Humidifying unit

Abstract

To provide a humidifying unit that can restrain a polymeric material comprised in a humidifying rotor, from being deteriorated by the inflow of water droplets.SOLUTION: A humidifying unit comprises a humidifying rotor, and a ventilation path. In the humidifying rotor, a polymeric material for generating humidified air by adsorbing and desorbing moisture contained in outside air is used. In the ventilation path, the humidifying rotor is provided in midstream, and the outside air flows thereinside. In a section between an opening into which the outside air flows, and the humidifying rotor, the ventilation path comprises a shield part for restraining water droplets having flowed in from the opening, from reaching the humidifying rotor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 (JP 2022-60872 A) discloses a humidifier using a humidifier rotor having a polymer material. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Polymer materials are prone to component elution when submerged in water. For this reason, when a humidifier unit equipped with a polymer material is installed outdoors, water droplets such as rainwater flow into the unit and adhere to the polymer material, causing degradation of the polymer material.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a humidifier unit that can suppress deterioration of the polymer material of the humidifier rotor due to the inflow of water droplets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A humidification unit according to a first aspect includes a humidification rotor and an air passage. The humidification rotor is made of a polymeric material that generates humidified air by sorption and desorption of moisture contained in outside air. The humidification rotor is provided midway through the air passage, and the outside air flows inside. The air passage has a shielding portion in a section between an opening through which outside air flows in and the humidification rotor, which prevents water droplets that flow in from the opening from reaching the humidification rotor.

[0006] In the present humidifying unit, the shielding portion prevents water droplets that flow in through the opening from reaching the humidifying rotor, and therefore the present humidifying unit can prevent deterioration of the polymer material of the humidifying rotor due to the inflow of water droplets.

[0007] A humidification unit according to a second aspect is the humidification unit according to the first aspect, wherein the shielding portion is a portion where the flow passage area of ​​the ventilation path is formed to be partially narrow.

[0008] This humidifier unit is able to prevent the polymer material of the humidifier rotor from deteriorating due to the inflow of water droplets, by using a shielding section with a simple structure.

[0009] A humidification unit according to a third aspect is the humidification unit according to the first or second aspect, wherein the shielding portion has a labyrinth structure formed in the ventilation path.

[0010] This humidifier unit can effectively prevent the polymer material of the humidifier rotor from deteriorating due to the inflow of water droplets.

[0011] A humidification unit according to a fourth aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, in which the shielding portion is a mesh-like member that covers the ventilation path.

[0012] This humidifier unit can effectively prevent the polymer material of the humidifier rotor from deteriorating due to the inflow of water droplets.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a humidification unit according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a humidification unit control section and a heater. The heater heats outside air flowing through the humidification rotor. When water droplets are expected to flow into the air passage, the humidification unit control section executes a drying operation to start up the heater.

[0014] Even if water droplets flow into the air passage, the present humidifying unit can heat the humidifying rotor by heating the outside air passing through the humidifying rotor with the heater, vaporizing at least a portion of the water droplets adhering to the humidifying rotor, and drying the humidifying rotor. Therefore, the present humidifying unit can effectively prevent the polymer material of the humidifying rotor from deteriorating due to the inflow of water droplets.

[0015] A humidification unit according to a sixth aspect is the humidification unit according to the fifth aspect, wherein the humidification unit control section starts the humidification rotor in a drying operation.

[0016] This humidifier unit can effectively prevent the polymer material of the humidifier rotor from deteriorating due to the inflow of water droplets.

[0017] A humidification unit according to a seventh aspect is the humidification unit according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the opening is provided vertically below the humidification rotor.

[0018] In this humidifying unit, the opening is provided vertically below the humidifying rotor, so even if falling water droplets such as rainwater enter the ventilation path through the opening, they are prevented from reaching the humidifying rotor. Therefore, this humidifying unit can effectively prevent the polymer material of the humidifying rotor from deteriorating due to the inflow of water droplets.

[0019] A humidification unit according to an eighth aspect is the humidification unit according to the seventh aspect, wherein the vertical distance between the opening and the humidification rotor is 50 mm or less.

[0020] A humidification unit according to a ninth aspect is a humidification unit according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, comprising two ventilation paths, one of which allows outside air to flow and causes the moisture contained therein to be adsorbed by the humidification rotor, and the other of the ventilation paths provided in the humidification unit allows outside air to flow and causes the moisture adsorbed by the humidification rotor to be desorbed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of an air conditioning device 100. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning device 100. FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of a first path 45 and a second path 46 as viewed from above. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the air conditioning device 100. [Figure 6] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of a first path 45 and a second path 46 of a humidification unit 4 according to Modification A, as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 7]13 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of a first path 45 and a second path 46 of a humidification unit 4 according to a modification B, as viewed from above. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] (1) Overall structure Fig. 1 is an external view of an air conditioner 100 including a humidifying unit 4 according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 conditions the room (not shown), which is the target space, such as a building, using a vapor compression refrigerant cycle. The air conditioner 100 mainly has a heat source unit 2, a utilization unit 3, a humidifying unit 4, a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5, a gas refrigerant connection pipe 6, an air supply hose 7, a remote control 8, and a control unit 9.

[0023] The liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6 connect the heat source unit 2 and the utilization unit 3. The equipment and refrigerant piping in the heat source unit 2, the equipment and refrigerant piping in the utilization unit 3, the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5, and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6 are connected in a ring shape by refrigerant piping to form a refrigerant circuit 10. The refrigerant circuit 10 has a refrigerant sealed inside.

[0024] The air intake hose 7 connects the humidification unit 4 and the utilization unit 3. The air intake hose 7 is a member that supplies humidified outside air (humidified air) from the humidification unit 4 to the utilization unit 3.

[0025] Although details will be described later, the control unit 9 controls each device of the air conditioner 100 to perform air conditioning operations such as heating operation, cooling operation, and humidification operation.

[0026] In the following description, the directions of front, back, up / down, and left / right are used for convenience. Axes indicating these directions are displayed in some figures. The front / back and left / right directions are all directions that extend horizontally. The up / down direction is equal to the vertical direction.

[0027] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Heat source unit The heat source unit 2 is installed outdoors (on the roof of a building, near the exterior wall of a building, etc.). The heat source unit 2 mainly includes a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 23, a heat source heat exchanger 24, a heat source expansion valve 25, and a heat source fan 26.

[0028] (2-1-1) Compressor In the refrigerant circuit 10, the compressor 21 draws in low-pressure refrigerant from a refrigerant pipe 21a on the suction side, compresses it to high pressure, and then discharges it to a refrigerant pipe 21b on the discharge side.

[0029] (2-1-2) Four-way switching valve The four-way switching valve 23 switches the direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit 10. The four-way switching valve 23 has a first port P1, a second port P2, a third port P3, and a fourth port P4. The four-way switching valve 23 is switched by the control unit 9 between a first state (a state shown by a dashed line in FIG. 1) in which the first port P1 and the fourth port P4 communicate with each other and the second port P2 and the third port P3 communicate with each other, and a second state (a state shown by a solid line in FIG. 1) in which the first port P1 and the second port P2 communicate with each other and the third port P3 and the fourth port P4 communicate with each other.

[0030] The first port P1 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 21b on the discharge side of the compressor 21. The second port P2 is connected to the gas side of the heat source heat exchanger 24. The third port P3 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 21a on the suction side of the compressor 21. The fourth port P4 is connected to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6.

[0031] (2-1-3) Heat source heat exchanger The heat source heat exchanger 24 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air in the refrigerant circuit 10. One end of the heat source heat exchanger 24 is connected to the heat source expansion valve 25. The other end of the heat source heat exchanger 24 is connected to the second port P2 of the four-way switching valve 23.

[0032] (2-1-4) Heat source expansion valve The heat source expansion valve 25 is an expansion mechanism that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10. The heat source expansion valve 25 is provided between the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 5 and the liquid side of the heat source heat exchanger 24. The heat source expansion valve 25 is an electric expansion valve whose opening degree can be controlled. The opening degree of the heat source expansion valve 25 is controlled by the control unit 9.

[0033] (2-1-5) Heat source fan The heat source fan 26 generates an airflow and supplies outdoor air to the heat source heat exchanger 24. The heat source fan 26 supplies outdoor air to the heat source heat exchanger 24, thereby promoting heat exchange between the refrigerant in the heat source heat exchanger 24 and the outdoor air. The heat source fan 26 is rotationally driven by a heat source fan motor 26a. The air volume of the heat source fan 26 is controlled by the control unit 9 changing the rotation speed of the heat source fan motor 26a.

[0034] (2-2) Usage unit The utilization unit 3 is a wall-mounted indoor air conditioner that is installed on a wall in a room that is a target space. The utilization unit 3 mainly has a utilization heat exchanger 31, a utilization fan 32, and an intake air duct .

[0035] (2-2-1) Heat exchanger used The utilization heat exchanger 31 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the indoor air in the refrigerant circuit 10. One end of the utilization heat exchanger 31 is connected to the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 5. The other end of the utilization heat exchanger 31 is connected to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 6. The utilization heat exchanger 31 is, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger constituted by a heat transfer tube and a heat transfer fin, but is not limited thereto. The utilization heat exchanger 31 is disposed in the flow path of the airflow generated by the utilization fan 32.

[0036] (2-2-2) Fans in use The utilization fan 32 is a blower device that generates an airflow. When the utilization fan 32 generates an airflow, the indoor air passes through the utilization heat exchanger 31. When the indoor air passes through the utilization heat exchanger 31, heat exchange between the refrigerant in the utilization heat exchanger 31 and the outdoor air is promoted.

[0037] The utilization fan 32 is a cross-flow fan. The utilization fan 32 is rotationally driven by a utilization fan motor 32a. The air volume of the utilization fan 32 is controlled by the control unit 9 by changing the rotation speed of the utilization fan motor 32a.

[0038] When the utilization fan 32 is operated, indoor air is drawn into the casing from the space above the utilization unit 3, passes through the utilization heat exchanger 31 for heat exchange, and then flows into the room through an air outlet formed at the bottom of the casing.

[0039] (2-2-3) Air supply duct The air supply duct 38 is a member that supplies humidified air, supplied from the humidification unit 4 via the air supply hose 7, to a space near the utilization heat exchanger 31 in the utilization unit 3. One end of the air supply duct 38 is connected to the air supply hose 7, and an opening at the other end of the air supply duct 38 faces the utilization heat exchanger 31.

[0040] (2-3) Humidification unit The humidification unit 4 is a device that humidifies outside air and supplies the humidified air to the utilization unit 3. The humidification unit 4 is installed outdoors (on the roof of a building, near the exterior wall of a building, etc.) together with the heat source unit 2. The heat source unit 2 and the humidification unit 4 may be integrated together.

[0041] The humidification unit 4 mainly includes a resin casing 40, a humidification rotor 41, a heater 42, a humidification fan 43, a sorption fan 44, a first path 45, and a second path 46. The humidification rotor 41, the heater 42, the humidification fan 43, the sorption fan 44, and the like are fixed or supported in the casing 40, and the first path 45 and the second path 46 are formed in the casing 40. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the first path 45 and the second path 46 seen from above. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 3. For convenience, FIG. 3 shows a part of the humidification rotor 41, the heater 42, and the humidification fan 43 in a see-through manner.

[0042] (2-3-1) Humidification rotor The humidification rotor 41 is a humidity control rotor made of a polymer material that generates humidified air by sorption (adsorption, absorption) and desorption (release) of moisture contained in the outside air. The humidification rotor 41 is disposed in an annular area A0 provided in the casing 40. The humidifying rotor 41 has a honeycomb structure and a substantially disk-shaped outer shape. The polymer material used for the humidifying rotor 41 is a temperature-responsive polymer material whose affinity with water changes reversibly in response to heat. The temperature-responsive polymer material used for the humidifying rotor 41 is a polymer having a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). A polymer having an LCST becomes hydrophilic at low temperatures below the LCST and sorbs moisture in the outside air, but becomes hydrophobic at temperatures above the LCST and desorbs the moisture it has contained. The LCST of the temperature-responsive polymer material used for the humidifying rotor 41 is adjusted to be 60 to 100°C.

[0043] Temperature-responsive polymer materials are capable of desorbing moisture at lower heating temperatures than sorption materials using silica gel, zeolite, and the like.

[0044] The humidification rotor 41 is disposed rotatably in the circumferential direction inside the humidification unit 4. The humidification rotor 41 is rotated by a third motor 41a. The third motor 41a is an inverter-controlled variable speed motor, and the rotation speed is controlled by the control unit 9.

[0045] The annular region A0 is a space in which the humidifying rotor 41 is disposed, and is a space within the casing 40. The left half of the annular region A0 is a first region A1, and the right half of the annular region A0 is a second region A2. The second region A2 is further divided into a rear region A21 located on the rear side of the casing 40 and a front region A22 located on the front side of the casing 40. The first region A1 is a region where outside air passes through the humidifying rotor 41 from bottom to top. In the first region A1, the humidifying rotor 41 sorbs moisture contained in the outside air. The second region A2 is a region where the moisture held by the humidifying rotor 41 is desorbed to the outside air to generate humidified air. In the rear region A21, the outside air passes through the humidifying rotor 41 from bottom (the first inlet 45a side) to top (the heater 42 side). In the front area A22, outside air passes through the humidification rotor 41 from above (the heater 42 side) to below (the humidification fan 43 side). The first area A1 is a part of a second path 46 described later. The second area A2 is a part of a first path 45 described later.

[0046] (2-3-2) Heater The heater 42 heats air (outside air taken into the casing 40) flowing toward the humidification rotor 41. Specifically, the heater 42 is disposed in the first path 45, and heats the outside air that enters the casing 40 from a first inlet 45a formed on the back surface of the casing 40 and passes through the humidification rotor 41 in the back surface area A21. The heated outside air passes through the humidification rotor 41 in the front surface area A22, and is sucked into the humidification fan 43.

[0047] The heater 42 has a variable output, and the amount of heating is controlled by the control unit 9.

[0048] (2-3-3) Humidification fan The humidifying fan 43 is a blower device for causing outside air to flow from the first inlet 45a into the first passage 45 in the casing 40 and supplying the outside air to the air intake hose 7. The humidifying fan 43 generates an airflow in the rear area A21 and the front area A22 of the second area A2 such that the outside air passes through the humidifying rotor 41, and humidifies the outside air with moisture desorbed from the humidifying rotor 41. The humidified outside air flows as humidified air from the air outlet 43b of the humidifying fan 43 to the air intake hose 7.

[0049] The humidification fan 43 is rotated by a second motor 43a. The second motor 43a is an inverter-controlled motor with a variable rotation speed, and the rotation speed is controlled by the control unit 9.

[0050] (2-3-4) Sorption fan The sorption fan 44 is a blower that causes outside air to flow from the second inlet 46a into the second passage 46 in the casing 40 and to flow the outside air to the humidification rotor 41. As described above, when the sorption fan 44 rotates, the outside air passes through the humidification rotor 41 from bottom to top in the first area A1.

[0051] The sorption fan 44 is rotated by a first motor 44a. The first motor 44a is an inverter-controlled variable speed motor, and the rotation speed is controlled by the control unit 9.

[0052] (2-3-5) Route 1 The first path 45 is an air passage formed in the casing 40, which supplies the outside air that has passed through the humidification rotor 41 to the humidification fan 43. The humidification rotor 41 is provided in the middle of the first path 45, and the outside air that desorbs moisture adsorbed on the humidification rotor 41 flows inside. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the first path 45 is a path that connects the first intake port 45a, the back side area A21, the heater 42, the front side area A22, and the first exhaust port 45b in this order. The first path 45 has a first shielding portion 45c in a section between the first intake port 45a, which is an opening through which the outside air flows, and the humidification rotor 41, which prevents water droplets that have flowed in from the first intake port 45a from reaching the humidification rotor 41.

[0053] The first inlet 45a is an opening formed on the back surface of the casing 40. Outside air flows into the first path 45 through the first inlet 45a. In this embodiment, the first inlet 45a is provided vertically below the humidification rotor 41. The vertical distance L1 (see FIG. 4) between the first inlet 45a and the humidification rotor 41 is 50 mm or less.

[0054] The outside air passing through the humidification rotor 41 in the rear side area A21 is slightly heated here. The outside air heated by the heater 42 passes through the humidification rotor 41 in the front side area A22, and moisture adsorbed on the humidification rotor 41 is desorbed into the passing air. The first exhaust port 45b is connected to the humidification fan 43. The outside air humidified by the moisture desorbed from the humidification rotor 41 flows into the humidification fan 43 through the first exhaust port 45b.

[0055] The first shielding portion 45c is a portion where the flow path area of ​​the first path 45 is formed to be partially narrow. Specifically, the first path 45 has a first protruding portion 45d for forming the first shielding portion 45c. The first protruding portion 45d protrudes from a wall surface forming the first path 45 in a section between the first inlet 45a of the first path 45 and the humidification rotor 41, and partially narrows the flow path area of ​​the first path 45.

[0056] (2-3-6) Route 2 The second path 46 is a ventilation path formed in the casing 40, which causes moisture contained in the incoming outside air to be adsorbed by the humidification rotor 41. The second path 46 has the humidification rotor 41 provided midway, and outside air flows inside, causing the moisture contained therein to be adsorbed by the humidification rotor 41. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the second path 46 is a path that connects the second inlet 46a, the first area A1, the sorption fan 44, and the second outlet 46b in this order. The second path 46 has a second shielding portion 46c in the section between the second inlet 46a, which is an opening through which outside air flows, and the humidification rotor 41, which prevents water droplets that have flowed in from the second inlet 46a from reaching the humidification rotor 41.

[0057] The second inlet 46a is an opening formed on the back surface of the casing 40. Outside air flows into the second path 46 through the second inlet 46a. In this embodiment, the second inlet 46a is provided vertically below the humidification rotor 41 and at the same height as the first inlet 45a. In other words, the vertical distance between the second inlet 46a and the humidification rotor 41 is also 50 mm or less. The second inlet 46a may be formed on the front surface of the casing 40.

[0058] In the first region A1, the outside air passes through the humidification rotor 41. At this time, moisture contained in the outside air is sorbed by the humidification rotor 41. The second exhaust port 46b is an opening formed on the left side of the front surface of the casing 40. The air with moisture sorbed by the humidification rotor 41 passes through the sorption fan 44 and further through the second exhaust port 46b, and is blown out of the casing 40 from the second path 46.

[0059] The second shielding portion 46c is a portion where the flow path area of ​​the second path 46 is formed to be partially narrow. Specifically, the second path 46 has a second protruding portion 46d for forming the second shielding portion 46c. The second protruding portion 46d protrudes from the wall surface forming the second path 46 in a section between the second inlet 46a of the second path 46 and the humidification rotor 41, and partially narrows the flow path area of ​​the second path 46.

[0060] Hereinafter, the first path 45 and the second path 46 may be collectively referred to as the ventilation paths 45, 46. Further, the first shielding portion 45c and the second shielding portion 46c may be collectively referred to as the shielding portions 45c, 46c.

[0061] (2-4) Remote control The remote control 8 receives instructions from the user to perform air conditioning operations such as heating operation, cooling operation, and humidification operation, instructions to stop the air conditioner 100, and setting values ​​such as the set humidity, and transmits the received results as control signals to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 records the received setting values ​​in a storage device.

[0062] (2-5) Control section 5 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner 100. The control unit 9 is mainly connected to the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 23, the heat-source expansion valve 25, the heat-source fan motor 26a, the utilization fan motor 32a, the third motor 41a, the heater 42, the second motor 43a, the first motor 44a, and the remote control 8.

[0063] Although details will be described later, the control unit 9 controls the refrigerant circuit 10 by controlling the operation of the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 23, the heat-source expansion valve 25, the heat-source fan motor 26a, and the utilization fan motor 32a.

[0064] The control unit 9 is typically realized by a computer including a control arithmetic device and a storage device (both not shown). The control arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control arithmetic device reads a control program stored in the storage device and performs operation control according to the control program. Furthermore, the control arithmetic device can write the calculation result to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device according to the control program.

[0065] The control unit 9 is composed of an outdoor control unit provided inside the heat source unit 2 and an indoor control unit provided inside the utilization unit 3, which are connected by a communication line capable of sending and receiving control signals to each other.

[0066] (3) Air conditioning operation Next, the heating operation, the cooling operation, and the humidifying operation, which are the air conditioning operations executed by the control unit 9, will be described.

[0067] (3-1) Heating operation The control unit 9 starts the heating operation when it receives a control signal from the remote control 8 instructing to perform the heating operation. During the heating operation, the control unit 9 switches the four-way switching valve 23 to the first state (see the dashed line in FIG. 2). Furthermore, the control unit 9 sets the heat source expansion valve 25 to an opening corresponding to the set temperature received from the remote control 8, operates the compressor 21, and drives the utilization fan 32 to rotate. As a result, the heat source heat exchanger 24 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant, and the utilization heat exchanger 31 functions as a condenser of the refrigerant.

[0068] (3-2) Cooling operation The control unit 9 starts the cooling operation when it receives a control signal from the remote control 8 instructing to perform the cooling operation. During the cooling operation, the control unit 9 switches the four-way switching valve 23 to the second state (see the solid line in FIG. 2). Furthermore, the control unit 9 sets the heat source expansion valve 25 to an opening corresponding to the set temperature received from the remote control 8, operates the compressor 21, and drives the utilization fan 32 to rotate. As a result, the heat source heat exchanger 24 functions as a refrigerant condenser, and the utilization heat exchanger 31 functions as a refrigerant evaporator.

[0069] (3-3) Humidification operation The humidification operation is an air conditioning operation in which humidified air obtained by humidifying outdoor air is used to humidify the indoor space, which is the target space of the air conditioning. The control unit 9 starts the humidification operation when it receives a control signal from the remote control 8 instructing to perform the humidification operation. During the humidification operation, the control unit 9 causes the humidification fan 43 and the sorption fan 44 to blow air, causes the heater 42 to heat the outdoor air flowing through the first path 45, and drives the utilization fan 32 to rotate. While the humidification operation is being performed, the refrigerant circuit 10 can perform a heating operation or a cooling operation.

[0070] During humidification operation, the humidification unit 4 functions as follows.

[0071] As the sorption fan 44 rotates, outside air flows into the second path 46 from the second inlet 46a (see the dotted arrow in FIG. 3). The outside air that has flowed into the second path 46 passes through the rotating humidification rotor 41 in the first area A1. As the outside air passes through the humidification rotor 41, moisture contained in the outside air is sorbed by the humidification rotor 41. The outside air with moisture sorbed by the humidification rotor 41 is discharged to the outside of the humidification unit 4 from the second outlet 46b.

[0072] On the other hand, as the humidification fan 43 rotates, outside air flows into the first path 45 from the first inlet 45a (see the dotted arrow in FIG. 3). The outside air that flows into the first path 45 passes through the humidification rotor 41 in the rear side area A21, is heated by the heater 42, and then passes through the rotating humidification rotor 41 in the front side area A22. As the heated outside air passes through the humidification rotor 41, moisture adsorbed on the humidification rotor 41 is desorbed. As a result, the outside air that has passed through the humidification rotor 41 is humidified to become humidified air, and flows into the humidification fan 43. The humidified air that flows into the humidification fan 43 flows through the air intake hose 7 into the air intake duct 38 of the utilization unit 3, and is then supplied to the room through the utilization heat exchanger 31. The utilization fan 32 of the utilization unit 3 generates an airflow within the utilization unit 3 while humidified air is being supplied from the humidification unit 4. The humidified air supplied to the utilization unit 3 from the air supply hose 7 is combined with the air flow passing through the utilization heat exchanger 31 and is blown out from the air outlet of the utilization unit 3 into the room.

[0073] The outside air that flows into the first path 45 from the first inlet 45a is mainly humidified in the front area A22, but is also slightly humidified in the rear area A21.

[0074] (4) Features (4-1) The humidification unit 4 includes a humidification rotor 41 and a first path 45. The humidification rotor 41 is made of a polymer material that generates humidified air by sorption and desorption of moisture contained in the outside air. The first path 45 has the humidification rotor 41 provided midway through, and outside air flows inside.

[0075] The first path 45 has a first shielding portion 45c in the section between the first inlet 45a, which is an opening through which outside air flows in, and the humidification rotor 41, which prevents water droplets flowing in from the first inlet 45a from reaching the humidification rotor 41.

[0076] The humidification unit 4 also includes a humidification rotor 41 and a second path 46. The humidification rotor 41 generates humidified air by sorption and desorption of moisture contained in the outside air to and from a polymer material. The second path 46 is provided with the humidification rotor 41 midway, and outside air flows through the inside.

[0077] The second path 46 has a second shielding portion 46c in the section between the second inlet 46a, which is an opening through which outside air flows in, and the humidification rotor 41, which prevents water droplets flowing in from the second inlet 46a from reaching the humidification rotor 41.

[0078] In the humidifying unit 4, the first shielding portion 45c prevents the water droplets that flow in from the first inlet 45a from reaching the humidifying rotor 41. In addition, the second shielding portion 46c prevents the water droplets that flow in from the second inlet 46a from reaching the humidifying rotor 41. Therefore, the humidifying unit 4 can prevent the polymer material of the humidifying rotor 41 from being deteriorated due to the inflow of water droplets.

[0079] (4-2) The shielding portions 45c, 46c are portions where the flow passage areas of the ventilation paths 45, 46 are formed to be partially narrow.

[0080] The humidifying unit 4 can prevent the polymer material of the humidifying rotor from being deteriorated due to the inflow of water droplets by the shielding portions 45c and 46c having a simple structure.

[0081] (4-3) The first inlet 45a and the second inlet 46a are provided vertically below the humidification rotor 41.

[0082] In the humidifying unit 4, the first inlet 45a and the second inlet 46a are provided vertically below the humidifying rotor 41, so that even if falling water droplets such as rainwater enter the ventilation paths 45, 46 through the first inlet 45a or the second inlet 46a, they are prevented from reaching the humidifying rotor 41. Therefore, the humidifying unit 4 can effectively prevent the polymer material of the humidifying rotor 41 from being deteriorated due to the inflow of water droplets.

[0083] (4-4) The distance L in the vertical direction between the first inlet 45a and the second inlet 46a and the humidification rotor 41 is 50 mm or less.

[0084] (5) Variations (5-1) Variation A As long as the first shielding portion 45c can prevent the water droplets that have flowed in from the first inlet 45a from reaching the humidification rotor 41, the first shielding portion 45c is not limited to the above-described form.

[0085] The first shielding portion 45c may be, for example, a labyrinth structure formed in the first path 45. Specifically, in the humidifying unit 4 according to the modified example A, the first shielding portion 45c is composed of a plurality of first protruding portions 45d arranged so that no straight path is formed from the first inlet 45a to the humidifying rotor 41. In the humidifying unit 4 according to the modified example A, the second shielding portion 46c is also a labyrinth structure composed of a plurality of second protruding portions 46d, similar to the first shielding portion 45c. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the first path 45 and the second path 46 of the humidifying unit 4 according to the modified example A, as viewed from above.

[0086] The humidification unit 4 according to the modification A can effectively prevent the polymer material of the humidification rotor 41 from deteriorating due to the inflow of water droplets.

[0087] (5-2) Variation B The first shielding portion 45c may be, for example, a mesh-like member that covers the first path 45.

[0088] In the humidifying unit 4 according to the modified example B, the first shielding portion 45c is a mesh-like member that covers the first inlet 45a of the first path 45. The first shielding portion 45c restricts the inflow of water droplets while allowing the inflow of outside air. In the humidifying unit 4 according to the modified example B, the second shielding portion 46c is also a mesh-like member that covers the second inlet 46a of the second path 46, similar to the first shielding portion 45c. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the first path 45 and the second path 46 of the humidifying unit 4 according to the modified example B, as viewed from above.

[0089] The humidification unit 4 according to the modification B can effectively prevent the polymer material of the humidification rotor 41 from deteriorating due to the inflow of water droplets.

[0090] (5-3) Variation C The humidifying unit 4 may further include a humidifying unit control section (not shown). The humidifying unit control section may execute a drying operation to start the heater 42 when water droplets are expected to flow into either the first path 45 or the second path 46. "When water droplets are expected to flow into either the first path 45 or the second path 46" refers to, for example, when it is raining. Specifically, the humidifying unit control section acquires rainfall information for the area in which the air conditioning apparatus 100 is installed from a server (both not shown) that provides weather information and is connected via a network, and starts the heater 42 for a predetermined time during rainfall. The humidifying unit control section may be the control section 9.

[0091] Even if water droplets flow into the ventilation paths 45, 46, the humidifying unit 4 according to variant C can heat the humidifying rotor 41 by heating the outside air passing through the humidifying rotor 41 with the heater 42, thereby vaporizing at least a portion of the water droplets adhering to the humidifying rotor 41 and drying the humidifying rotor 41. Therefore, the humidifying unit 4 according to variant C can effectively prevent the polymer material of the humidifying rotor 41 from deteriorating due to the inflow of water droplets.

[0092] In addition to the heater 42, the humidification unit 4 may have a heater capable of directly heating the humidification rotor 41.

[0093] (5-4) Variation D The humidification unit control section may further rotate the humidification rotor 41 during the drying operation.

[0094] The humidifying unit 4 according to the variation D can uniformly heat the humidifying rotor 41 with the heater 42 and quickly vaporize the water droplets. Therefore, the humidifying unit 4 according to the variation D can effectively prevent the polymer material of the humidifying rotor 41 from being deteriorated due to the inflow of water droplets.

[0095] (5-4) Variation E In the above embodiment, the humidification unit 4 has the first shielding portion 45c and the second shielding portion 46c, but the humidification unit 4 may have only one of the first shielding portion 45c and the second shielding portion 46c.

[0096] (5-5) 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]

[0097] 4 Humidification unit 41 Humidification rotor 42 Heater 45 First route (ventilation route) 45a First intake (opening) 45c 1st shielding part (shielding part) 46 Second route (ventilation route) 46a Second intake port (opening) 46c 2nd shielding part (shielding part) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0098] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-60872 A

Claims

1. A humidification rotor (41) using a polymer material that generates humidified air by sorption and desorption of moisture contained in outside air; The humidification rotor is provided midway through the ventilation path (45, 46), through which the outside air flows. Equipped with The ventilation path is a shielding portion (45c, 46c) for preventing water droplets flowing in from the opening (45a, 46a) from reaching the humidification rotor in a section between the opening (45a, 46a) through which the outside air flows in and the humidification rotor; Humidification unit.

2. The shielding portion is The flow path area of ​​the ventilation path is partially narrowed. The humidification unit according to claim 1.

3. The shielding portion is A labyrinth structure formed in the ventilation path, The humidification unit according to claim 1.

4. The shielding portion is A mesh-like member covering the ventilation path, The humidification unit according to claim 1.

5. Humidification unit control section a heater (42) for heating the outside air flowing through the humidification rotor; Further equipped with The humidification unit control unit is When inflow of water droplets into the ventilation path is predicted, a drying operation is performed to activate the heater. The humidification unit according to claim 1.

6. The humidification unit control unit is In the drying operation, the humidifying rotor is started. A humidification unit according to claim 5.

7. The opening is The humidification rotor is provided vertically below the humidification rotor. The humidification unit according to claim 1.

8. The vertical distance between the opening and the humidification rotor is: 50 mm or less, A humidification unit according to claim 7.

9. The ventilation path includes two of the ventilation paths, One of the ventilation paths is The outside air flows, causing the moisture contained therein to be adsorbed onto the humidification rotor; The other ventilation path is The outside air flows to desorb the moisture sorbed in the humidification rotor. A humidification unit according to any one of the preceding claims.

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