Gas treatment device

Abstract

To provide a gas treatment device capable of securing sealing performance while suppressing deterioration of a porous rotor.SOLUTION: A gas treatment device includes: a porous rotor formed to have a cylindrical shape and configured to enable an air current to pass in the axial direction of a center shaft; a holding shaft rotatably supported to hold the porous rotor by the center shaft of the porous rotor; and a ventilation passage partition member disposed by leaving a predetermined clearance to an axial end surface of the porous rotor to partition a space facing the axial end surface of the porous rotor into a low-pressure ventilation passage and a high-pressure ventilation passage with higher pressure than that of the low-pressure ventilation passage. An inflow port opened on the low-pressure ventilation passage, an outflow port opened on a boundary portion of the low-pressure ventilation passage and the high-pressure ventilation passage to oppose the axial end surface of the porous rotor, and a communication passage communicating the inflow port and the outflow port are formed in the ventilation passage partition member. The inflow port includes a sealing air blower for sending air toward the outflow port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to gas treatment devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for achieving airtightness by pressing the disk-shaped end face of a cylindrically formed porous rotor. In Patent Document 1, the tip of the sealing member that is pressed against the porous rotor is elastically deformed and pressed against the end face of the porous rotor, sealing the gap between the end face of the porous rotor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-100940 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a gas treatment device that can ensure sealing performance while suppressing deterioration of a porous rotor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The gas treatment device of the present disclosure comprises a porous rotor formed in a cylindrical shape and configured to allow airflow to pass in the axial direction of its central axis, a holding shaft that is rotatably supported and holds the porous rotor at the central axis of the porous rotor, and an air passage partition member that is arranged with a predetermined gap relative to the axial end face of the porous rotor and divides the space facing the axial end face of the porous rotor into a low-pressure air passage and a high-pressure air passage that has a higher pressure than the low-pressure air passage, and the air passage partition member is formed with an inlet that opens into the low-pressure air passage, an outlet that opens opposite the axial end face of the porous rotor at the boundary between the low-pressure air passage and the high-pressure air passage, and a connecting passage that connects the inlet and the outlet, and the inlet is provided with a sealing blower that blows air toward the outlet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present disclosure can provide a gas treatment device that can ensure sealing performance while suppressing deterioration of the porous rotor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a gas treatment device according to a first embodiment; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gas treatment device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the gas treatment device according to the first embodiment, seen from a direction different from that of FIG. 2; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the periphery of the humidity control unit according to the first embodiment, viewed from the humidity control upstream partition member side; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the periphery of the humidity control unit according to the first embodiment, viewed from the humidity control downstream partition member side; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a peripheral portion of a humidity control unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a peripheral portion of a humidity control downstream partition member according to the first embodiment; [Figure 8] Cross section of Figure 7 taken along line VIII-VIII [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a humidity control downstream partition member in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) When the inventors first conceived the present disclosure, the porous rotor rotated with the sealing member pressed against it. As a result, the inventors discovered a problem in that, with long-term use, the sealing member and the porous rotor deteriorated, reducing the functionality of the rotor. The subject matter of the present disclosure was formed to solve this problem. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a gas treatment device that can ensure sealing performance while suppressing deterioration of the porous rotor.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0011] [1-1.Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of gas treatment equipment] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a gas processing device 1 according to Embodiment 1. In FIG. 1, the internal structure of the gas processing device 1 is shown schematically. The gas treatment device 1 of this embodiment is a device that treats air, which is an example of gas, and adjusts the humidity in a space to be air-conditioned.

[0012] The gas treatment device 1 has a housing 2. Inside the housing 2, there are provided an air intake flow path 3 through which air, so-called intake air, flows that is introduced from an external space and supplied to the space to be air-conditioned, and an exhaust flow path 4 through which air, so-called exhaust air, flows that is introduced from the space to be air-conditioned and discharged to the outside. The space to be air-conditioned is, for example, a room in a house, a conference room, a hotel guest room, or other living space, or a space for storing goods, such as a warehouse or cargo hold. The external space is, for example, an outdoor space.

[0013] An outside air port 3OA is provided at the upstream end of the air supply passage 3. An air supply port 3SA is provided at the downstream end of the air supply passage 3. A return air port 4RA is provided at the upstream end of the exhaust flow path 4. An exhaust port 4EA is provided at the downstream end of the exhaust flow path 4. The outside air port 3OA and the exhaust port 4EA are connected to ducts (not shown) and are connected to the outside space. Depending on the installation situation, a duct may not be used for one of the outside air port 3OA and the exhaust port 4EA. The air supply port 3SA and the air return port 4RA are connected to ducts (not shown) and are connected to the space to be air-conditioned. Depending on the installation situation, a duct may not be used for one of the air supply port 3SA and the air return port 4RA.

[0014] An air supply fan (air supply blower) 5 is arranged in the air supply flow path 3. When the air supply fan 5 is operated, air flows through the air supply flow path 3 and is supplied to the space to be air-conditioned. An exhaust fan (exhaust air blowing means) 6 is arranged in the exhaust flow path 4. When the exhaust fan 6 is operated, air flows through the exhaust flow path 4 and is exhausted from the space to be air-conditioned. In the drawing, the air flowing from the outside air port 3OA to the intake port 3SA is indicated by a dashed arrow, and the air flowing from the return air port 4RA to the exhaust port 4EA is indicated by a hollow arrow.

[0015] Heat exchange means 7 are disposed on the air intake passage 3 and the exhaust passage 4. The heat exchange means 7 is provided with a first passage 7a and a second passage 7b, which are passages for air. The first passage 7a is connected to the air intake passage 3. The second passage 7b is connected to the exhaust passage 4.

[0016] In the air intake passage 3, an air intake side heat exchange means 8 is disposed downstream of the heat exchange means 7. The air intake side heat exchange means 8 heats, cools, etc. the air flowing through the air intake passage 3.

[0017] A humidity control unit 11 is disposed downstream of the intake air side heat exchange means 8. The humidity control unit 11 has a desiccant rotor (porous rotor) 12 and an electric motor (drive unit) 13 that rotates the desiccant rotor 12. The desiccant rotor 12 is a humidity control means that absorbs moisture at low temperatures and releases moisture at high temperatures. The desiccant rotor 12 is shaped like a rotor around a predetermined central axis L0. The desiccant rotor 12 has multiple flow paths formed therein through which air flows. The desiccant rotor 12 is disposed across the intake air flow path 3 and the exhaust air flow path 4.

[0018] When low-temperature air flows into the desiccant rotor 12, moisture in the air is adsorbed, dehumidifying the air. When high-temperature air flows into the desiccant rotor 12, the moisture adsorbed to the desiccant rotor 12 is released into the air, humidifying the air. The desiccant rotor 12 rotates in a predetermined direction when driven by the electric motor 13. The rotor-shaped portion of the desiccant rotor 12 moves continuously between the air intake passage 3 and the exhaust passage 4. The desiccant rotor 12 dehumidifies the air flowing through one of the air intake passage 3 and the exhaust passage 4, while humidifying the air flowing through the other of the air intake passage 3 and the exhaust passage 4.

[0019] The gas processing device 1 is controlled by a control device (not shown). The control device may be provided inside the housing 2 or outside the housing 2. The control device has a processor. The processor is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), a microcontroller, or other arithmetic processing device. The control device includes the above-mentioned processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and controls the gas processing device 1 by executing a program using the processor. The control device may also include a memory (not shown). The memory is a storage device that nonvolatilely stores programs and data executed by the processor. The memory is configured by a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element, or other types of nonvolatile storage device. Specifically, the memory is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash ROM, an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

[0020] [1-1-2. Detailed configuration of gas treatment equipment] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the gas processing device 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the gas processing device 1 according to the first embodiment, seen from a different direction than that shown in Fig. 2. In the following description, directions such as up / down, left / right, and front / rear are used based on the gas processing device 1 shown in Figs. 2 and 3. In Fig. 2, an upper surface plate 2A, which is a horizontal plate-like member facing upward in the housing 2, is indicated by a dashed line.

[0021] Gas processing device 1 in embodiment 1 is installed so that intake air flow path 3 and exhaust air flow path 4 are aligned horizontally. That is, outside air port 3OA of intake air flow path 3 and return air port 4RA of exhaust air flow path 4 are aligned horizontally, and intake air port 3SA of intake air flow path 3 and exhaust port 4EA of exhaust air flow path 4 are aligned horizontally. The gas treatment device 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0022] The housing 2 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes an upper plate 2A, a lower plate 2B, a left plate 2C, a right plate 2D, a front plate 2E, and a rear plate 2F.

[0023] A pair of front and rear openings 2D1 and 2D2 are formed in the right panel 2D. The front opening 2D1 forms an outside air opening 3OA. The rear opening 2D2 forms a return air opening 4RA. A pair of front and rear openings 2C1 and 2C2 are formed in the left panel 2C. The front opening 2C1 forms an air exhaust port 4EA. The rear opening 2C2 forms an air intake port 3SA.

[0024] A heat exchanger 7 is disposed downstream of the openings 2D1 and 2D2 of the right panel 2D. The heat exchanger 7 of this embodiment is a total heat exchanger and has heat conductivity and moisture permeability. The heat exchanger 7 of this embodiment is a so-called orthogonal heat exchanger 7, in which a first flow path 7a and a second flow path 7b are perpendicular to each other. The heat exchanger 7 is formed, for example, from a porous substrate containing a hydrophilic resin or a flame-retardant agent, and rectangular plate-shaped substrates with linear flow paths are alternately stacked while changing their orientation. This results in a rectangular prism-shaped heat exchanger 7 in which the first flow path 7a and the second flow path 7b are perpendicular to each other.

[0025] The heat exchange means 7 is configured to enable total heat exchange of sensible heat (temperature) and latent heat (humidity) between the air flowing through the first flow path 7a and the air flowing through the second flow path 7b. However, the heat exchange means 7 may be a sensible heat exchange means instead of a total heat exchange means. In other words, the heat exchange means 7 may be configured to enable sensible heat (temperature) exchange between the air flowing through the first flow path 7a and the air flowing through the second flow path 7b.

[0026] An air supply side heat exchange means 8 is provided downstream and above the heat exchange means 7. In this embodiment, the air supply side heat exchange means 8 is a sensible heat exchanger. In this embodiment, the air supply side heat exchange means 8 is a fin-tube heat exchanger, and a refrigerant flows inside it. The air supply side heat exchange means 8 is connected to an outdoor unit or the like arranged outside the housing 2 via refrigerant piping. The air supply side heat exchange means 8 and the outdoor unit or the like form a refrigeration circuit. The air supply side heat exchange means 8 is capable of selectively performing a heating operation to heat the air in the housing 2 and a cooling operation to cool the air by exchanging heat between the high-temperature refrigerant or low-temperature refrigerant flowing inside it and the air inside the housing 2.

[0027] An upper drain pan 9 is provided below the intake air side heat exchange means 8. The upper drain pan 9 is a tray-shaped member. The upper drain pan 9 collects condensation water that occurs in the intake air side heat exchange means 8. A drain hose (not shown) that extends to the outside of the housing 2 is connected to the upper drain pan 9. The upper drain pan 9 drains the collected condensation water via the drain hose.

[0028] A lower drain pan 10 (see FIG. 3) is provided below the upper drain pan 9. The lower drain pan 10 receives and stores condensed water from the upper drain pan 9. The lower drain pan 10 is a tray-shaped member. The lower drain pan 10 is located below the upper drain pan 9. The lower drain pan 10 is disposed on the bottom panel 2B of the housing 2. A drain hose (not shown) that extends to the outside of the housing 2 is connected to the lower drain pan 10. The lower drain pan 10 drains the stored condensed water via the drain hose.

[0029] A humidity control unit 11 is disposed downstream of the upper drain pan 9 and the lower drain pan 10. In this embodiment, a pair of humidity control units 11 are provided, one in front and one in back. The desiccant rotor 12 of the humidity control unit 11 is disposed so that its central axis L0 extends in the left-right direction. The desiccant rotor 12 is formed in a disk shape. The desiccant rotor 12 is formed in a structure with voids, such as a honeycomb structure or a corrugated structure. The desiccant rotor 12 is configured to allow ventilation in the axial direction. The desiccant rotor 12 allows air that flows into the interior from a circular upstream end face (axial end face, end face on one axial side) 12a to flow out from a circular downstream end face (axial end face, end face on the other axial side) 12b.

[0030] An intake fan 5 and an exhaust fan 6 are arranged downstream of humidity control unit 11. The intake fan 5 is arranged corresponding to the intake port 3SA. The exhaust fan 6 is arranged corresponding to the exhaust port 4EA. In this embodiment, the intake fan 5 and the exhaust fan 6 are centrifugal sirocco fans that have high static pressure and are less susceptible to the influence of flow path resistance.

[0031] [1-1-3. Configuration of partition member and flow path] A pair of upper and lower partition-shaped support plates 21, 22 (see FIG. 1) that support the heat exchange means 7 are arranged inside the housing 2. The support plates 21, 22 support the heat exchange means 7 in a predetermined position, and also divide the inside of the housing 2, together with the heat exchange means 7, into left and right halves.

[0032] A partition member 23 extending in the left-right direction is disposed upstream of the heat exchange means 7. The partition member 23 divides the interior of the housing 2 into an upstream air supply space 3a (see FIG. 2) that connects the outside air port 3OA and the upstream end of the first flow path 7a of the total heat exchange means 7, and an upstream exhaust space 4a (see FIG. 3) that connects the return air port 4RA and the upstream end of the second flow path 7b of the total heat exchange means 7.

[0033] A partition member 24 is disposed downstream of the heat exchange means 7. The partition member 24 is disposed in the vertical middle of the housing 2. An upper drain pan 9 is supported by the partition member 24. The partition member 24, together with the upper drain pan 9, divides the interior of the housing 2. Specifically, the partition member 24 divides the interior of the housing 2 into a midstream air supply space 3b (see FIGS. 1 and 2) that connects the downstream end of the first flow path 7a of the heat exchange means 7 to the upper part of the upstream end surface 12a of the desiccant rotor 12, and a midstream exhaust space 4b (see FIGS. 1 and 3) that connects the downstream end of the second flow path 7b of the heat exchange means 7 to the lower part of the upstream end surface 12a of the desiccant rotor 12.

[0034] A humidity control upstream partition member 25 is provided at the downstream end of the partition member 24, extending along the upstream end surface 12a of the desiccant rotor 12. The humidity control upstream partition member 25 divides the interior of the housing 2 into left and right sections. The humidity control upstream partition member 25 has circular openings 31a (see FIG. 6) formed opposite each of the desiccant rotors 12. The humidity control upstream partition member 25 is configured to allow air from the midstream air supply space 3b and the midstream exhaust space 4b to be introduced into the desiccant rotor 12.

[0035] A humidity control downstream partition member 26 is provided on the downstream side of the desiccant rotor 12. The humidity control downstream partition member 26 divides the interior of the housing 2 into a space that communicates with the upper part of the downstream end face 12b of the desiccant rotor 12 and a space that communicates with the lower part of the downstream end face 12b of the desiccant rotor 12.

[0036] A partition member 27 is disposed downstream of the humidity control downstream partition member 26. The partition member 27 divides the interior of the housing 2 into a downstream air supply space 3c that connects an upper part of the downstream end face 12b of the desiccant rotor 12 with the air supply port 3SA, and a downstream exhaust space 4c that connects a lower part of the downstream end face 12b of the desiccant rotor 12 with the exhaust port 4EA.

[0037] The outside air port 3OA, the upstream air supply space 3a, the first flow path 7a, the midstream air supply space 3b, the desiccant rotor 12, the downstream air supply space 3c, and the air supply port 3SA form an air supply flow path 3 from the outside air port 3OA to the air supply port 3SA. The return air port 4RA, the upstream exhaust space 4a, the second flow path 7b, the midstream exhaust space 4b, the desiccant rotor 12, the downstream exhaust space 4c, and the exhaust port 4EA form an exhaust flow path 4 from the return air port 4RA to the exhaust port 4EA.

[0038] [1-1-4. Configuration of humidity control upstream partition member] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the peripheral part of the humidity control unit 11 in embodiment 1, seen from the humidity control upstream partition member 25 side. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the peripheral part of the humidity control unit 11 in embodiment 1, seen from the humidity control downstream partition member 26 side. Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the peripheral part of the humidity control unit 11 in embodiment 1. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view cut in the vertical direction along the central axis L0 of the holding shaft 51. The humidity control upstream partition member 25 has a flat upstream partition plate (air passage partition plate) 31 arranged along the upstream end surface 12a of the desiccant rotor 12. A pair of front and rear openings 31a (see FIG. 6) are formed in the upstream partition plate 31. The front opening 31a faces the upstream end surface 12a of the desiccant rotor 12 of the front humidity control unit 11. The rear opening 31a faces the upstream end surface 12a of the desiccant rotor 12 of the rear humidity control unit 11.

[0039] In this embodiment, a seal member 32 is fixed to each opening 31a. The seal member 32 has an annular flange portion 32a and a generally funnel-shaped seal portion 32b that protrudes toward the desiccant rotor 12 from the radially inner end of the flange portion 32a toward the radially inner end. The seal portion 32b of the seal member 32 is inserted into the opening 31a from the upstream side, and the flange portion 32a is fixed to the upstream surface of the upstream partition plate 31. The seal member 32 is fixed so that an extending end 32c of the seal portion 32b faces the outer periphery of the desiccant rotor 12. The seal portion 32b is fixed in a state where it extends downstream from the inner surface of the upstream partition plate 31 by a predetermined extension amount La (see FIG. 6). In other words, the length from the inner surface of the upstream partition plate 31 to the extending end 32c is set to the predetermined extension amount La.

[0040] [1-1-5. Configuration of the distance maintenance device] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, stays 41, 42 extending upward are fixed to the lower plate 2b of the housing 2. In this embodiment, the stays 41, 42 are provided corresponding to the two humidity control units 11. The stays 41, 42 are provided as a pair in the axial direction of each desiccant rotor 12. Bearings 43, 44 are supported at the upper ends of the stays 41, 42. A holding shaft 51 is rotatably supported by the bearings 43, 44.

[0041] A cylindrical spacer 52 is attached to the holding shaft 51. The spacer 52 is supported so as to be movable in the axial direction and rotatable integrally with the holding shaft 51. In this embodiment, a sliding pin 53 protruding radially inward is fixed to the spacer 52. The sliding pin 53 is inserted into a sliding hole 51a formed in the holding shaft 51 and is held in a fitted state in the sliding hole 51a. This allows the sliding pin 53 to be supported so as to be slidable in the axial direction within the sliding hole 51a. Furthermore, the position of the sliding pin 53 is restricted relative to the sliding hole 51a in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the spacer 52 and the sliding pin 53 are configured to be rotatable integrally with the holding shaft 51. A tapered tip portion 52a is formed at the upstream tip of the spacer 52. The tip portion 52a can abut against the upstream bearing (positioning portion) 43.

[0042] The desiccant rotor 12 is supported on the outer periphery of the spacer 52 via a fixed holder 54 and a movable holder 55. A central hole 12c extending in the axial direction is formed in the radial center of the desiccant rotor 12. In this embodiment, a rotor case 35 constituting the outer periphery of the desiccant rotor 12 is fixed to the desiccant rotor 12. The rotor case 35 is made of, for example, resin. The rotor case 35 maintains the shape of the desiccant rotor 12, which has been formed by, for example, rolling. In this embodiment, the rotor case 35 faces the extended end 32c of the seal member 32.

[0043] The fixed holder 54 and the movable holder 55 are formed in the shape of flanged pipes. Specifically, the fixed holder 54 and the movable holder 55 have pipe portions 54a, 55a that can face each other, and flange portions 54b, 55b formed on the axial outer ends of the pipe portions 54a, 55a.

[0044] The fixed holder 54 is disposed on the positioning bearing 43 side with respect to the desiccant rotor 12. The fixed holder 54 is fixed to the spacer 52. The fixed holder 54 is fixed so that the flange portion 54b is at position P corresponding to the extension amount La of the seal member 32. In detail, when the spacer 52 is positioned by abutting against the bearing 43, the fixed holder 54 is fixed to the spacer 52 so that the inner surface (downstream surface) of the flange portion 54b is at position P corresponding to the extension amount La of the seal member 32.

[0045] The downstream movable holder 55 is disposed on the opposite side of the positioning bearing 43 with respect to the desiccant rotor 12. The movable holder 55 is axially slidable relative to the spacer 52. In other words, the movable holder 55 is supported so as to be able to move toward and away from the fixed holder 54.

[0046] The desiccant rotor 12 is supported by the fixed holder 54 and the movable holder 55. That is, the pipe portion 54a of the fixed holder 54 is inserted into the center hole 12c of the desiccant rotor 12 from the upstream side. Then, the flange portion 54b of the fixed holder 54 abuts against the upstream end surface 12a of the desiccant rotor 12.

[0047] Furthermore, the pipe portion 55a of the movable holder 55 is inserted into the center hole 12c of the desiccant rotor 12 from the downstream side. Then, the flange portion 55b of the movable holder 55 abuts against the downstream end surface 12b of the desiccant rotor 12. The desiccant rotor 12 is sandwiched between the fixed holder 54 and the movable holder 55. When the holding shaft 51 and spacer 52 rotate, the desiccant rotor 12 also rotates via the fixed holder 54 and the movable holder 55.

[0048] The spacer 52 protrudes downstream beyond the movable holder 55. A first plain washer (first biasing force receiving member) 58 is fixed to the downstream axial end of the spacer 52. The first plain washer 58 is radially larger than the spacer 52. The first plain washer 58 is fixed to the spacer 52 with a screw (fixing member) 58a. A first wave washer (first biasing member) 57a is attached to the outer periphery of the spacer 52, between the first plain washer 58 and the flange portion 55b of the movable holder 55. The first wave washer 57a is arranged between the first plain washer 58 and the flange portion 55b in an elastically compressed state.

[0049] Generally, the desiccant rotor 12 expands when it absorbs moisture and contracts when it dries, resulting in slight changes in thickness. In this embodiment, the movable holder 55 is held by the spacer 52 and is capable of sliding in the axial direction. Therefore, even if the axial thickness of the desiccant rotor 12 changes, the movable holder 55 moves in the axial direction while receiving the biasing force of the first wave washer 57a, thereby absorbing the change in the thickness of the desiccant rotor 12 and making it easy to accurately maintain the state in which the upstream end face 12a of the desiccant rotor 12 abuts against the flange portion 54b of the fixed holder 54. In other words, regardless of the expansion or contraction of the desiccant rotor 12, it is easy to accurately determine the position of the upstream end face 12a of the desiccant rotor 12.

[0050] An annular groove 51b is formed in the retaining shaft 51 on the opposite side of the first plain washer 58 from the tip end 52a of the spacer 52. A fixing member 56 is fixed to the groove 51b. The fixing member 56 is, for example, an E-ring. A second plain washer (second biasing force receiving member) 59 and a second wave washer (biasing member, second biasing member) 57b are arranged between the fixing member 56 and the first plain washer 58. More specifically, the second plain washer 59 is arranged adjacent to the fixing member 56. The second wave washer 57b is arranged between the second plain washer 59 and the first plain washer 58. The second wave washer 57b is arranged in a compressed state between the fixing member 56, which abuts against the fixing member 56 via the second plain washer 59, and the spacer 52, which abuts against the fixing member 56 via the first plain washer 58. The spacer 52 is biased in a direction away from the fixing member 56 by the second wave washer 57b.

[0051] As a result, the spacer 52 is held in a state in which it abuts against the front bearing 43, and the desiccant rotor 12 fixed to the spacer 52 is positioned. At this time, the desiccant rotor 12 is held so that the distance δ between the upstream end face 12a and the inner surface (downstream face) of the upstream partition plate 31 becomes equal to the extension amount La of the seal member 32.

[0052] In particular, in this embodiment, the desiccant rotor 12 is sandwiched and held between the fixed holder 54 and the movable holder 55, and the first wave washer 57a presses the movable holder 55 toward the fixed holder 54. Therefore, even if the desiccant rotor 12 expands and contracts in the axial direction, it is easy to accurately position the upstream end face 12a of the desiccant rotor 12 on the spacer 52. Therefore, by positioning the spacer 52 in the bearing 43, it is easy to align the position of the upstream end face 12a of the desiccant rotor 12 with the position P of the seal member 32.

[0053] The gap maintaining device 50 of this embodiment is composed of the stays 41, 42, bearings 43, 44, retaining shaft 51, spacer 52, sliding pin 53, fixed holder 54, movable holder 55, fixed member 56, first wave washer 57a, second wave washer 57b, first flat washer 58, and second flat washer 59.

[0054] Here, the humidity control upstream partition member 25 is fixed to an upstream stay 41. That is, a bearing 43 against which the desiccant rotor 12 is abutted to position it, and the upstream partition plate 31, which forms a predetermined gap δ between it and the desiccant rotor 12, are fixed to the stay 41. Therefore, the desiccant rotor 12 can be positioned at a position corresponding to the gap δ using the stay 41 as a reference. That is, it is easy to accurately match the gap δ with the extension amount La of the seal member 32 fixed to the upstream partition plate 31.

[0055] A worm wheel 61 is fixed to the holding shaft 51. A worm gear 62 is engaged with the worm wheel 61. The worm gear 62 is supported by a drive shaft 63 extending in the front-to-rear direction. A driving force is transmitted to the drive shaft 63 from the electric motor 13. When the worm gear 62 rotates, the worm wheel 61 rotates, causing the holding shaft 51 to rotate. Therefore, the spacer 52, fixed holder 54, movable holder 55, and desiccant rotor 12 rotate together with the holding shaft 51.

[0056] [1-1-6. Configuration of humidity control downstream partition member] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the humidity control downstream partition member 26 in Embodiment 1. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7. A humidity control downstream partition member (air passage partition member) 26 is fixed to the downstream side of the humidity control unit 11. The humidity control downstream partition member 26 extends along the downstream end face 12b of the desiccant rotor 12. The humidity control downstream partition member 26 has a facing portion 71 that faces the desiccant rotor 12. A notched opening 71a is formed in the facing portion 71 to accommodate the desiccant rotor 12.

[0057] The facing portion 71 is disposed so as to stand upright on the outer surface of the desiccant rotor 12. That is, the facing portion 71 is disposed so as to stand upright relative to the downstream end face 12b or the rotor case 35. A communication passage 75 is formed in the center of the facing portion 71 in the thickness direction. That is, the facing portion 71 has a low-pressure side plate 72 and a high-pressure side plate 73 that face each other with a gap between them, and a spacer 74 located between the low-pressure side plate 72 and the high-pressure side plate 73. The spacer 74 is disposed on the outer periphery of the low-pressure side plate 72 and the high-pressure side plate 73.

[0058] A communication passage 75 is formed in the opposing portion 71 by the surrounding shape of the low-pressure side plate 72, the high-pressure side plate 73, and the spacer 74. An inlet 75a is formed in the low-pressure side plate 72, penetrating in the thickness direction. The inlet 75a is connected to the communication passage 75. An outlet 75b is formed on the desiccant rotor 12 side of the opposing portion 71. The outlet 75b is connected to the communication passage 75. The outlet 75b is formed by the surrounding shape of the end of the low-pressure side plate 72, the end of the high-pressure side plate 73, and the side spacer 74. The outlet 75b extends along the entire end of the opposing portion 71. The outlet 75b faces the downstream end surface 12b of the desiccant rotor 12. In this embodiment, an axis L1 perpendicular to the outlet 75b is set to be perpendicular to the downstream end surface 12b. The communication passage 75 extends along the axis L1.

[0059] A sealing blower 76 is provided in correspondence with the inlet 75a on the low-pressure side plate 72. The sealing blower 76 blows air from the downstream air supply space 3c into the communication passage 75 through the inlet 75a. The sealing blower 76 and the opposing portion 71 constitute the leakage airflow suppression mechanism 70 of this embodiment.

[0060] [1-2. Operation] The operation of the gas treatment device 1 configured as above will be described below.

[0061] [1-2-1. Operation of gas treatment equipment] In gas treatment device 1 of embodiment 1, when electric motor 13 is operated, desiccant rotor 12 rotates. Then, in gas treatment device 1 of embodiment 1, when air supply fan 5 and exhaust fan 6 are operated, air (supply air) flows through air supply passage 3, and air (exhaust air) flows through exhaust passage 4.

[0062] The air flowing through the intake air flow path 3 and the exhaust air flow path 4 flows into the heat exchange means 7, exchanges total heat with each other, and then flows out. In the intake air flow path 3, the air can be cooled by providing a cooling function to the intake air side heat exchange means 8 on the downstream side. In addition, the air can be heated by providing a heating function to the intake air side heat exchange means 8 on the downstream side.

[0063] When cooled, low-temperature air flows into the desiccant rotor 12, the air leaves the desiccant rotor 12 in a dehumidified state. On the other hand, when heated, high-temperature air flows into the desiccant rotor 12, the air leaves the desiccant rotor 12 in a humidified state. Therefore, the air is humidity-conditioned by the desiccant rotor 12 and is supplied to or exhausted from the space to be air-conditioned or to the outside.

[0064] [1-2-2. Operation of the distance maintaining device] In this embodiment, the desiccant rotor 12 is positioned by the gap maintaining device 50. This makes it easy to maintain the gap δ between the upstream end face 12a of the desiccant rotor 12 and the upstream partition plate 31 at the axial extension amount La of the seal member 32 from the upstream partition plate 31. Therefore, the extension end 32c of the seal member 32 is always in close proximity to a position corresponding to the upstream end face 12a of the desiccant rotor 12 to provide a seal, and since the gap δ between the desiccant rotor 12 and the seal member 32 is easily maintained, pressure contact and sliding against the desiccant rotor 12 can be suppressed.

[0065] This makes it possible to reduce the amount of air that enters the air supply path (low-pressure ventilation path) 3 from the exhaust path (high-pressure ventilation path) 4 while suppressing deterioration of the function of the desiccant rotor 12 due to deterioration of the sealing member 32 and the desiccant rotor 12. The pressure difference between the exhaust path (high-pressure ventilation path) 4 and the air supply path (low-pressure ventilation path) 3 is determined in advance through experiments. In other words, the pressure difference between the exhaust path (high-pressure ventilation path) 4 and the air supply path (low-pressure ventilation path) 3 is a characteristic of the gas treatment device 1 of this embodiment.

[0066] [1-2-3. Operation of seal blower] Additionally, in this embodiment, a sealing blower 76 is provided. This is because there is generally a predetermined gap between the desiccant rotor 12 and the humidity control downstream partition member 26. This causes an airflow to flow from the relatively high-pressure exhaust flow path (high-pressure ventilation path) 4 to the relatively low-pressure intake flow path (low-pressure ventilation path) 3, resulting in a so-called leakage airflow. In contrast, in this embodiment, the sealing blower 76 blows airflow from the low-pressure intake flow path 3 through the inlet 75a into the connecting passage 75 as shown by arrow AL1 in FIG. 8 , and then blows air from the outlet 75b toward the boundary between the intake flow path 3 and the exhaust flow path 4 as shown by arrow AL2. Therefore, the airflow attempting to flow from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side as shown by arrow AH1 can be replaced with the airflow on the low-pressure side as shown by arrow AL2, thereby suppressing the inflow of leakage airflow. Therefore, with a configuration that does not require the suppression of pressure contact or sliding against the desiccant rotor 12, it is possible to reduce the amount of air that enters the air intake flow path (low-pressure ventilation path) 3 from the exhaust flow path (high-pressure ventilation path) 4 while suppressing the deterioration of the desiccant rotor 12's function due to its deterioration.

[0067] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the gas treatment device 1 includes the desiccant rotor 12 formed in a cylindrical shape and configured to allow an airflow to pass in the axial direction of the central axis L0, the holding shaft 51 that is rotatably supported and holds the desiccant rotor 12 at the central axis L0 of the desiccant rotor 12, and the air intake passage 3 that is disposed with a predetermined gap from the downstream end face 12b of the desiccant rotor 12 and defines a space facing the downstream end face 12b of the desiccant rotor 12 as the air intake passage 3. and an exhaust flow path 4 which has a higher pressure than the air flow path 3. The humidity control downstream partition member 26 is formed with an inlet 75a which opens into the air supply flow path 3, an outlet 75b which opens opposite the downstream end face 12b of the desiccant rotor 12 at the boundary between the air supply flow path 3 and the exhaust flow path 4, and a communication passage 75 which connects the inlet 75a and the outlet 75b, and a sealing blower 76 which blows air towards the outlet 75b is provided at the inlet 75a. With this configuration, a predetermined gap exists between the desiccant rotor 12 and the humidity control downstream partition member 26, resulting in leakage airflow from the relatively high-pressure exhaust flow path 4 to the relatively low-pressure intake flow path 3. In response to this, the sealing blower 76 takes in gas from the intake flow path 3 through the inlet 75a and blows it out through the outlet 75b, replacing the leakage airflow with gas from the intake flow path 3. This reduces the amount of gas flowing from the exhaust flow path 4 into the intake flow path 3. This provides sealing without using a pressure-welding, sliding seal member, thereby reducing the amount of gas that enters the intake flow path 3 from the exhaust flow path 4 while suppressing degradation of the functionality of the desiccant rotor 12 due to deterioration of the desiccant rotor 12. This improves the operational efficiency of the gas treatment device 1.

[0068] As in this embodiment, the outlet 75b may be formed over the entire humidity control downstream partition member 26 in the extension direction. According to this configuration, a sealing airflow can be blown over the entire boundary between the air intake passage 3 and the exhaust passage 4, and leakage of airflow can be effectively suppressed.

[0069] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. [2-1. Overall composition] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the humidity control downstream partition member 226 in embodiment 2. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Fig. 8 in embodiment 1. The gas treatment device 1 according to the second embodiment has a humidity control downstream partition member 226 instead of the humidity control downstream partition member 26 .

[0070] [2-2. Configuration of downstream partition member] In the humidity control downstream partition member 226 in the second embodiment, the opposing portion 71 is inclined with respect to the downstream end surface 12b of the desiccant rotor 12. In this embodiment, the communicating passage 75 is inclined toward the exhaust flow path 4 from the inlet 75a to the outlet 75b. In other words, the outlet 75b opens facing the exhaust flow path 4. Specifically, the axis L2 perpendicular to the outlet 75b is inclined with respect to the downstream end surface 12b. Furthermore, the communicating passage 75 extends along the axis L2.

[0071] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the outlet 75b is inclined toward the high-pressure exhaust flow path 4, so that the air flowing out from the connecting passage 75 is more likely to provide resistance to the air on the high-pressure side, making it easier to suppress leakage airflow.

[0072] As in this embodiment, the outlet 75b may be inclined with respect to the downstream end face 12b so as to face the exhaust flow path 4 side. According to this configuration, the airflow blown out from the outlet 75b can be given a dynamic pressure inertial force in the direction toward the exhaust flow path 4. Therefore, by blowing the airflow from the intake flow path 3 to the exhaust flow path 4, the leakage flow can be offset by the flow in the opposite direction and effectively reduced.

[0073] As in this embodiment, the humidity control downstream partition member 26 has a low-pressure side plate 72 facing the intake air flow path 3 and a high-pressure side plate 73 arranged opposite the low-pressure side plate 72 and facing the exhaust flow path 4, an inlet 75a is formed in the low-pressure side plate 72, a communicating passage 75 is formed by the gap between the low-pressure side plate 72 and the high-pressure side plate 73, and an outlet 75b is formed by the gap between the end of the low-pressure side plate 72 and the end of the high-pressure side plate 73, and the humidity control downstream partition member 26 may be inclined toward the exhaust flow path 4 as it approaches the downstream end face 12b of the desiccant rotor 12. According to this configuration, the airflow flowing along the direction in which the communication passage 75 extends can be easily discharged from the outlet 75b with force, making it easier to seal.

[0074] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first embodiment has been described as an example disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first embodiment to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0075] In the first embodiment, the rotor case 35 is provided on the desiccant rotor 12, but the rotor case 35 may be omitted as long as the shape of the desiccant rotor 12 can be maintained. In other words, the sealing member 32 may be configured to face the outer periphery of the desiccant rotor 12.

[0076] In the first embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the downstream air supply space 3c has a lower pressure than the downstream exhaust space 4c, but if the downstream air supply space 3c has a higher pressure than the downstream exhaust space 4c, the sealing blower 76 may be provided on the downstream exhaust space 4c side. Also, a configuration has been described in which the sealing blower 76 is provided in the humidity control downstream partition member 26, but the sealing blower 76 may be provided in any location where sealing is required, such as the humidity control upstream partition member 25.

[0077] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0078] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0079] (Technology 1) A gas treatment device comprising: a porous rotor formed in a cylindrical shape and configured to allow airflow to pass in the axial direction of a central axis; a holding shaft that is rotatably supported and holds the porous rotor at the central axis of the porous rotor; and an air passage partition member that is arranged with a predetermined gap relative to the axial end face of the porous rotor and that divides the space facing the axial end face of the porous rotor into a low-pressure air passage and a high-pressure air passage that has a higher pressure than the low-pressure air passage, wherein the air passage partition member has an inlet that opens into the low-pressure air passage, an outlet that opens opposite the axial end face of the porous rotor at the boundary between the low-pressure air passage and the high-pressure air passage, and a communication passage that connects the inlet and the outlet, and wherein the inlet is provided with a sealing blower that blows air toward the outlet. According to this configuration, the sealing blower takes in gas from the low-pressure ventilation duct through the inlet and blows it out through the outlet, so that leakage airflow that attempts to flow from the high-pressure ventilation duct into the low-pressure ventilation duct can be replaced with gas from the low-pressure ventilation duct, reducing the amount of gas flowing from the high-pressure ventilation duct into the low-pressure ventilation duct. Therefore, since sealing function can be obtained without using a pressure-welding or sliding sealing member, it is possible to provide a gas treatment device that can ensure sealing performance while suppressing deterioration of the porous rotor.

[0080] (Technical 2) The gas treatment device according to Technical 1, wherein the outlet is formed over the entire length of the ventilation path partition member in the extending direction. According to this configuration, the sealing air can be blown over the entire boundary between the low-pressure ventilation passage and the high-pressure ventilation passage, and leakage of airflow can be effectively suppressed.

[0081] (Technical Technique 3) The gas treatment device according to Technical Technique 1 or 2, wherein the outlet is inclined with respect to the axial end face so as to face the high-pressure ventilation passage side. This configuration allows the airflow blown out from the outlet to have dynamic pressure (inertia force) in the direction toward the high-pressure ventilation duct. Therefore, by blowing air from the low-pressure ventilation duct to the high-pressure ventilation duct, leakage airflow can be offset by the airflow in the opposite direction, effectively reducing it.

[0082] (Technology 4) A gas treatment device according to Technology 3, wherein the ventilation path partition member has a low-pressure side plate facing the low-pressure ventilation path and a high-pressure side plate arranged opposite the low-pressure side plate facing the high-pressure ventilation path, the inlet is formed in the low-pressure side plate, the communication passage is formed by the gap between the low-pressure side plate and the high-pressure side plate, the outlet is formed by the gap between the end of the low-pressure side plate and the end of the high-pressure side plate, and the ventilation path partition member is inclined toward the high-pressure ventilation path as it approaches the axial end face of the porous rotor. According to this configuration, the airflow flowing along the direction in which the flow path extends can be easily discharged from the outlet with force, making it easier to seal. [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] The present disclosure is applicable to gas treatment devices, specifically to commercial gas treatment devices installed in buildings or commercial facilities, and home gas treatment devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Gas treatment equipment 2. Case 2A Top plate 2B Bottom plate 2C Left side plate 2C1 aperture 2C2 aperture 2D right side plate 2D1 aperture 2D2 aperture 2E Front plate 2F rear panel 2b Bottom plate 3 Air supply path (low pressure ventilation path) 3OA outdoor air vent 3SA air supply port 3a Upstream air supply space 3b Midstream air supply space 3c Downstream air supply space 4 Exhaust passage (high pressure ventilation passage) 4EA exhaust port 4RA return air port 4a Upstream exhaust space 4b Midstream exhaust space 4c Downstream exhaust space 5. Air supply fan 6 exhaust fan 7 Heat exchange means 7a First flow path 7b Second flow path 8 Supply air side heat exchange means 9 Upper drain pan 10 Lower drain pan 11 Humidity control unit 12 Desiccant rotor (porous rotor) 12a Upstream end face (axial end face) 12b Downstream end face (axial end face) 12c center hole 13 Electric motor 21 Support plate 22 Support plate 23 Partition member 24 Partition member 25 Humidity control upstream partition material 26 Humidity control downstream partition member (ventilation duct partition member) 27 Partition member 31 Upstream partition plate (ventilation duct partition plate) 31a aperture 32 Sealing material 32a Flange 32b Seal part 32c extension end 35 rotor case 41 Stay 42 Stay 43 Bearing (positioning part) 44 Bearings 50 Spacing device 51 Retaining shaft 51a sliding hole 51b Groove 52 spacer 52a Tip 53 Sliding pin 54 Fixed holder 54a Pipe section 54b flange 55 Movable holder 55a Pipe section 55b flange 56 Fixing member 57a 1st wave washer 57b Second wave washer (biasing member) 58 First flat washer 58a Bis 59 Second flat washer 61 Worm Wheel 62 Worm Gear 63 Drive shaft 70 Leakage airflow suppression mechanism 71 Opposing part 71a aperture 72 Low-pressure side plate 73 High-pressure side plate 74 spacer 75 Communication path 75a Inlet 75b Outlet 76 Seal blower 226 Downstream partition member AH1 Arrow AL1 Arrow AL2 Arrow L0 center axis L1 axis L2 axis La extension amount P position δ spacing

Claims

1. The device comprises a porous rotor formed in a cylindrical shape and configured to allow airflow to pass in the axial direction of a central axis, a holding shaft that is rotatably supported and holds the porous rotor at the central axis of the porous rotor, and an air passage partition member that is arranged with a predetermined gap from an axial end face of the porous rotor and that divides a space facing the axial end face of the porous rotor into a low-pressure air passage and a high-pressure air passage that has a higher pressure than the low-pressure air passage, wherein the air passage partition member is formed with an inlet that opens into the low-pressure air passage, an outlet that opens facing the axial end face of the porous rotor at a boundary between the low-pressure air passage and the high-pressure air passage, and a communication passage that communicates the inlet and the outlet, and a sealing blower that blows air toward the outlet Gas treatment equipment.

2. The outlet is formed over the entire length of the ventilation passage partition member in the extending direction. The gas treatment device of claim 1 .

3. The outlet is inclined with respect to the axial end face so as to face the high-pressure ventilation passage side. The gas treatment device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the ventilation passage partition member has a low-pressure side plate facing the low-pressure ventilation passage and a high-pressure side plate disposed opposite the low-pressure side plate and facing the high-pressure ventilation passage, The inlet is formed in the low-pressure side plate, the communication passage is formed by a gap between the low-pressure side plate and the high-pressure side plate, a gap between an end of the low-pressure side plate and an end of the high-pressure side plate defines the outlet; The ventilation passage partition member is inclined toward the high-pressure ventilation passage as it approaches the axial end face of the porous rotor. The gas treatment device of claim 3 .

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