Ventilation device

Abstract

To provide a humidifying device capable of performing a drying operation corresponding to the state of whether the humidifying device is sufficiently dried or not.SOLUTION: A ventilation device includes: a humidifying device provided in an air supply air passage, an air exhaust air passage, a blower for air supply and the air supply air passage and for humidifying the passing air; a first humidity sensor provided between an outdoor side suction port and the humidifying device, and for detecting the humidity of the passing air; a second humidity sensor provided further on the downstream side of a supply air flow than the humidifying device and for detecting the humidity of the passing air; and a control device for executing a humidifying operation for humidifying the air passing through the humidifying device, for executing a drying operation for blowing air to the humidifying device after the stop of the humidifying operation, and by comparing first humidity detected by the first humidity sensor and second humidity detected by the second humidity sensor and for determining whether or not to continue the drying operation. Therefore, the drying operation can be performed corresponding to the state of whether the humidifying device is sufficiently dried or not.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a ventilation device including a humidifier. [Background technology]

[0002] Prior art discloses a ventilation device that includes a humidifying element, which is a component that humidifies the air passing through it, and in which a control unit controls the ventilation device to perform drying operation for a predetermined period of time (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 115810 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional technology, a drying operation is performed for a predetermined time after humidification, which makes it difficult to perform a drying operation in response to whether the humidifier is sufficiently dry or not.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidifier that can perform a drying operation in response to whether the humidifier is sufficiently dried. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] a control device that performs a humidifying operation to humidify the air passing through the humidifier; a first humidity sensor that is provided between the outdoor intake and the humidifier and detects the humidity of the air passing through; a control device that performs a humidifying operation to humidify the air passing through the humidifier; and a control device that performs a drying operation to blow air to the humidifier after the humidifying operation is stopped. The control device compares the first humidity detected by the first humidity sensor with the second humidity detected by the second humidity sensor to determine whether to continue the drying operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the ventilation device of the present disclosure, the drying operation can be performed depending on whether the humidifier is sufficiently dried or not. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a ventilation device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a ventilation device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a ventilation device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a ventilation device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the ventilation device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a ventilation device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a ventilation device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of a ventilation device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a ventilation device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a ventilation device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the drawings are schematic, and the relative sizes and positions shown in different drawings are not necessarily limited to those described and may be changed as appropriate. In the following description, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their names and functions are assumed to be the same or similar. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0010] Embodiment 1 The ventilation device 101 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device 101 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 1 shows the state in which the ventilation device 101 is performing a humidification operation. The humidification operation refers to an operation in which air passing through the humidifier 5 is humidified. The ventilation device 101 is a device that takes in outside air and expels inside air from a building, room, etc.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the ventilation device 101 of this embodiment includes a main body 1, a heat exchanger 2, an intake air blower 3, an exhaust air blower 4, a humidifier 5, a first humidity sensor 11, a second humidity sensor 12, a third humidity sensor 13, an exhaust flow switching damper 21, and a control device 22.

[0012] The main body 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape made of, for example, sheet metal, and constitutes the housing of the ventilation device 101. The main body 1 is installed in a concealed state, for example, in the ceiling of a room. The main body 1 is connected to the indoors and outdoors. In FIG. 1, the left side of the page is the outdoor side, and the right side is the indoor side.

[0013] The main body 1 is provided with an outdoor air inlet 31, an indoor air outlet 32, an indoor air inlet 33, an outdoor air outlet 34, an air supply duct 35, an air exhaust duct 36, a first inner wall 37, a second inner wall 38, and a third inner wall 39.

[0014] The outdoor air inlet 31 faces the outside of the room. The outdoor air inlet 31 is provided on the outdoor side of the main body 1. In other words, the outdoor air inlet 31 is provided on the outdoor side of the ventilation device 101. The outdoor air inlet 31 is an opening for drawing air into the ventilation device 101 from the outside.

[0015] The indoor side discharge port 32 faces the room. The indoor side discharge port 32 is provided on the indoor side of the main body 1. In other words, the indoor side discharge port 32 is provided on the indoor side of the ventilation device 101. The indoor side discharge port 32 is an opening for blowing out the air sucked into the ventilation device 101 into the room.

[0016] The indoor air inlet 33 faces the room. The indoor air inlet 33 is provided on the indoor side of the main body 1. In other words, the indoor air inlet 33 is provided on the indoor side of the ventilation device 101. The indoor air inlet 33 is an opening for drawing air into the ventilation device 101 from the room.

[0017] The outdoor discharge port 34 faces the outside of the room. The outdoor discharge port 34 is provided on the outdoor side of the main body 1. In other words, the outdoor discharge port 34 is provided on the outdoor side of the ventilation device 101. The outdoor discharge port 34 is an opening for discharging air sucked into the ventilation device 101 to the outside of the room.

[0018] The outdoor air inlet 31 and the outdoor air outlet 34 are arranged side by side, for example, on one longitudinal end face of the main body 1. The indoor air outlet 32 ​​and the indoor air inlet 33 are arranged side by side, for example, on the other longitudinal end face opposite to the one longitudinal end face of the main body 1.

[0019] In Fig. 1, the outdoor air inlet 31 is provided below the outdoor discharge outlet 34 on the page, but the outdoor discharge outlet 34 may be provided below the outdoor air inlet 31 on the page. In Fig. 1, the indoor discharge outlet 32 ​​is provided below the indoor air inlet 33 on the page, but the indoor air inlet 33 may be provided below the indoor discharge outlet 32 ​​on the page.

[0020] The supply air duct 35 is formed inside the main body 1. The supply air duct 35 is an air duct that connects the outdoor air inlet 31 and the indoor air outlet 32. By providing the supply air duct 35, the ventilation device 101 can blow air drawn in through the outdoor air inlet 31 into the room from the indoor air outlet 32. The supply air duct 35 connects the outdoor air inlet 31 and the indoor air outlet 32 ​​via the heat exchanger 2, for example.

[0021] The exhaust air duct 36 is formed inside the main body 1. The exhaust air duct 36 is an air duct that connects the indoor air inlet 33 and the outdoor air outlet 34. By providing the exhaust air duct 36, the ventilation device 101 can discharge air drawn in through the indoor air inlet 33 to the outside through the outdoor air outlet 34. The exhaust air duct 36 connects the indoor air inlet 33 and the outdoor air outlet 34 via the heat exchanger 2, for example.

[0022] 1 indicates the supply airflow, which is the airflow flowing through the supply air duct 35. The supply airflow F1 is an airflow in the direction from the outdoor air inlet 31 to the indoor air outlet 32. The supply airflow F1 is, for example, drawn into the ventilation device 101 from the outdoor air inlet 31, passes through the heat exchanger 2, and is blown out into the room from the indoor air outlet 32.

[0023] F2 in FIG. 1 indicates an exhaust airflow, which is an airflow flowing through exhaust airflow duct 36. Exhaust airflow F2 is an airflow in a direction from indoor air inlet 33 to outdoor air outlet 34. Exhaust airflow F2 is, for example, drawn into the interior of ventilation device 101 through indoor air inlet 33, passes through heat exchanger 2, and is discharged indoors through outdoor air outlet 34. Passing exhaust airflow F2 through heat exchanger 2 enables heat exchange between intake airflow F1 and exhaust airflow F2, and the heat and humidity contained in the air that entered ventilation device 101 through indoor air inlet 33 can be transferred to intake airflow F1.

[0024] The first inner wall 37, the second inner wall 38, and the third inner wall 39 are provided inside the main body 1. The first inner wall 37 and the second inner wall 38 face the intake air passage 35 and the exhaust air passage 36, and separate the intake air passage 35 from the exhaust air passage 36. Note that the first inner wall 37 and the second inner wall 38 may not be provided, and the heat exchanger 2 may separate the intake air passage 35 from the exhaust air passage 36. The third inner wall 39 faces the intake air passage 35. The third inner wall 39 separates the intake air flow F1 before passing through the heat exchanger 2 from the intake air flow F1 after passing through the heat exchanger 2. Note that the third inner wall 39 may not be provided, and the intake air flow F1 before passing through the heat exchanger 2 may not be separated from the intake air flow F1 after passing through the heat exchanger 2.

[0025] A heat exchanger 2 is provided inside the main body 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the heat exchanger 2 is provided with an outdoor suction surface 41, an indoor discharge surface 42, an indoor suction surface 43, and an outdoor discharge surface 44. The heat exchanger 2 is also provided with an air supply passage (not shown) and an exhaust passage (not shown).

[0026] The outdoor suction surface 41 is an opening for drawing air drawn in from the outdoor suction port 31 into the heat exchanger 2. The outdoor suction surface 41 is an opening for drawing the supply airflow F1, which flows from the outdoor suction port 31 toward the indoor discharge port 32, into the heat exchanger 2.

[0027] The indoor discharge surface 42 is an opening for blowing out the air drawn into the heat exchanger 2 toward the indoor discharge port 32. The indoor discharge surface 42 is an opening for blowing out the supply air flow F1 from the heat exchanger 2 in the direction from the outdoor suction port 31 toward the indoor discharge port 32.

[0028] The indoor suction surface 43 is an opening for drawing air drawn in from the indoor suction port 33 into the heat exchanger 2. The indoor suction surface 43 is an opening for drawing the exhaust flow F2, which flows from the indoor suction port 33 toward the outdoor discharge port 34, into the heat exchanger 2.

[0029] The outdoor discharge surface 44 is an opening for blowing out the air drawn into the heat exchanger 2 in the direction of the outdoor discharge port 34. The outdoor discharge surface 44 is an opening for blowing out the exhaust flow F2 from the heat exchanger 2 in the direction from the indoor suction port 33 to the outdoor discharge port 34.

[0030] The air supply passage and the exhaust passage are provided inside the heat exchanger 2. The air supply passage is a passage through which the air supply flow F1 passes. The air supply passage connects the outdoor suction surface 41 and the indoor discharge surface 42. The exhaust passage is a passage through which the exhaust flow F2 passes. The exhaust passage connects the indoor suction surface 43 and the outdoor discharge surface 44.

[0031] The heat exchanger 2 is formed by stacking a plurality of flat plate-like members, for example, made of corrugated sheets. Here, the corrugated sheet refers to a flat paperboard with corrugated paperboard glued onto it. The air supply passage and the exhaust passage are formed by flat plate-like members, for example, made of corrugated sheets. In other words, the air supply passage and the exhaust passage are formed between the plurality of stacked flat plate-like members. The air supply passage and the exhaust passage are provided alternately in the direction in which the flat plate-like members are stacked, for example.

[0032] The heat exchanger 2 exchanges heat between an intake air flow F1 flowing through the intake passage and an exhaust air flow F2 flowing through the exhaust passage. The intake air flow and the exhaust air flow are formed independently of each other and are arranged perpendicular to each other inside the heat exchanger 2. This allows heat exchange between the intake air flow F1 flowing through the intake passage and the exhaust air flow F2 flowing through the exhaust passage.

[0033] 1 schematically illustrates the ventilation device 101, but in reality, for example, the intake air flow F1 flows from the back of the page to the front of the page within the heat exchanger 2, and the exhaust air flow F2 flows from the front of the page to the back of the page within the heat exchanger 2. Therefore, the intake air flow F1 and the exhaust air flow F2 intersect at right angles within the heat exchanger 2. Note that the intake air flow F1 and the exhaust air flow F2 do not necessarily have to intersect at right angles within the heat exchanger 2.

[0034] The supply air blower 3 generates a supply airflow F1 flowing from the inlet end to the outlet end of the supply air duct 35, that is, from the outdoor air inlet port 31 to the indoor outlet port 32. The supply air blower 3 has, for example, a casing, a fan body such as a sirocco fan housed in the casing, and a fan motor that rotates the fan body.

[0035] The intake air blower 3 is provided in the intake air duct 35. It is more preferable that the intake air blower 3 is provided on the indoor side discharge port 32 side of the intake air duct 35, specifically between the heat exchanger 2 and the indoor side discharge port 32 in the intake air duct 35.

[0036] The supply air blower 3 generates negative pressure by rotating the fan body using a fan motor, and generates a supply air flow F1 in a direction from the outdoor air inlet 31 to the indoor air outlet 32. The fan motor may have a rotation speed switching mechanism that adjusts the rotation speed of the fan body.

[0037] The exhaust fan 4 generates an exhaust flow F2 flowing from the inlet end to the outlet end of the exhaust air duct 36, that is, from the indoor air inlet 33 to the outdoor outlet 34. The exhaust fan 4 has, for example, a casing, a fan body such as a sirocco fan housed in the casing, and a fan motor that rotates the fan body.

[0038] The exhaust fan 4 is provided in the exhaust air duct 36. It is more preferable that the exhaust fan 4 is provided on the outdoor discharge port 34 side of the exhaust air duct 36, specifically between the heat exchanger 2 and the outdoor discharge port 34 in the exhaust air duct 36.

[0039] The exhaust blower 4 generates negative pressure by rotating the fan body using the fan motor, and generates an exhaust flow F2 in a direction from the indoor air inlet 33 to the outdoor outlet 34. The fan motor may have a rotation speed switching mechanism that adjusts the rotation speed of the fan body.

[0040] The humidifier 5 is provided inside the main body 1. The humidifier 5 is provided in the supply air duct 35 and humidifies the air passing through it. That is, the humidifier 5 humidifies the supply airflow F1 flowing through the supply air duct 35. The humidifier 5 is preferably provided in the supply air duct 35 between the heat exchanger 2 and the indoor discharge port 32. By providing the humidifier 5 between the heat exchanger 2 and the indoor discharge port 32, the supply airflow F1 that receives moisture from the exhaust airflow F2 in the heat exchanger 2 and is blown out from the heat exchanger 2 can be further humidified in the humidifier 5.

[0041] The humidifier 5 includes a humidifying unit, a water supply pipe, and a water supply valve. The humidifying unit is, for example, a filter that contains moisture. The humidifying unit is formed of, for example, a porous material such as a highly hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, and when water is supplied to the humidifying unit, the water is retained in the pores of the porous material. By passing air through the humidifying unit in a water-retained state, the air passing through the humidifying unit can be humidified. The water supply pipe connects the humidifying unit to a water source provided outside the ventilation device 101. Water is supplied to the humidifying unit through the water supply pipe. The water supply valve is a valve that adjusts the flow rate of water supplied to the humidifying unit. The water supply valve is located midway along the water supply pipe. The water supply valve opens and closes a flow path connecting the humidifying unit and the water source. The water source is, for example, a water supply.

[0042] The first humidity sensor 11 detects the humidity of the air passing through the location where the first humidity sensor 11 is installed. The first humidity sensor 11 detects the humidity of the air in the supply air duct 35. In particular, the first humidity sensor 11 detects the humidity of the air that is drawn in through the outdoor air inlet 31 and before passing through the heat exchanger 2. The first humidity sensor 11 is composed of an element that can detect humidity.

[0043] The first humidity sensor 11 is provided inside the main body 1. The first humidity sensor 11 is provided in the supply air duct 35. The first humidity sensor 11 is provided between the outdoor air inlet 31 and the humidifier 5. The first humidity sensor 11 is preferably provided between the outdoor air inlet 31 and the heat exchanger 2. By providing the first humidity sensor 11 between the outdoor air inlet 31 and the heat exchanger 2, the first humidity sensor 11 can detect the humidity of the supply air flow F1 before exchanging heat and humidity with the exhaust air flow F2 inside the heat exchanger 2. The humidity detected by the first humidity sensor 11 is referred to as the first humidity φ1. The first humidity sensor 11 outputs the detected first humidity φ1 to the control device 22.

[0044] The second humidity sensor 12 detects the humidity of the air passing through the location where the second humidity sensor 12 is installed. The second humidity sensor 12 detects the humidity of the air that has passed through the humidifier 5. The second humidity sensor 12 detects the humidity of the air around the humidifier 5. The second humidity sensor 12 is composed of an element that can detect humidity.

[0045] The second humidity sensor 12 is provided inside the main body 1. The second humidity sensor 12 is provided downstream of the humidifier 5 in the intake air flow F1. By providing the second humidity sensor 12 downstream of the humidifier 5 in the intake air flow F1, the second humidity sensor 12 can detect the humidity of the air that has passed through the humidifier 5. In other words, the degree of dryness of the humidifier 5 can be detected. In this embodiment, the second humidity sensor 12 is provided between the humidifier 5 and the indoor discharge port 32. The humidity detected by the second humidity sensor 12 is referred to as the second humidity φ2. The second humidity sensor 12 outputs the detected second humidity φ2 to the control device 22.

[0046] The third humidity sensor 13 detects the humidity of the air passing through the location where the third humidity sensor 13 is installed. The third humidity sensor 13 detects the humidity of the air in the exhaust air duct 36. The third humidity sensor 13 particularly detects the humidity of the air sucked in from the indoor air inlet 33. The third humidity sensor 13 is composed of an element capable of detecting humidity.

[0047] The third humidity sensor 13 is provided inside the main body 1. The third humidity sensor 13 is provided in the exhaust air duct 36. The third humidity sensor 13 is provided between the indoor air inlet 33 and the outdoor air outlet 34. The third humidity sensor 13 is preferably provided between the indoor air inlet 33 and the heat exchanger 2. By providing the third humidity sensor 13 between the indoor air inlet 33 and the heat exchanger 2, the third humidity sensor 13 can detect the humidity of the exhaust air flow F2 before it exchanges heat and humidity with the supply air flow F1 within the heat exchanger 2. The humidity detected by the third humidity sensor 13 is referred to as the third humidity φ3. The third humidity sensor 13 outputs the detected third humidity φ3 to the control device 22.

[0048] The first humidity sensor 11, the second humidity sensor 12, and the third humidity sensor 13 detect humidity at a predetermined cycle, for example, while the power of the ventilation device 101 is on. The first humidity sensor 11, the second humidity sensor 12, and the third humidity sensor 13 are driven under the control of the control device 22, for example.

[0049] Although different sensors may be used for the first humidity sensor 11, the second humidity sensor 12, and the third humidity sensor 13, it is preferable to use the same sensor. By using the same sensor for the first humidity sensor 11, the second humidity sensor 12, and the third humidity sensor 13, it becomes easier to compare the humidity information detected by the first humidity sensor 11, the second humidity sensor 12, and the third humidity sensor 13.

[0050] The exhaust air flow switching damper 21 is provided inside the main body 1. The exhaust air flow switching damper 21 can switch whether the exhaust air flow F2 passes through the heat exchanger 2. As shown in FIG. 1 , during humidification operation, the exhaust air flow switching damper 21 is provided in a state in which the indoor air intake surface 43 of the heat exchanger 2 is open, i.e., in an open state. Because the exhaust air flow switching damper 21 is provided in a state in which the indoor air intake surface 43 of the heat exchanger 2 is open, the exhaust air flow F2 enters the heat exchanger 2 from the indoor air intake surface 43. In other words, the exhaust air flow F2 passes through the exhaust passage of the heat exchanger 2. As shown in FIG. 1 , during humidification operation, the exhaust air flow switching damper 21 separates the exhaust air flow F2 before passing through the heat exchanger 2 from the exhaust air flow F2 after passing through the heat exchanger 2. The exhaust air flow switching damper 21 can be switched, for example, by a drive device (not shown) to open or close the indoor air intake surface 43 of the heat exchanger 2.

[0051] The control device 22 controls the operation of the ventilation device 101. The control device 22 also controls the intake air blower 3, the exhaust air blower 4, the first humidity sensor 11, the second humidity sensor 12, the third humidity sensor 13, and the exhaust flow switching damper 21. The control device 22 can receive information on the first humidity φ1, the second humidity φ2, and the third humidity φ3 from the first humidity sensor 11, the second humidity sensor 12, and the third humidity sensor 13, respectively. The information on the first humidity φ1, the second humidity φ2, and the third humidity φ3 is referred to as humidity information. The control device 22 is electrically connected to the intake air blower 3, the exhaust air blower 4, the first humidity sensor 11, the second humidity sensor 12, and the third humidity sensor 13, for example, by signal lines (not shown).

[0052] Furthermore, a remote controller 23, which is used by the user to operate the ventilation device 101, is communicatively connected to the control device 22 via a remote controller communication transmission path 24. The remote controller 23 receives various commands related to the operation of the ventilation device 101 from the user and transmits them to the control device 22. The remote controller 23 transmits, for example, a signal to start or stop the operation of the ventilation device 101 to the control device 22. The remote controller 23 also transmits, for example, a signal to start or stop a humidification operation to the control device 22. The signal transmitted to the control device 22 is generated based on on / off operation information generated by the user operating the remote controller 23.

[0053] Furthermore, if the fan motors of the air supply blower 3 and the exhaust blower 4 are each provided with a rotation speed switching mechanism, the remote controller 23 transmits to the control device 22 a rotation speed signal that sets the rotation speed of the fan body of each of the air supply blower 3 and the exhaust blower 4. The rotation speed signal transmitted to the control device 22 is generated based on air volume setting information input by the user operating the remote controller 23.

[0054] In addition, the control device 22 can use the first humidity φ1 detected by the first humidity sensor 11 and the third humidity φ3 detected by the third humidity sensor 13 to determine whether to perform humidification operation and the time for which humidification operation should be performed.

[0055] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of ventilation device 101 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 shows a state in which ventilation device 101 is performing a drying operation. The drying operation refers to an operation for drying the inside of ventilation device 101, in particular humidifier 5, after the humidifying operation has ended.

[0056] The exhaust air flow switching damper 21 can switch whether or not the exhaust air flow F2 passes through the heat exchanger 2. As shown in FIG. 2 , during drying operation, the exhaust air flow switching damper 21 is provided in a state in which it blocks the indoor air inlet surface 43 of the heat exchanger 2, i.e., in a blocked state. Because the exhaust air flow switching damper 21 is provided in a state in which it blocks the indoor air inlet surface 43 of the heat exchanger 2, the exhaust air flow F2 does not enter the heat exchanger 2 from the indoor air inlet surface 43. That is, the exhaust air flow F2 does not pass through the exhaust passage of the heat exchanger 2. That is, the exhaust air flow F2 heads toward the outdoor discharge port 34 without passing through the heat exchanger 2. As shown in FIG. 2 , during drying operation, the exhaust air flow switching damper 21 separates the air in the heat exchanger 2 from the exhaust air flow F2.

[0057] Since the exhaust air flow F2 does not pass through the heat exchanger 2, heat exchange does not occur between the intake air flow F1 and the exhaust air flow F2, and heat and moisture exchange can be prevented between the intake air flow F1 and the exhaust air flow F2 that enters the ventilation device 101 from the indoor air inlet 33. Therefore, the second humidity sensor 12 can more accurately detect whether the humidifier 5 is sufficiently dry.

[0058] The supply airflow F1 does not have to pass through the heat exchanger 2. For example, if the third inner wall 39 is not provided, the supply airflow F1 may head toward the indoor discharge port 32 without passing through the inside of the heat exchanger 2.

[0059] After stopping the humidifying operation, the control device 22 performs a drying operation. After the humidifying operation ends, the control device 22 moves the exhaust flow switching damper 21 to a state in which the indoor-side suction surface 43 of the heat exchanger 2 is closed. After stopping the humidifying operation, the control device 22 dries the humidifier 5 by blowing unhumidified air to the humidifier 5. The control device 22 operates the intake air blower 3 to blow air to the humidifier 5.

[0060] The first humidity φ1 detected by the first humidity sensor 11 and the second humidity φ2 detected by the second humidity sensor 12 are output to the control device 22. When the second humidity φ2 is smaller than the first humidity φ1, the control device 22 performs control to continue the drying operation. When the second humidity φ2 is equal to or greater than the first humidity φ1, the control device 22 performs control to end the drying operation.

[0061] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of ventilation device 101. As shown in Fig. 3, ventilation device 101 includes intake air blower 3, exhaust air blower 4, humidifier 5, first humidity sensor 11, second humidity sensor 12, third humidity sensor 13, exhaust air flow switching damper 21, control device 22, remote controller 23, and alarm unit 27. Control device 22 is connected to each of intake air blower 3, exhaust air blower 4, humidifier 5, first humidity sensor 11, second humidity sensor 12, third humidity sensor 13, exhaust air flow switching damper 21, control device 22, remote controller 23, and alarm unit 27. Control device 22 also includes a power supply unit (not shown) that supplies power to each circuit.

[0062] The control device 22 can receive information on the first humidity φ1, the second humidity φ2, and the third humidity φ3 from the first humidity sensor 11, the second humidity sensor 12, and the third humidity sensor 13, respectively.

[0063] The control device 22 receives a signal based on the operation performed on the remote controller 23 and determines the operation performed on the remote controller 23. The control device 22 receives, for example, a signal from the remote controller 23 to start or stop the operation of the ventilation device 101. The control device 22 also receives, for example, a signal from the remote controller 23 to start or stop the humidification operation.

[0064] The control device 22 controls the intake air blower 3, the exhaust air blower 4, the water supply valve of the humidifier 5, the exhaust air flow switching damper 21, and the alarm unit 27 based on signals and humidity information received from the first humidity sensor 11, the second humidity sensor 12, the third humidity sensor 13, and the remote controller 23. The control device 22 can drive the intake air blower 3, the exhaust air blower 4, and the humidifier 5, for example, in a humidifying operation. The control device 22 can also open the exhaust air flow switching damper 21, for example, in a humidifying operation. The control device 22 can also drive the intake air blower 3 and the exhaust air blower 4, for example, in a drying operation. The control device 22 can also close the exhaust air flow switching damper 21, for example, in a drying operation.

[0065] The control device 22 may include a memory unit 25 and a control unit 26. The memory unit 25 can store, for example, signals and humidity information received from the first humidity sensor 11, the second humidity sensor 12, the third humidity sensor 13, and the remote controller 23. The control unit 26 can control, for example, the intake air blower 3, the exhaust air blower 4, the humidifier 5, the first humidity sensor 11, the second humidity sensor 12, the third humidity sensor 13, the exhaust air flow switching damper 21, the remote controller 23, and the alarm unit 27.

[0066] The notification unit 27 can notify that an abnormality has occurred based on the result of the abnormality determination, which will be described later. The notification unit 27 is provided, for example, in the main body 1 or the remote controller 23. The notification unit 27 notifies that an abnormality has occurred by, for example, outputting a warning sound or a voice message. The notification unit 27 may also be, for example, a display device such as a display. The notification unit 27 notifies that an abnormality has occurred by, for example, displaying characters or a mark. The notification unit 27 may also be a lamp or the like. The notification unit 27 notifies that an abnormality has occurred by, for example, lighting up or blinking.

[0067] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the ventilation device 101 will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ventilation device 101 according to embodiment 1. The control device 22 included in the ventilation device 101 may be a processing circuit 1000a which is dedicated hardware as shown in Fig. 4(a), or may be a processor 1000b which executes a program stored in a memory 1000c as shown in Fig. 4(b).

[0068] 4(a), when the control device 22 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 1000a corresponds to, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The functions of each unit of the control device 22 may be realized by a processing circuit, or the functions of each unit may be realized together by a single processing circuit.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 4(b), when the control device 22 is a processor 1000b, the functions of each unit are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in memory 1000c. The processor 1000b reads and executes the program stored in memory 1000c, so that the control device 22 includes memory 1000c for storing a program that, when executed by the processor 1000b, results in the execution of each step shown in FIG. 5, which will be described later. It can also be said that these programs cause a computer to execute the procedure or method of the control device 22.

[0070] Here, the processor 1000b refers to, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, an arithmetic device, a processor, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The memory 1000c may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (Electrically EPROM), or may be a magnetic disk such as a hard disk or a flexible disk, or may be an optical disk such as a minidisk, a CD (Compact Disc), or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0071] It should be noted that some of the functions of the control device 22 may be realized by dedicated hardware and some by software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit 1000a in the ventilator 101 can realize each of the above-mentioned functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0072] Next, the operation of the ventilation device 101 will be described. The control device 22 executes a humidification operation. When the control device 22 receives a signal from the remote controller 23 to start the humidification operation of the ventilation device 101 through a user's operation, the control device 22 drives the supply air blower 3 and the exhaust air blower 4 and opens the water supply valve of the humidifier 5. Air drawn in through the outdoor air inlet 31 is humidified by passing through the humidifier 5 provided in the supply air duct 35 and is then supplied indoors through the indoor outlet 32. Indoor air drawn in through the indoor air inlet 33 passes through the exhaust air duct 36 and is exhausted to the outdoors through the outdoor outlet 34. During the humidification operation, the heat exchanger 2 exchanges heat between the supply airflow F1 flowing through the supply air duct 35 and the exhaust airflow F2 flowing through the exhaust air duct 36. When the control device 22 receives a signal from the remote controller 23 to stop the humidification operation of the ventilation device 101 through a user's operation, the control device 22 starts a drying operation.

[0073] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ventilation device 101 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 mainly shows the operation in the drying operation. The drying operation is started after the humidifying operation is completed. The control device 22 executes the drying operation.

[0074] First, the control device 22 closes the water supply valve of the humidifier 5 (ST101). Next, the control device 22 switches the exhaust flow switching damper 21 to a state in which the indoor-side suction surface 43 of the heat exchanger 2 is closed (ST102). That is, the control device 22 sets the exhaust flow switching damper 21 to the closed position. By switching the exhaust flow switching damper 21 to the closed position, heat and moisture are not exchanged between the exhaust flow F2 and the intake air flow F1, and therefore the second humidity sensor 12 can accurately detect the humidity of the air around the humidifier 5 during dry operation.

[0075] Next, the control device 22 drives the intake air blower 3 (ST103). If the control device 22 is already driving the intake air blower 3, the control device 22 may continue driving the intake air blower 3 in step ST103. Alternatively, the control device 22 may drive the intake air blower 3 during humidifying operation, temporarily stop the intake air blower 3 when the humidifying operation is stopped, and then drive the intake air blower 3 again in step ST103. That is, the control device 22 may stop the intake air blower 3 while switching the exhaust flow switching damper 21 in step ST102.

[0076] Next, the control device 22 compares the received first humidity φ1 with the second humidity φ2. The control device 22 compares the first humidity φ1 with the second humidity φ2 and determines whether to continue the drying operation (ST104). The control device 22 ends the drying operation if the relationship between the first humidity φ1 and the second humidity φ2 satisfies the termination condition, and continues the drying operation if the relationship between the first humidity φ1 and the second humidity φ2 does not satisfy the termination condition. If the relationship between the first humidity φ1 and the second humidity φ2 satisfies the termination condition (ST104; YES), the control device 22 proceeds to the processing of step ST105. On the other hand, if the relationship between the first humidity φ1 and the second humidity φ2 does not satisfy the termination condition (ST104; NO), the control device 22 proceeds to the processing of step ST107.

[0077] The termination condition is, for example, that the second humidity φ2 is equal to or less than the first humidity φ1. That is, the control device 22 continues the drying operation when the second humidity φ2 is greater than the first humidity φ1, and terminates the drying operation when the second humidity φ2 is equal to or less than the first humidity φ1. The termination condition is not limited to the second humidity φ2 being equal to or less than the first humidity φ1. The termination condition may be, for example, that the second humidity φ2 is equal to or less than 1.2 times the first humidity φ1. The termination condition may also be, for example, that the second humidity φ2 is equal to or less than the first humidity φ1 plus 10% (equal to or less than φ1 + 10% RH).

[0078] If the termination condition is met (ST104; YES), the control device 22 stops the intake air blower 3 (ST105). Next, the control device 22 switches the exhaust air flow switching damper 21 to a state in which the indoor-side suction surface 43 of the heat exchanger 2 is open (ST106). That is, the exhaust air flow switching damper 21 is set to the open position. That is, the state in which the humidification operation was being performed is restored. Note that the order of steps ST105 and ST106 may be reversed.

[0079] If the relationship between the first humidity φ1 and the second humidity φ2 does not satisfy the termination condition (ST104; NO), the drying operation time T, which is the time the drying operation has continued, is measured (ST107). If the measured drying operation time T is greater than a predetermined stop time T1 (ST108; YES), the control device 22 determines that an abnormality has occurred, that is, that the state of the ventilation device 101 is abnormal. The control device 22 can detect abnormalities such as a malfunction in the water supply valve of the humidifier 5 causing the water supply to continue and the drying operation to not end. The stop time T1 is set to, for example, 5 hours.

[0080] If the measured drying operation time T is greater than the predetermined stop time T1 (ST108; YES), notification unit 27 of ventilation device 101 notifies that an abnormality has occurred, that is, notifies that the state of ventilation device 101 is abnormal (ST109). By providing notification unit 27 in ventilation device 101, ventilation device 101 can notify the user of the abnormality of ventilation device 101. If the measured drying operation time T is less than or equal to the predetermined stop time T1 (ST108; NO), the process returns to step ST104.

[0081] Note that while the drying operation is being performed, the exhaust blower 4 may or may not be driven. The control device 22 may drive the exhaust blower 4 in step ST103. Alternatively, the control device 22 may stop the exhaust blower 4 in step ST105. After stopping the exhaust blower 4 in step ST105, the control device 22 switches the exhaust flow switching damper 21 in step ST106, thereby switching the exhaust flow switching damper 21 without being affected by the wind gained momentum by the exhaust blower 4.

[0082] The ventilation device 101 according to this embodiment includes an air supply duct 35 that connects an outdoor air inlet 31 that is provided on the outdoor side and draws in air, and an indoor air outlet 32 ​​that is provided on the indoor side and discharges air, an exhaust air duct 36 that connects an indoor air inlet 33 that is provided on the indoor side and draws in air, and an outdoor air outlet 34 that is provided on the outdoor side and discharges air, a humidifier 5 that is provided in the air supply duct 35 and humidifies the air that passes through, a first humidity sensor 11 that is provided between the outdoor air inlet 31 and the humidifier 5 and detects the humidity of the air that passes through, and a second humidity sensor 12 that detects the humidity of the air that passes through the humidifier 5. The air conditioner includes a second humidity sensor 12 disposed downstream of the intake airflow F1 toward the side outlet 32 ​​and detecting the humidity of the air passing through it, and a control device 22 that executes a humidifying operation to humidify the air passing through the humidifier 5, executes a drying operation to blow air through the humidifier 5 after the humidifying operation is stopped, and compares the first humidity φ1 detected by the first humidity sensor 11 with the second humidity φ2 detected by the second humidity sensor 12 to determine whether to continue the drying operation. This allows the drying operation to be performed depending on whether the humidifier 5 is sufficiently dried. If the humidifier 5 is not sufficiently dried, i.e., if the termination condition is not met, the drying operation continues. Therefore, the humidifier 5 is sufficiently dried. This prevents the generation of unpleasant odors due to insufficient drying. Furthermore, if the humidifier 5 is sufficiently dried, i.e., if the termination condition is not met, the drying operation is terminated. This prevents the drying operation from being excessively continued, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0083] Furthermore, even if the second humidity φ2 remains large due to circumstances such as rain, the ventilation device 101 compares the first humidity φ1 with the second humidity φ2 to determine whether to continue the drying operation, thereby preventing a situation in which the drying operation does not stop. That is, the ventilation device 101 can determine to end the humidifying operation when the first humidity φ1, which indicates the humidity of the outdoor air, and the second humidity φ2, which indicates the humidity of the air that has passed through the humidifier 5, are equivalent.

[0084] Embodiment 2 Ventilation device 102 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted. In Figures 6 to 8, the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 7 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0085] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of ventilation device 102 according to embodiment 2. Fig. 6 shows a state in which ventilation device 102 is performing a humidifying operation. As shown in Fig. 6, ventilation device 102 according to this embodiment differs from ventilation device 101 according to embodiment 1 in that it is provided with intake air flow switching damper 52. The following description will focus on the differences from ventilation device 101 according to embodiment 1.

[0086] Ventilation device 102 according to the second embodiment includes an intake airflow switching damper 52. Intake airflow switching damper 52 is provided inside main body 1. Intake airflow switching damper 52 can switch between communication between intake airflow duct 35 and exhaust airflow duct 36. As shown in FIG. 6 , intake airflow switching damper 52 is provided on first inner wall 53. In humidification operation, intake airflow switching damper 52 is provided to close a communication opening formed in first inner wall 53. That is, in humidification operation, intake airflow switching damper 52 is provided to separate intake airflow F1 from exhaust airflow F2. In humidification operation, intake airflow switching damper 52 is in the separated position. When intake airflow switching damper 52 is in the separated position, intake airflow switching damper 52 separates intake airflow F1 from exhaust airflow F2.

[0087] Similar to the ventilation device 101 according to the first embodiment, the supply air flow F1 is drawn into the ventilation device 102 through the outdoor air inlet 31 and is blown out into the room through the indoor air outlet 32. Similar to the ventilation device 101 according to the first embodiment, the exhaust air flow F2 is drawn into the ventilation device 102 through the indoor air inlet 33 and is discharged through the outdoor air outlet 34.

[0088] The ventilation device 102 according to the second embodiment includes a second humidity sensor 51. The second humidity sensor 51 detects the humidity of air passing through a location where the second humidity sensor 51 is provided. In the humidifying operation, the second humidity sensor 51 detects the humidity of the air in the exhaust air duct 36. In the humidifying operation, the second humidity sensor 51 particularly detects the humidity of the air drawn in through the indoor air inlet 33 and before passing through the heat exchanger 2. The second humidity sensor 51 is composed of an element capable of detecting humidity.

[0089] The second humidity sensor 51 is provided between the indoor air inlet 33 and the outdoor discharge outlet 34. The second humidity sensor 51 is preferably provided between the indoor air inlet 33 and the heat exchanger 2. By providing the second humidity sensor 51 between the indoor air inlet 33 and the heat exchanger 2, the second humidity sensor 51 can detect the humidity of the exhaust air flow F2 before it exchanges heat and humidity with the supply air flow F1 inside the heat exchanger 2. The humidity detected by the second humidity sensor 51 is referred to as the second humidity φ2. The second humidity sensor 51 outputs the detected second humidity φ2 to the control device 22.

[0090] The control device 22 can use the first humidity φ1 detected by the first humidity sensor 11 and the second humidity φ2 detected by the second humidity sensor 51 to determine whether to perform humidification operation and the time for which humidification operation should be performed.

[0091] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of ventilation device 102 pertaining to embodiment 2. FIG. 7 shows a state in which ventilation device 102 is performing a drying operation. As shown in FIG. 7, in the drying operation, intake airflow switching damper 52 is provided to open the communication opening formed in first inner wall 53. That is, in the drying operation, intake airflow switching damper 52 is provided to connect intake airflow duct 35 and exhaust airflow duct 36. In the drying operation, intake airflow switching damper 52 is in the communication position. When intake airflow switching damper 52 is in the communication position, intake airflow switching damper 52 connects intake airflow duct 35 and exhaust airflow duct 36. In addition, in the drying operation, intake airflow switching damper 52 closes indoor discharge port 32.

[0092] The supply airflow F1 is drawn into the ventilation device 102 from the outdoor air inlet 31 and flows toward the indoor discharge outlet 32, but is not blown out from the indoor discharge outlet 32. Instead, it is blown out into the exhaust airflow duct 36 from the communication opening opened by the supply airflow switching damper 52, and becomes the exhaust airflow F2. The exhaust airflow F2 blown out from the communication opening flows from the indoor air inlet 33 toward the outdoor discharge outlet 34 and is discharged from the outdoor discharge outlet 34.

[0093] The second humidity sensor 51 detects the humidity of the air passing through the location where the second humidity sensor 51 is installed. The second humidity sensor 51 detects the humidity of the air passing through the humidifier 5 during the drying operation. The second humidity sensor 51 detects the humidity of the air around the humidifier 5.

[0094] The second humidity sensor 51 is provided downstream of the humidifier 5 in the intake airflow F1. During the drying operation of the ventilation device 102 according to this embodiment, the intake airflow F1 becomes the exhaust airflow F2 after passing through the communication opening, and therefore the exhaust airflow duct 36 through which the exhaust airflow F2 flows is downstream of the intake airflow F1. In other words, when the intake airflow duct 35 and the exhaust airflow duct 36 are connected to each other, the second humidity sensor 51 is located downstream of the humidifier 5. By providing the second humidity sensor 51 downstream of the humidifier 5 in the intake airflow F1, the second humidity sensor 51 can detect the humidity of the air that has passed through the humidifier 5. In other words, the degree of dryness of the humidifier 5 can be detected. The second humidity sensor 51 outputs the detected second humidity φ2 to the control device 22. The control device 22 controls the intake air blower 3, the exhaust air blower 4, the first humidity sensor 11, the second humidity sensor 51, the exhaust air flow switching damper 21, and the intake air flow switching damper 52.

[0095] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the ventilation device 102. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ventilation device 102 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8 mainly shows the operation during the drying operation.

[0096] The control device 22 switches the exhaust airflow switching damper 21 to a state in which the indoor-side suction surface 43 of the heat exchanger 2 is closed (ST102). That is, the control device 22 sets the exhaust airflow switching damper 21 to the closed position. After processing step ST102, the control device 22 switches the supply airflow switching damper 52 to a position in which the supply air duct 35 and the exhaust air duct 36 are connected (ST201). That is, the control device 22 sets the supply airflow switching damper 52 to the connected position. By setting the supply airflow switching damper 52 to the connected position, the supply air duct 35 and the exhaust air duct 36 are connected, and the supply airflow F1 flowing through the supply air duct 35 flows into the exhaust air duct 36 and becomes the exhaust airflow F2. Note that steps ST102 and ST201 may be performed in reverse order or simultaneously.

[0097] Next, control device 22 drives intake air blower 3 (ST103). Control device 22 drives intake air blower 3 during humidification operation, temporarily stops intake air blower 3 when humidification operation is stopped, and can drive intake air blower 3 again in step ST103. That is, control device 22 can stop intake air blower 3 while switching exhaust air flow switching damper 21 or intake air flow switching damper 52. By switching exhaust air flow switching damper 21 or intake air flow switching damper 52 while intake air blower 3 is stopped, exhaust air flow switching damper 21 or intake air flow switching damper 52 can be switched without being affected by the wind gained momentum by intake air blower 3.

[0098] Next, the control device 22 compares the received first humidity φ1 with the second humidity φ2. The control device 22 compares the first humidity φ1 with the second humidity φ2 and determines whether or not to continue the drying operation (ST104). In the present embodiment, too, the process of step ST104 can be performed, similarly to the ventilation device 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0099] If the termination condition is met (ST104; YES), the control device 22 stops the supply air blower 3 (ST105). Next, the control device 22 switches the exhaust air flow switching damper 21 to a state in which the indoor-side suction surface 43 of the heat exchanger 2 is open (ST106). Next, the control device 22 switches the supply air flow switching damper 52 to a position that separates the supply air duct 35 and the exhaust air duct 36 (ST202). That is, the supply air flow switching damper 52 is set to the separated position. That is, the state is restored to the state in which the humidification operation was being performed. Note that steps ST106 and ST202 may be performed in reverse order or simultaneously.

[0100] By performing step ST106 and step ST202 after step ST105, it is possible to switch exhaust flow switching damper 21 or intake flow switching damper 52 without being affected by the wind gained momentum by intake air blower 3. Note that step ST105, step ST106, and step ST202 may be performed in reverse order.

[0101] The ventilation device 102 is equipped with an intake air flow switching damper 52, and the second humidity sensor 51 detects the humidity of the air sucked in from the indoor air inlet 33 during humidifying operation, and detects the humidity of the air that has passed through the humidifier 5 during drying operation, thereby reducing the number of humidity sensors installed and reducing costs.

[0102] During the drying operation, exhaust fan 4 may or may not be driven. During the drying operation, air supply duct 35 and exhaust fan 36 are in communication, and therefore, by driving exhaust fan 4, the amount of air sent to humidifier 5 per unit time can be increased compared to when exhaust fan 4 is not driven.

[0103] Furthermore, in step ST103, control device 22 may drive exhaust blower 4. Furthermore, control device 22 may stop exhaust blower 4 in step ST105. By switching exhaust flow switching damper 21 or intake flow switching damper 52 after stopping exhaust blower 4 in step ST105, exhaust flow switching damper 21 or intake flow switching damper 52 can be switched without being affected by the wind gained momentum by exhaust blower 4.

[0104] Embodiment 3 Ventilation device 103 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Description of the same configuration as in the second embodiment will be omitted. In Figures 9 and 10, the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 8 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0105] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of ventilation device 103 according to embodiment 3. Fig. 9 shows a state in which ventilation device 103 is performing a humidifying operation. As shown in Fig. 9, ventilation device 103 according to this embodiment differs from ventilation device 102 according to embodiment 2 in that a second humidity sensor 61 is provided in intake air flow switching damper 62. The following description will focus on the differences from ventilation device 102 according to embodiment 2.

[0106] Ventilation device 103 according to the third embodiment includes an intake airflow switching damper 62. The intake airflow switching damper 62 is provided inside main body 1. The intake airflow switching damper 62 can switch whether or not the intake airflow duct 35 and the exhaust airflow duct 36 are connected to each other. As shown in FIG. 9 , the intake airflow switching damper 62 is provided on a first inner wall 63. In humidification operation, the intake airflow switching damper 62 is provided so as to close a communication opening formed in the first inner wall 63. That is, in humidification operation, the intake airflow switching damper 62 is provided so as to separate the intake airflow F1 from the exhaust airflow F2. In humidification operation, the intake airflow switching damper 62 is in the separated position.

[0107] Similar to the ventilation device 101 according to the first embodiment, the supply air flow F1 is drawn into the ventilation device 102 through the outdoor air inlet 31 and is blown out into the room through the indoor air outlet 32. Similar to the ventilation device 101 according to the second embodiment, the exhaust air flow F2 is drawn into the ventilation device 102 through the indoor air inlet 33 and is discharged through the outdoor air outlet 34.

[0108] Ventilation device 103 according to the third embodiment includes a second humidity sensor 61. Second humidity sensor 61 detects the humidity of air passing through a location where second humidity sensor 61 is provided. In humidification operation, second humidity sensor 61 detects the humidity of air in exhaust air duct 36. In humidification operation, second humidity sensor 61 particularly detects the humidity of air drawn in from indoor air inlet 33. Second humidity sensor 61 is composed of an element capable of detecting humidity.

[0109] The second humidity sensor 61 is provided in the supply air flow switching damper 62. The second humidity sensor 61 is provided between the indoor air inlet 33 and the outdoor air outlet 34. The second humidity sensor 61 is preferably provided between the indoor air inlet 33 and the heat exchanger 2. By providing the second humidity sensor 61 between the indoor air inlet 33 and the heat exchanger 2, the second humidity sensor 61 can detect the humidity of the exhaust air flow F2 before heat and humidity are exchanged with the supply air flow F1 within the heat exchanger 2. The humidity detected by the second humidity sensor 61 is referred to as the second humidity φ2. The second humidity sensor 61 outputs the detected second humidity φ2 to the control device 22.

[0110] The control device 22 can use the first humidity φ1 detected by the first humidity sensor 11 and the second humidity φ2 detected by the second humidity sensor 61 to determine whether to perform humidification operation and the time for which humidification operation should be performed.

[0111] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of ventilation device 103 according to embodiment 3. FIG. 10 shows a state in which ventilation device 103 is performing a drying operation. As shown in FIG. 10, in the drying operation, intake airflow switching damper 62 is provided so as to open the communication opening formed in first inner wall 63. That is, in the humidifying operation, intake airflow switching damper 62 is provided so as to communicate between intake airflow duct 35 and exhaust airflow duct 36. In the drying operation, intake airflow switching damper 62 is in the communicating position. Also, in the drying operation, intake airflow switching damper 62 closes indoor discharge port 32.

[0112] The supply airflow F1 is drawn into the ventilation device 103 from the outdoor air inlet 31 and flows toward the indoor discharge outlet 32, but is not blown out from the indoor discharge outlet 32. Instead, it is blown out into the exhaust airflow duct 36 from the communication opening opened by the supply airflow switching damper 52, and becomes the exhaust airflow F2. The exhaust airflow F2 blown out from the communication opening flows from the indoor air inlet 33 toward the outdoor discharge outlet 34 and is discharged from the outdoor discharge outlet 34.

[0113] The second humidity sensor 61 detects the humidity of the air passing through the location where the second humidity sensor 61 is installed. The second humidity sensor 61 detects the humidity of the air that has passed through the humidifier 5 during the drying operation. That is, the second humidity sensor 61 detects the humidity of the air around the humidifier 5.

[0114] The second humidity sensor 61 is provided on the intake air flow switching damper 62 and moves together with the intake air flow switching damper 62. The second humidity sensor 61 is provided on the surface of the intake air flow switching damper 62 opposite to the surface that blocks the indoor discharge port 32. In other words, the second humidity sensor 61 is provided on the surface opposite to the surface that faces the indoor discharge port 32 during drying operation.

[0115] The second humidity sensor 61 is provided downstream of the humidifier 5 in the intake airflow F1. During the drying operation of the ventilation device 103 according to this embodiment, the intake airflow F1 becomes the exhaust airflow F2 after passing through the communication opening, and therefore the exhaust airflow duct 36 through which the exhaust airflow F2 flows is downstream of the intake airflow F1. In other words, when the intake airflow duct 35 and the exhaust airflow duct 36 are connected to each other, the second humidity sensor 61 is located downstream of the humidifier 5. By providing the second humidity sensor 61 downstream of the humidifier 5 in the intake airflow F1, the second humidity sensor 61 can detect the humidity of the air that has passed through the humidifier 5. In other words, the degree of dryness of the humidifier 5 can be detected. The second humidity sensor 61 outputs the detected second humidity φ2 to the control device 22.

[0116] Next, a description will be given of the operation of ventilation device 103. Ventilation device 103 according to embodiment 3 can perform the same operation as ventilation device 103 according to embodiment 2. In steps ST201 and ST202, second humidity sensor 61 moves together with intake air flow switching damper 62.

[0117] Since the second humidity sensor 61 provided on the intake air flow switching damper 62 of the ventilation device 103 moves together with the intake air flow switching damper 62, the second humidity sensor 61 can detect humidity closer to the humidifier 5 than the second humidity sensor 51 according to embodiment 2, thereby enabling more accurate humidity detection.

[0118] In the above-described embodiments, the materials, materials, dimensions, shapes, relative positions, and implementation conditions of each component may be described. However, these are merely examples in all respects and are not intended to limit the scope of each embodiment. Therefore, countless variations not exemplified are contemplated within the scope of each embodiment. For example, these include modifying, adding, or omitting any component, and even extracting at least one component from at least one embodiment and combining it with a component from another embodiment.

[0119] The above describes in detail preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0120] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0121] (Appendix 1) an air supply duct connecting an outdoor air inlet provided on the outdoor side and for drawing in air and an indoor air outlet provided on the indoor side and for discharging air; an exhaust air duct connecting an indoor air inlet provided on the indoor side for drawing in air and an outdoor air outlet provided on the outdoor side for discharging air; an intake air blower that generates an intake air flow in a direction from the outdoor air inlet to the indoor air outlet; a humidifier provided in the air supply duct for humidifying air passing through; a first humidity sensor provided between the outdoor air inlet and the humidifier and configured to detect the humidity of air passing through; a second humidity sensor provided downstream of the supply air flow from the humidifier and configured to detect the humidity of the air passing through; a control device that executes a humidifying operation to humidify air passing through the humidifying device, and executes a drying operation to blow air through the humidifying device after the humidifying operation is stopped, and compares a first humidity detected by the first humidity sensor with a second humidity detected by the second humidity sensor to determine whether to continue the drying operation. Ventilation equipment. (Appendix 2) The control device continues the drying operation when the first humidity is lower than the second humidity, and performs control to terminate the drying operation when the first humidity is equal to or higher than the second humidity. 1. A ventilation device as described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The air conditioner further includes a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the intake air flow and an exhaust air flow in a direction from the indoor air inlet to the outdoor air outlet. 3. A ventilation device according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The exhaust airflow passage further includes an exhaust fan that generates an exhaust airflow from the indoor air inlet. 4. The ventilation device of any one of claims 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) When the second humidity is lower than the first humidity, the control device measures a drying operation time during which the drying operation is continuing, and when the drying operation time is longer than a predetermined time, determines that an abnormality has occurred. 5. The ventilation device of any one of appendices 1 to 4. (Appendix 6) The control device further includes a notification unit that notifies the occurrence of an abnormality when the control device determines that an abnormality has occurred. 1. A ventilation device as described in Appendix 5. (Appendix 7) Further, a third humidity sensor is provided between the indoor air inlet and the outdoor air outlet. 7. The ventilation device of any one of claims 1 to 6. (Appendix 8) An intake air flow switching damper is provided downstream of the humidifier, and during the drying operation, the intake air duct and the exhaust air duct are connected to each other and the indoor side discharge port is closed. 7. The ventilation device of any one of claims 1 to 6. (Appendix 9) the second humidity sensor is provided between the indoor air inlet and the outdoor air outlet, and is located downstream of the humidifier when the air supply flow switching damper connects the air supply duct and the air exhaust duct. 9. The ventilation device of claim 8. (Appendix 10) the second humidity sensor is provided on a surface of the supply air flow switching damper opposite to a surface that closes the indoor-side discharge port, and is located downstream of the humidifier when the supply air flow switching damper connects the supply air duct and the exhaust air duct. 9. The ventilation device of claim 8. (Appendix 11) The heat exchanger has an air supply passage that connects an outdoor suction surface that draws air drawn from the outdoor suction port into the heat exchanger and an indoor discharge surface that blows the air drawn into the heat exchanger in the direction of the indoor discharge port, and an exhaust passage that connects the indoor suction surface that draws the air drawn from the indoor suction port into the heat exchanger and the outdoor discharge surface that blows the air drawn into the heat exchanger in the direction of the outdoor discharge port, In the drying operation, an exhaust flow switching damper that closes the indoor suction surface is further provided. 11. The ventilation apparatus of any one of claims 3 to 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 2 heat exchanger, 3 intake air blower, 4 exhaust air blower, 5 humidifier, 11 first humidity sensor, 12, 51, 61 second humidity sensor, 13 third humidity sensor, 21 exhaust air flow switching damper, 22 control device, 27 alarm unit, 31 outdoor intake port, 32 indoor outlet port, 33 indoor intake port, 34 outdoor outlet port, 35 intake air duct, 36 exhaust air duct, 52, 62 intake air flow switching damper, 101, 102, 103 ventilation device

Claims

1. an air supply duct connecting an outdoor air inlet provided on the outdoor side and for drawing in air and an indoor air outlet provided on the indoor side and for discharging air; an exhaust air duct connecting an indoor air inlet provided on the indoor side for drawing in air and an outdoor air outlet provided on the outdoor side for discharging air; an intake air blower that generates an intake air flow in a direction from the outdoor air inlet to the indoor air outlet; a humidifier provided in the air supply duct for humidifying air passing through; a first humidity sensor provided between the outdoor air inlet and the humidifier and configured to detect the humidity of air passing through; a second humidity sensor provided downstream of the supply air flow from the humidifier and configured to detect the humidity of the air passing through; a control device that executes a humidifying operation to humidify air passing through the humidifying device, and executes a drying operation to blow air through the humidifying device after the humidifying operation is stopped, and compares a first humidity detected by the first humidity sensor with a second humidity detected by the second humidity sensor to determine whether to continue the drying operation. Ventilation equipment.

2. The control device continues the drying operation when the first humidity is lower than the second humidity, and performs control to terminate the drying operation when the first humidity is equal to or higher than the second humidity.

10. The ventilation device of claim 1.

3. The air conditioner further includes a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the intake air flow and an exhaust air flow in a direction from the indoor air inlet to the outdoor air outlet.

10. The ventilation device of claim 1.

4. The exhaust airflow passage further includes an exhaust fan that generates an exhaust airflow from the indoor air inlet.

10. The ventilation device of claim 1.

5. When the second humidity is lower than the first humidity, the control device measures a drying operation time during which the drying operation is continuing, and when the drying operation time is longer than a predetermined time, determines that an abnormality has occurred.

10. The ventilation device of claim 1.

6. The control device further includes a notification unit that notifies the occurrence of an abnormality when the control device determines that an abnormality has occurred.

6. The ventilation device of claim 5.

7. Further, a third humidity sensor is provided between the indoor air inlet and the outdoor air outlet.

10. The ventilation device of claim 1.

8. An intake air flow switching damper is provided downstream of the humidifier, and during the drying operation, the intake air duct and the exhaust air duct are connected to each other and the indoor side discharge port is closed.

10. The ventilation device of claim 1.

9. the second humidity sensor is provided between the indoor air inlet and the outdoor air outlet, and is located downstream of the humidifier when the air supply flow switching damper connects the air supply duct and the air exhaust duct.

9. The ventilation device of claim 8.

10. the second humidity sensor is provided on a surface of the supply air flow switching damper opposite to a surface that closes the indoor-side discharge port, and is located downstream of the humidifier when the supply air flow switching damper connects the supply air duct and the exhaust air duct.

9. The ventilation device of claim 8.

11. The heat exchanger has an air supply passage that connects an outdoor suction surface that draws air drawn from the outdoor suction port into the heat exchanger and an indoor discharge surface that blows the air drawn into the heat exchanger in the direction of the indoor discharge port, and an exhaust passage that connects the indoor suction surface that draws the air drawn from the indoor suction port into the heat exchanger and the outdoor discharge surface that blows the air drawn into the heat exchanger in the direction of the outdoor discharge port, In the drying operation, an exhaust flow switching damper that closes the indoor suction surface is further provided.

4. The ventilation device of claim 3.

Images