Fan, air conditioning outdoor unit, and air conditioner

Abstract

To provide a fan which inhibits occurrence of noise.SOLUTION: A fan includes: an impeller (53); and a casing (50) which houses the impeller (53). The casing (50) has: a first wall part (56a) formed in a spiral shape along an outer peripheral edge of the impeller (53); an air inlet (71) provided at one end side in a rotation axis direction of the impeller (53); an air passage (A) which communicates with the air inlet (71) and is formed so as to be arranged along an inner surface of the first wall part (56a) and in which airflow is formed from one end of the first wall part (56a) to the other end; and an air outlet (72) disposed at a downstream end of the airflow in the air passage (A). When a position of a tongue part (57) formed at the one end of the first wall part (56a) is set to a starting point, the other end of the first wall part (56a) is located at a position which rotates 360° or larger around a rotation axis (O) in a rotation direction of the impeller (53).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fan, an air conditioning outdoor unit, and an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a centrifugal fan including an impeller and a fan housing that houses the impeller. The fan housing has a scroll-shaped peripheral wall that covers the periphery of the impeller. The fan housing is provided with a sound-absorbing space that surrounds an air inlet portion through which air conveyed by the impeller flows. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-156342 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The noise generated by the operation of the impeller is absorbed and absorbed in the sound-absorbing space, so that the noise caused by the operation of the impeller is suppressed. However, in a fan having such an impeller and fan housing, there has not been sufficient research into suppressing the generation of blowing noise caused by the air flowing inside the fan housing due to the rotation of the impeller. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fan that suppresses noise generation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The first aspect is The compressor includes an impeller (53) and a casing (50) that houses the impeller (53), The casing (50) is a first wall portion (56a) formed in a spiral shape along an outer circumferential edge of the impeller (53); a suction port (71) provided at one end side in the rotation axis direction of the impeller (53); an air passage (A) that communicates with the suction port (71), that is formed along an inner surface of the first wall portion (56a), and through which an air flow is formed from one end to the other end of the first wall portion (56a); an air outlet (72) for blowing air in the air passage (A) out of the casing (50), The other end of the first wall portion (56a) is located at a position rotated 360° or more around the rotation axis (O) in the rotation direction of the impeller (53) with the position of a tongue portion (57) formed at one end of the first wall portion (56a) as a starting point. I'm a fan.

[0006] In the first aspect, the first wall portion (56a) is disposed so as to surround the entire circumference of the impeller (53). Such a first wall portion (56a) can improve recovery of the dynamic pressure portion of the air discharged from the impeller (53) as the impeller (53) rotates. That is, the conversion of dynamic pressure to static pressure is promoted. In other words, the kinetic energy flowing out from the impeller (53) is recovered as pressure energy. Since the generation of noise, which is the blowing sound, is related to dynamic pressure, suppressing the dynamic pressure portion can suppress the generation of the blowing sound. In addition, since static pressure is ensured, attenuation of the airflow of the air flowing toward the air outlet can be suppressed.

[0007] The second aspect is the first aspect, the casing (50) includes a second wall (56b) that communicates with a downstream end of the air flow of the air passage (A) and defines a first space (S11) in which the air outlet (72) is disposed, One end of the second wall portion (56b) is connected to one end of the first wall portion (56a), the other end of the second wall portion (56b) is connected to a first position (U1) of the first wall portion (56a) that is rotated a predetermined angle in a rotation direction of the impeller (53) around the rotation shaft (O) from the position of the tongue portion (57) as a starting point, The other end of the first wall portion (56a) extends from the first position (U1) toward the first space (S11).

[0008] In the second aspect, the first space (S11) also serves as part of the air passage (A). In this manner, for example, when the first space (S11) functions as a sound-absorbing space for suppressing noise caused by air flowing in from the suction port (71), by providing part of the air passage (A) in the sound-absorbing space, it is possible to prevent the fan from becoming large.

[0009] The third aspect is the first or second aspect, The air outlet (72) is formed to face in the same direction as the axial direction of the rotation shaft, The center C1 of the opening of the blow-out port (72) is positioned between a second position (U2) of the first wall portion (56a) facing the tongue portion (57) in the air passage (A) and a third position (U3) which is the other end of the first wall portion (56a).

[0010] In the third aspect, the air outlet (72) is disposed inside the air passage (A). That is, in the air passage (A), the dynamic pressure of the air is suppressed and static pressure is ensured, so that the generation of blowing noise is suppressed and air can be transported to the air outlet (72) while suppressing attenuation of the airflow.

[0011] The fourth aspect is the second aspect, The air outlet (72) is provided in the second wall portion (56b).

[0012] In the fourth aspect, the air blown from the air passage (A) into the first space (S11) is blown out of the casing (50) through the air outlet (72). In this manner, when the air flows from the air passage (A) into the relatively large first space (S11), the air expands, making it possible to suppress the generation of noise.

[0013] The fifth aspect is the second aspect, A sound absorbing material (SR) is provided in the first space (S11).

[0014] In the fourth aspect, the sound deadening effect is improved by the sound deadening material (SR) in the first space (S11).

[0015] The fifth aspect is The air conditioning outdoor unit (10) constitutes an air conditioner (1) that conditions a target space (I) and is placed outside the target space (I), and the air conditioning outdoor unit is equipped with the fan according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.

[0016] In the fifth aspect, it is possible to provide an air conditioner outdoor unit capable of suppressing noise caused by a fan.

[0017] The sixth aspect is An air conditioner comprising: an air conditioning outdoor unit (10) of a fifth aspect; and an air conditioning indoor unit (30) connected to the air conditioning outdoor unit (10) by connecting pipes (3, 4) and blowing out air into the target space (I).

[0018] In a sixth aspect, an air conditioner equipped with an outdoor air conditioner unit capable of suppressing noise can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing refrigerant piping and air flow in the air conditioner. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the air conditioning indoor unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram including the main elements of an air conditioning device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the state of the second damper and the air flow inside the damper casing during the air supply operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the state of the second damper and the air flow inside the damper casing during exhaust operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the first fan. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the dashed line in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top view of the first fan. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7 according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7 according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. Since each drawing is intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for ease of understanding. "Top", "bottom", "right", "left", "front" and "rear" in the following description refer to the directions shown in each drawing. Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0021] (1) Overview of air conditioning system configuration The air conditioner (1) adjusts the temperature and humidity of air in a room (I). The room (I) is an example of a target space (I). As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner (1) has an air conditioner outdoor unit (10) and an air conditioner indoor unit (30). The air conditioner outdoor unit (10) is installed outdoors, and the air conditioner indoor unit (30) is installed indoors. The air conditioner (1) is a pair type having one air conditioner indoor unit (30) and one air conditioner outdoor unit (10). The air conditioner (1) has a humidity control unit (20) that is a humidity control element. The air conditioner (1) has a function of humidifying and dehumidifying air. The air conditioner (1) further has a function of ventilating the room (I).

[0022] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the air conditioner (1) has a hose (2), a liquid connection pipe (3), and a gas connection pipe (4). The air conditioning indoor unit (30) and the humidity control unit (20) are connected to each other via the hose (2). The air conditioning indoor unit (30) and the air conditioning outdoor unit (10) are connected to each other via the liquid connection pipe (3) and the gas connection pipe (4). This forms an air conditioning element (5) including a refrigerant circuit (R). The liquid connection pipe (3) and the gas connection pipe (4) are an example of the connection pipes (3, 4) of the present disclosure. The refrigerant circuit (R) is filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (R) performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0023] The refrigerant circuit (R) mainly includes a compressor (12), an outdoor heat exchanger (14), an expansion valve (15), a four-way switching valve (16), and an indoor heat exchanger (34).

[0024] The refrigerant circuit (R) performs a first refrigeration cycle or a second refrigeration cycle in response to switching of the four-way switching valve (16). The first refrigeration cycle is a refrigeration cycle in which the indoor heat exchanger (34) functions as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger (14) functions as a heat radiator. The second refrigeration cycle is a refrigeration cycle in which the indoor heat exchanger (34) functions as a radiator and the outdoor heat exchanger (14) functions as an evaporator.

[0025] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Air conditioner outdoor unit As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the air conditioner outdoor unit (10) includes an outdoor casing (11), a compressor (12), an outdoor fan (13), an outdoor heat exchanger (14), an expansion valve (15), and a four-way switching valve (16).

[0026] A partition plate (18) is provided inside the outdoor casing (11). The partition plate (18) divides the interior of the outdoor casing (11) into a lower space (S1) and an upper space (S2). The compressor (12) and the outdoor heat exchanger (14) are provided in the lower space (S1). Strictly speaking, the compressor (12), the outdoor fan (13), the outdoor heat exchanger (14), the expansion valve (15), and the four-way switching valve (16) are provided in the lower space (S1).

[0027] The outdoor casing (11) is formed with an outdoor suction inlet (11a), an outdoor outlet (11b), a moisture absorption side suction inlet (61a), and a moisture absorption side exhaust port (61b). The outdoor suction inlet (11a) is formed on the rear side of the outdoor casing (11). The outdoor suction inlet (11a) is an opening for drawing in outdoor air (outdoor air). The outdoor outlet (11b) is formed on the front side of the outdoor casing (11). The outdoor outlet (11b) is an opening for blowing out air that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger (14). An outdoor air passage (11c) is formed inside the outdoor casing (11) from the outdoor suction inlet (11a) to the outdoor outlet (11b).

[0028] The compressor (12) draws in and compresses a low-pressure gas refrigerant. The compressor (12) is a variable displacement compressor in which electric power is supplied to a first motor (M1) from an inverter circuit.

[0029] The outdoor fan (13) is disposed in the outdoor air passage (11c). Air delivered by the outdoor fan (13) flows from the outdoor suction port (11a) through the outdoor air passage (11c) and is blown out through the outdoor air outlet (11b) to the outside. The air flowing through the outdoor air passage (11c) passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (14).

[0030] The outdoor heat exchanger (14) is disposed in the outdoor air passage (11c) upstream of the outdoor fan (13). In this example, the outdoor heat exchanger (14) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger (14) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the air flowing through the outdoor air passage (11c).

[0031] The expansion valve (15) reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion valve (15) is an electrically operated expansion valve whose opening is adjustable. The pressure reducing mechanism may be a temperature-sensitive expansion valve, an expander, a capillary tube, or the like.

[0032] The four-way switching valve (16) has a first port (P1), a second port (P2), a third port (P3), and a fourth port (P4). The four-way switching valve (16) switches between a first refrigeration cycle and a second refrigeration cycle. Specifically, the four-way switching valve (16) is switched between a first state (a state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2) and a second state (a state indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 2).

[0033] (2-2) Humidity control unit The humidity control unit (20) is installed outdoors. In this example, the humidity control unit (20) is integrated with the air conditioning outdoor unit (10). The humidity control unit (20) sends humidity-controlled air to the air conditioning indoor unit (30). The humidity control unit (20) has an outdoor casing (11), a humidity control rotor (22), a first fan (26), a second fan (23), a heater (25), a first switching damper (24), and a second switching damper (29) (see FIG. 5). The outdoor casing (11) is shared by the air conditioning outdoor unit (10) and the humidity control unit (20).

[0034] The above-mentioned upper space (S2) is defined inside the outdoor casing (11). The humidity control rotor (22) and the heater (25) are provided in the upper space (S2). Strictly speaking, the humidity control rotor (22), the first fan (26), the second fan (23), the heater (25), the first switching damper (24), and the second switching damper (29) are provided in the upper space (S2).

[0035] The outdoor casing (11) is formed with an intake / exhaust port (21a), a connection port (21b), and an outdoor exhaust port (21c). The intake / exhaust port (21a) is an opening through which outdoor air and room air flow. A first passage (27) extending from the intake / exhaust port (21a) to the connection port (21b) is formed inside the outdoor casing (11). A third passage (62) extending from the moisture absorption side inlet port (61a) to the moisture absorption side exhaust port (61b) is formed inside the outdoor casing (11). A hose (2) is connected to the connection port (21b).

[0036] The second passage (28) is connected to the first passage (27). The second passage (28) extends from the middle of the first passage (27) to the outdoor exhaust port (21c). An inlet end of the second passage (28) is connected to the first passage (27) downstream of the air flow from the humidity control rotor (22) (more precisely, downstream of the first fan (26)). Here, in the first passage (27) and the second passage (28), the air flow refers to the direction in which air flows during the air supply operation (the direction indicated by the solid arrow in FIG. 2).

[0037] (2-2-1) Humidity control rotor The air flowing through the first passage (27) passes through the humidity control rotor (22). The humidity control rotor (22) is an adsorbent that adsorbs moisture in the air. The adsorbent held by the humidity control rotor (22) may be an inorganic material such as silica gel, zeolite, or alumina. The adsorbent has the property of adsorbing moisture in the air. The moisture absorbent has the property of desorbing the adsorbed moisture when heated.

[0038] The humidity control rotor (22) is rotated by being driven by the second motor (M2). The humidity control rotor (22) has a humidity control region (22A) located in the first passage (27). In the humidity control region (22A), a regeneration operation in which moisture adsorbed in an adsorbent is desorbed into the air, and an adsorption operation in which moisture in the air is adsorbed into the adsorbent are performed.

[0039] (2-2-2) First Fan The first fan (26) is disposed in the first passage (27) downstream of the humidity control area (22A). The first fan (26) transports outdoor air so that the outdoor air passes through the humidity control area (22A) of the humidity control rotor (22). The first fan (26) has a first motor (M1). The air volume of the first fan (26) can be switched between a plurality of stages by adjusting the rotation speed of the first motor (M1). The first fan (26) is an example of the fan (26) of the present disclosure. A detailed structure of the first fan (26) will be described later.

[0040] (2-2-3) Heater The heater (25) is disposed in the first passage (27) upstream of the humidity control region (22A). The heater (25) heats the air flowing through the first passage (27). The output of the heater (25) is variable. The temperature of the air passing through the heater (25) changes depending on the output of the heater (25).

[0041] (2-2-4) Second Fan The second fan (23) is disposed in the third passage (62). The second fan (23) transports the outdoor air by passing through the third passage (62). The outdoor air transported by the second fan (23) is sent into the third passage (62) through the moisture absorption side inlet (61a) and discharged to the outside through the moisture absorption side exhaust port (61b). In the third passage (62), the adsorption region (22C) of the humidity control rotor (22) and the second fan (23) are disposed in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the air flow.

[0042] (2-2-5) First switching damper The first switching damper (24) is provided at a connection portion between the first passage (27) and the second passage (28). The first switching damper (24) may be constituted by a flow path switching valve, a shutter, or the like. The first switching damper (24) is switched between a third state (a state indicated by a solid line in FIG. 2) and a fourth state (a state indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 2). In the third state, the first switching damper (24) connects the first passage (27) to the inside of the hose (2) and blocks communication between the first passage (27) and the second passage (28). In the fourth state, the first switching damper (24) connects the first passage (27) to the inside of the hose (2) and connects the first passage (27) to the second passage (28). The state of the first switching damper (24) is switched by driving a power source such as a motor.

[0043] (2-2-7) Second switching damper The second switching damper (29) is disposed in the first passage (27). As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the second switching damper (29) is disposed in a damper casing (29A). A space (S32) in which the second switching damper (29) is disposed and a space (S33) in which the first fan (26) is disposed are provided in the damper casing (29A). The second switching damper (29) slides in the space (S32). The damper casing (29A) is provided with a first entrance (29a) and a second entrance (29b) which communicate between the space (S32) and the outside of the damper casing (29A).

[0044] The first port (29a) communicates with the intake / exhaust port (21a) through the first passage (27). The second port (29b) communicates with the connection port (21b) for the hose (2) in the outdoor casing (11) through the first passage (27). The second port (29b) communicates with the outdoor exhaust port (21c) through the first passage (27) and the second passage (28).

[0045] The damper casing (29A) is provided with a first communication port (29c) and a second communication port (29d) that communicate between the space (S32) and the space (S33). The second switching damper (29) is switched between a fifth state and a sixth state by sliding within the space (S32). As shown in FIG. 5, the second switching damper (29) in the fifth state has the first port (29a) as an inlet for sucking in air and the second port (29b) as an outlet for discharging air. As shown in FIG. 6, the second switching damper (29) in the sixth state has the second port (29b) as an inlet for sucking in air and the first port (29a) as an outlet for discharging air. The state of the second switching damper (29) is switched by driving a power source such as a motor.

[0046] (2-3) Air conditioning indoor unit As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the air conditioning indoor unit (30) is installed indoors. The air conditioning indoor unit (30) is a wall-mounted type that is installed on a wall (WL) of a room that forms the room (I). The air conditioning indoor unit (30) blows air into the room (I). The air conditioning indoor unit (30) includes an indoor casing (31), an indoor fan (32), and an indoor heat exchanger (34).

[0047] The indoor casing (31) accommodates the indoor fan (32) and the indoor heat exchanger (34). The indoor casing (31) is formed with an indoor suction port (31a) and an indoor outlet port (31b).

[0048] The indoor suction inlet (31a) is disposed on the upper side of the indoor casing (31). The indoor suction inlet (31a) is an opening for drawing in indoor air. The indoor outlet (31b) is disposed on the lower side of the indoor casing (31). The indoor outlet (31b) is an opening for blowing out air after heat exchange or air for humidity control. An indoor air passage (31c) continuing from the indoor suction inlet (31a) to the indoor outlet (31b) is formed inside the indoor casing (31).

[0049] The indoor fan (32) is disposed substantially in the center of the indoor air passage (31c) and is, for example, a cross-flow fan.

[0050] The indoor heat exchanger (34) is disposed in the indoor air passage (31c) upstream of the indoor fan (32). The indoor heat exchanger (34) is of a fin-and-tube type. The indoor heat exchanger (34) exchanges heat between the refrigerant therein and the indoor air transported by the indoor fan (32).

[0051] The air conditioning indoor unit (30) is connected to the humidity control unit (20) via a hose (2). Air sent from the humidity control unit (20) to the air conditioning indoor unit (30) is supplied to the indoor air passage (31c) upstream of the indoor heat exchanger (34) through the hose (2). Air sent from the air conditioning indoor unit (30) to the humidity control unit (20) flows into the hose (2) from the indoor air passage (31c) upstream of the indoor heat exchanger (34).

[0052] (2-4) Remote Controller 2 and 4, the air conditioner (1) includes a remote controller (40). The remote controller (40) is placed in a room at a position where the user can operate it. The user can set the operation mode, target temperature, target humidity, and the like of the air conditioner (1) by operating the remote controller (40).

[0053] (2-5) Sensors The air conditioner (1) has a plurality of sensors (not shown). The plurality of sensors includes a sensor for refrigerant and a sensor for air. The refrigerant sensors include a sensor for detecting the temperature and pressure of a high-pressure refrigerant and a sensor for detecting the temperature and pressure of a low-pressure refrigerant. The air sensors detect the outside air temperature, outside air humidity, inside air temperature, inside air humidity, etc.

[0054] (2-6) Control section As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the air conditioner (1) has a control unit (C). The control unit (C) controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit (R). The control unit (C) controls the operation of the air conditioning outdoor unit (10), the humidity control unit (20), and the air conditioning indoor unit (30). The control unit (C) includes an outdoor control unit (OC), an indoor control unit (IC), and a remote controller (40). The outdoor control unit (OC) is provided in the air conditioning outdoor unit (10). The indoor control unit (IC) is provided in the air conditioning indoor unit (30). Each of the indoor control unit (IC) and the outdoor control unit (OC) includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs to be executed by the CPU.

[0055] (3) Driving behavior The operation modes executed by the air conditioner (1) include cooling operation, heating operation, supply air operation, exhaust operation, dehumidification operation, humidification operation, dehumidification-cooling operation, and humidification-heating operation. The control unit (C) executes these operations based on instruction signals from the remote controller (40).

[0056] (3-1) Cooling operation The cooling operation is an operation in which the indoor air is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (34) functioning as an evaporator. The humidity control unit (20) is stopped. In the cooling operation, the control unit (C) operates the compressor (12), the outdoor fan (13), and the indoor fan (32). The control unit (C) sets the four-way switching valve (16) to the first state. The control unit (C) appropriately adjusts the opening of the expansion valve (15). In the cooling operation, a first refrigeration cycle is performed in which the compressed refrigerant releases heat in the outdoor heat exchanger (14) and evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (34).

[0057] (3-2) Heating operation The heating operation is an operation in which the indoor air is heated by the indoor heat exchanger (34) functioning as a radiator. The humidity control unit (20) is stopped. In the heating operation, the control unit (C) operates the compressor (12), the outdoor fan (13), and the indoor fan (32). The control unit (C) sets the four-way switching valve (16) to the second state. The control unit (C) appropriately adjusts the opening of the expansion valve (15). In the heating operation, a second refrigeration cycle is performed in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (12) releases heat in the indoor heat exchanger (34) and evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger (14).

[0058] (3-3) Air supply operation The air supplying operation is an operation for supplying outdoor air to the room. In the air supplying operation, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 2, outdoor air is sent to the air conditioner indoor unit (30) through the hose (2). In the air supplying operation, the control unit (C) stops the heater (25), the humidity control rotor (22), and the second fan (23), and operates the first fan (26). The control unit (C) sets the first switching damper (24) to the third state (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 2) and sets the second switching damper (29) to the fifth state (see FIG. 5). In the air supplying operation, the outdoor air conveyed by the first fan (26) is sent to the air conditioner indoor unit (30) through the hose (2) and is supplied to the room (I) through the indoor air outlet (31b) of the air conditioner indoor unit (30). The air supplying operation may be performed simultaneously with the cooling operation or the heating operation.

[0059] (3-4) Exhaust operation The exhaust operation is an operation for discharging indoor air to the outside. In the exhaust operation, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 2, indoor air is sent to the humidity control unit (20) through the hose (2). In the exhaust operation, the control unit (C) stops the heater (25), the humidity control rotor (22), and the second fan (23), and operates the first fan (26). The control unit (C) sets the first switching damper (24) to the third state (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 2) and sets the second switching damper (29) to the sixth state (see FIG. 6). In the exhaust operation, the indoor air conveyed by the first fan (26) is sent to the humidity control unit (20) through the hose (2) and is discharged to the outside from the intake / exhaust port (21a) of the humidity control unit (20). The exhaust operation may be performed simultaneously with the cooling operation or the heating operation.

[0060] (3-5) Dehumidification operation In the dehumidification operation, air dehumidified by the humidity control unit (20) is supplied to the room. In the dehumidification operation, air dehumidified by the humidity control unit (20) is intermittently supplied to the room. The humidity control unit (20) alternately performs a first operation and a second operation.

[0061] The first operation is an operation in which moisture in the air is adsorbed by the humidity control rotor (22) and the air dehumidified by the humidity control rotor (22) is supplied to the room. Specifically, in the first operation, the control unit (C) operates the first fan (26), stops the second fan (23), stops the heater (25), sets the first switching damper (24) to the third state (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 2), and sets the second switching damper (29) to the fifth state (see FIG. 5).

[0062] The second operation is an operation for regenerating the humidity control rotor (22) and discharging the air used for the regeneration to the outside. Specifically, in the second operation (regeneration process of the humidity control rotor (22)), the control unit (C) operates the first fan (26) and the heater (25), stops the second fan (23), sets the first switching damper (24) to the fourth state (the state indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 2), and sets the second switching damper (29) to the fifth state (see FIG. 5).

[0063] (3-6) Humidification operation In the humidification operation, air humidified by the humidity control unit (20) is supplied to the room. In the humidification operation, air humidified by the humidity control unit (20) is continuously supplied to the room. The control unit (C) operates the first fan (26) and the second fan (23), drives and rotates the humidity control rotor (22), and turns the heater (25) on. The control unit (C) sets the first switching damper (24) to the third state and the second switching damper (29) to the fifth state.

[0064] The outdoor air flowing through the third passage (62) flows through the adsorption region (22C) of the humidity control rotor (22). In the adsorption region (22C), moisture in the air is adsorbed by an adsorbent. The air that has given moisture to the humidity control rotor (22) is discharged to the outside through the third passage (62).

[0065] At the same time, the outdoor air flowing through the first passage (27) is heated by the heater (25) and then flows through the humidity control area (22A) of the humidity control rotor (22). In the humidity control area (22A), moisture desorbed from the adsorbent is released into the air. The air humidified by the humidity control rotor (22) is sent through the hose (2) to the air conditioner indoor unit (30) and supplied to the room (I) through the indoor air outlet (31b) of the air conditioner indoor unit (30).

[0066] (4) Details of the first fan The first fan (26) shown in Figures 7 and 9 includes a first motor (M1), a drive shaft (52) that is driven to rotate by the first motor (M1), an impeller (53) connected to the drive shaft (52), and a casing (50) that houses the impeller (53). The drive shaft (52) is connected to the first motor (M1). The impeller (53) has a rotating shaft connected to the drive shaft (52). The impeller (53) has a plurality of blades (53a) arranged in the direction of rotation (the direction indicated by arrow F in Figure 7).

[0067] The casing (50) has a bottom wall (54), an upper wall (55), and a side wall (56). In the direction of the rotation axis (O) of the impeller (53), when the side where the first motor (M1) is disposed is defined as the upper side and the opposite side is defined as the lower side, the bottom wall (54) is disposed below the impeller (53) and the top wall (55) is disposed above the impeller (53). The bottom wall (54) and the top wall (55) are formed approximately symmetrically with respect to each other. The side wall (56) is a peripheral wall that is connected to the outer edges of the bottom wall (54) and the top wall (55).

[0068] An accommodation space (S11) and a silencing space (S12) are formed in the casing (50). The accommodation space (S11) and the silencing space (S12) communicate with each other via an air passage (A) formed in the casing (50). The air passage (A) is formed so that air flows from the accommodation space (S11) to the silencing space (S12). The casing (50) is formed with an intake port (71) for taking in air into the air passage (A) and an outlet port (72) for blowing air from the air passage (A) out of the casing (50).

[0069] The accommodation space (S11) is a space that accommodates the impeller (53). The accommodation space (S11) is defined by portions of the lower wall (54) and the upper wall (55) that face the impeller (53), and by the first wall portion (56a).

[0070] The first wall portion (56a) is a part of the side wall (56). The first wall portion (56a) is formed in a spiral shape along the outer periphery of the impeller (53). In the storage space (S11), an air passage (A) is formed between the first wall portion (56a) and the impeller (53). The air passage (A) is formed from one end to the other end of the first wall portion (56a). The air passage (A) communicates with the suction port (71). Air sucked into the suction port (71) by the rotation of the impeller (53) flows through the air passage (A). In the air passage (A), air flows in the rotation direction of the impeller (53).

[0071] The suction opening (71) is provided on one end side of the impeller (53) in the direction of the rotation axis (O). In this example, the suction opening (71) is formed in the bottom wall (54). The suction opening (71) is formed so that the center of its opening coincides with the rotation axis of the impeller (53). The suction opening (71) draws in air passing through the first communication opening (29c).

[0072] The silencing space (S12) is a space that suppresses noise generated by air flowing into the casing (50). The silencing space (S12) is defined by portions of the lower wall (54) and the upper wall (55) that do not face the impeller (53) and the second wall portion (56b). The silencing space is an example of the first space (S11) of the present disclosure.

[0073] The silencing space (S12) is disposed adjacent to the accommodation space (S11). In the silencing space (S12) of this embodiment, the downstream end of the air flow of the air passage (A) is disposed. In other words, a part of the air passage (A) is formed in the silencing space (S12). In further words, the end of the first wall portion (56a) is disposed in the silencing space (S12). The silencing space (S12) is a space where the air of the air passage (A) reaches a dead end, that is, a so-called "dead end". The silencing space (S12) is formed so that the space expands from the downstream end of the air passage (A) toward the downstream of the air flow. Specifically, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the silencing space (S12) is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage (A) at the downstream end of the air passage (A). The silencing space (S12) has a sound silencing function due to diffuse reflection of sound waves incident from the air passage (A) and the mutual interference caused by the diffuse reflection.

[0074] The air outlet (72) is disposed in the silencing space (S12). The air outlet (72) is formed so as to face in the same direction as the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the impeller (53). Specifically, the air outlet (72) is disposed in a portion of the lower wall (54) that defines the silencing space (S12). The air outlet (72) is disposed at the downstream end of the air flow in the air passage (A). The air outlet (72) is disposed downstream of a tongue portion (57) at one end of the first wall portion (56a) in the air passage (A). The closer the air outlet (72) is to the tongue portion (57), the more likely it is that a backflow of air will occur at the tongue portion (57) and noise will be generated. However, in this embodiment, the air outlet (72) is disposed a predetermined distance away from the tongue portion (57), and therefore the backflow of air at the tongue portion (57) is suppressed, and the generation of noise is suppressed. A cylindrical air outlet flow path (73) is connected to the air outlet (72). The outlet flow path (73) extends forward from the lower wall (54). The outlet flow path (73) blows air to the second communication port (29d).

[0075] (5) Details of the first wall and the second wall The first wall portion (56a) and the second wall portion (56b) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0076] A tongue portion (57) is formed at one end of the first wall portion (56a). The tongue portion (57) bulges toward the inside of the casing (50) and guides the air blown out from the impeller (53) to the air passage (A).

[0077] The other end of the first wall portion (56a) is disposed at a position rotated 360° or more around the rotation axis (O) in the rotation direction of the impeller (53) from the position of the tongue portion (57) formed at one end of the first wall portion (56a) as a starting point. Specifically, the other end of the first wall portion (56a) is disposed at a position (indicated by a dashed arrow in FIG. 7) obtained by rotating a line L connecting the center of the rotation axis (O) and the tip of the tongue portion (57) in the rotation direction of the impeller (53) around the rotation axis (O). In this manner, the first wall portion (56a) is formed over at least the entire circumference of the impeller (53).

[0078] In this embodiment, an end of the first wall portion (56a) is disposed within the silencing space (S12). Specifically, the other end of the first wall portion (56a) extends from a first position (U1) located midway along the first wall portion (56a) toward the silencing space (S12). The first position (U1) is a position of the first wall portion (56a) rotated a predetermined angle about the rotation axis (O) from the tip position of the tongue portion (57) in the rotation direction of the impeller (53). The predetermined angle is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, 270° or more, 300° or more, or 360° or more when the tip position of the tongue portion (57) is defined as 0°. If the portion from the first position (U1) to the other end of the first wall portion (56a) is defined as the other-end first wall portion (56c), the other-end first wall portion (56c) inclines or curves from the first position (U1) toward the position where the air outlet (72) is located.

[0079] One end of the second wall portion (56b) is connected to one end of the first wall portion (56a). In other words, one end of the second wall portion (56b) is connected to the tongue portion (57). The other end of the second wall portion (56b) is connected to the middle of the first wall portion (56a). Specifically, the other end of the second wall portion (56b) is connected to the first position (U1) of the first wall portion (56a). The other end of the second wall portion (56b) is connected to the first wall portion (56a) so as to be continuous with the first wall portion (56a) at the first position (U1). In other words, the other end side first wall portion (56c) extends from the first position (U1) toward the air outlet (72) so as to branch off from the second wall portion (56b).

[0080] The second wall portion (56b) has a rear second wall portion (56ba), a left second wall portion (56bb), and a front second wall portion (56bc). The rear second wall portion (56ba) extends leftward from the first position (U1). The left second wall portion (56bb) extends from the left end of the rear second wall portion (56ba) to a position forward of the air outlet (72). The front second wall portion (56bc) extends obliquely from the front end of the left second wall portion (56bb) to the tongue portion (57).

[0081] The portion of the front second wall portion (56bc) extending from the tongue portion (57) to the fourth position (U4) is the one-end second wall portion (56d). The one-end second wall portion (56d) faces the other-end first wall portion (56c). In other words, an air passage (A) is formed between the one-end second wall portion (56d) and the other-end first wall portion (56c). The distance between the one-end second wall portion (56d) and the other-end first wall portion (56c) is the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the opening of the air outlet (72).

[0082] The center C1 of the opening of the air outlet (72) is located between the second position (U2) of the first wall portion (56a) facing the tongue portion (57) in the air passage (A) and the third position (U3) which is the other end of the first wall portion (56a). As shown in FIG. 8, the second position (U2) in this embodiment is a point where a straight line extending from the tip of the tongue portion (57) to the other end first wall portion (56c) perpendicular to the air flow intersects with the other end first wall portion (56c). The center C1 of the opening of the air outlet (72) is located in a region R (dotted region in FIG. 8) in the air passage (A) between the straight line perpendicular to the air flow at the second position (U2) (dashed line L1 in FIG. 8) to the dashed line perpendicular to the air flow at the third position (U3) (dashed line L2 in FIG. 8). In this way, the air outlet (72) is located such that at least a part of its opening overlaps with the air passage (A).

[0083] (6) Features (6-1) Feature 1 The fan (26) of this embodiment includes a casing (50) having a first wall portion (56a) formed in a spiral shape along the outer periphery of the impeller (53). The other end of the first wall portion (56a) is located at a position rotated 360° or more around the rotation axis (O) in the rotation direction of the impeller (53), starting from the position of a tongue portion (57) formed at one end of the first wall portion (56a).

[0084] According to this embodiment, the first wall portion (56a) is disposed so as to surround at least the entire circumference of the impeller (53). Such a first wall portion (56a) can improve recovery of the dynamic pressure portion of the air discharged from the impeller (53) by the rotation of the impeller (53). That is, the conversion of dynamic pressure to static pressure is promoted. In other words, the kinetic energy flowing out of the impeller (53) is recovered as pressure energy. Since the generation of noise, which is the blowing sound, is related to dynamic pressure, the generation of the blowing sound can be suppressed by suppressing the dynamic pressure portion. In addition, since the dynamic pressure is recovered, the static pressure efficiency can be improved, and the attenuation of the airflow of the air flowing toward the air outlet (72) can be suppressed.

[0085] (6-2) Feature 2 In the fan (26) of the present embodiment, the other end of the first wall portion (56a) extends from a first position (U1) where the other end of the second wall portion (56b) is connected, toward the air outlet (72) in the silencing space (S12).

[0086] According to the present embodiment, the silencing space (S12) also serves as part of the air passage (A). By providing part of the air passage (A) in this manner as the silencing space (S12), it is possible to prevent the fan (26) from becoming large.

[0087] (6-3) Feature 3 In the fan (26) of this embodiment, the center C1 of the opening of the air outlet (72) is positioned between the second position (U2) of the first wall portion (56a) facing the tongue portion (57) in the air passage (A) and the third position (U3), which is the other end of the first wall portion (56a).

[0088] Since at least a portion of the opening of the air outlet (72) overlaps with the air passage (A), the dynamic pressure of the air is suppressed and the air can be transported to the air outlet (72) while maintaining static pressure. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of blowing noise and the attenuation of the airflow.

[0089] (7) Other embodiments The above embodiment may be configured as follows.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 10, the air outlet (72) may be provided in the second wall portion (56b). As a result, air blown from the air passage (A) into the silencing space (S12) expands, and air flowing from the silencing space (S12) into the air outlet (72) contracts. This continuous expansion and contraction of the air makes it possible to suppress the generation or volume of noise. In the above embodiment, the air outlet (72) may be provided in any of the rear second wall portion (56ba), the left second wall portion (56bb), and the front second wall portion (56bc), but is preferably provided in the left second wall portion (56bb) facing the downstream end of the air passage (A).

[0091] As shown in Fig. 11, a sound absorbing material (SR) may be provided in the sound absorbing space (S12) (dotted area in Fig. 11). The sound absorbing material (SR) may be made of any material that absorbs sound, and may be a porous material made of resin, ceramic, or the like.

[0092] The first wall portion (56a) may not have the other end side first wall portion (56c). That is, the other end of the second wall portion (56b) may be connected to the other end of the first wall portion (56a) without being connected to the first position (U1).

[0093] The casing (50) does not have to have the sound absorbing space (S12). In this case, the air outlet (72) is connected to the downstream end of the air passage (A) in the air flow direction.

[0094] The fan (26) does not have to be provided in the air conditioning outdoor unit (10) of the above embodiment. That is, the fan (26) may be provided in an air conditioning outdoor unit that does not include a humidity control unit (20), or may be provided in a device other than the air conditioning outdoor unit.

[0095] The fan (26) does not have to be provided in the air conditioner (1). For example, the fan (26) may be provided in a ventilation device.

[0096] The fan (26) may be a centrifugal fan having a scroll-shaped inner wall disposed around an impeller (53).

[0097] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined or substituted as long as the functions of the subject matter of this disclosure are not impaired. The descriptions "first", "second", ... described above are used to distinguish the words to which these descriptions are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the words. [Industrial Applicability]

[0098] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present disclosure is useful for fans, outdoor air conditioners, and air conditioning apparatuses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1. Air conditioning equipment 3,4 Connecting pipe 10 Air conditioner outdoor unit 26 First Fan (Fan) 30 Air conditioning indoor unit 50 Casing 53 Impeller 56a 1st wall 56b 2nd wall section 57 Tongue 71 Intake port 72 Air outlet A Air passage I Indoors (target space) O Rotation axis S11 Storage Space (First Space) U1 1st position U2 2nd position U3 3rd position

Claims

1. The compressor includes an impeller (53) and a casing (50) that houses the impeller (53), The casing (50) comprises: a first wall portion (56a) formed in a spiral shape along an outer circumferential edge of the impeller (53); a suction port (71) provided at one end side of the impeller (53) in the rotation axis direction; an air passage (A) communicating with the suction port (71), formed along an inner surface of the first wall portion (56a), and through which an air flow is formed from one end to the other end of the first wall portion (56a); an air outlet (72) through which air in the air passage (A) is blown out of the casing (50), The other end of the first wall portion (56a) is located at a position rotated 360° or more around the rotation shaft in the rotation direction of the impeller (53) with the position of a tongue portion (57) formed at one end of the first wall portion (56a) as a starting point. fan.

2. the casing (50) includes a second wall (56b) which communicates with a downstream end of the air flow of the air passage (A) and defines a first space (S11) in which the air outlet (72) is disposed, One end of the second wall portion (56b) is connected to one end of the first wall portion (56a), the other end of the second wall portion (56b) is connected to a first position (U1) of the first wall portion (56a) that is rotated a predetermined angle in the rotation direction of the impeller (53) around the rotation shaft (O) from the position of the tongue portion (57) as a starting point, The other end of the first wall portion (56a) extends from the first position (U1) toward the inside of the first space (S11). The fan according to claim 1 .

3. The air outlet (72) is formed to face in the same direction as the axial direction of the rotation shaft, A center C1 of an opening of the air outlet (72) is disposed between a second position (U2) of the first wall portion (56a) facing the tongue portion (57) in the air passage (A) and a third position (U3) which is the other end of the first wall portion (56a). The fan according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The air outlet (72) is provided in the second wall portion (56b). The fan according to claim 2 .

5. A sound absorbing material (SR) is provided in the first space (S11). The fan according to claim 2 .

6. 3. An air conditioning outdoor unit (10) constituting an air conditioner (1) that conditions a target space (I) and that is arranged outside the target space (I), the air conditioning outdoor unit comprising the fan according to claim 1 or 2.

7. 7. An air-conditioning system comprising: an air-conditioning outdoor unit (10) according to claim 6; and an air-conditioning indoor unit (30) connected to the air-conditioning outdoor unit (10) by a connecting pipe (3, 4) and configured to blow air into the target space (I).

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