Humidifying unit

Abstract

To prevent the event that the moisture sorption amount of a humidifying rotor becomes insufficient when the relative humidity of outside air is low because the moisture sorption amount to a polymeric material depends on the relative humidity of air passing therethrough.SOLUTION: A humidifying unit 30 includes a humidifying rotor 31, and a body 36, the humidifying rotor 31 using a polymeric material for moisture sorption and desorption, the polymeric material having temperature responsiveness, the body 36 being formed with a moisture sorption flow path F1 and a moisture desorption flow path F2, the moisture sorption flow path F1 passing through a moisture sorption area 311 of the humidifying rotor 31, the moisture desorption flow path F2 passing through a moisture desorption area 312 of the humidifying rotor 31, and the moisture sorption area 311 including a first area R1 and a second area R2. In the first area R1, the polymeric material is changed from hydrophobic property into hydrophilic property. The second area R2 is located on the downstream side of the first area R1 in the rotating direction of the humidifying rotor 31. In the second area R2, the polymeric material has hydrophilic property.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Regarding the humidification unit. [Background technology]

[0002] As shown in Patent Document 1 (JP 2022-060872 A), there is a technique for using a polymer material for a humidification rotor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The amount of moisture sorbed into a polymer material depends on the relative humidity of the air passing through it. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, when the relative humidity of the outside air is low, the amount of moisture sorbed into the polymer material decreases, and the amount of moisture sorbed by the humidifying rotor becomes insufficient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A humidification unit according to a first aspect includes a rotor for humidification and a main body. The rotor for humidification uses a polymeric material to sorb and desorb moisture. The polymeric material has temperature responsiveness. A moisture sorption flow path and a moisture desorption flow path are formed in the main body. The moisture sorption flow path passes through a moisture sorption region of the rotor. The moisture desorption flow path passes through the moisture desorption region of the rotor. The moisture sorption region includes a first region and a second region. In the first region, the polymeric material changes from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. The second region is located downstream of the first region in the rotation direction of the rotor. In the second region, the polymeric material becomes hydrophilic.

[0005] The humidification unit of the first aspect utilizes not only the relative humidity of the outside air but also the temperature responsiveness of the polymer material to cause the humidification rotor to adsorb moisture, thereby enabling the humidification rotor to adsorb more moisture.

[0006] A humidification unit according to a second aspect is the humidification unit according to the first aspect, wherein the moisture sorption flow path has a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path connects the first region to a first suction port formed on a first surface of the body for drawing in outside air. The second flow path connects the second region to a second suction port formed on a second surface of the body for drawing in outside air.

[0007] The humidification unit according to the second aspect can cause the humidification rotor to sorb a large amount of moisture by passing outside air through each of the first area and the second area.

[0008] A humidification unit according to a third aspect is the humidification unit according to the second aspect, wherein the area of ​​the second suction port is equal to or larger than the area of ​​the first suction port.

[0009] The humidification unit of the third aspect is capable of absorbing more moisture into the humidification rotor by making the area of ​​the second suction port connected to the second region where the polymer material is hydrophilic greater than or equal to the area of ​​the first suction port connected to the first region.

[0010] A humidification unit according to a fourth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, wherein the flow path area of ​​the second region is larger than the flow path area of ​​the first region.

[0011] In the humidifying unit of the fourth aspect, the flow path area of ​​the second region, in which the polymer material is hydrophilic, is made larger than the flow path area of ​​the first region, so that the humidifying rotor can sorb more moisture.

[0012] A humidification unit according to a fifth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a partition member, which separates the moisture sorption flow path from the moisture desorption flow path.

[0013] In the humidification unit of the fifth aspect, the moisture sorption flow path and the moisture desorption flow path are clearly separated, whereby moisture sorption and desorption can be performed more effectively.

[0014] A humidification unit according to a sixth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising a fan. The fan causes the rotor to sorb moisture. The fan is provided in the moisture sorption flow path.

[0015] A humidification unit according to a seventh aspect is the humidification unit according to the sixth aspect, wherein the fan is positioned downstream of the rotor in the moisture sorption flow path.

[0016] With such a configuration, the humidification unit of the seventh aspect prevents an increase in the temperature of the air passing through the humidification rotor, and makes the polymeric material in the moisture sorption region hydrophilic more quickly, allowing the humidification rotor to sorb more moisture.

[0017] A humidification unit according to an eighth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, in which the moisture sorption region further includes a third region, in which the polymer material is hydrophobic.

[0018] A humidification unit according to a ninth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, in which the polymer material is hydrophobic when the temperature is higher than a first temperature and is hydrophilic when the temperature is lower than the first temperature. The first temperature is any temperature between 60°C and 100°C. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning device. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the air conditioning apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows a third region of the moisture sorption region. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] (1) Overall structure The air conditioner 1 is an apparatus that uses a vapor compression refrigeration cycle to perform air conditioning of a target space RM. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the air conditioner 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner 1 mainly has an indoor unit 10, an outdoor unit 20, and a humidification unit 30.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the refrigerant circuit 40 of the air conditioner 1. As shown in Fig. 2, an indoor refrigerant flow path 43 in the indoor unit 10 and an outdoor refrigerant flow path 44 in the outdoor unit 20 are connected by a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 41 and a gas refrigerant connection pipe 42 to form the refrigerant circuit 40. In the refrigerant circuit 40, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is repeated to perform air conditioning of the target space RM. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 performs cooling operation, heating operation, and humidification operation as operations to perform air conditioning of the target space RM.

[0022] The humidifying unit 30 is a device for performing a humidifying operation to humidify the target space RM. The humidifying unit 30 humidifies the target space RM by sending moist air from the outdoor OD to the target space RM. In this embodiment, the humidifying unit 30 is disposed in the outdoor OD together with the outdoor unit 20. The humidifying unit 30 is attached on the outdoor unit 20 and integrated therewith. However, this is not limited thereto, and the outdoor unit 20 and the humidifying unit 30 may be separate entities. The humidifying unit 30 and the indoor unit 10 are connected by an air supply hose 70.

[0023] The air conditioning apparatus 1 has a remote controller 80. The remote controller 80 issues instructions to the air conditioning apparatus 1 to start and stop operation, etc. The remote controller 80 can also receive information such as the current operating state and various notifications from the air conditioning apparatus 1.

[0024] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Indoor unit 1, the indoor unit 10 is installed in the target space RM. In this embodiment, the indoor unit 10 is a wall-mounted unit that is installed on a wall of the target space RM.

[0025] 2, the indoor unit 10 mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger 11, an indoor fan 12, and an indoor control unit 19. The indoor unit 10 also includes various sensors (not shown).

[0026] (2-1-1) Indoor heat exchanger In the indoor heat exchanger 11, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 11 and the air in the target space RM. As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor unit 10 drives the indoor fan 12 to draw in the air in the target space RM from the air inlet 13a. The drawn-in air of the target space RM passes through the indoor heat exchanger 11. At this time, since the refrigerant flows in the indoor heat exchanger 11, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 11 and the air in the target space RM. As shown in FIG. 2, the air that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 11 is blown out from the air outlet 13b.

[0027] In this embodiment, the indoor heat exchanger 11 is a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer fins and a plurality of heat transfer tubes.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 2, one end of the indoor heat exchanger 11 is connected to the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 41 via a refrigerant pipe. The other end of the indoor heat exchanger 11 is connected to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 42 via a refrigerant pipe. During cooling operation, refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger 11 from the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 41 side, and the indoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator. During heating operation, refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchanger 11 from the gas refrigerant connection pipe 42 side, and the indoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant condenser.

[0029] (2-1-2) Indoor fan The indoor fan 12 is a fan that supplies air from the target space RM to the indoor heat exchanger 11. In this embodiment, the indoor fan 12 is a cross-flow fan. As shown in Fig. 2, the indoor fan 12 is driven by an indoor fan motor 12m. The rotation speed of the indoor fan motor 12m can be controlled by an inverter.

[0030] (2-1-3) Indoor control unit The indoor control unit 19 controls the operation of each part that constitutes the indoor unit 10.

[0031] The indoor control unit 19 is electrically connected to various devices in the indoor unit 10, including the indoor fan motor 12m, so as to be able to exchange control signals and information with them. The indoor control unit 19 is also connected to various sensors provided in the indoor unit 10 so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0032] The indoor control unit 19 has a control arithmetic device and a storage device. The control arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The storage device is a storage medium such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. The control arithmetic device reads out a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined arithmetic processing in accordance with the program, thereby controlling the operation of each part that constitutes the indoor unit 10. The control arithmetic device can also write arithmetic results to the storage device and read out information stored in the storage device in accordance with the program. The indoor control unit 19 also has a timer.

[0033] The indoor control unit 19 is configured to be able to receive various signals transmitted from the remote controller 80. The various signals include, for example, signals instructing the start and stop of operation, and signals related to various settings. The signals related to various settings include, for example, signals related to the set temperature and set humidity.

[0034] The indoor control unit 19 exchanges various signals and the like between the outdoor control unit 29 of the outdoor unit 20 and the humidification control unit 39 of the humidification unit 30 via a communication line 90. The indoor control unit 19, the outdoor control unit 29, and the humidification control unit 39 work together to function as a control unit 60. The functions of the control unit 60 will be described later.

[0035] (2-2) Outdoor unit As shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor unit 20 is installed in an outdoor OD such as a garden or a balcony of the building in which the air conditioner 1 is installed.

[0036] 2, the outdoor unit 20 mainly includes a compressor 21, a flow path switching mechanism 22, an accumulator 23, an outdoor heat exchanger 24, an outdoor expansion valve 25, an outdoor fan 26, and an outdoor control unit 29. The outdoor unit 20 also includes various sensors (not shown).

[0037] (2-2-1) Compressor The compressor 21 draws in a low-pressure refrigerant, compresses the refrigerant using a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the compressed refrigerant. In this embodiment, the compressor 21 is a volumetric compressor such as a rotary type or scroll type. As shown in FIG. 2, the compression mechanism (not shown) of the compressor 21 is driven by a compressor motor 21m. The rotation speed of the compressor motor 21m can be controlled by an inverter.

[0038] (2-2-2) Flow path switching mechanism The flow path switching mechanism 22 is a mechanism that changes the state of the refrigerant circuit 40 between a first state and a second state by switching the flow path of the refrigerant. When the refrigerant circuit 40 is in the first state, the outdoor heat exchanger 24 functions as a refrigerant condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator. When the refrigerant circuit 40 is in the second state, the outdoor heat exchanger 24 functions as a refrigerant evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant condenser.

[0039] In this embodiment, the flow path switching mechanism 22 is a four-way switching valve.

[0040] The flow path switching mechanism 22 has four ports. A first port P1 of the flow path switching mechanism 22 is connected to a discharge port of the compressor 21. A second port P2 of the flow path switching mechanism 22 is connected to one of the inlets and outlets of the outdoor heat exchanger 24. A third port P3 of the flow path switching mechanism 22 is connected to the accumulator 23. A fourth port P4 of the flow path switching mechanism 22 is connected to one of the inlets and outlets of the indoor heat exchanger 11.

[0041] During cooling operation, the flow path switching mechanism 22 sets the state of the refrigerant circuit 40 to the first state. In other words, during cooling operation, the flow path switching mechanism 22 communicates between the first port P1 and the second port P2, and communicates between the third port P3 and the fourth port P4, as shown by solid lines in the flow path switching mechanism 22 in FIG.

[0042] During heating operation, the flow path switching mechanism 22 sets the state of the refrigerant circuit 40 to the second state. In other words, during heating operation, the flow path switching mechanism 22 communicates between the first port P1 and the fourth port P4, and communicates between the second port P2 and the third port P3, as shown by the dashed lines in the flow path switching mechanism 22 in FIG.

[0043] (2-2-3) Accumulator The accumulator 23 has a gas-liquid separation function that separates the inflowing refrigerant into a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant. As shown in Fig. 2, the accumulator 23 is installed between the third port P3 of the flow path switching mechanism 22 and the suction port of the compressor 21. The refrigerant that flows into the accumulator 23 is separated into a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant, and the gas refrigerant that collects in the upper space flows out to the compressor 21.

[0044] (2-2-4) Outdoor heat exchanger In the outdoor heat exchanger 24, heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant flowing inside the outdoor heat exchanger 24 and the outdoor OD air (outdoor air). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the outdoor unit 20 drives the outdoor fan 26 to draw in outdoor air from the suction port 27a. The drawn-in outdoor air passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 24. At this time, since the refrigerant flows in the outdoor heat exchanger 24, heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 24 and the outdoor air. The air that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 24 is blown out from the blow-out port 27b.

[0045] In this embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger 24 is a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer fins and a plurality of heat transfer tubes.

[0046] One end of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 is connected to the outdoor expansion valve 25 via a refrigerant pipe. The other end of the outdoor heat exchanger 24 is connected to the second port P2 of the flow path switching mechanism 22 via a refrigerant pipe.

[0047] The outdoor heat exchanger 24 functions as a condenser of the refrigerant during cooling operation, and functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant during heating operation.

[0048] (2-2-5) Outdoor expansion valve The outdoor expansion valve 25 is a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 40. In this embodiment, the outdoor expansion valve 25 is an electronic expansion valve.

[0049] (2-2-6) Outdoor fan The outdoor fan 26 is a fan that supplies air to the outdoor heat exchanger 24. In this embodiment, the outdoor fan 26 is a propeller fan. The outdoor fan 26 is driven by an outdoor fan motor 26m. The rotation speed of the outdoor fan motor 26m can be controlled by an inverter.

[0050] (2-2-7) Outdoor control unit The outdoor control unit 29 controls the operation of each part that constitutes the outdoor unit 20.

[0051] The outdoor control unit 29 is electrically connected to various devices of the outdoor unit 20, including the compressor motor 21m, the flow path switching mechanism 22, the outdoor expansion valve 25, and the outdoor fan motor 26m, so as to be able to exchange control signals and information with them. The indoor control unit 19 is also connected to various sensors provided in the outdoor unit 20 so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0052] The outdoor control unit 29 has a control arithmetic device and a storage device. The control arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The storage device is a storage medium such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. The control arithmetic device reads out a program stored in the storage device and performs predetermined arithmetic processing in accordance with the program, thereby controlling the operation of each part constituting the outdoor unit 20. The control arithmetic device can also write arithmetic results to the storage device and read out information stored in the storage device in accordance with the program. The outdoor control unit 29 also has a timer.

[0053] The outdoor control unit 29 exchanges various signals and the like between the indoor control unit 19 of the indoor unit 10 and the humidification control unit 39 of the humidification unit 30 via a communication line 90. The indoor control unit 19, the outdoor control unit 29, and the humidification control unit 39 work together to function as a control unit 60. The functions of the control unit 60 will be described later.

[0054] (2-3) Humidification unit 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the humidifying unit 30. As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the humidifying unit 30 mainly includes a humidifying rotor 31 (a rotor for humidification), a heater 32, an air supply fan 34, a sorption fan 35 (fan), a main body 36, and a humidification control unit 39. The humidifying unit 30 also houses a part of the air supply hose 70. The humidifying unit 30 also includes various sensors (not shown).

[0055] (2-3-1) Humidification rotor 3 and 4, the humidification rotor 31 is a disk-shaped member. The humidification rotor 31 is made of a polymer material. The humidification rotor 31 uses the polymer material to sorb and desorb moisture.

[0056] The polymer material is temperature responsive. In other words, the polymer material reversibly changes its affinity with water in response to heat. The polymer material is hydrophobic when the temperature is higher than a lower critical solution temperature (first temperature) and is hydrophilic when the temperature is lower than the lower critical solution temperature. The lower critical solution temperature is any temperature between 60°C and 100°C.

[0057] Furthermore, polymeric materials have the advantage that they can desorb moisture at relatively low temperatures, as compared with silica gel, zeolite, and the like.

[0058] 3, the humidification rotor 31 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from above by a humidification rotor motor 31m. The rotation speed of the humidification rotor motor 31m can be controlled by an inverter.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the semicircular portion on the left side of the humidification rotor 31 is a moisture sorption region 311 for sorbing moisture in the outside air. The moisture sorption region 311 includes a first region R1 and a second region R2. The second region R2 is located downstream of the first region R1 in the rotation direction of the humidification rotor 31. In this embodiment, when the polymer material constituting the humidification rotor 31 passes through the first region R1, the polymer material is cooled mainly by the outside air sucked in from the suction port 36a, and the rotation speed of the sorption fan motor 35m of the sorption fan 35, the rotation speed of the humidification rotor motor 31m, the output of the heater 32, and the like are adjusted so that the temperature of the polymer material becomes equal to or lower than the lower critical solution temperature (so that the polymer material changes from hydrophobic to hydrophilic). When the polymeric material constituting the humidification rotor 31 passes through the second region R2, the polymeric material is cooled mainly by the outside air sucked in through the suction port 36b, and the rotation speed of the sorption fan motor 35m of the sorption fan 35, the rotation speed of the humidification rotor motor 31m, the output of the heater 32, etc. are adjusted so that the temperature of the polymeric material becomes lower than the lower critical solution temperature (so that the polymeric material becomes hydrophilic).

[0060] The first region R1 and the second region R2 are formed by the humidification control unit 39 driving the sorption fan 35, the humidification rotor 31, the heater 32, and the like. The positions and sizes of the first region R1 and the second region R2 are changed by the humidification control unit 39 adjusting the rotation speed of the sorption fan motor 35m of the sorption fan 35, the rotation speed of the humidification rotor motor 31m, the output of the heater 32, and the like. For example, when the humidification control unit 39 increases the output of the heater 32, the temperature of the polymer material increases (the rate at which the polymer material changes from hydrophobic to hydrophilic becomes slower), and the first region R1 becomes relatively large. Also, for example, when the humidification control unit 39 increases the rotation speed of the sorption fan motor 35m of the sorption fan 35, the temperature of the polymer material decreases quickly (the rate at which the polymer material changes from hydrophobic to hydrophilic becomes faster), and the first region R1 becomes relatively small.

[0061] 3 and 4, the first region R1 and the second region R2 are preferably formed in the moisture sorption region 311, which is a semicircular portion on the left side of the humidification rotor 31. Therefore, the humidification control unit 39 adjusts the rotation speed of the sorption fan motor 35m of the sorption fan 35, the rotation speed of the humidification rotor motor 31m, the output of the heater 32, and the like, so that the first region R1 and the second region R2 are formed in the moisture sorption region 311.

[0062] The semicircular portion on the right side of the humidification rotor 31 is a moisture desorption region 312 for desorbing the sorbed moisture. The moisture desorption region 312 includes a fourth region R4 and a fifth region R5. The fifth region R5 is located downstream of the fourth region R4 in the rotation direction of the humidification rotor 31. In this embodiment, when the polymeric material constituting the humidification rotor 31 passes through the fourth region R4, the polymeric material is heated by air heated by passing through the heater 32, and the output of the heater 32 and the like are adjusted so that the temperature of the polymeric material becomes equal to or higher than the lower critical solution temperature (so that the polymeric material changes from hydrophilic to hydrophobic). When the polymeric material constituting the humidification rotor 31 passes through the fifth region R5, the polymeric material is cooled by the outside air sucked in from the suction port 36c, and the rotation speed and the like of the intake air fan motor 34m of the intake air fan 34 are adjusted so that the temperature of the polymeric material approaches the lower critical solution temperature.

[0063] (2-3-2) Main unit As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the main body 36 mainly houses the humidification rotor 31, the heater 32, the air supply fan 34, the sorption fan 35, and the humidification control unit 39.

[0064] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the rear side surface (first surface) of the main body 36 is formed with an intake port 36a (first intake port) and an intake port 36c. The intake port 36a is a hole through which the sorption fan 35 draws in outside air. The intake port 36c is a hole through which the supply fan 34 draws in outside air. The front side surface (second surface) of the main body 36 is formed with an intake port 36b (second intake port) and an outlet port 36d. The intake port 36b is a hole through which the sorption fan 35 draws in outside air. The outlet port 36d is a hole through which the sorption fan 35 blows out air. The area of ​​the intake port 36b is equal to or greater than the area of ​​the intake port 36a.

[0065] The main body 36 has a partition member 36e. The partition member 36e separates a moisture sorption flow path F1 and a moisture desorption flow path F2, which will be described later.

[0066] (2-3-3) Sorption fan The sorption fan 35 causes the humidification rotor 31 to sorb moisture. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the sorption fan 35 forms a moisture sorption flow path F1 in the main body 36. The moisture sorption flow path F1 is a flow path of air that flows in the order of the suction ports 36a and 36b, the moisture sorption region 311 of the humidification rotor 31, the sorption fan 35, and the air outlet 36d. The sorption fan 35 is provided in the moisture sorption flow path F1. The sorption fan 35 is located downstream of the moisture sorption flow path F1 from the humidification rotor 31. The moisture sorption flow path F1 has a first flow path F11 and a second flow path F12. The first flow path F11 connects the suction port 36a and the first region R1. The second flow path F12 connects the suction port 36b and the second region R2. The flow path area S2 of the second region R2 is larger than the flow path area S1 of the first region R1. Preferably, the area ratio of the flow passage area S1 of the first region R1 to the flow passage area S2 of the second region R2 is 1:2.

[0067] The moisture sorption flow path F1 passes through the moisture sorption region 311 of the humidification rotor 31. The sorption fan 35 causes the outside air drawn in from the suction port 36a to pass mainly upward through the first region R1 of the humidification rotor 31, thereby causing the moisture to be sorbed into the polymer material that constitutes the humidification rotor 31. The sorption fan 35 also causes the outside air drawn in from the suction port 36b to pass mainly upward through the second region R2 of the humidification rotor 31, thereby causing the moisture to be sorbed into the polymer material that constitutes the humidification rotor 31.

[0068] The sorption fan 35 is a centrifugal fan such as a sirocco fan or a turbo fan. The sorption fan 35 is driven by a sorption fan motor 35m. The rotation speed of the sorption fan motor 35m can be controlled by an inverter. Preferably, the rotation speed of the sorption fan motor 35m is set to a value at which the airflow rate is 1.5 m 3 / min~4m 3 / min.

[0069] (2-3-4) Air supply fan 2 to 4, the supply air fan 34 is disposed between the moisture desorption area 312 of the humidification rotor 31 and the duct 37. The supply air fan 34 forms a moisture desorption flow path F2 within the main body 36. The moisture desorption flow path F2 is a flow path for air that flows through the suction port 36c, the fourth area R4 of the humidification rotor 31, the heater 32, the fifth area R5 of the humidification rotor 31, the supply air fan 34, the duct 37, the supply air hose 70, and the indoor unit 10 in this order.

[0070] The moisture desorption flow path F2 passes through the moisture desorption region 312 of the humidification rotor 31. The air supply fan 34 causes the air heated by the heater 32 to pass downward through the fourth region R4 of the humidification rotor 31, thereby desorbing moisture from the polymer material that constitutes the humidification rotor 31. The air that has been supplied with moisture from the polymer material is sent to the indoor unit 10.

[0071] The air supply fan 34 is a centrifugal fan such as a sirocco fan or a turbo fan. The air supply fan 34 is driven by an air supply fan motor 34m. The rotation speed of the air supply fan motor 34m can be controlled by an inverter.

[0072] (2-3-5) Heater 3 and 4, the heater 32 is disposed above the humidification rotor 31. The heater 32 heats the air that is sucked in through the suction port 36c and passes through the fifth region R5 of the humidification rotor 31 upward.

[0073] The heater 32 can vary its output to vary the temperature of the air passing through the heater 32 .

[0074] (2-3-6) Air supply hose One end of the air supply hose 70 is connected to the duct 37, and the other end is connected to the indoor unit 10. The air supply hose 70 and the target space RM are in communication with each other via the indoor unit 10.

[0075] (2-3-7) Humidification control section The humidification control section 39 controls the operation of each section constituting the humidification unit 30 .

[0076] The humidification control unit 39 is electrically connected to various devices in the humidification unit 30, including the humidification rotor motor 31m, the heater 32, the air supply fan motor 34m, and the sorption fan motor 35m, so as to be able to exchange control signals and information with them. The humidification control unit 39 is also connected to various sensors provided in the humidification unit 30 so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0077] The humidification control unit 39 has a control arithmetic device and a storage device. The control arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The storage device is a storage medium such as a RAM, a ROM, or a flash memory. The control arithmetic device reads out a program stored in the storage device and performs a predetermined arithmetic process according to the program, thereby controlling the operation of each part constituting the humidification unit 30. The control arithmetic device can also write the results of calculations to the storage device and read out information stored in the storage device according to the program. The humidification control unit 39 also has a timer.

[0078] The humidification control unit 39 exchanges various signals and the like between the indoor control unit 19 of the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor control unit 29 of the outdoor unit 20 via a communication line 90. The indoor control unit 19, the outdoor control unit 29, and the humidification control unit 39 work together to function as a control unit 60. The functions of the control unit 60 will be described later.

[0079] (2-4) Control section Fig. 5 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the control unit 60 is configured by connecting the indoor control unit 19 of the indoor unit 10, the outdoor control unit 29 of the outdoor unit 20, and the humidification control unit 39 of the humidification unit 30 so that they can communicate with each other via a communication line 90. The control unit 60 controls the operation of the entire air conditioner 1 by the control and arithmetic devices of the indoor control unit 19, the outdoor control unit 29, and the humidification control unit 39 executing programs stored in the storage devices.

[0080] 5, the control unit 60 is electrically connected to various devices of the indoor unit 10, the outdoor unit 20, and the humidifying unit 30, including the indoor fan motor 12m, the compressor motor 21m, the flow path switching mechanism 22, the outdoor expansion valve 25, the outdoor fan motor 26m, the humidifying rotor motor 31m, the heater 32, the supply air fan motor 34m, and the sorption fan motor 35m, so as to be able to exchange control signals and information. The control unit 60 is also connected to various sensors provided in the indoor unit 10, the outdoor unit 20, and the humidifying unit 30 so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0081] The control unit 60 controls the start and stop of operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1 and the operation of various devices of the air conditioning apparatus 1 based on measurement signals from various sensors and commands that the indoor control unit 19 receives from a remote controller 80. The control unit 60 can also transmit information such as the current operating state and various notifications to the remote controller 80.

[0082] In this embodiment, the control unit 60 causes the air conditioner 1 to perform cooling operation, heating operation, and humidifying operation.

[0083] (2-4-1) Cooling operation The cooling operation is an operation for cooling the temperature of the target space RM to a set temperature.

[0084] The control unit 60 receives instructions to start the cooling operation and set the temperature from, for example, the remote controller 80. The control unit 60 switches the flow path switching mechanism 22 to the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 2. During the cooling operation, the flow path switching mechanism 22 flows the refrigerant between the first port P1 and the second port P2, and between the third port P3 and the fourth port P4. During the cooling operation, the flow path switching mechanism 22 flows the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 to the outdoor heat exchanger 24. In the outdoor heat exchanger 24, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant and the outside air supplied by the outdoor fan 26. The refrigerant cooled by the outdoor heat exchanger 24 is decompressed by the outdoor expansion valve 25 and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 11. In the indoor heat exchanger 11, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant and the air in the target space RM supplied by the indoor fan 12. The refrigerant warmed by heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger 11 is sucked into the compressor 21 via the flow path switching mechanism 22 and the accumulator 23. The air in the target space RM cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 11 is blown out from the indoor unit 10 into the target space RM, thereby cooling the target space RM. In this air conditioning device 1, during cooling operation, the indoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant evaporator to cool the air in the target space RM, and the outdoor heat exchanger 24 functions as a refrigerant condenser.

[0085] (2-4-2) Heating operation The heating operation is an operation for heating the temperature of the target space RM up to a set temperature.

[0086] The control unit 60 receives instructions to start the heating operation and set the temperature from, for example, the remote controller 80. The control unit 60 switches the flow path switching mechanism 22 to the state shown by the broken line in FIG. 2. During the heating operation, the flow path switching mechanism 22 flows the refrigerant between the first port P1 and the fourth port P4, and flows the refrigerant between the second port P2 and the third port P3. During the heating operation, the flow path switching mechanism 22 flows the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 to the indoor heat exchanger 11. In the indoor heat exchanger 11, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant and the air in the target space RM supplied by the indoor fan 12. The refrigerant cooled in the indoor heat exchanger 11 is decompressed by the outdoor expansion valve 25 and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 24. In the outdoor heat exchanger 24, heat exchange is performed between the refrigerant and the air in the target space RM supplied by the outdoor fan 26. The refrigerant warmed by heat exchange in the outdoor heat exchanger 24 is sucked into the compressor 21 via the flow path switching mechanism 22 and the accumulator 23. The air in the target space RM warmed by the indoor heat exchanger 11 is blown into the target space RM from the indoor unit 10, thereby heating the target space RM. In this air conditioning device 1, during heating operation, the indoor heat exchanger 11 functions as a refrigerant condenser to warm the air in the target space RM, and the outdoor heat exchanger 24 functions as a refrigerant evaporator.

[0087] (2-4-3) Humidification operation The humidification operation is an operation for increasing the humidity in the target space RM to a set humidity. The control unit 60 humidifies the target space RM by using the moisture sorbed by the humidification rotor 31.

[0088] The control unit 60 receives an instruction to start the humidification operation and set the humidity from, for example, the remote controller 80. The control unit 60 drives the sorption fan 35 to rotate the humidification rotor 31. By driving the sorption fan 35, the outside air passes through the moisture sorption area 311 of the humidification rotor 31, and the moisture of the outside air is sorbed to the polymer material constituting the humidification rotor 31. The part where the moisture is sorbed moves to the moisture desorption area 312 through which the air heated by the heater 32 passes by the rotation of the humidification rotor 31. As a result, the moisture is desorbed from the humidification rotor 31, and the moisture is contained in the heated air. The air that has become highly humid in this way is sent to the target space RM by the intake air fan 34 via the intake air hose 70 and the indoor unit 10. The control unit 60 drives the indoor fan 12 of the indoor unit 10 to blow out the highly humidified air into the target space RM.

[0089] (3) Features (3-1) Conventionally, there is a technology that uses a polymer material for a humidification rotor. The amount of moisture sorbed into the polymer material depends on the relative humidity of the air passing through. Therefore, in the conventional technology, when the relative humidity of the outside air is low, the amount of moisture sorbed into the polymer material decreases, and the amount of moisture sorbed by the humidification rotor becomes insufficient.

[0090] The humidification unit 30 of this embodiment includes a humidification rotor 31 and a main body 36. The humidification rotor 31 uses a polymeric material to sorb and desorb moisture. The polymeric material has temperature responsiveness. A moisture sorption flow path F1 and a moisture desorption flow path F2 are formed in the main body 36. The moisture sorption flow path F1 passes through a moisture sorption region 311 of the humidification rotor 31. The moisture desorption flow path F2 passes through a moisture desorption region 312 of the humidification rotor 31. The moisture sorption region 311 includes a first region R1 and a second region R2. In the first region R1, the polymeric material changes from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. The second region R2 is located downstream of the first region R1 in the rotation direction of the humidification rotor 31. In the second region R2, the polymeric material becomes hydrophilic.

[0091] As a result, the humidification unit 30 utilizes not only the relative humidity of the outside air but also the temperature responsiveness of the polymer material to cause the humidification rotor 31 to adsorb moisture, thereby enabling the humidification rotor 31 to adsorb more moisture.

[0092] (3-2) In the humidification unit 30 of this embodiment, the moisture sorption flow path F1 has a first flow path F11 and a second flow path F12. The first flow path F11 connects an intake port 36a formed on a first surface of the main body 36 for drawing in outside air to the first region R1. The second flow path F12 connects an intake port 36b formed on a second surface of the main body 36 for drawing in outside air to the second region R2.

[0093] As a result, the humidification unit 30 can cause the humidification rotor 31 to sorb a large amount of moisture by passing outside air through both the first region R1 and the second region R2.

[0094] (3-3) In the humidification unit 30 of the present embodiment, the area of ​​the suction port 36b is equal to or larger than the area of ​​the suction port 36a.

[0095] As a result, the humidification unit 30 can adsorb more moisture into the humidification rotor 31 by making the area of ​​the suction port 36b connected to the second region R2, where the polymer material becomes hydrophilic, greater than or equal to the area of ​​the suction port 36a connected to the first region R1.

[0096] (3-4) In the humidification unit 30 of the present embodiment, the flow path area S2 of the second region R2 is larger than the flow path area S1 of the first region R1.

[0097] As a result, the humidification unit 30 can sorb more moisture into the humidification rotor 31 by making the flow path area S2 of the second region R2, where the polymer material is hydrophilic, larger than the flow path area S1 of the first region R1.

[0098] (3-5) The humidification unit 30 of this embodiment further includes a partition member 36e. The partition member 36e separates the moisture sorption flow path F1 from the moisture desorption flow path F2.

[0099] As a result, the humidification unit 30 can more effectively perform sorption and desorption of moisture by clearly separating the moisture sorption flow path F1 and the moisture desorption flow path F2.

[0100] (3-6) The humidification unit 30 of the present embodiment further includes a sorption fan 35. The sorption fan 35 causes moisture to be sorbed by the humidification rotor 31. The sorption fan 35 is provided in the moisture sorption flow path F1.

[0101] (3-7) In the humidification unit 30 of the present embodiment, the sorption fan 35 is located downstream of the humidification rotor 31 in the moisture sorption flow path F1.

[0102] As a result, the humidification unit 30 prevents an increase in the temperature of the air passing through the humidification rotor 31, and makes the polymer material in the moisture sorption region 311 hydrophilic more quickly, allowing the humidification rotor 31 to sorb more moisture.

[0103] (3-8) In the humidification unit 30 of this embodiment, the polymer material is hydrophobic when the temperature is higher than the lower critical solution temperature, and is hydrophilic when the temperature is lower than the lower critical solution temperature. The lower critical solution temperature is any temperature between 60°C and 100°C.

[0104] (4) Variations (4-1) Variation 1A The moisture sorption region 311 of the humidification unit 30 may further include a third region R3. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the third region R3 of the moisture sorption region 311. As shown in Fig. 3, the third region R3 is located upstream of the first region R1 in the rotation direction of the humidification rotor 31.

[0105] For example, when the polymeric material constituting the humidifying rotor 31 passes through the third region R3, the polymeric material is cooled mainly by the outside air sucked in from the suction port 36a, and the rotation speed of the sorption fan motor 35m of the sorption fan 35, the rotation speed of the humidifying rotor motor 31m, the output of the heater 32, etc. are adjusted so that the temperature of the polymeric material approaches the lower critical solution temperature. In the third region R3, the polymeric material is still hydrophobic. When the polymeric material constituting the humidifying rotor 31 passes through the first region R1, the polymeric material is cooled mainly by the outside air sucked in from the suction port 36a, and the rotation speed of the sorption fan motor 35m of the sorption fan 35, the rotation speed of the humidifying rotor motor 31m, the output of the heater 32, etc. are adjusted so that the temperature of the polymeric material becomes equal to or lower than the lower critical solution temperature (so that the polymeric material changes from hydrophobic to hydrophilic). When the polymeric material constituting the humidification rotor 31 passes through the second region R2, the polymeric material is cooled mainly by the outside air sucked in through the suction port 36b, and the rotation speed of the sorption fan motor 35m of the sorption fan 35, the rotation speed of the humidification rotor motor 31m, the output of the heater 32, etc. are adjusted so that the temperature of the polymeric material becomes lower than the lower critical solution temperature (so that the polymeric material becomes hydrophilic).

[0106] When the polymeric material constituting the humidification rotor 31 passes through the fourth region R4, the polymeric material is heated by air heated by passing through the heater 32, and the output of the heater 32 and the like are adjusted so that the temperature of the polymeric material becomes equal to or higher than the lower critical solution temperature (so that the polymeric material changes from hydrophilic to hydrophobic). When the polymeric material constituting the humidification rotor 31 passes through the fifth region R5, the polymeric material is cooled by outside air sucked in from the suction port 36c, and the rotation speed and the like of the intake air fan motor 34m of the intake air fan 34 are adjusted so that the temperature of the polymeric material approaches the lower critical solution temperature.

[0107] (4-2) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 30 Humidification unit 31 Humidification rotor (rotor for humidification) 311 Moisture Sorption Region 312 Moisture desorption area 35 Sorption fan (fan) 36 Main Unit 36a Inlet (first inlet) 36b Inlet (second suction port) 36e Partition material F1 Moisture sorption channel F2 Water desorption channel F11 First flow path F12 Second flow path R1 1st area R2 2nd area R3 3rd area S1 Flow area of ​​the first region S2 Flow area of ​​the second region [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0109] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-060872

Claims

1. A humidification rotor (31) that uses a temperature-responsive polymer material to sorb and desorb moisture; a main body (36) in which a moisture sorption flow path (F1) passing through the moisture sorption region (311) of the rotor and a moisture desorption flow path (F2) passing through the moisture desorption region (312) of the rotor are formed; Equipped with The moisture sorption region is A first region (R1) in which the polymer material changes from hydrophobic to hydrophilic; a second region (R2) located downstream of the first region in the rotation direction of the rotor, in which the polymer material is hydrophilic; having A humidification unit (30).

2. The moisture sorption channel is a first flow path (F11) connecting a first suction port (36a) formed on a first surface of the main body for drawing in outside air and the first region; a second flow passage (F12) connecting a second suction port (36b) formed on a second surface of the main body for drawing in outside air and the second region; having The humidification unit (30) of claim 1.

3. The area of ​​the second suction port is equal to or greater than the area of ​​the first suction port. The humidification unit (30) of claim 2.

4. The flow area (S2) of the second region is larger than the flow area (S1) of the first region. A humidification unit (30) according to any one of the preceding claims.

5. a partition member (36e) that separates the moisture sorption flow path and the moisture desorption flow path; Further comprising: A humidification unit (30) according to any one of the preceding claims.

6. A fan (35) for sorbing moisture onto said rotor; Further equipped with The fan is provided in the moisture sorption flow path. A humidification unit (30) according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. The fan is located downstream of the rotor in the moisture sorption passage. The humidification unit (30) of claim 6.

8. The moisture sorption region further includes a third region (R3) in which the polymer material is hydrophobic; A humidification unit (30) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. the polymeric material is hydrophobic when the temperature is higher than a first temperature and hydrophilic when the temperature is lower than the first temperature; The first temperature is any temperature between 60° C. and 100° C. A humidification unit (30) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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