direction as during the air supply operation. With the help of the attraction force SF, indoor air is sucked from the fan suction port 401 side through the damper inner space 514. The indoor air sucked into the fan unit 330 is blown out from the fan outlet 402 to the through-domain 505 side. The indoor air blown out to the through-domain 505 side reaches the internal space 604.

[0153] The gate 350 opens the exhaust port EP and closes the path to the suction port SP. Therefore, the indoor air reaching the internal space 604 is discharged to the outside OD through the exhaust port EP. The gate 350 does not form a path for the air toward the suction port SP. Therefore, the indoor air is discharged to the outside OD without passing through the humidifier 320.

[0154] (3-4) Others

[0155] The air conditioner 100 can also perform dehumidification. Dehumidification is performed by air supply operation. During dehumidification, adsorption operation is not performed.

[0156] Since the air supply operation is performed, the outdoor air is supplied to the indoor ID through the humidifier 320. When passing through the humidifier 320, the adsorption operation is not performed. Since the adsorption operation is not performed, the outdoor air reaching the heater 322 is not heated. The moisture of the unheated outdoor air is taken away by the rotor 321. The outdoor air from which the moisture is taken away is supplied to the indoor ID. Therefore, the humidity of the indoor ID decreases. Dehumidification is performed by being supplied with dehumidified air, so it is also called "dehumidified air supply".

[0157] (4) Features

[0158] (4-1)

[0159] The ventilation unit 130 includes an air supply fan, a ventilation hose 132, an air inlet SP, an air outlet BP, an adsorption component, and a control unit. The adsorption component is provided in a ventilation path VP from the air inlet SP to the air outlet BP via the air supply fan. The control unit performs air supply operation and exhaust operation. The air supply operation is an operation in which the air supply fan is driven to supply outdoor air from the ventilation path VP to the indoor room ID through the ventilation hose 132. The exhaust operation is an operation in which the air supply fan is driven in the same rotation direction as the air supply operation and the indoor air is discharged to the outdoor room OD through the ventilation hose 132 instead of the adsorption component.

[0160] The ventilation unit 130 performs an air supply operation in which air is supplied from a ventilation path VP provided with an adsorption component, and an exhaust operation in which the air supply fan is driven in the same rotation direction as the air supply operation to exhaust air without passing through the adsorption component. Therefore, the ventilation unit 130 can supply outdoor air that has passed through the adsorption component to the indoor ID, and can prevent pollutants from being adsorbed on the adsorption component during the exhaust operation.

[0161] (4-2)

[0162] The adsorption member of the ventilation unit 130 is provided between the suction port SP and the air blowing fan in the ventilation path VP.

[0163] The ventilation unit 130 performs air supply operation and exhaust operation by means of the suction force SF of the air supply fan. When the adsorption component is arranged between the air supply fan and the blow-out port during the exhaust operation, it is necessary to set a path that can utilize the suction force and does not pass through the adsorption component. Therefore, the exhaust path EX of the ventilation unit becomes complicated, and it is difficult to switch between the air supply operation and the exhaust operation.

[0164] The adsorption member of the ventilation unit 130 is provided between the suction port SP and the air supply fan in the ventilation path VP. Therefore, the ventilation unit 130 can easily switch between the air supply operation through the adsorption member and the exhaust operation without the adsorption member.

[0165] (4-3)

[0166] The ventilation unit 130 further includes a switching mechanism that switches between an air supply path SU, which is a path for air during an air supply operation, and an exhaust path EX, which is a path for air during an exhaust operation.

[0167] The ventilation unit 130 can more easily switch between the air supply operation and the exhaust operation by using a switching mechanism that switches the air supply path SU and the exhaust path EX.

[0168] (4-4)

[0169] The ventilation unit 130 further includes an exhaust port EP. The exhaust port EP exhausts the indoor air to the outside during exhaust operation. The switching mechanism switches the exhaust path EX so that the air passing through the ventilation hose 132 reaches the exhaust port EP from the blower port BP via the air supply fan.

[0170] The ventilation unit 130 has an exhaust port EP for exhausting indoor air to the outside in the exhaust operation in addition to the intake port SP for sucking outdoor air in the air supply operation. Therefore, the ventilation unit 130 can more easily switch between the air supply operation and the exhaust operation by the exhaust port EP.

[0171] (4-5)

[0172] The ventilation unit 130 further includes a shutter 350. The shutter 350 closes the exhaust port EP during the air supply operation, and opens the exhaust port EP during the exhaust operation.

[0173] The gate 350 closes the exhaust port EP during the air supply operation. During the air supply operation, the path of the air from the exhaust port EP is not formed, so the path of the air does not become complicated. The ventilation unit 130 can perform the exhaust operation using the exhaust port EP and can simplify the path of the air during the air supply operation. Therefore, the ventilation unit 130 can more easily switch between the air supply operation and the exhaust operation.

[0174] (5) Modification

[0175] The air conditioner 100 may further perform air purification. The adsorption member includes at least one of a pre-filter, a dust collection filter, and a deodorizing filter in addition to the rotor 321.

[0176] Furthermore, the air conditioner 100 may perform air purification instead of humidification. The adsorption member is at least one of a pre-filter, a dust collection filter, and a deodorizing filter. The humidifying device 320 may also be referred to as an "adsorption device." The adsorption device does not include a heater 322.

[0177] The pre-filter is a filter that absorbs relatively large dust from the outdoor air. Examples of the structure of the pre-filter include a structure in which a mesh sheet is sandwiched from both sides by a resin frame. The dust collection filter is a filter that absorbs relatively small dust from the outdoor air. The deodorizing filter is a filter that absorbs odor components from the outdoor air.

[0178] (5-1) Characteristics

[0179] The adsorption member of the ventilation unit 130 is at least any one of the rotor 321 for humidification, the pre-filter, the dust collection filter, and the deodorization filter.

[0180] When the adsorption member is the humidification rotor 321, the ventilation unit 130 can humidify the air by supplying moisture to the air. Also, when the adsorption member is a pre-filter, a dust collection filter, or a deodorization filter, the ventilation unit 130 can purify the air.

[0181] <Second embodiment>

[0182] (1) Overall structure

[0183] The air conditioner 101 of the second embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment. The air conditioner 101 performs regeneration in addition to the operation of the air conditioner 100. The details of the regeneration will be described later.

[0184] (2) Detailed structure

[0185] The unit body 141 of the ventilation unit 140 includes a damper unit 370 having a structure different from that of the damper unit 340 of the unit body 131 . Fig.13 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a regeneration path RP in the air conditioner 100. The regeneration path RP is a path of air during the regeneration operation. Fig.14 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the regeneration path RP in the unit main body 141 . Fig.15 1 is a plan view showing the reproducing path RP in the unit main body 141 .

[0186] (2-1) Damper unit

[0187] The damper unit 370 of the unit body 141 includes a rotatable side wall 519 instead of the fixed side wall 509 of the damper unit 340. The side wall 519 moves in the direction of arrow f and the direction of arrow g.

[0188] The side wall 519 moves in the direction of arrow g during the regeneration operation. The side wall 519 that moves in the direction of arrow g opens the path between the through area 505 and the damper inner space 514. During the regeneration operation, the through area 505 and the damper inner space 514 form a regeneration path RP. Therefore, the damper unit 370 is switched by the side wall 519 in such a manner that the regeneration path RP becomes a path for the air sucked from the suction port SP to reach the exhaust port EP via the fan unit 330.

[0189] On the other hand, the side wall 519 moves in the direction of arrow f during operation other than the regeneration operation. The side wall 519 moved in the direction of arrow f blocks the path between the through region 505 and the damper inner space 514 .

[0190] (2-2) Gate

[0191] In addition to the operation of the shutter 350 , the shutter 353 opens the exhaust port EP during the regeneration operation.

[0192] (3) Action

[0193] The operation of the air conditioner 101 will be described. The air conditioner 101 performs cooling, heating, humidification, ventilation, and regeneration.

[0194] Regeneration is an operation in which outdoor air is sucked in, the outdoor air heated by the heater 76 is passed through the rotor 58, and is discharged to the outside OD again through the exhaust port 52e. The operation in which outdoor air is sucked in, the outdoor air heated by the heater 76 is passed through the rotor 58, and is discharged to the outside OD again through the exhaust port 52e is referred to as regeneration operation. Regeneration is performed by regeneration operation and adsorption operation.

[0195] (3-1) Regeneration operation

[0196] The details of the regeneration operation are described. The damper body 342 is moved in the direction of arrow a to connect the air supply and exhaust port 515 and the fan suction port 401 via the damper inner space 514 (via the outer portion of the tubular member 513). The tubular member 513 is closed by the bottom wall 501. Since the gate 350 moves in the direction of arrow c, the exhaust port EP is opened. The side wall 519 moves in the direction of arrow g, and the path between the through area 505 and the damper inner space 514 is opened.

[0197] The fan impeller 407 is driven in the same rotation direction as that during the air supply operation. Therefore, the fan impeller 407 generates a suction force SF in the same direction as that during the air supply operation. The air in the outdoor OD is sucked into the internal space 604 from the suction port SP by the suction force SF.

[0198] A ventilation path VP is provided from the suction port SP to the blow-out port BP via the fan unit 330. Furthermore, the humidifier 320 is provided between the suction port SP and the fan unit 330. Therefore, the outdoor air sucked from the suction port SP passes through the humidifier 320.

[0199] The outdoor air passing through the humidifier 320 reaches the through area 505 along the ventilation path VP. Since the through area 505 is connected to the damper inner space 514, the outdoor air flows into the damper inner space 514. The outdoor air is sucked into the fan unit 330 from the fan suction port 401.

[0200] The indoor air sucked into the fan unit 330 is blown out again toward the through-region 505 from the fan outlet 402 . The indoor air blown out toward the through-region 505 reaches the internal space 604 .

[0201] The gate 350 opens the exhaust port EP and closes the path to the suction port SP. Therefore, the indoor air reaching the internal space 604 is discharged to the outside OD through the exhaust port EP. With the gate 350, the path of the air toward the suction port SP is not formed. Therefore, the indoor air is discharged to the outside OD without passing through the humidifier 320.

[0202] (4) Features

[0203] (4-1)

[0204] The ventilation unit 140 is further provided with a heater 322. The adsorption member is a rotor 321 for humidification. The heater 322 heats the air introduced into the rotor 321. The control unit also performs a regeneration operation in which outdoor air is sucked in, the outdoor air heated by the heater 322 passes through the rotor 321, and is discharged to the outside OD again through the exhaust port EP.

[0205] The ventilation unit 140 can humidify the air by supplying moisture to the air through the adsorption component of the rotor 321 used for humidification. In addition, the ventilation unit 140 performs a regeneration operation in which the heated air takes away moisture from the rotor 321. Therefore, the ventilation unit 140 can regenerate the moisture adsorption capacity of the rotor 321. In addition, the exhaust port EP used in the regeneration operation of the ventilation unit 140 is the same as the exhaust port EP used in the exhaust operation. The ventilation unit 140 does not need to further provide an exhaust port for the regeneration operation, and can perform a regeneration operation that effectively utilizes the existing structure. Therefore, the ventilation unit 140 can simplify the structure.

[0206] (4-2)

[0207] The switching mechanism of the ventilation unit 140 switches the regeneration path RP, which is the path of air during the regeneration operation, to a path through which the air sucked from the suction port SP reaches the exhaust port EP via the air supply fan.

[0208] Therefore, the ventilation unit 140 can be more easily switched between other operations and the regeneration operation by the switching mechanism.

[0209] <Third Embodiment>

[0210] (1) Overall structure

[0211] The air conditioner 102 of the third embodiment will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the air conditioner 101 of the second embodiment. The ventilation unit 150 of the air conditioner 102 has a different structure from the ventilation unit 140 of the air conditioner 101.

[0212] Fig.161 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the air conditioner 102. The ventilation unit 150 includes a unit body 50 and a ventilation hose 56.

[0213] (2) Detailed structure

[0214] The detailed structure of the unit main body 50 will be described. Fig.17 It is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the unit body 50 . Fig.18 This is a perspective view of a state in which some components of the unit body 50 are removed. Fig.19 It is a plan view of a state where some components of the unit body 50 are removed. Fig. 20 It is an exploded perspective view of the unit body 50 . Fig.21 It is an exploded perspective view of some components of the unit body 50 . Fig. 22 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the unit body 50 .

[0215] (2-1) Shell

[0216] The housing 52 is provided with an inlet 52a, an inlet 52b, a first other inlet 52c, a blow-out port 52d, an exhaust port 52e, and a second other inlet 52f. The first other inlet 52c is an opening for sucking outdoor air Aout from the outside OD into the unit body 50. A ventilation hose 56 is connected to the blow-out port 52d. The second other inlet 52f is an opening for exhausting air from the unit body 50 to the outside OD.

[0217] The casing 52 includes a sealing portion 52j in a bottom plate portion 52g of the casing 52. The sealing portion 52j blocks the flow of outdoor air Aout between a lower space S2 described later and a lower space S4 described later.

[0218] (2-2) Humidification device

[0219] The humidifying device 57 includes a rotor 58 , a holder 60 , a motor 64 , a first heater 76A, a second heater 76B, a tray 82 , and the like.

[0220] (2-2-1) Rotor, retainer, motor

[0221] A rotor 58 is provided at the center of the housing 52. In addition to the rotor 58, at least one of a pre-filter, a dust collection filter, and a deodorization filter may be provided.

[0222] The rotor 58 is a disc-shaped component that allows air to pass in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and rotates around a rotation center line C1 extending in the vertical direction. The rotor 58 is held by a cylindrical holder 60. The rotor 58 is rotated by a motor 64 for humidification. The motor 64 includes a gear 62 that engages with the external teeth of the holder 60. The rotor 58 continuously rotates at a predetermined rotation speed during the operation of the unit body 50.

[0223] (2-2-2) Heater

[0224] The humidifying device 57 includes a first heater 76A and a second heater 76B. The first heater 76A is provided for the flow path R1 from the suction port 52a. The second heater 76B is provided for the flow path R2 from the suction port 52b.

[0225] The first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are arranged near the rotor 58. The first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are arranged on the upstream side of the flow path R1 and the flow path R2 with respect to the rotor 58. The first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are provided on the partition wall plate 78.

[0226] The portion of the upper surface 58a of the rotor 58 through which the first heater 76A, the second heater 76B, the flow paths R1, and the flow paths R2 pass is covered by the heater cover 80. Therefore, the outdoor air Aout heated by the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B can pass through the rotor 58.

[0227] The first heater 76A and the second heater 76B may be heaters having the same heating capability or heaters having different heating capabilities.

[0228] (2-2-3) Pallet

[0229] The tray 82 is provided at a portion of the partition plate 78 near the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B. The tray 82 receives and collects dust and the like separated from the outdoor air Aout.

[0230] (2-3) Fan unit

[0231] The fan unit 65 includes a fan impeller 66 , a partition plate 68 , a fan case 70 , a fan motor 72 , and the like.

[0232] (2-3-1) Fan impeller

[0233] The fan impeller 66 is arranged on one side of the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the unit body 50 relative to the rotor 58. As an example of the fan impeller 66, a sirocco fan etc. can be cited. The fan impeller 66 is accommodated in a cylindrical portion 68a, and the cylindrical portion 68a is provided on a partition plate 68, and the partition plate 68 divides the space on one side of the length direction relative to the rotor 58 into two up and down.

[0234] (2-3-2) Bulkhead

[0235] The upper space S1 in contact with a part of the upper surface 58a of the rotor 58 and the lower space S2 in contact with a part of the lower surface 58b of the rotor 58 are formed by the partition plate 68. An opening 68b connected to the blow-out port 52d and an opening 68c connected to the exhaust port 52e are formed in the cylindrical portion 68a of the partition plate 68. In addition, a through hole 68d for taking air into the fan impeller 66 in the cylindrical portion 68a is formed in the partition plate 68. A first switching mechanism SN is provided near the opening 68b of the partition plate 68. The first switching mechanism SN has a fan-shaped switching component Na. The switching component Na is rotated around the rotation axis Nb by a motor (not shown). The first switching mechanism SN can switch the closing and opening of the vent SX by rotating the switching component Na around the rotation axis Nb. When the vent SX is open, the blow-out port 52d is connected to the lower space S2.

[0236] A movable second switching mechanism SM is provided between the partition plate 68 and the bottom plate portion 52g of the housing 52. The second switching mechanism SM cuts off the path of air between the lower space S2 and the rotor 58 during exhaust operation. The second switching mechanism SM is configured to open the path of air between the lower space S2 and the rotor 58 during air supply operation or regeneration operation.

[0237] (2-3-3) Fan housing

[0238] A fan case 70 that covers the fan impeller 66 is attached to the cylindrical portion 68 a of the partition wall plate 68 .

[0239] (2-3-4) Fan motor

[0240] The fan housing 70 is provided with a fan motor 72 that rotates the fan impeller 66 .

[0241] (2-4) Damper unit

[0242] The damper unit 74 switches the path of the air. The damper unit 74 includes a rotatable shutter 74a.

[0243] (2-4-1) Gate

[0244] The gate 74a can rotate to open and close the path of the opening 68b of the bulkhead plate 68 and the inner side of the cylindrical portion 68a (near the fan impeller 66). The opening 68b is connected to the air outlet 52d. Therefore, the gate 74a can rotate to open and close the path of the air outlet 52d and the inner side of the cylindrical portion 68a.

[0245] The shutter 74a can be rotated to open and close the opening 68c of the partition plate 68. The opening 68c is connected to the exhaust port 52e. Therefore, the shutter 74a can be rotated to open and close the exhaust port 52e.

[0246] (2-5) Control device

[0247] The control device (not shown) performs a supplementary operation in addition to the air supply operation, the exhaust operation, and the regeneration operation. The details of the supplementary operation will be described later.

[0248] (2-6) Supplementary fan

[0249] The supplementary fan 84 is a fan for performing a supplementary operation described later. The supplementary fan 84 is driven to rotate to generate suction force. The supplementary fan 84 causes the flow of outdoor air Aout to be generated in the flow path R3 described later. The supplementary fan 84 is arranged on the other side of the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the unit body 50 relative to the rotor 58. As an example of the supplementary fan 84, a Sirocco fan or the like can be cited.

[0250] (2-6-1) Motor, cylindrical part

[0251] The replenishment fan 84 is rotated by a motor 86 mounted on the outer surface of the bottom plate 52g of the housing 52. The replenishment fan 84 is accommodated in a cylindrical portion 52h provided on the inner surface of the bottom plate 52g. The inner space of the cylindrical portion 52h communicates with the second other port 52f.

[0252] (2-6-2) Partition plate, sealing parts

[0253] The cylindrical portion 52h is provided with a partition plate 78 that covers the replenishment fan 84. The partition plate 78 divides the space on one side in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the rotor 58 into two vertical parts.

[0254] The partition plate 78 is provided with a through hole 78a for taking the outdoor air Aout into the supplementary fan 84. The partition plate 78 is provided with a rotor housing portion 78b that rotatably houses the rotor 58 without covering the upper surface 58a. The partition plate 78 includes a sealing portion 78c. The sealing portion 78c blocks the flow of the outdoor air Aout between the upper space S1 and the upper space S3 above the rotor 58.

[0255] A sealing member 88 for sealing between the partition wall plate 78 and the top plate 54 is provided between the partition wall plate 78 and the top plate 54. The sealing member 88 allows the outdoor air Aout flowing through the flow paths R1 and R2 and the outdoor air Aout flowing through the flow path R3 to pass through the rotor 58 at different positions without mixing with each other.

[0256] (3) Action

[0257] The operation of the air conditioner 102 will be described. The air conditioner 102 performs dehumidification and replenishment in addition to cooling, heating, humidification, ventilation, and regeneration.

[0258] Replenishment is an action to replenish moisture in the rotor 58. Replenishment is an action to suck outdoor air Aout through the first other port 52c, pass the outdoor air Aout through the rotor 58, and discharge it to the outside OD again through the second other port 52f. The operation of sucking outdoor air Aout through the first other port 52c, passing the outdoor air Aout through the rotor 58, and discharging it to the outside OD again through the second other port 52f is called replenishment operation. Replenishment is performed by replenishment operation.

[0259] The air conditioner 102 can perform humidification by a replenishing operation in addition to the air supply operation and the adsorption operation. When humidification is performed by the replenishing operation, the rotor 58 is replenished with water, so that continuous humidification can be performed.

[0260] The dehumidification of the air conditioner 102 is performed by the air supply operation regardless of the adsorption operation, similarly to the air conditioner 100 .

[0261] (3-1) Gas supply operation

[0262] When the fan motor 72 rotates the fan impeller 66, the outdoor air Aout is sucked into the housing 52 through the suction port 52a and the suction port 52b of the housing 52. The fan housing 70 and the fan motor 72 are present between the suction port 52a and the suction port 52b. Therefore, there are substantially two flow paths for the outdoor air Aout to flow through the rotor 58, connecting the outdoor OD and the indoor unit 110. The two flow paths R1 and R2 include a converging path that merges with each other after passing through the rotor 58, and the fan impeller 66 is provided in the converging path.

[0263] The outdoor air Aout sucked in by the suction ports 52a and 52b flows into the upper space S1 above the partition plate 68 and flows toward the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B. The first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are covered by the heater cover 80. Therefore, the outdoor air Aout flowing in the flow path R1 and the flow path R2 descends along the outer side surface of the side wall portion 80a in order to enter the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B. The outdoor air Aout enters the gap and moves upward. The outdoor air Aout passes through the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B and moves.

[0264] The outdoor air Aout descends toward the upper surface 58a. The two flow paths R1 and R2 include a labyrinth through which the outdoor air Aout passes. The flow paths R1 and R2 include a labyrinth through which the outdoor air Aout passes, thereby preventing dust, sand, etc. contained in the outdoor air Aout from reaching the ventilation hose 56, the indoor unit 110, and the indoor ID. When the outdoor air Aout moves in the labyrinth, dust, sand, etc. are separated from the outdoor air Aout by gravity.

[0265] The outdoor air Aout passes through the rotor 58 from the upper surface 58a toward the lower surface 58b. In other words, the outdoor air Aout passes through the humidifier 57. The outdoor air Aout that has passed through the rotor 58 moves in the lower space S2 below the partition plate 68, and is taken into the fan impeller 66 through the through hole 68d of the partition plate 68.

[0266] The outdoor air Aout taken into the fan impeller 66 passes through the opening 68b or the opening 68c which is not closed by the shutter 74a. Fig.23 The outdoor air Aout passes through the opening 68b and the outlet 52d and reaches the indoor unit 110 via the ventilation hose 56. The outdoor air Aout reaching the indoor unit 110 is supplied to the indoor ID via the indoor outlet IP2.

[0267] (3-2) Regeneration operation

[0268] The flow path of outdoor air Aout from outdoor OD to fan impeller 66 is the same as flow paths R1 and R2 of outdoor air Aout in air supply operation. Outdoor air Aout taken into fan impeller 66 passes through the opening 68b or 68c which is not closed by shutter 74a. Fig.24 2 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the damper 74a during the regeneration operation. The outdoor air Aout passes through the opening 68c and the exhaust port 52e and is discharged to the outside of the room OD again.

[0269] (3-3) Supplementary operation

[0270] As a flow path of the outdoor air Aout, a flow path R3 other than the flow paths R1 and R2 is generated. The flow path R3 of the outdoor air Aout is different from the flow paths R1 and R2 and is not connected to the indoor unit 110. The flow path R3 is a flow path through the rotor 58 and the outdoor air Aout flows from the outdoor OD to the outdoor OD. The flow path R3 starts from the first other port 52c, passes through the rotor 58 from the lower surface 58b toward the upper surface 58a, and reaches the second other port 52f.

[0271] When the motor 86 drives the supplementary fan 84 to rotate, the outdoor air Aout flows into the casing 52 through the first other port 52c. The outdoor air Aout flowing in through the first other port 52c flows into the lower space S4 below the partition plate 78, and flows toward the bottom of the rotor 58. The outdoor air Aout passes through the rotor 58 from the lower surface 58b of the rotor 58 toward the upper surface 58a.

[0272] The outdoor air Aout having passed through the rotor 58 moves in the upper space S3 above the partition plate 78, passes through the through hole 78a, and is taken in by the replenishment fan 84. The outdoor air Aout taken in by the replenishment fan 84 is discharged to the outside OD through the second other port 52f.

[0273] The unheated outdoor air Aout loses moisture by the rotor 58. In other words, the rotor 58 replenishes moisture with the help of the outdoor air Aout.

[0274] (3-4) Adsorption operation

[0275] The adsorption operation is performed in a state where at least one of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B is in operation. When the humidity of the room ID is slightly increased, at least one of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B is in operation. On the other hand, when the humidity of the room ID is greatly increased, both the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are in operation.

[0276] By using a plurality of heaters, the moisture content of the outdoor air Aout (the moisture content taken from the rotor 58) can be finely adjusted compared to the case of using a single heating unit. Therefore, the humidification amount of the indoor room ID can be finely controlled.

[0277] (3-5) Exhaust operation

[0278] Fig.25 It is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the unit main body 50 during the exhaust operation. Fig.26 It is an exploded perspective view of the unit main body 50 during the exhaust operation. Fig. 27 It is an exploded perspective view of some components of the unit main body 50 during the exhaust operation. Fig.282 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the unit main body 50 during the exhaust operation. The flow path generated during the exhaust operation is referred to as a flow path R4.

[0279] Indoor air is sucked into the indoor unit 110. The sucked indoor air reaches the outlet 52d through the ventilation hose 56. The indoor air flows into the unit body 50 through the outlet 52d and the opening 68b by the suction force of the rotationally driven fan impeller 66. The indoor air flowing into the unit body 50 reaches above the partition plate 68.

[0280] Fig.29 74a during the exhaust operation. The path from the blow-out port 52d directly to the fan impeller 66 is cut off by the gate 74a. During the exhaust operation, the vent SX is opened. Therefore, the indoor air reaching the upper part of the partition plate 68 flows to the lower space S2 through the vent SX.

[0281] The indoor air flowing into the lower space S2 reaches the vicinity of the fan impeller 66 through the through hole 68d by suction. During the exhaust operation, the shutter 74a opens the exhaust port 52e. Therefore, the indoor air reaching the vicinity of the fan impeller 66 is discharged to the outside OD through the opening 68c and the exhaust port 52e.

[0282] The exhaust port 52e used in the regeneration operation of the ventilation unit 150 is the same as the exhaust port 52e used in the exhaust operation. The ventilation unit 150 does not need to further provide an exhaust port for the regeneration operation, and can perform the regeneration operation effectively using the existing structure. Therefore, the ventilation unit 150 can simplify the structure.

[0283] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this disclosure is described, it should be understood that various changes in form and detail are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure described in the claims.

[0284] Description of symbols

[0285] 52a Inlet

[0286] 52b suction port

[0287] 52d blowing outlet

[0288] 52e exhaust port

[0289] 56 ventilation hose

[0290] 58 rotor

[0291] 74a Gate

[0292] 121 heat exchange unit

[0293] 130 Ventilation Unit

[0294] 132 ventilation hose

[0295] 140 Ventilation Unit

[0296] 150 ventilation units

[0297] 321 rotor

[0298] 322 Heater

[0299] 350 gates

[0300] 353 Gate

[0301] Aout Outdoor air

[0302] BP blowing outlet

[0303] EP exhaust port

[0304] EX exhaust path

[0305] ID indoor

[0306] OD Outdoor

[0307] RP regeneration path

[0308] SP suction port

[0309] SU air supply path

[0310] VP ventilation path

[0311] Prior art literature

[0312] Patent Literature

[0313] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-286432

Claims

1. A ventilation unit (130, 140, 150), comprising a blower fan, a ventilation hose (56, 132), a suction port (52a, 52b, SP) and a blow-off port (52d, BP), wherein: The ventilation unit comprises: an adsorption member provided in a ventilation path (VP) extending from the suction port through the air supply fan to the blow-out port; and A control unit performs air supply operation and exhaust operation, wherein the air supply operation is an operation for driving the air supply fan to supply outdoor air (Aout) from the ventilation path through the ventilation hose to the indoor room (ID), and the exhaust operation is an operation for driving the air supply fan in the same rotation direction as the air supply operation and exhausting the indoor air to the outdoors (OD) through the ventilation hose without passing through the adsorption component.

2. The ventilation unit according to claim 1, wherein: The adsorption member is provided between the suction port and the air blowing fan in the ventilation path.

3. The ventilation unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The ventilation unit further includes a switching mechanism for switching an air supply path (SU) and an exhaust path (EX), wherein the air supply path (SU) is a path for air during the air supply operation and the exhaust path (EX) is a path for air during the exhaust operation.

4. The ventilation unit according to claim 3, wherein: The ventilation unit further includes an exhaust port (52e, EP) for exhausting the indoor air to the outside during the exhaust operation. The switching mechanism switches the exhaust path so that the air passing through the ventilation hose reaches the exhaust port from the blower port via the air supply fan.

5. The ventilation unit according to claim 4, wherein: The adsorption component is a rotor (58, 321) for humidification, The ventilation unit further includes a heater (322) for heating the air introduced into the rotor. The control unit also performs a regeneration operation in which outdoor air is sucked in, the outdoor air is heated by the heater, passes through the rotor, and is discharged to the outside again through the exhaust port.

6. The ventilation unit according to claim 5, wherein: The switching mechanism switches the regeneration path (RP) as the path of the air during the regeneration operation to a path through which the air sucked from the suction port reaches the exhaust port via the air supply fan.

7. The ventilation unit according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The ventilation unit further includes a shutter (74a, 350, 353) which closes the exhaust port during the air supply operation and opens the exhaust port during the exhaust operation.

8. The ventilation unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 7, wherein: The adsorption member is at least any one of a humidification rotor, a pre-filter, a dust collection filter, and a deodorization filter.

Images