Whole building air conditioning system

Abstract

This allows for improved air conditioning efficiency while maintaining air purification through filters. [Solution] This is a whole-house air conditioning system 1. The whole-house air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioner 3, a filter unit 4 equipped with a filter member 6 for purifying the conditioned air A2 conditioned by the air conditioner 3, and an air transport means 7 including a fan 7 and a duct 8 for supplying the conditioned air A2 to a plurality of living rooms 2. The filter unit 4 has operating modes including a purification mode in which substantially the entire amount of the conditioned air A2 passes through the filter member 6, and an airflow priority mode in which at least a portion of the conditioned air A2 bypasses the filter member 6 to reduce pressure loss.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a building-wide air conditioning system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses an air conditioning unit for a building. This air conditioning unit includes a casing having a space, an air conditioner disposed within the casing, a filter for purifying the conditioned air generated by the air conditioner, and a fan for supplying the conditioned air to a living room. This air conditioning system can ventilate and condition the inside of a building while circulating and purifying the air inside the building.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Filters are important for improving the air environment inside a building. On the other hand, in the air path of an air conditioning system, filters can cause pressure loss and may reduce air conditioning efficiency. In particular, in a situation where a large volume of conditioned air is circulated inside a building to quickly obtain an air conditioning effect, there is a need to reduce the pressure loss caused by filters to improve air conditioning efficiency.

[0005] In view of the above actual situation, the present invention has been devised, and its main object is to provide a building-wide air conditioning system capable of enhancing air conditioning efficiency while maintaining air purification by filters.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention relates to a whole-house air conditioning system comprising: an air conditioner; a filter unit equipped with a filter member for purifying the conditioned air provided by the air conditioner; and an air transport means including a fan and ducts for supplying the conditioned air to a plurality of rooms, wherein the filter unit has operating modes including a purification mode in which substantially the entire amount of the conditioned air passes through the filter member, and an airflow priority mode in which at least a portion of the conditioned air bypasses the filter member to reduce pressure loss. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] By adopting the above configuration, the whole-building air conditioning system of the present invention can improve air conditioning efficiency while maintaining air purification by filters. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of a building equipped with a whole-building air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a casing that constitutes part of a whole-building air conditioning system. [Figure 3] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a filter unit in purification mode. [Figure 4] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a filter unit in airflow priority mode. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a partitioned area. [Figure 6] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a filter unit equipped with a filter moving mechanism (differential pressure damper). [Figure 7] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a filter unit equipped with a filter moving mechanism (spring member).

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings contain exaggerations and representations that differ from the actual dimensional ratios of the structures in order to aid in understanding the content of the invention. Furthermore, the same or common elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout each embodiment, and redundant explanations are omitted. Moreover, the specific configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings are for the purpose of understanding the content of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a building 20 equipped with the whole-house air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the building 20 of this embodiment is exemplified as a residence, but it may also be a building such as a commercial building. The building 20 of this embodiment is configured to include an underfloor space 21 and an above-floor space 22.

[0011] The underfloor space 21 is a space enclosed by the foundation 23, the ground, and the first-floor floor 24. The foundation 23 is provided with an opening 25 for taking in outside air A1. The outside air A1 taken in through the opening 25 exchanges heat with the heat in the ground, which has little temperature change throughout the year, via the ground.

[0012] The floor space 22 is a space provided above the underfloor space 21. In this embodiment, the floor space 22 includes a plurality of living rooms 2. In this embodiment, the living rooms 2 consist of a plurality of living rooms 2a, 2a provided on the first floor and a plurality of living rooms 2b, 2b provided on the second floor.

[0013] [Whole-building air conditioning system (first embodiment)] The building 20 of this embodiment is equipped with a whole-house air conditioning system 1. The whole-house air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioner 3, a filter unit 4, and an air transport means 5. Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an example of a casing 26 that constitutes part of the whole-house air conditioning system 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air conditioner 3, the filter unit 4, and the air transport means 5 are housed within the casing 26. In this embodiment, the casing 26 is installed on the floor 27 of the second floor of the building 20, but is not limited to this configuration. The casing 26 may be installed, for example, on the floor 24 of the first floor of the building 20.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the casing 26 of this embodiment is formed in a box shape and includes an upper plate 28 positioned on the upper side, a lower plate 29 positioned on the lower side, and a plurality of side plates 30 extending vertically D3 between the upper plate 28 and the lower plate 29. The plurality of side plates 30 of this embodiment include a pair of side plates 30a and 30b (shown in Figure 1) facing each other in the front-to-back direction D1 of the casing 26, and a pair of side plates 30c and 30d facing each other in the left-to-right direction D2. The space 31 is partitioned by these upper plate 28, lower plate 29, and plurality of side plates 30.

[0015] The casing 26 of this embodiment is provided with a partition plate 32. The partition plate 32 extends from the upper plate 28 toward the lower plate 29 between a pair of side plates 30a and 30b (shown in Figure 1) facing each other in the front-rear direction D1, and terminates without reaching the lower plate 29.

[0016] In this embodiment, the upper plate 28 is provided with an air intake port 33 and an outside air intake port 34.

[0017] The air supply port 33 is for supplying the air A3 (shown in FIG. 1) inside the building 20 to the space 31. The outside air intake port 34 is for supplying the outside air (underfloor air) A1 shown in FIG. 1 to the space 31. The outside air intake port 34 of the present embodiment is connected to an outside air duct 35 that communicates the space 31 and the underfloor space 21. As shown in FIG. 1, a fan 36 for sending the outside air (underfloor air) A1 to the outside air intake port 34 side is provided in the outside air duct 35. Thereby, the outside air (underfloor air) A1 can be supplied to the space 31.

[0018] In the casing 26 of the present embodiment, a plate-like support portion 39 for supporting the lower side of the filter unit 4 is provided. The support portion 39 of the present embodiment extends between the end portion (lower end) of the partition plate 32 and the pair of side plates 30a, 30c, and 30d. The support portion 39 is provided with a hole portion 40 penetrating in the vertical direction D3, and a pair of partition portions 41, 41 that extend upward from both ends in the left-right direction D2 of the hole portion 40 and terminate without reaching the air conditioner 3. With such a pair of partition portions 41, 41, in the space 31 below the air conditioner 3, a first space 31a partitioned by the pair of partition portions 41, 41 and a pair of second spaces 31b, 31b partitioned by the pair of partition portions 41, 41 and the pair of side plates 30c, 30d are formed. Further, the pair of partition portions 41, 41 are provided with openings 49 that communicate the second spaces 31b, 31b and the hole portion 40.

[0019] [Air conditioner] The air conditioner 3 is used to air-condition the air supplied to the space 31 (in this example, the outside air (underfloor air) A1 and the air A3 inside the building). The air conditioner 3 of the present embodiment is, for example, a general household split-type air conditioner. The air conditioner 3 includes an indoor unit 3a and an outdoor unit (not shown) installed outside the building 20 as a set. The indoor unit 3a of the present embodiment is provided in the space 31 and fixed to the partition plate 32.

[0020] The indoor unit 3a includes a suction port 37 and a blowout port 38.

[0021] The intake port 37 is used to draw air into the heat exchanger (not shown) inside the indoor unit 3a. In this embodiment, the intake port 37 is located below the air supply port 33 and the outside air intake port 34. As a result, as shown in Figure 1, outside air (underfloor air) A1 and air from inside the building A3 are supplied to the intake port 37.

[0022] Air-conditioned air A2, which has undergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger, is blown out from the outlet 38. In this embodiment, the outlet 38 is directed downward (towards the filter unit 4), so the air-conditioned air A2 can be blown out towards the filter unit 4.

[0023] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 3 allows control of the airflow rate of the conditioned air A2 blown out from the outlet 38. The airflow rates in this embodiment include, for example, a first airflow rate and a second airflow rate greater than the first airflow rate, but are not limited to this configuration and may include other airflow rates as well. These airflow rates may be switchable by the control device 51, or they may be switched by operation by the occupant. The control device 51 consists of a computer and is installed, for example, in a partition wall.

[0024] [Filter unit (first embodiment)] As shown in Figure 2, the filter unit 4 includes a filter element 6 for purifying the conditioned air A2 provided by the air conditioner 3. The filter element 6 may be, for example, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, a photocatalytic filter, or an activated carbon deodorizing filter. Alternatively, the filter element 6 may be constructed by combining these elements.

[0025] The filter member 6 of this embodiment is positioned in the first space 31a and is supported by a support portion 39 and a pair of partition portions 41, 41. The filter member 6 of this embodiment includes a first filter member 6a, a second filter member 6b, a third filter member 6c, and a fourth filter member 6d, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, some of these may be omitted, or other filter members may be included.

[0026] The second filter member 6b and the third filter member 6c are supported at their upper sides by their own weight, but are not limited to this configuration; their upper sides may also be fixed and supported by jigs (not shown). The first filter member 6a and the fourth filter member 6d are supported at their upper sides by partitions 41, 41, respectively, but are not limited to this configuration; their upper sides may also be fixed and supported by jigs (not shown) to partitions 41, 41. As a result, the filter unit 4 is arranged in a V-shape that is convex from the upstream side to the downstream side of the conditioned air A2, thereby reducing pressure loss when the conditioned air A2 passes through the filter member 6.

[0027] The filter unit 4 includes operating modes that include a purification mode in which substantially the entire amount of conditioned air A2 passes through the filter member 6, and an airflow priority mode in which at least a portion of the conditioned air A2 bypasses the filter member 6 to reduce pressure loss. "Substantially the entire amount passes through the filter member 6" takes into account conditioned air A2 that does not pass through the filter member 6 due to leakage from gaps formed in the casing 26, for example. For this reason, in order to "substantially the entire amount passes through the filter member 6", it is permissible for 90% to 100% of the conditioned air A2 supplied from the air conditioner 3 to pass through the filter member 6.

[0028] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the filter unit 4 in purification mode. Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the filter unit 4 in airflow priority mode.

[0029] The filter unit 4 of this embodiment includes a main flow path 9, a bypass flow path 10 (shown in Figure 4), and an on / off valve 11.

[0030] The main flow path 9 is a flow path through which conditioned air A2 flows in and passes through the filter member 6. In this embodiment, the main flow path 9 is composed of a first space 31a in which the filter member 6 is arranged. When conditioned air A2 flows into this main flow path 9, the conditioned air A2 can be filtered and purified.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the bypass channel 10 is a channel through which conditioned air A2 flows in and bypasses the filter member 6. In this embodiment, the bypass channel 10 can be formed by connecting the second space 31b and the hole 40 through the opening 49. When conditioned air A2 flows into this bypass channel 10, the conditioned air A2 can bypass the filter member 6 and be supplied to the hole 40, thereby reducing pressure loss due to the filter member 6.

[0032] The on-off valve 11 is for opening and closing the bypass passage 10. The on-off valve 11 in this embodiment is configured to open the bypass passage 10 when the pressure (wind pressure) in the bypass passage 10 (second space 31b) exceeds a predetermined threshold. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the on-off valve 11. As shown in Figure 5, the on-off valve 11 in this embodiment is capable of opening and closing the opening 49 of the compartment 41. The on-off valve 11 in this embodiment includes a valve portion 52, a hinge portion 53, and a biasing means 50, but is not limited to this configuration as long as the opening 49 can be opened and closed, and can be configured as appropriate.

[0033] The valve portion 52 is formed in a plate shape that can close the opening 49. At the lower end of the valve portion 52 in this embodiment, a stopper 46 is provided that contacts the inner surface 54 of the compartment portion 41 in the left-right direction D2 of the casing 26. This stopper 46 is in contact with the inner surface 54 of the compartment portion 41 when the valve portion 52 is closed over the opening 49.

[0034] The hinge portion 53 is fixed between the upper end 52a of the valve portion 52 and the upper inner surface 49a of the opening 49. In this embodiment, the hinge portion 53 allows the valve portion 52 to rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the depth direction (front-rear direction D1) of the casing 26. By rotating the valve portion 52, the opening 49 is opened, and the second space 31b and the hole portion 40 are connected, thereby forming a bypass flow path 10.

[0035] As described above, the valve portion 52 is provided with a stopper 46 that contacts the inner surface 54 of the compartment portion 41 when the opening 49 is closed. This prevents the casing 26 from rotating outward in the left-right direction D2 when the valve portion 52 is in the closed position of the opening 49. In Figure 5, the on-off valve 11 when the bypass passage 10 is open is shown by dashed lines.

[0036] The biasing means 50 in this embodiment is configured as a spring member and is provided between the valve portion 52 and the side plate 30 (casing 26). In this embodiment, one end of the biasing means 50 is fitted into a mounting portion 44 fixed to the outer surface 52b of the valve portion 52 in the left-right direction D2 of the casing 26, and the other end is fitted into a mounting portion 45 fixed to the inner surface 30s of the side plate 30. The biasing means 50 in this embodiment constantly biases the valve portion 52 toward the side plate 30. As a result, the valve portion 52 can keep the opening 49 (bypass passage 10) closed by preventing the stopper 46, which contacts the inner surface 54 of the compartment portion 41, from rotating outward in the left-right direction D2 of the casing 26.

[0037] The biasing means 50 of this embodiment biases the valve section 52 to open the opening 49 when the pressure (wind pressure) in the bypass passage 10 (second space 31b) exceeds a predetermined threshold. The threshold can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, the threshold is set between the pressure in the bypass passage 10 (second space 31b) when the conditioned air A2 from the air conditioner 3 is supplied at a first airflow rate and the pressure in the bypass passage 10 (second space 31b) when the conditioned air A2 is supplied at a second airflow rate. As a result, when the conditioned air A2 is supplied at a first airflow rate, the valve section 52 (on-off valve 11) can keep the opening 49 (bypass passage 10) closed. On the other hand, when the conditioned air A2 is supplied at a second airflow rate, the valve section 52 (on-off valve 11) can open the opening 49 (bypass passage 10). Such thresholds can be easily set by adjusting the material, effective number of turns, and wire diameter of the biasing means (spring member) 50.

[0038] [Air conveying means] As shown in Figure 1, the air transport means 5 includes a fan 7 and a duct 8 for supplying conditioned air A2 to multiple rooms 2.

[0039] The fan 7 in this embodiment draws in conditioned air A2 and supplies it to the outside of the casing 26. As shown in Figure 2, the fan 7 in this embodiment is configured as a sirocco fan, but is not limited to this configuration. The fan 7 is supported by the lower plate 29.

[0040] The fan 7 of this embodiment includes a first fan 7A and a second fan 7B. The duct 8 of this embodiment includes a first duct 42 and a second duct 43.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the first fan 7A of this embodiment is used to supply conditioned air A2 to a living room 2a on the first floor. As shown in Figure 2, the intake port 47 of the first fan 7A is located in the space 31, below the filter unit 4 (downstream of the conditioned air A2). On the other hand, the outlet port (not shown) of the first fan 7A is connected to the first duct 42 which communicates with the living room 2a on the first floor shown in Figure 1. As a result, the first fan 7A can draw in the conditioned air A2 that has passed through the filter unit 4 (main flow path 9 and / or bypass flow path 10) and supply it to the living room 2a on the first floor.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the second fan 7B in this embodiment is used to supply conditioned air A2 to the living room 2b on the second floor. As shown in Figure 2, the intake port 48 of the second fan 7B is located in the space 31, below the filter unit 4 (downstream of the conditioned air A2). On the other hand, the outlet port (not shown) of the second fan 7B is connected to the second duct 43 which communicates with the living room 2b on the second floor shown in Figure 1. As a result, the second fan 7B can draw in the conditioned air A2 that has passed through the filter unit 4 (main flow path 9 and / or bypass flow path 10) and supply it to the living room 2b on the second floor.

[0043] The first fan 7A and the second fan 7B are capable of operating at multiple airflow rates. The airflow rates include a third airflow rate and a fourth airflow rate greater than the third airflow rate, but are not limited to this configuration, and other airflow rates may also be included. The third airflow rate in this embodiment can be set based on the number of ventilations required for the building (in this example, a house) 20 (e.g., 0.5 times / hour). By supplying conditioned air A2, including outside air A1, to each room 2 based on such a third airflow rate, each room 2 can be air-conditioned while being ventilated. On the other hand, by supplying conditioned air A2, including outside air A1, based on a fourth airflow rate greater than the third airflow rate, a large volume of conditioned air A2 can be circulated within the building 20.

[0044] [Air conditioning method using a whole-building air conditioning system (first embodiment)] Next, an air conditioning method using the whole-building air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, for example, an occupant of the building 20 issues an instruction to start air conditioning operation to the control panel 51a (shown in Figure 1) of the control device 51, thereby starting the air conditioning operation (air conditioning method). In this embodiment, the filter unit 4 is switched between multiple operating modes. The operating modes include a purification mode and an airflow priority mode.

[0045] [Purification Mode] As described above, the purification mode is an operating mode in which virtually the entire amount of conditioned air A2 passes through the filter member 6. In this purification mode, the conditioned air A2 filtered by the filter member 6 is mainly supplied to each room 2, thereby improving the air environment within the building 20. The purification mode in this embodiment is operated when the air conditioner 3 is at the first airflow rate.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, in the purification mode of this embodiment, conditioned air A2, which is a mixture of outside air A1 and indoor air A3, is supplied from the air conditioner 3 to the filter unit 4. In this purification mode, conditioned air A2 is supplied from the air conditioner 3 to the filter unit 4 based on a first airflow rate. The conditioned air A2 supplied to the filter unit 4 is then branched and supplied to the main flow path 9 (first space 31a) and the bypass flow path 10 (second space 31b).

[0047] The conditioned air A2 supplied to the main flow path 9 (first space 31a) is filtered by the filter member 6 and supplied to the air transport means 5 (first fan 7A, second fan 7B). On the other hand, the conditioned air A2 supplied to the bypass flow path 10 (second space 31b) presses the on-off valve 11 that closes the opening 49. Since this conditioned air A2 is supplied at the first airflow rate, the pressure (wind pressure) of the conditioned air A2 is less than the threshold value of the biasing means 50. As a result, the on-off valve 11 remains closed to the opening 49 (bypass flow path 10). Therefore, the conditioned air A2 supplied to the bypass flow path 10 (second space 31b) is guided from the bypass flow path 10 (second space 31b) to the main flow path 9 without having to bypass the filter member 6.

[0048] The conditioned air A2 filtered by the filter member 6 in the main flow path 9 (first space 31a) is supplied to multiple living rooms 2 by the air transport means 5 (first fan 7A, second fan 7B). As a result, in purification mode, the conditioned air A2, including the outside air A1, is filtered by the filter member 6 and supplied to each room 2, thereby improving the air environment while ventilating the building 20. The airflow rates of the first fan 7A and the second fan 7B may be set to, for example, a third airflow rate based on the above ventilation rate.

[0049] [Airflow Priority Mode] As described above, the airflow priority mode is an operating mode that reduces pressure loss by diverting at least a portion of the conditioned air A2 around the filter member 6. This airflow priority mode makes it possible to reduce pressure loss due to the filter member 6 and improve air conditioning efficiency. In this embodiment, the airflow priority mode is operated when the air conditioner 3 is at a second airflow that is greater than the first airflow.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, in the airflow priority mode of this embodiment, similar to the purification mode, conditioned air A2, which is a mixture of outside air A1 and indoor air A3, is supplied from the air conditioner 3 to the filter unit 4. In this airflow priority mode, conditioned air A2 is supplied from the air conditioner 3 to the filter unit 4 based on a second airflow that is greater than the first airflow. The conditioned air A2 supplied to the filter unit 4 is then branched and supplied to the main flow path 9 (first space 31a) and the bypass flow path 10 (second space 31b).

[0051] The conditioned air A2 supplied to the main flow path 9 (first space 31a) is filtered by the filter member 6 and supplied to the air transport means 5 (first fan 7A, second fan 7B). On the other hand, the conditioned air A2 supplied to the bypass flow path 10 (second space 31b) presses the on-off valve 11 that closes the opening 49. Since this conditioned air A2 is supplied at a second airflow rate, the pressure (wind pressure) of the conditioned air A2 becomes greater than the threshold value of the biasing means 50. As a result, the on-off valve 11 can open the opening 49 (bypass flow path 10). Therefore, the conditioned air A2 supplied to the bypass flow path 10 (second space 31b) bypasses the filter member 6 and is supplied to the air transport means 5 (first fan 7A, second fan 7B), thus reducing the pressure loss of the conditioned air A2 due to the filter member 6.

[0052] The conditioned air A2 filtered by the filter member 6 in the main flow path 9 (first space 31a) and the conditioned air A2 that bypasses the filter member 6 from the bypass flow path 10 (second space 31b) are supplied to multiple rooms 2 by the air transport means 5 (first fan 7A, second fan 7B). As a result, in airflow priority mode, at least a portion of the conditioned air A2 can be bypassed by the filter member 6 to reduce pressure loss, thereby improving air conditioning efficiency while maintaining air purification by the filter member 6. Furthermore, even if the pressure loss of the filter member 6 is large due to dust or other particles collected by the filter member 6, in airflow priority mode, at least a portion of the conditioned air A2 bypasses the filter member 6, reducing the load on the filter member 6 by the conditioned air A2, thus preventing damage to the filter member 6.

[0053] In airflow priority mode, the air conditioner 3 supplies conditioned air A2 at a second airflow rate greater than the first airflow rate, making it possible to circulate a large volume of conditioned air A2 within the building 20 and rapidly achieve an air conditioning effect. To effectively enhance this effect, the airflow rates of the first fan 7A and the second fan 7B may be set to a fourth airflow rate greater than the third airflow rate.

[0054] In this embodiment, the whole-building air conditioning system 1 allows for the selective use of a purification mode and an airflow priority mode depending on the air environment within the building 20, thereby improving air conditioning efficiency while maintaining air purification by the filter.

[0055] In this embodiment, the on-off valve 11 is exemplified as including a biasing means (spring member) 50, but is not limited to this embodiment. For example, a known cylinder rod (not shown) may be included instead of the biasing means (spring member) 50. In such an on-off valve 11, for example, when the pressure in the bypass passage 10 measured by a known sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold, the bypass passage 10 can be opened by the control of the cylinder rod by the control device 51, making it possible to switch between the cleaning mode and the airflow priority mode with high precision.

[0056] [Whole-building air conditioning system (second embodiment)] [Filter Unit (Second Embodiment)] In previous embodiments of the filter unit 4, the on-off valve 11 (bypass passage 10) was opened when the pressure (wind pressure) in the bypass passage 10 exceeded a predetermined threshold, but the system is not limited to this configuration. The filter unit 4 of this embodiment may also include a filter moving means 12 that moves the filter member 6 so that it changes from a cleaning mode to an airflow priority mode when the filter member 6 is subjected to wind pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0057] Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a filter unit 4 equipped with a filter moving means (differential pressure damper 13) 12. As shown in Figure 6, the casing 26 of this embodiment is provided with a plate-shaped support portion 55 for supporting the upper side of the filter unit 4. The support portion 55 of this embodiment extends between a pair of side plates 30c and 30d facing each other in the left-right direction D2 between the air conditioner 3 and the air conveying means 5 shown in Figure 2. The support portion 55 is provided with a hole 56 that penetrates in the up-down direction D3. The hole 56 of this embodiment includes a first hole 56a and a second hole 56b. These first hole 56a and second hole 56b are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction D2 of the casing 26.

[0058] The filter member 6 in this embodiment includes a first filter member 6a, a second filter member 6b, a third filter member 6c, and a fourth filter member 6d, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, some of these may be omitted, or other filter members may be included. The filter members 6a to 6d are detachably held by a frame 65 into which at least the upper ends are fitted.

[0059] In this embodiment, the frame 65 has a hole 61 extending in the depth direction (front-to-back direction D1). The frame 65 is also provided with a support piece 59 that extends along the lower surface 6s in the thickness direction of the filter member 6. This support piece 59 is positioned only in the central part of the lower surface 6s of the filter member 6 in the depth direction (front-to-back direction D1). Therefore, the filtering capacity of the air-conditioned air A2 by the filter member 6 can be maintained.

[0060] The filter moving means 12 in this embodiment is composed of a differential pressure damper 13. The differential pressure damper 13 in this embodiment includes a shaft portion 57 and a weight portion 58.

[0061] The shaft portion 57 passes through a hole 61 provided in the frame 65 of the filter member 6 and is fixed to the support portion 55. This allows the filter member 6 to rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the depth direction (front-to-back direction D1) of the casing 26.

[0062] The first filter member 6a is rotatably supported by the support member 55 on one side of the first hole 56a in the left-right direction D2 (left side in the figure). The second filter member 6b is rotatably supported by the support member 55 on the other side of the first hole 56a in the left-right direction D2 (right side in the figure). The third filter member 6c is rotatably supported by the support member 55 on one side of the second hole 56b in the left-right direction D2 (left side in the figure). The fourth filter member 6d is rotatably supported by the support member 55 on the other side of the second hole 56b in the left-right direction D2 (right side in the figure).

[0063] The weight portion 58 is for controlling the rotation of the filter member 6. In this embodiment, the weight portion 58 includes an arm portion 58a and a balance weight portion 58b, but is not limited to this configuration.

[0064] In this embodiment, the arm portion 58a is formed in a rod shape. One end of the arm portion 58a in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the support piece 59 of the frame 65. The other end of the arm portion 58a in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the balance weight portion 58b.

[0065] The balance weight portion 58b fixed to the first filter member 6a acts a first moment A on the first filter member 6a, causing it to rotate about the shaft portion 57 (counterclockwise in Figure 6). On the other hand, the balance weight portion 58b fixed to the second filter member 6b acts a first moment A on the second filter member 6b, causing it to rotate about the shaft portion 57 (clockwise in Figure 6). Due to these first moments A, the lower end of the first filter member 6a and the lower end of the second filter member 6b come into contact, and the first hole portion 56a is closed by the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b. When conditioned air A2 is supplied to this first hole portion 56a, the conditioned air A2 can be filtered by the filter member 6.

[0066] The first filter member 6a is subjected to a second moment B by the wind pressure of the conditioned air A2, causing it to rotate around the shaft 57 in the opposite direction to the first moment A (clockwise rotation in Figure 6). On the other hand, the second filter member 6b is subjected to a second moment B by the wind pressure of the conditioned air A2, causing it to rotate around the shaft 57 in the opposite direction to the first moment A (counterclockwise rotation in Figure 6). When these second moments B, B are less than or equal to the first moments A, A, the first hole 56a remains closed by the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b. On the other hand, when the second moments B, B are greater than the first moments A, A, the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b move so that their lower ends are separated from each other. As the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b move in this manner, a portion of the first hole 56a is opened, allowing a portion of the conditioned air A2 supplied to the first hole 56a to be bypassed without being filtered by the filter member 6.

[0067] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b, which are closing the first hole 56a, move when the wind pressure received by the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b exceeds a predetermined threshold. The threshold in this embodiment is set between the wind pressure received by the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b when conditioned air A2 from the air conditioner 3 is supplied at a first airflow rate, and the wind pressure received by the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b when conditioned air A2 is supplied at a second airflow rate. As a result, when conditioned air A2 is supplied at a first airflow rate, the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b can maintain a closed state of the first hole 56a. On the other hand, when conditioned air A2 is supplied at a second airflow rate, the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b can move, and a part of the first hole 56a can be opened. Such thresholds can be easily set by appropriately adjusting the weight of the balance weight section 58b, etc.

[0068] The balance weight portion 58b fixed to the third filter member 6c acts on the third filter member 6c with a first moment A that causes it to rotate about the shaft portion 57 (counterclockwise in Figure 6). On the other hand, the balance weight portion 58b fixed to the fourth filter member 6d acts on the fourth filter member 6d with a first moment A that causes it to rotate about the shaft portion 57 (clockwise in Figure 6). Due to these first moments A, the lower end of the third filter member 6c and the lower end of the fourth filter member 6d come into contact, and the second hole portion 56b is closed by the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d. When conditioned air A2 is supplied to this second hole portion 56b, the conditioned air A2 can be filtered by the filter member 6.

[0069] The third filter member 6c is subjected to a second moment B by the wind pressure of the conditioned air A2, causing it to rotate around the shaft 57 in the opposite direction to the first moment A (clockwise rotation in Figure 6). On the other hand, the fourth filter member 6d is subjected to a second moment B by the wind pressure of the conditioned air A2, causing it to rotate around the shaft 57 in the opposite direction to the first moment A (counterclockwise rotation in Figure 6). When these second moments B, B are less than or equal to the first moments A, A, the second hole 56b remains closed by the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d. On the other hand, when the second moments B, B are greater than the first moments A, A, the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d move so that their lower ends are separated from each other. As the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d move in this manner, a portion of the second hole 56b is opened, allowing a portion of the conditioned air A2 supplied to the second hole 56b to be bypassed without being filtered by the filter member 6.

[0070] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d move when the wind pressure received by them exceeds a predetermined threshold. The threshold can be set in the same way as the threshold for the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b. This allows the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d to maintain a closed state of the second hole 56b when the conditioned air A2 is supplied at a first airflow rate. On the other hand, when the conditioned air A2 is supplied at a second airflow rate, the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d can be moved to open a portion of the second hole 56b.

[0071] [Air conditioning method using a whole-building air conditioning system (second embodiment)] Next, an air conditioning method using the whole-house air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, as in previous embodiments, the filter unit 4 is switched between multiple operating modes. The operating modes include a purification mode and an airflow priority mode.

[0072] [Purification Mode] As described above, the purification mode is an operating mode in which substantially the entire amount of conditioned air A2 passes through the filter member 6. In this embodiment, the purification mode is the same as in previous embodiments, and conditioned air A2 is supplied from the air conditioner 3 to the filter unit 4 based on the first airflow rate. The conditioned air A2 supplied to the filter unit 4 is branched into the first hole 56a and the second hole 56b and supplied to the first filter member 6a to the fourth filter member 6d.

[0073] The first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b are subjected to wind pressure from the conditioned air A2 supplied to the first hole 56a. Since this conditioned air A2 is supplied at a first airflow rate, the wind pressure of the conditioned air A2 is below a threshold. As a result, the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b can maintain a closed state of the first hole 56a. Therefore, the conditioned air A2 supplied to the first hole 56a is filtered by the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b without bypassing them, and then supplied to the air conveying means 5.

[0074] The third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d are subjected to wind pressure by the conditioned air A2 supplied to the second hole 56b. These third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d, like the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b, can maintain a closed state of the second hole 56b. Therefore, the conditioned air A2 supplied to the second hole 56b is filtered by the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d without bypassing them, and then supplied to the air conveying means 5.

[0075] The conditioned air A2 filtered by the first filter member 6a to the fourth filter member 6d is supplied to multiple rooms 2 by the air transport means 5 (first fan 7A, second fan 7B). In the purification mode, the conditioned air A2, including outside air A1, is filtered by the filter member 6 and supplied to each room 2, thereby improving the air environment while ventilating the building 20.

[0076] [Airflow Priority Mode] As described above, the airflow priority mode is an operating mode that reduces pressure loss by diverting at least a portion of the conditioned air A2 around the filter member 6. In this embodiment, the airflow priority mode, as in previous embodiments, supplies conditioned air A2 from the air conditioner 3 to the filter unit 4 based on the second airflow. The conditioned air A2 supplied to the filter unit 4 branches into the first hole 56a and the second hole 56b and is supplied to the first filter member 6a to the fourth filter member 6d.

[0077] The first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b are subjected to wind pressure from the conditioned air A2 supplied to the first hole 56a. Since this conditioned air A2 is supplied at a second airflow rate, the wind pressure of the conditioned air A2 becomes greater than a threshold. As a result, the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b move, and the first hole 56a can be opened. Therefore, a portion of the conditioned air A2 supplied to the first hole 56a bypasses the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b and is supplied to the air transport means 5 (first fan 7A, second fan 7B), thus reducing the pressure loss of the conditioned air A2 due to the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b.

[0078] The third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d are subjected to wind pressure from the conditioned air A2 supplied to the second hole 56b. Since this conditioned air A2 is supplied at a second airflow rate, the wind pressure of the conditioned air A2 becomes greater than a threshold. As a result, the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d move, and the second hole 56b can be opened. Therefore, a portion of the conditioned air A2 supplied to the second hole 56b bypasses the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d and is supplied to the air transport means 5 (first fan 7A, second fan 7B), thus reducing the pressure loss of the conditioned air A2 due to the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d.

[0079] The conditioned air A2 filtered by the first filter member 6a to the fourth filter member 6d, and the conditioned air A2 that has bypassed the first filter member 6a to the fourth filter member 6d, are supplied to multiple rooms 2 by the air transport means 5 (first fan 7A, second fan 7B). As a result, in airflow priority mode, at least a portion of the conditioned air A2 can be bypassed by the filter members 6 to reduce pressure loss, making it possible to improve air conditioning efficiency while maintaining air purification by the filter members 6.

[0080] In airflow priority mode, the air conditioner 3 supplies conditioned air A2 at a second airflow rate greater than the first airflow rate, making it possible to circulate a large volume of conditioned air A2 within the building 20 and rapidly achieve an air conditioning effect. To effectively enhance this effect, the airflow rates of the first fan 7A and the second fan 7B may be set to a fourth airflow rate greater than the third airflow rate.

[0081] In this embodiment of the whole-building air conditioning system 1, as in previous embodiments, a purification mode and an airflow priority mode are selectively used depending on the air environment inside the building 20. This makes it possible to improve air conditioning efficiency while maintaining air purification by filters.

[0082] [Whole-building air conditioning system (third embodiment)] [Filter Unit (Third Embodiment)] As described above, the filter moving means 12 in the second embodiment is composed of a differential pressure damper 13, but it is not limited to this configuration. The filter moving means 12 in this embodiment may be composed of a spring member 14.

[0083] Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a filter unit 4 equipped with a filter moving means (spring member 14) 12. As shown in Figure 7, the support portion 55 of this embodiment is provided with an auxiliary support portion 62 for supporting the spring member 14. The auxiliary support portion 62 of this embodiment extends downward from the support portion 55 between the first hole 56a and the second hole 56b.

[0084] The filter members 6a to 6d in this embodiment are detachably held by a frame 65 into which at least the upper end is fitted, similar to the second embodiment. The frame 65 is provided with a support piece 59, similar to the second embodiment.

[0085] The spring member 14 in this embodiment includes a shaft portion 57 and a spring portion 63. The shaft portion 57 has the same configuration as the shaft portion 57 of the differential pressure damper 13 in the second embodiment.

[0086] The spring portion 63, like the weight portion 58 in the second embodiment, is for controlling the rotation of the filter member 6.

[0087] In this embodiment, the spring portion 63 is positioned between the side plate 30c on one side in the left-right direction D2 and the support piece 59 of the first filter member 6a. This spring portion 63 biases the first filter member 6a toward the second filter member 6b, thereby acting a first moment A on the first filter member 6a. Additionally, the spring portion 63 is positioned between the support piece 59 of the second filter member 6b and the auxiliary support portion 62. This spring portion 63 biases the second filter member 6b toward the first filter member 6a, thereby acting a first moment A on the second filter member 6b. Due to these first moments A, the lower end of the first filter member 6a and the lower end of the second filter member 6b come into contact, and the first hole 56a is closed by the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b.

[0088] The first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b are subjected to a second moment B by the wind pressure of the conditioned air A2. When these second moments B, B are greater than the first moments A, A, the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b move, and a part of the first hole 56a opens.

[0089] In this embodiment, the spring portion 63 is positioned between the auxiliary support portion 62 and the support piece 59 of the third filter member 6c. This spring portion 63 biases the third filter member 6c toward the fourth filter member 6d, thereby acting a first moment A on the third filter member 6c. Furthermore, the spring portion 63 is positioned between the support piece 59 of the fourth filter member 6d and the other side plate 30d in the left-right direction D2. This spring portion 63 biases the fourth filter member 6d toward the third filter member 6c, thereby acting a first moment A on the fourth filter member 6d. Due to these first moments A, the lower end of the third filter member 6c and the lower end of the fourth filter member 6d come into contact, and the second hole 56b is closed by the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d.

[0090] The third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d are subjected to a second moment B by the wind pressure of the conditioned air A2. When these second moments B, B are greater than the first moments A, A, the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d move, and a portion of the second hole 56b is opened.

[0091] In this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, it is preferable that the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b, which are closing the first hole 56a, move when the wind pressure received by the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b exceeds a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, it is preferable that the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d, which are closing the second hole 56b, move when the wind pressure received by the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d exceeds a predetermined threshold. The threshold can be set by the same procedure as in the second embodiment, and can be easily set by adjusting the material, effective number of turns, and wire diameter of the spring portion 63.

[0092] [Air conditioning method using a whole-building air conditioning system (third embodiment)] [Purification Mode] In the purification mode of this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, conditioned air A2 is supplied from the air conditioner 3 based on the first airflow rate. This allows the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b to maintain a closed state of the first hole 56a. Furthermore, the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d can maintain a closed state of the second hole 56b. As a result, the conditioned air A2 filtered by the first filter member 6a to the fourth filter member 6d is supplied to multiple living rooms 2 by the air transport means 5 (first fan 7A, second fan 7B), thereby improving the air environment while ventilating the building 20.

[0093] [Airflow Priority Mode] In the airflow priority mode of this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, conditioned air A2 is supplied from the air conditioner 3 based on the second airflow. As a result, the first filter member 6a and the second filter member 6b move, and the first hole 56a can be opened. Furthermore, the third filter member 6c and the fourth filter member 6d move, and the second hole 56b can be opened. As a result, the conditioned air A2 filtered by the first to fourth filter members 6d and the conditioned air A2 that has bypassed the first to fourth filter members 6d are supplied to the multiple rooms 2 by the air transport means 5 (first fan 7A, second fan 7B). Therefore, in the airflow priority mode, at least a portion of the conditioned air A2 can be bypassed by the filter members 6 to reduce pressure loss, making it possible to improve air conditioning efficiency while maintaining air purification by the filter members 6.

[0094] [Filter Unit (Fourth Embodiment)] In the previous embodiments, the filter unit 4 was configured as part of the whole-house air conditioning system 1, but the system is not limited to this configuration. The filter unit 4 may be configured independently, separated from the whole-house air conditioning system 1 (casing 26), so that it can be applied not only to the whole-house air conditioning system 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2, but also to various other systems, such as a ventilation system that omits the air conditioner 3.

[0095] The filter unit 4 of this embodiment is not limited to conditioned air A2, but can be used to purify various types of air (air to be purified). This filter unit 4 includes operating modes that include a purification mode in which substantially the entire amount of air (air to be purified supplied to the filter unit 4) passes through the filter member 6, and an airflow priority mode in which at least a portion of the air is routed around the filter member 6 to reduce pressure loss.

[0096] In this embodiment, the filter unit 4 can filter virtually the entire volume of air to be purified by the filter member 6 in the purification mode. When such purified air is supplied to a space such as a building 20, the air environment can be improved. On the other hand, in the airflow priority mode, at least a portion of the air to be purified can be diverted from the filter member 6 to reduce pressure loss. This can improve the efficiency of air supply to a space such as a building 20 (including, for example, air conditioning efficiency and ventilation efficiency), and is effective, for example, when it is desired to replace air with a large volume of air. By selectively using these operating modes according to the air quality conditions, it is possible to improve the air supply efficiency while maintaining air purification by the filter.

[0097] When the filter unit 4 of this embodiment is applied to a ventilation system, it may be operated in purification mode when the airflow of the air conveying means 5 (first fan 7A and second fan 7B) is at a third airflow (airflow based on the ventilation rate described above). Alternatively, the filter unit 4 may be operated in airflow priority mode when the airflow of the air conveying means 5 (first fan 7A and second fan 7B) is at a fourth airflow, which is greater than the third airflow. The threshold values ​​for the on / off valve 11 and the filter moving means 12 for switching from purification mode to airflow priority mode can be set appropriately based on the procedures described above.

[0098] Although particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0099] [Note] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0100] [Invention 1] It is a whole-building air conditioning system, Air conditioner and, A filter unit equipped with a filter element for purifying the conditioned air from the aforementioned air conditioner, Includes an air transport means including a fan and duct for supplying the conditioned air to multiple rooms, The filter unit includes operating modes that include a purification mode in which substantially the entire volume of the conditioned air passes through the filter member, and an airflow priority mode in which at least a portion of the conditioned air bypasses the filter member to reduce pressure loss. Whole-building air conditioning system. [Invention 2] The filter unit is operated in the purification mode when the air conditioner is at the first airflow rate. The whole-house air conditioning system according to the present invention 1, wherein the filter unit is operated in the airflow priority mode when the air conditioner is operating at a second airflow greater than the first airflow. [Invention 3] The whole-building air conditioning system according to invention 1 or 2, wherein the filter unit includes a main flow path through which the conditioned air flows in and passes through the filter member, a bypass flow path through which the conditioned air flows in and bypasses the filter member, and an on-off valve for opening and closing the bypass flow path, the on-off valve opens the bypass flow path when the pressure in the bypass flow path exceeds a predetermined threshold. [4th Invention] The whole-house air conditioning system according to invention 1 or 2, wherein the filter unit is equipped with a filter moving means for moving the filter member so that it changes from the purification mode to the airflow priority mode when the filter member receives an air pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold. [5th ​​Invention] The whole-house air conditioning system according to the present invention, wherein the filter moving means is a differential pressure damper. [Invention 6] The whole-house air conditioning system according to the present invention, wherein the filter moving means is a spring member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1. Whole-building air conditioning system 2 living room 3. Air conditioner 4 filter units 5. Air conveying means 6. Filter components 7 Fans 8 ducts

Claims

1. It is a whole-building air conditioning system, Air conditioner and, A filter unit equipped with a filter element for purifying the conditioned air from the aforementioned air conditioner, Includes an air transport means including a fan and duct for supplying the conditioned air to multiple rooms, The filter unit includes operating modes that include a purification mode in which substantially the entire volume of the conditioned air passes through the filter member, and an airflow priority mode in which at least a portion of the conditioned air bypasses the filter member to reduce pressure loss. Whole-building air conditioning system.

2. The filter unit is operated in the purification mode when the air conditioner is at the first airflow rate. The whole-house air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the filter unit is operated in the airflow priority mode when the air conditioner is operating at a second airflow greater than the first airflow.

3. The whole-house air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter unit includes a main flow path through which the conditioned air flows in and passes through the filter member, a bypass flow path through which the conditioned air flows in and bypasses the filter member, and an on-off valve for opening and closing the bypass flow path, the on-off valve opens the bypass flow path when the pressure in the bypass flow path exceeds a predetermined threshold.

4. The whole-house air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filter unit includes a filter moving means for moving the filter member so that it changes from the purification mode to the airflow priority mode when the filter member receives an air pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold.

5. The whole-house air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein the filter moving means is a differential pressure damper.

6. The whole-house air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein the filter moving means is a spring member.

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