Fan, air-conditioning outdoor unit and air-conditioning device

Abstract

A fan includes a housing having a first wall portion (56a) formed in a scroll shape along an outer peripheral edge of an impeller (53), a suction port (71) provided on one end side of the impeller (53) in a rotational axis direction, an air passage (A) communicating with the suction port (71), and an air outlet (72) formed so as to extend along an inner surface of the first wall portion (56a), the first wall portion (56a) being formed in a scroll shape along the outer peripheral edge of the impeller (53), the suction port (71) being provided on the other end side of the impeller (53) in the rotational axis direction, and the air passage (A) being formed so as to extend along the inner surface of the first wall portion (56a). In the air passage (A), an air flow is formed from one end of the first wall portion (56a) toward the other end, the blow-out port (72) is arranged at the downstream end of the air flow in the air passage (A), and the other end of the first wall portion (56a) is located at a position where the position of the tongue portion (57) formed at the one end of the first wall portion (56a) is a starting point and the other end of the tongue portion (57) is located at the other end of the first wall portion (56a). The impeller (53) rotates around the rotation axis (O) at a position of 360 degrees or more in the rotation direction of the impeller (53).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a fan, an outdoor unit for an air conditioner, and an air conditioning device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a centrifugal fan comprising an impeller and a fan shroud housing the impeller. The fan shroud has a vortex-shaped peripheral wall covering the periphery of the impeller. A noise-absorbing space is provided within the fan shroud, which surrounds an air inlet portion into which air supplied by the impeller flows.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-156342 Summary of the Invention

[0006] -The technical problem the invention aims to solve-

[0007] The operating noise generated by the impeller is interfered with and absorbed within the anechoic space, thereby suppressing the noise caused by the impeller's operation. However, in fans with such impellers and fan shrouds, the suppression of airflow noise generated by the air flowing within the fan shroud due to the impeller's rotation has not yet been adequately studied.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a fan that suppresses noise generation.

[0009] - Technical solutions used to solve technical problems -

[0010] The first aspect is a type of fan.

[0011] The fan includes an impeller 53 and a housing 50 for housing the impeller 53.

[0012] The housing 50 has a first wall portion 56a, an intake port 71, an air passage A, and an exhaust port 72. The first wall portion 56a is formed in a vortex shape along the outer periphery of the impeller 53. The suction port 71 is located at one end of the impeller 53 in the direction of its rotation axis. The air passage A communicates with the intake port 71 and is formed along the inner surface of the first wall portion 56a. An airflow is formed in the air passage A from one end of the first wall portion 56a to the other end. The blowout 72 blows air from the air passage A toward the outside of the housing 50. The other end of the first wall portion 56a is located at a position that is more than 360° rotated in the direction of rotation of the impeller 53, starting from the position of the tongue portion 57 formed at one end of the first wall portion 56a and centered on the rotation axis.

[0013] In the first aspect, the first wall portion 56a is arranged to surround the entire circumference of the impeller 53. By utilizing such a first wall portion 56a, the recovery of the dynamic pressure portion of the air ejected from the impeller 53 due to its rotation can be improved. In other words, the conversion from dynamic pressure to static pressure is facilitated. That is, the kinetic energy flowing out from the impeller 53 is recovered as pressure energy. Since the generation of airflow noise is related to dynamic pressure, the generation of airflow noise can also be suppressed when the dynamic pressure portion is suppressed. Furthermore, since static pressure is ensured, the attenuation of airflow toward the outlet can be suppressed.

[0014] The second aspect is, based on the first aspect, The housing 50 includes a second wall portion 56b, which communicates with the downstream end of the airflow in the air passage A and defines a first space S11 in which the blowout 72 is arranged. One end of the second wall portion 56b is connected to one end of the first wall portion 56a. The other end of the second wall portion 56b is connected to a first position U1 in the first wall portion 56a. The first position U1 is a position that has been rotated by a predetermined angle from the position of the tongue portion 57 and centered on the rotation axis O in the rotation direction of the impeller 53. The other end of the first wall portion 56a extends from the first position U1 toward the first space S11.

[0015] In the second aspect, the first space S11 also serves as part of the air passage A. Thus, for example, if the first space S11 functions as a noise-absorbing space, by placing part of the air passage A within this noise-absorbing space, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the fan, and the noise-absorbing space suppresses the noise generated by the air flowing in from the intake 71.

[0016] The third aspect is, based on the first or second aspect, The blow-out port 72 is oriented in the same direction as the axis of rotation. The center C1 of the opening of the blow-out port 72 is arranged in the air passage A between the second position U2 of the first wall portion 56a opposite to the tongue portion 57 and the other end of the first wall portion 56a, namely the third position U3.

[0017] In the third aspect, the outlet 72 is arranged within the air passage A. That is, within the air passage A, since the dynamic pressure of the air is suppressed and the static pressure is ensured, air can be delivered toward the outlet 72 while suppressing the generation of airflow noise and suppressing the attenuation of airflow.

[0018] The fourth aspect is, based on the second aspect, The blowout 72 is disposed on the second wall portion 56b.

[0019] In the fourth aspect, the air blown from the air passage A into the first space S11 is blown out of the housing 50 through the outlet 72. In this way, the air expands as it flows from the air passage A into the relatively wide first space S11, thereby suppressing the generation of noise.

[0020] The fifth aspect is, based on the second aspect, A noise reduction component SR is provided in the first space S11.

[0021] In the fifth aspect, the noise reduction effect is improved by the noise reduction component SR in the first space S11.

[0022] The sixth aspect is an outdoor unit for an air conditioner.

[0023] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner is an air conditioning device 1 for conditioning the air of the object space I. The outdoor unit is arranged outside the object space I. The outdoor unit 10 includes a fan as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0024] In the sixth aspect, it is possible to provide an outdoor air conditioning unit that can suppress noise generated by the fan.

[0025] The seventh aspect is an air conditioning device.

[0026] The air conditioning unit includes an outdoor unit 10 as described in the sixth aspect and an indoor unit 30, wherein the indoor unit 30 is connected to the outdoor unit 10 via connecting pipes 3 and 4, and the indoor unit 30 blows air into the object space I.

[0027] In the seventh aspect, it is possible to provide an air conditioning device that includes an outdoor unit capable of suppressing noise. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of the air conditioning unit involved in the implementation method.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram showing the refrigerant pipes and airflow of an air conditioning unit.

[0030] Figure 3This is a longitudinal sectional view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a block diagram containing the main components of an air conditioning unit.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the state of the second air valve inside the air valve housing and the air flow during air supply operation.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the state of the second air valve inside the air valve housing and the air flow during exhaust operation.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the first fan, orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis.

[0035] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An enlarged view of the area enclosed by the dashed line.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a picture of the first fan viewed from above.

[0037] Figure 10 It is equivalent to other implementation methods. Figure 7 A sectional view.

[0038] Figure 11 It is equivalent to other implementation methods. Figure 7 A sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical concept of this disclosure. The accompanying drawings are used to conceptually illustrate this disclosure; therefore, for ease of understanding, dimensions, proportions, or quantities are sometimes exaggerated or simplified as needed. In the following description, "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "front," and "rear" indicate the directions illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] (1) Brief structure of air conditioning unit

[0041] Air conditioning unit 1 regulates the temperature and humidity of the air in room I. Room I is an example of object space I. Figure 1As shown, the air conditioning unit 1 includes an outdoor unit 10 and an indoor unit 30. The outdoor unit 10 is located outdoors, and the indoor unit 30 is located indoors. The air conditioning unit 1 is a single-unit air conditioning system with one indoor unit 30 and one outdoor unit 10. The air conditioning unit 1 includes a humidification unit 20 as a humidification component. The air conditioning unit 1 has the functions of humidifying and dehumidifying the air. The air conditioning unit 1 also has the function of exchanging air in the room.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioning unit 1 includes a flexible hose 2, a liquid connection pipe 3, and a gas connection pipe 4. The indoor unit 30 and the humidity control unit 20 are connected to each other via the flexible hose 2. The indoor unit 30 and the outdoor unit 10 are connected to each other via the liquid connection pipe 3 and the gas connection pipe 4. Thus, an air conditioning component 5 including a refrigerant circuit R is formed. The liquid connection pipe 3 and the gas connection pipe 4 are examples of the connection pipes 3 and 4 disclosed herein. Refrigerant is filled in the refrigerant circuit R. The refrigerant circuit R undergoes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0043] The refrigerant circuit R mainly includes a compressor 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 14, an expansion valve 15, a four-way reversing valve 16, and an indoor heat exchanger 34.

[0044] The refrigerant circuit R operates in two cycles, a first refrigeration cycle and a second refrigeration cycle, depending on the switching of the four-way reversing valve 16. The first refrigeration cycle functions the indoor heat exchanger 34 as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger 14 as a heat exchanger. The second refrigeration cycle functions the indoor heat exchanger 34 as a heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger 14 as an evaporator.

[0045] (2) Detailed structure

[0046] (2-1) Outdoor unit of air conditioner

[0047] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner has an outdoor casing 11, a compressor 12, an outdoor fan 13, an outdoor heat exchanger 14, an expansion valve 15, and a four-way reversing valve 16.

[0048] A partition 18 is provided inside the outdoor housing 11. The partition 18 divides the interior of the outdoor housing 11 into a lower space S1 and an upper space S2. The compressor 12 and the outdoor heat exchanger 14 are provided in the lower space S1. Strictly speaking, the compressor 12, the outdoor fan 13, the outdoor heat exchanger 14, the expansion valve 15, and the four-way reversing valve 16 are provided in the lower space S1.

[0049] An outdoor intake 11a, an outdoor exhaust 11b, a moisture-absorbing side intake 61a, and a moisture-absorbing side exhaust 61b are formed on the outdoor housing 11. The outdoor intake 11a is formed on the rear side of the outdoor housing 11. The outdoor intake 11a is an opening for drawing in outdoor air. The outdoor exhaust 11b is formed on the front side of the outdoor housing 11. The outdoor exhaust 11b is an opening for blowing out air that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 14. Inside the outdoor housing 11, an outdoor air passage 11c extends from the outdoor intake 11a to the outdoor exhaust 11b.

[0050] Compressor 12 draws in low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and compresses it. Compressor 12 is a variable-capacity compressor that supplies power to the first electric motor M1 from a frequency converter circuit.

[0051] An outdoor fan 13 is arranged in an outdoor air passage 11c. Air supplied by the outdoor fan 13 flows from the outdoor intake 11a through the outdoor air passage 11c and is blown outward from the outdoor outlet 11b. The air flowing in the outdoor air passage 11c passes through an outdoor heat exchanger 14.

[0052] The outdoor heat exchanger 14 is arranged upstream of the outdoor fan 13 in the outdoor air passage 11c. In this example, the outdoor heat exchanger 14 is a finned tube heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger 14 allows the refrigerant flowing inside it to exchange heat with the air flowing in the outdoor air passage 11c.

[0053] Expansion valve 15 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. Expansion valve 15 is an electrically operated expansion valve with adjustable opening. The pressure-reducing mechanism can also be a temperature-sensing expansion valve, an expander, a capillary tube, etc.

[0054] The four-way reversing valve 16 has a first valve port P1, a second valve port P2, a third valve port P3, and a fourth valve port P4. The four-way reversing valve 16 switches between a first refrigeration cycle and a second refrigeration cycle. Specifically, the four-way reversing valve 16 in the first state ( Figure 2 The state shown by the solid line) and the second state ( Figure 2 Switch between states indicated by the dashed lines.

[0055] (2-2) Humidity control unit

[0056] The humidity control unit 20 is located outdoors. In this example, the humidity control unit 20 is integrated with the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner. The humidity control unit 20 delivers humidified air to the indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner. The humidity control unit 20 includes an outdoor housing 11, a humidity control rotor 22, a first fan 26, a second fan 23, a heater 25, a first switching valve 24, and a second switching valve 29 (see reference). Figure 5 The outdoor unit 10 and the humidity control unit 20 of the air conditioner share the same outdoor casing 11.

[0057] The aforementioned upper space S2 is defined inside the outdoor housing 11. A humidity-regulating rotor 22 and a heater 25 are disposed in the upper space S2. Strictly speaking, the upper space S2 contains a humidity-regulating rotor 22, a first fan 26, a second fan 23, a heater 25, a first switching valve 24, and a second switching valve 29.

[0058] An air intake / exhaust port 21a, a connection port 21b, and an outdoor exhaust port 21c are formed on the outdoor housing 11. The air intake / exhaust port 21a is an opening for the circulation of outdoor and indoor air. A first passage 27 extending from the air intake / exhaust port 21a to the connection port 21b is formed inside the outdoor housing 11. A third passage 62 extending from the moisture-absorbing side intake port 61a to the moisture-absorbing side exhaust port 61b is formed inside the outdoor housing 11. A flexible hose 2 is connected to the connection port 21b.

[0059] A second passage 28 is connected to the first passage 27. The second passage 28 extends from the middle of the first passage 27 to the outdoor exhaust port 21c. The inlet end of the second passage 28 is connected to the downstream side of the airflow of the specific humidity-regulating rotor 22 in the first passage 27 (strictly speaking, the downstream side of the first fan 26). Here, in the first passage 27 and the second passage 28, airflow refers to the direction of airflow during air supply operation. Figure 2 (The direction indicated by the solid arrow).

[0060] (2-2-1) Humidify the rotor

[0061] Air flowing in the first passage 27 passes through the humidity-regulating rotor 22. The humidity-regulating rotor 22 is an adsorption component that adsorbs moisture from the air. The adsorbent held by the humidity-regulating rotor 22 can also be an inorganic material such as silica gel, zeolite, or alumina. The adsorbent has the property of adsorbing moisture from the air. The desiccant has the following property: by heating the desiccant, the adsorbed moisture will be released.

[0062] The humidity-regulating rotor 22 rotates under the drive of the second electric motor M2. The humidity-regulating rotor 22 has a humidity-regulating region 22A located in the first passage 27. In the humidity-regulating region 22A, a regeneration operation is performed to remove moisture adsorbed into the air, and an adsorption operation is performed to adsorb moisture from the air into the adsorbent.

[0063] (2-2-2) First fan

[0064] A first fan 26 is arranged downstream of the humidification zone 22A in the first passage 27. The first fan 26 delivers outdoor air through the humidification zone 22A of the humidification rotor 22. The first fan 26 has a first motor M1. The airflow of the first fan 26 is switched between multiple stages by adjusting the rotational speed of the first motor M1. The first fan 26 is an example of the fan 26 disclosed herein. Detailed structure of the first fan 26 will be described later.

[0065] (2-2-3) Heater

[0066] Heater 25 is arranged upstream of humidification zone 22A in the first passage 27. Heater 25 heats the air flowing in the first passage 27. The output of heater 25 is variable. The temperature of the air passing through heater 25 varies according to the output of heater 25.

[0067] (2-2-4) Second fan

[0068] The second fan 23 is arranged in the third passage 62. The second fan 23 transports outdoor air through the third passage 62. The outdoor air transported by the second fan 23 is sent into the third passage 62 through the moisture-absorbing side intake port 61a and discharged to the outside through the moisture-absorbing side exhaust port 61b. In the third passage 62, the adsorption area 22C of the humidity-regulating rotor 22 and the second fan 23 are arranged sequentially from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow.

[0069] (2-2-5) First switching air valve

[0070] The first switching valve 24 is located at the connection between the first passage 27 and the second passage 28. The first switching valve 24 can also be composed of a flow path switching valve, a gate, etc. The first switching valve 24 is in the third state ( Figure 2 The state shown by the solid line) and the fourth state ( Figure 2 The first switching valve 24 switches between states (shown by the dashed line). In the third state, the first switching valve 24 connects the first passage 27 to the interior of the hose 2 and disconnects the first passage 27 from the second passage 28. In the fourth state, the first switching valve 24 disconnects the first passage 27 from the interior of the hose 2 and connects the first passage 27 to the second passage 28. The state of the first switching valve 24 is switched by a power source such as an electric motor.

[0071] (2-2-6) Second switching air valve

[0072] The second switching valve 29 is arranged in the first passage 27. For example... Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the second switching air valve 29 is disposed within the air valve housing 29A. Spaces S32 and S33 are provided within the air valve housing 29A. The second switching air valve 29 is arranged within space S32, and the first fan 26 is arranged within space S33. The second switching air valve 29 slides within space S32. A first inlet 29a and a second inlet 29b are provided on the air valve housing 29A, connecting space S32 to the outside of the air valve housing 29A.

[0073] The first inlet / outlet 29a is connected to the intake / exhaust port 21a via the first passage 27. The second inlet / outlet 29b is connected to the connection port 21b on the outdoor housing 11 and the hose 2 via the first passage 27. The second inlet / outlet 29b is connected to the outdoor exhaust port 21c via the first passage 27 and the second passage 28.

[0074] A first connecting port 29c and a second connecting port 29d are provided on the damper housing 29A to connect space S32 and space S33. The second switching damper 29 switches between the fifth and sixth states by sliding within space S32. Figure 5 As shown, the second switching air valve 29 in its fifth state uses the intake air inlet as the first inlet / outlet 29a and the exhaust air outlet as the second inlet / outlet 29b. Figure 6 As shown, the second switching valve 29 in its sixth state uses the intake air inlet as the second outlet 29b and the exhaust air outlet as the first outlet 29a. The state of the second switching valve 29 is switched by a power source such as an electric motor.

[0075] (2-3) Indoor unit of air conditioner

[0076] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner is installed indoors. The indoor unit 30 is a wall-mounted air conditioner unit installed on the wall WL of the room that forms the indoor unit I. The indoor unit 30 blows air into the indoor unit I. The indoor unit 30 has an indoor casing 31, an indoor fan 32, and an indoor heat exchanger 34.

[0077] The indoor housing 31 houses the indoor fan 32 and the indoor heat exchanger 34. An indoor intake 31a and an indoor exhaust 31b are formed on the indoor housing 31.

[0078] An indoor intake 31a is located on the upper side of the indoor housing 31. The indoor intake 31a is an opening for drawing in indoor air. An indoor exhaust 31b is located on the lower side of the indoor housing 31. The indoor exhaust 31b is an opening for expelling heat-exchanged air or humidifying air. An indoor air passage 31c is formed inside the indoor housing 31, extending from the indoor intake 31a to the indoor exhaust 31b.

[0079] An indoor fan 32 is positioned approximately in the central part of the indoor air passage 31c. The indoor fan 32 is, for example, a cross-flow fan.

[0080] An indoor heat exchanger 34 is arranged upstream of the indoor fan 32 in the indoor air passage 31c. The indoor heat exchanger 34 is a finned tube heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger 34 allows the refrigerant inside to exchange heat with the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 32.

[0081] The indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner is connected to the humidification unit 20 via a hose 2. Air from the humidification unit 20 to the indoor unit 30 is supplied via the hose 2 to the upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 34 in the indoor air passage 31c. The air from the indoor unit 30 to the humidification unit 20 flows into the hose 2 from the upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 34 in the indoor air passage 31c.

[0082] (2-4) Remote Control

[0083] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioning unit 1 includes a remote control 40. The remote control 40 is positioned in a location within the room where it can be operated by a user. By operating the remote control 40, the user can set the operating mode, target temperature, target humidity, etc., of the air conditioning unit 1.

[0084] (2-5) Sensors

[0085] The air conditioning unit 1 has multiple sensors (not shown). These sensors include refrigerant sensors and air sensors. The refrigerant sensors include sensors for detecting the temperature and pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant and sensors for detecting the temperature and pressure of the low-pressure refrigerant. The air sensors detect external gas temperature, external gas humidity, internal gas temperature, and internal gas humidity.

[0086] (2-6) Control Department

[0087] like Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the air conditioning unit 1 has a control unit C. The control unit C controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit R. The control unit C also controls the operation of the outdoor unit 10, the humidity control unit 20, and the indoor unit 30. The control unit C includes an outdoor control unit OC, an indoor control unit IC, and a remote controller 40. The outdoor control unit OC is located in the outdoor unit 10. The indoor control unit IC is located in the indoor unit 30. The indoor control unit IC and the outdoor control unit OC each include a microcontroller unit (MCU), electrical circuits, and electronic circuits. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs for execution by the CPU.

[0088] (3) Operational movements

[0089] The operating modes performed by the air conditioning unit 1 include cooling operation, heating operation, gas supply operation, exhaust operation, dehumidification operation, humidification operation, dehumidification and cooling operation, and humidification and heating operation. The control unit C causes the air conditioning unit 1 to perform these operations based on the instruction signals from the remote controller 40.

[0090] (3-1) Refrigeration operation

[0091] The cooling operation involves the indoor heat exchanger 34, which functions as an evaporator, cooling the indoor air. The humidification unit 20 is stopped. During the cooling operation, the control unit C operates the compressor 12, the outdoor fan 13, and the indoor fan 32. The control unit C sets the four-way reversing valve 16 to the first state. The control unit C appropriately adjusts the opening of the expansion valve 15. A first refrigeration cycle is performed during the cooling operation, in which the compressed refrigerant releases heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 34.

[0092] (3-2) Heating Operation

[0093] Heating operation involves the indoor heat exchanger 34, which functions as a heat exchanger, heating the indoor air. The humidification unit 20 is stopped. During heating operation, the control unit C operates the compressor 12, the outdoor fan 13, and the indoor fan 32. The control unit C sets the four-way reversing valve 16 to its second state. The control unit C appropriately adjusts the opening of the expansion valve 15. A second refrigeration cycle is performed during heating operation, in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 12 releases heat in the indoor heat exchanger 34 and evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 14.

[0094] (3-3) Gas supply operation

[0095] Gas supply operation is the process of supplying outdoor air to indoor spaces. During gas supply operation, such as... Figure 2As shown by the solid arrow, outdoor air is delivered to the indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner through hose 2. During air supply operation, control unit C stops the heater 25, the humidification rotor 22, and the second fan 23, and starts the first fan 26. Control unit C sets the first switching valve 24 to the third state (…). Figure 2 (as shown by the solid line in the image), set the second switching valve 29 to the fifth state (refer to...). Figure 5 During gas supply operation, outdoor air supplied by the first fan 26 is delivered to the indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner through the hose 2, and then supplied to the indoor unit I from the indoor air outlet 31b of the indoor unit 30. It should be noted that gas supply operation can also be carried out simultaneously with cooling or heating operation.

[0096] (3-4) Exhaust operation

[0097] Exhaust ventilation is the process of expelling indoor air to the outside. During exhaust ventilation, such as... Figure 2 As shown by the dashed arrow, indoor air is delivered to the humidification unit 20 through hose 2. During exhaust operation, control unit C stops the heater 25, humidification rotor 22, and second fan 23, and starts the first fan 26. Control unit C sets the first switching valve 24 to the third state ( Figure 2 (as shown by the solid line in the image), set the second switching valve 29 to the sixth state (refer to...). Figure 6 During exhaust operation, indoor air supplied by the first fan 26 is sent to the humidification unit 20 through the hose 2, and then discharged to the outside from the intake and exhaust ports 21a of the humidification unit 20. It should be noted that exhaust operation can also be performed simultaneously with cooling or heating operation.

[0098] (3-5) Dehumidification operation

[0099] The dehumidification operation involves supplying dehumidified air from the humidification unit 20 to the room. During dehumidification operation, the dehumidified air from the humidification unit 20 is intermittently supplied to the room. The humidification unit 20 alternately performs the first and second operations.

[0100] The first action is to cause the humidifying rotor 22 to absorb moisture from the air and to supply the dehumidified air to the room. Specifically, in the first action, the control unit C causes the first fan 26 to operate, the second fan 23 to stop, the heater 25 to stop, and the first switching valve 24 to enter the third state. Figure 2 (as shown by the solid line), causing the second switching valve 29 to become the fifth state (refer to...) Figure 5 ).

[0101] The second action is to regenerate the humidification rotor 22 and discharge the air used for regeneration to the outside. Specifically, in the second action (the regeneration process of the humidification rotor 22), the control unit C operates the first fan 26 and the heater 25, stops the second fan 23, and sets the first switching valve 24 to the fourth state. Figure 2 (as shown by the dashed line), causing the second switching valve 29 to enter the fifth state (refer to...) Figure 5 ).

[0102] (3-6) Humidification operation

[0103] The humidification operation involves supplying air humidified by the humidification unit 20 to the room. During humidification operation, air humidified by the humidification unit 20 is continuously supplied to the room. The control unit C operates the first fan 26 and the second fan 23, drives the humidification rotor 22 to rotate, and turns the heater 25 into the ON state. The control unit C sets the first switching valve 24 to the third state and the second switching valve 29 to the fifth state.

[0104] Outdoor air flowing in the third passage 62 passes through the adsorption zone 22C of the humidity-regulating rotor 22. In the adsorption zone 22C, moisture in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The air, after being infused with moisture by the humidity-regulating rotor 22, is discharged outdoors through the third passage 62.

[0105] Meanwhile, the outdoor air flowing in the first passage 27, after being heated by the heater 25, flows through the humidification zone 22A of the humidification rotor 22. In the humidification zone 22A, the moisture that has been released from the adsorbent is released into the air. The air humidified by the humidification rotor 22 is sent to the indoor unit 30 of the air conditioner through the hose 2, and supplied to the indoor unit I from the indoor air outlet 31b of the indoor unit 30.

[0106] (4) Details of the first fan

[0107] Figure 7 and Figure 9 The first fan 26 shown includes a first motor M1, a drive shaft 52 driven by the first motor M1, an impeller 53 connected to the drive shaft 52, and a housing 50 for housing the impeller 53. The drive shaft 52 is connected to the first motor M1. The rotation axis of the impeller 53 is connected to the drive shaft 52. The impeller 53 has a rotational direction (…). Figure 7 Multiple blades 53a arranged in the direction indicated by arrow F.

[0108] The housing 50 has a lower wall 54, an upper wall 55, and a side wall 56. In the direction of the rotation axis O of the impeller 53, with the side where the first motor M1 is located designated as the upper side and the opposite side as the lower side, the lower wall 54 is positioned below the impeller 53, and the upper wall 55 is positioned above the impeller 53. The lower wall 54 and the upper wall 55 are formed to be approximately symmetrical. The side wall 56 is a peripheral wall that connects to the outer edges of the lower wall 54 and the upper wall 55.

[0109] A receiving space S11 and a silencing space S12 are formed within the housing 50. The receiving space S11 and the silencing space S12 are connected to each other via an air passage A formed within the housing 50. The air passage A is configured to allow air to flow from the receiving space S11 to the silencing space S12. The housing 50 has an intake port 71 for drawing air into the air passage A and an outlet port 72 for blowing air from the air passage A outward from the housing 50.

[0110] The storage space S11 is a space for storing the impeller 53. The storage space S11 is divided by the lower wall 54 and the upper wall 55, which are opposite to the impeller 53, and the first wall portion 56a.

[0111] The first wall portion 56a is part of the side wall 56. The first wall portion 56a is formed in a vortex shape along the outer periphery of the impeller 53. An air passage A is formed between the first wall portion 56a and the impeller 53 in the receiving space S11. The air passage A extends from one end of the first wall portion 56a to the other end. The air passage A communicates with the intake port 71. Air drawn into the intake port 71 by the rotation of the impeller 53 flows in the air passage A. In the air passage A, the air flows in the direction of rotation of the impeller 53. Thus, the air passage A is formed along the inner surface of the first wall portion 56a. In the air passage A, the airflow is formed from one end of the first wall portion 56a to the other end.

[0112] The intake port 71 is located at one end of the impeller 53 in the direction of its rotation axis O. In this example, the intake port 71 is formed on the lower wall 54. The intake port 71 is formed such that the center of its opening coincides with the rotation axis of the impeller 53. The intake port 71 draws in air passing through the first communication port 29c.

[0113] The noise-absorbing space S12 is a space for suppressing noise generated by the air flowing into the housing 50. The noise-absorbing space S12 is divided by the portions of the lower wall 54 and the upper wall 55 that are not opposite to the impeller 53, and the second wall portion 56b. The noise-absorbing space is an example of the first space S11 of this disclosure.

[0114] The anechoic space S12 is arranged adjacent to the storage space S11. In this embodiment, the downstream end of the airflow of the air passage A is arranged in the anechoic space S12. In other words, a portion of the air passage A is formed in the anechoic space S12. Furthermore, the end of the first wall portion 56a is arranged in the anechoic space S12. The anechoic space S12 is a space where the air in the air passage A becomes a dead end, a so-called "dead end." The anechoic space S12 is formed such that the space continues to expand downstream of the airflow from the downstream end of the air passage A. Specifically, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the anechoic space S12 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage A at its downstream end. The anechoic space S12 has an anechoic function based on the diffuse reflection of sound waves incident from the air passage A and the mutual interference caused by this diffuse reflection.

[0115] An outlet 72 is arranged in the silencing space S12. The outlet 72 is oriented in the same direction as the rotation axis of the impeller 53. Specifically, the outlet 72 is arranged in the portion of the lower wall 54 that divides the silencing space S12. The outlet 72 is arranged at the downstream end of the airflow in the air passage A. The outlet 72 is arranged in the air passage A at a position downstream of the tongue 57 located at one end of the first wall portion 56a. The closer the outlet 72 is to the tongue 57, the easier it is for air backflow to occur at the tongue 57, thus generating noise. However, in this embodiment, since the outlet 72 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the tongue 57, air backflow at the tongue 57 is suppressed, thereby suppressing noise generation. A cylindrical outflow path 73 is connected to the outlet 72. The outflow path 73 extends forward from the lower wall 54. The outflow path 73 blows air towards the second connecting port 29d.

[0116] (5) Detailed information on the first and second wall sections

[0117] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The details of the first wall portion 56a and the second wall portion 56b are explained.

[0118] A tongue 57 is formed at one end of the first wall portion 56a. The tongue 57 is a portion that bulges towards the inside of the housing 50 and guides the air blown out from the impeller 53 to the air passage A.

[0119] The other end of the first wall portion 56a is positioned such that, starting from the position of the tongue 57 formed at one end of the first wall portion 56a, it has rotated more than 360° around the rotation axis O in the rotation direction of the impeller 53. Specifically, the other end of the first wall portion 56a is positioned such that line L has rotated more than 360° around the rotation axis O in the rotation direction of the impeller 53. Figure 7(The dashed arrow indicates the line L mentioned above, which connects the center of the rotating shaft O to the front end of the tongue 57.) Thus, the first wall portion 56a is formed covering more than one circumference of the impeller 53.

[0120] In this embodiment, the end of the first wall portion 56a is arranged within the silencing space S12. Specifically, the other end of the first wall portion 56a extends from a first position U1 located midway through the first wall portion 56a toward the silencing space S12. The first position U1 is a position in the first wall portion 56a that has been rotated by a predetermined angle from the position of the front end of the tongue portion 57 and centered on the rotation axis O along the rotation direction of the impeller 53. The predetermined angle is not particularly limited; for example, when the position of the front end of the tongue portion 57 is set to 0°, it can be 270° or more, 300° or more, or 360° or more. When the portion from the first position U1 to the other end of the first wall portion 56a is designated as the other end side first wall portion 56c, the other end side first wall portion 56c is inclined or bent from the first position U1 toward the position where the blowout 72 is arranged.

[0121] One end of the second wall portion 56b is connected to one end of the first wall portion 56a. In other words, one end of the second wall portion 56b is connected to the tongue portion 57. The other end of the second wall portion 56b is connected to the middle of the first wall portion 56a. Specifically, the other end of the second wall portion 56b is connected to the first position U1 of the first wall portion 56a. The other end of the second wall portion 56b is connected to the first wall portion 56a continuously at the first position U1. In other words, the other end of the first wall portion 56c extends toward the blowhole 72 in a branching manner from the first position U1 and the second wall portion 56b.

[0122] The second wall portion 56b has a rear second wall portion 56ba, a left second wall portion 56bb, and a front second wall portion 56bc. The rear second wall portion 56ba extends to the left from the first position U1. The left second wall portion 56bb extends from the left end of the rear second wall portion 56ba to a position forward of the blow outlet 72. The front second wall portion 56bc extends obliquely from the front end of the left second wall portion 56bb to the tongue 57.

[0123] The portion of the front second wall portion 56bc from the tongue portion 57 to the fourth position U4 is designated as one-end second wall portion 56d. One-end second wall portion 56d is opposite to the other-end first wall portion 56c. In other words, an air passage A is formed between one-end second wall portion 56d and the other-end first wall portion 56c. The distance between one-end second wall portion 56d and the other-end first wall portion 56c is equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the opening of the blow outlet 72.

[0124] The center C1 of the opening of the blow outlet 72 is located in the air passage A between the second position U2 of the first wall portion 56a opposite to the tongue portion 57 and the third position U3 of the other end of the first wall portion 56a. Figure 8 As shown, the second position U2 in this embodiment is the point where the following straight line intersects the first wall portion 56c on the other end side. This straight line extends from the front end of the tongue portion 57 toward the first wall portion 56c on the other end side in a manner orthogonal to the airflow. The center C1 of the opening of the blow-out port 72 is arranged on a straight line perpendicular to the airflow at the second position U2. Figure 8 From the dashed line L1 to the dashed line perpendicular to the airflow at the third position U3 ( Figure 8 The region R (within the air passage A between the dashed line L2) Figure 8 Within the point area. In this way, the blow outlet 72 is arranged such that at least a portion of its opening overlaps with the air passage A.

[0125] (6) Characteristics

[0126] (6-1) Feature 1

[0127] The fan 26 of this embodiment includes a housing 50 having a first wall portion 56a formed in a vortex shape along the outer periphery of the impeller 53. The other end of the first wall portion 56a is located at a position that is rotated more than 360° around the rotation axis O in the rotation direction of the impeller 53, starting from the position of the tongue portion 57 formed at one end of the first wall portion 56a.

[0128] According to this embodiment, the first wall portion 56a is arranged to surround at least the entire circumference of the impeller 53. Using such a first wall portion 56a, the recovery of the dynamic pressure portion of the air ejected from the impeller 53 due to its rotation can be improved. In other words, the conversion from dynamic pressure to static pressure is facilitated. That is, the kinetic energy flowing out from the impeller 53 is recovered as pressure energy. Since the generation of airflow noise is related to dynamic pressure, the generation of airflow noise can also be suppressed when the dynamic pressure portion is suppressed. Furthermore, since dynamic pressure is recovered, static pressure efficiency can be improved, thereby suppressing the attenuation of airflow toward the outlet 72.

[0129] (6-2) Feature 2

[0130] In the fan 26 of this embodiment, the other end of the first wall portion 56a extends from the first position U1 connected to the other end of the second wall portion 56b toward the blowout 72 in the noise-absorbing space S12.

[0131] According to this embodiment, the silencing space S12 also serves as part of the air passage A. In this way, by placing a part of the air passage A in the silencing space S12, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the fan 26.

[0132] (6-3) Feature 3

[0133] In the fan 26 of this embodiment, the center C1 of the opening of the blow outlet 72 is arranged between the second position U2 of the first wall portion 56a opposite to the tongue portion 57 and the other end of the first wall portion 56a, namely the third position U3, in the air passage A.

[0134] Since at least a portion of the opening of the outlet 72 overlaps with the air passage A, air can be delivered to the outlet 72 while suppressing the dynamic pressure portion of the air and ensuring static pressure. This suppresses the generation of airflow noise and the attenuation of airflow.

[0135] (7) Other implementation methods

[0136] The above-described embodiments can also adopt the structure described below.

[0137] like Figure 10 As shown, the outlet 72 can also be provided on the second wall portion 56b. Thus, the air blown from the air passage A towards the anechoic space S12 expands, and the air flowing into the outlet 72 from the anechoic space S12 contracts. In this way, through the continuous expansion and contraction of the air, noise generation or volume can be suppressed. In the above embodiment, the outlet 72 can be provided on any of the rear second wall portion 56ba, the left second wall portion 56bb, and the front second wall portion 56bc, but it is preferred to be provided on the left second wall portion 56bb, which is opposite to the downstream end of the air passage A.

[0138] like Figure 11 As shown, a silencer SR can also be installed in the silencer space S12. Figure 11 (Point area). The sound-absorbing component SR can be made of sound-absorbing materials, such as porous materials formed of resin, ceramics, etc.

[0139] The first wall portion 56a may also not have the other end first wall portion 56c. That is, the other end of the second wall portion 56b may not be connected to the first position U1, but connected to the other end of the first wall portion 56a.

[0140] The housing 50 may also lack a sound-absorbing space S12. In this case, the outlet 72 is connected to the downstream end of the airflow in the air passage A.

[0141] The fan 26 may not be a component installed in the outdoor unit 10 of the air conditioner in the above embodiment. That is, the fan 26 may be installed in an outdoor unit of the air conditioner that does not include the humidification unit 20, or it may be installed in a device different from the outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0142] The fan 26 may not be a component installed in the air conditioning unit 1. For example, the fan 26 may be a component installed in the ventilation unit.

[0143] Fan 26 can be any centrifugal fan with an inner wall having a vortex shape arranged around impeller 53.

[0144] The above describes the embodiments and variations, but it should be understood that various changes in manner or detailed structure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. The above embodiments and variations can also be appropriately combined or substituted as long as they do not impair the function of the object of this disclosure. The terms "first" and "second" used above are only used to distinguish statements containing the above terms and are not intended to limit the number or order of the statements.

[0145] -Industry Applicability-

[0146] In summary, this disclosure is useful for fans, outdoor air conditioners, and air conditioning units.

[0147] - Symbol Explanation -

[0148] 1. Air conditioning unit

[0149] 3, 4 connecting pipes

[0150] 10 air conditioner outdoor units

[0151] 26. First fan (fan)

[0152] 30 air conditioner indoor unit

[0153] 50 housing

[0154] 53 Impeller

[0155] 56a First wall section

[0156] 56b Second wall section

[0157] 57 Tongue

[0158] 71 suction port

[0159] 72 blowout

[0160] A. Air passage

[0161] I. Interior (Object Space)

[0162] O Rotation axis

[0163] S11 Storage Space (First Space)

[0164] U1 First Position

[0165] U2 second position

[0166] U3 third position

Claims

1. A fan, characterized in that: The fan includes an impeller (53) and a housing (50) for housing the impeller (53). The housing (50) has a first wall portion (56a), an intake port (71), an air passage (A), and an exhaust port (72). The first wall portion (56a) is formed in a vortex shape along the outer periphery of the impeller (53). The suction port (71) is located at one end of the impeller (53) in the direction of its rotation axis. The air passage (A) is connected to the intake port (71), and the air passage (A) is formed in such a way that it extends along the inner surface of the first wall portion (56a), and an airflow is formed in the air passage (A) from one end of the first wall portion (56a) to the other end. The outlet (72) blows air from the air passage (A) outwards from the housing (50). The other end of the first wall portion (56a) is located at a position that is more than 360° rotated from the position of the tongue portion (57) formed at one end of the first wall portion (56a) to the rotation direction of the impeller (53) with the rotation axis as the center.

2. The fan according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (50) includes a second wall portion (56b) that divides a first space (S11) into which the airflow of the air passage (A) is connected. The outlet (72) is arranged in the first space (S11). One end of the second wall portion (56b) is connected to one end of the first wall portion (56a). The other end of the second wall portion (56b) is connected to a first position (U1) in the first wall portion (56a). The first position (U1) is a position that has been rotated by a predetermined angle from the position of the tongue portion (57) and the rotation axis (O) in the direction of rotation of the impeller (53). The other end of the first wall portion (56a) extends from the first position (U1) toward the first space (S11).

3. The fan according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The blow-out port (72) is formed to face the same direction as the axis of rotation. The center (C1) of the opening of the blow-out port (72) is located between the second position (U2) of the first wall portion (56a) and the other end of the first wall portion (56a), namely the third position (U3), the second position (U2) being opposite to the tongue portion (57) in the air passage (A).

4. The fan according to claim 2, characterized in that: The blow-out port (72) is provided on the second wall portion (56b).

5. The fan according to claim 2, characterized in that: A silencer (SR) is provided in the first space (S11).

6. An outdoor air conditioning unit, comprising an air conditioning device (1) for conditioning an object space (I), wherein the outdoor air conditioning unit (10) is arranged outside the object space (I), characterized in that: The outdoor unit (10) of the air conditioner includes the fan as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. An air conditioning device, characterized in that: The air conditioning unit includes an outdoor unit (10) as described in claim 6 and an indoor unit (30), wherein the indoor unit (30) is connected to the outdoor unit (10) via connecting pipes (3, 4) and the indoor unit (30) blows air into the object space (I).

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