Ventilation system

Abstract

To suppress a state where dew condensation or frost is generated in a ventilation passage.SOLUTION: A ventilation device includes: a ventilation passage 2; an air blower part; a heating part; and a control unit operable in an exhaust operation mode. The exhaust operation mode includes an exhaust operation and a dry operation. The control unit performs the dry operation during the exhaust operation when meeting a condition of generating dew condensation in the ventilation passage 2 or condition of freezing an inside of the ventilation passage 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner. The air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with an exhaust fan that exhausts indoor air to the outside via a hose. The air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 calculates the dew point temperature of the indoor air by a dew point temperature calculation unit based on the indoor temperature detected by an indoor temperature sensor and the indoor relative humidity detected by a humidity sensor. When the exhaust fan is in operation, if the outdoor air temperature detected by the outdoor air temperature sensor is lower than the indoor air dew point temperature calculated by the dew point temperature calculation unit, the exhaust fan control unit reduces the exhaust volume of the exhaust fan. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-263897 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In winter, when the outdoor air temperature is lower than the indoor air temperature, condensation or freezing may occur inside the hose (ventilation passage) when exhaust operation is performed. In this case, simply stopping the exhaust operation will not eliminate the moisture remaining in the hose, and the moisture may pulsate inside the hose, causing abnormal noises (bubbling noises).

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to make it possible to suppress a state in which condensation or freezing occurs within a ventilation passageway. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect is directed to a ventilation device. The ventilation device includes a ventilation passage (2), a blower unit (26) that sends air into the ventilation passage (2), a heating unit (25) that heats the air, and a control unit (C) that can operate in an exhaust operation mode, the exhaust operation mode including an exhaust operation in which indoor air is sent to the outside through the ventilation passage (2) and a drying operation in which heated air heated by the heating unit (25) is sent into the ventilation passage (2), and the control unit (C) performs the drying operation during the exhaust operation when a condition for condensation to occur in the ventilation passage (2) or a condition for freezing in the ventilation passage (2) is satisfied.

[0007] In the first aspect, it is possible to prevent condensation or freezing from occurring within the ventilation passage (2).

[0008] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the control section (C) ends the exhaust operation mode after the drying operation.

[0009] In the second aspect, the exhaust operation mode can be ended in a state in which the occurrence of condensation or freezing in the ventilation passage (2) is suppressed.

[0010] In a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the ventilation passage (2) functions as an exhaust passage that sends air inside the room to the outside of the room, and also functions as an air supply passage that sends air outside the room into the room.

[0011] In the third embodiment, the number of parts can be reduced since the ventilation passage (2) can be used for exhaust and intake of air.

[0012] In a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, a switching damper (24) is provided which switches the state of the ventilation passage (2) from one of a state in which the passage functions as the exhaust passage and a state in which the passage functions as the supply passage to the other state.

[0013] In the fourth aspect, the state of the ventilation passage (2) can be easily switched.

[0014] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the heating section (25) is provided on the outdoor side of the ventilation passage (2), and when the exhaust operation is switched to the drying operation, the blower section (26) sends the heated air from the outdoor side to the indoor side through the ventilation passage (2).

[0015] In the fifth aspect, the air heated by the heating section (25) can be effectively sent into the ventilation passage (2) during the drying operation.

[0016] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, after the drying operation is completed, the control section (C) performs a post-drying operation in which the heating section (25) is stopped and the air blower section (26) is driven.

[0017] In the sixth embodiment, the heat of the parts around the heating portion (25) can be cooled.

[0018] In a seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the blower section (26) includes a fan, and the rotation speed of the fan during the drying operation is equal to or lower than the rotation speed of the fan during the exhaust operation.

[0019] In the seventh aspect, during the drying operation, the inside of the ventilation passage (2) is dried with the air heated by the heating section (25), while the amount of the heated air supplied into the room is reduced. As a result, during the drying operation, the air temperature in the room can be prevented from increasing due to the heated air.

[0020] In an eighth aspect, in the sixth aspect, the blower section (26) includes a fan, and the rotation speed of the fan during the post-drying operation is equal to or lower than the rotation speed of the fan during the exhaust operation.

[0021] In the eighth aspect, the amount of outdoor air supplied to the room can be reduced during post-drying operation, which can reduce the influence of outdoor air on indoor air during post-drying operation.

[0022] A ninth aspect is any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the control section (C) is capable of performing a humidification operation of sending air containing moisture desorbed from the humidification rotor (22) through the ventilation passage (2) by sending air heated by the heating section (25) to the moisture adsorbed in the humidification rotor (22), and the output of the heating section (25) during the drying operation is smaller than the output of the heating section (25) during the humidification operation.

[0023] In the ninth aspect, during the drying operation, the inside of the ventilation passage (2) is dried with the air heated by the heating section (25), while the amount of the heated air supplied into the room is reduced. As a result, during the drying operation, the air temperature in the room can be prevented from increasing due to the heated air.

[0024] A tenth aspect is any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the ventilation passage (2) includes an outlet portion (2a) installed on the outdoor side, and the control portion (C) estimates an air temperature at the outlet portion (2a) and determines whether or not a condition for condensation to occur in the ventilation passage (2) is satisfied based on the estimated air temperature at the outlet portion (2a).

[0025] In the tenth aspect, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the conditions for condensation to occur in the ventilation passage (2) are satisfied. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic overall configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing refrigerant piping and air flow in the air conditioner. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the air conditioning indoor unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram including the main elements of an air conditioning device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the air flow when the switching damper is in the first state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the air flow when the switching damper is in the second state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the air flow is restricted when the switching damper is in the third state. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit in the exhaust operation mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit in the exhaust operation mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit in the exhaust operation mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. Since each drawing is intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for easy understanding.

[0028] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] (1) Overview of air conditioning system configuration The air conditioner (1) is an example of a ventilation device. The air conditioner (1) adjusts the temperature and humidity of air in a target space. The target space in this example is an indoor space (I). As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner (1) has an air conditioner outdoor unit (10) and an air conditioner indoor unit (30). The air conditioner outdoor unit (10) is installed outdoors, and the air conditioner indoor unit (30) is installed indoors. The air conditioner (1) is a pair type having one air conditioner indoor unit (30) and one air conditioner outdoor unit (10). The air conditioner (1) has a humidifying unit (20). The air conditioner (1) has a function of humidifying air. The air conditioner (1) further has a function of ventilating the indoor space (I).

[0030] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the air conditioner (1) has a hose (2), a liquid connection pipe (3), and a gas connection pipe (4). The air conditioner indoor unit (30) and the humidification unit (20) are connected to each other via the hose (2). The air conditioner indoor unit (30) and the air conditioner outdoor unit (10) are connected to each other via the liquid connection pipe (3) and the gas connection pipe (4). This forms a refrigerant circuit (R). The refrigerant circuit (R) is filled with a refrigerant. However, the refrigerant is not limited to difluoromethane. The refrigerant circuit (R) performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0031] The hose (2) is an example of a ventilation passage of the present invention.

[0032] The refrigerant circuit (R) mainly includes a compressor (12), an outdoor heat exchanger (14), an expansion valve (15), a four-way switching valve (16), and an indoor heat exchanger (34).

[0033] The refrigerant circuit (R) performs a first refrigeration cycle or a second refrigeration cycle in response to switching of the four-way switching valve (16). The first refrigeration cycle is a refrigeration cycle in which the indoor heat exchanger (34) functions as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger (14) functions as a radiator. The second refrigeration cycle is a refrigeration cycle in which the outdoor heat exchanger (14) functions as a radiator and the indoor heat exchanger (34) functions as an evaporator.

[0034] (2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Air conditioner outdoor unit As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the air conditioner outdoor unit (10) has an outdoor casing (11), a compressor (12), an outdoor fan (13), an outdoor heat exchanger (14), an expansion valve (15), and a four-way switching valve (16).

[0035] The outdoor casing (11) accommodates a compressor (12), an outdoor fan (13), an outdoor heat exchanger (14), an expansion valve (15), and a four-way switching valve (16). An outdoor suction port (11a) and an outdoor outlet (11b) are formed in the outdoor casing (11). The outdoor suction port (11a) is formed on the rear side of the outdoor casing (11). The outdoor suction port (11a) is an opening for drawing in outdoor air. The outdoor outlet (11b) is formed on the front side of the outdoor casing (11). The outdoor outlet (11b) is an opening for blowing out air that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger (14). An outdoor air passage (11c) is formed inside the outdoor casing (11) from the outdoor suction port (11a) to the outdoor outlet (11b).

[0036] The compressor (12) sucks in and compresses a low-pressure gas refrigerant. The compressor (12) is driven by a first motor (M1). The compressor (12) is a variable displacement compressor in which power is supplied to the first motor (M1) from an inverter circuit. The compressor (12) is configured so that its operating capacity can be changed by adjusting the operating frequency (rotation speed) of the first motor (M1).

[0037] The outdoor fan (13) is disposed in the outdoor air passage (11c). The outdoor fan (13) is rotated by being driven by the second motor (M2). Air delivered by the outdoor fan (13) is sucked into the outdoor casing (11) through the outdoor suction port (11a). This air flows through the outdoor air passage (11c) and is blown out of the outdoor casing (11) through the outdoor outlet port (11b). The outdoor fan (13) delivers the outdoor air so as to pass through the outdoor heat exchanger (14).

[0038] The outdoor heat exchanger (14) is disposed in the outdoor air passage (11c) upstream of the outdoor fan (13). In this example, the outdoor heat exchanger (14) is a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger (14) is an example of a heat source heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger (14) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the outdoor air transported by the outdoor fan (13).

[0039] The expansion valve (15) is an example of a pressure reducing mechanism. The expansion valve (15) reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion valve (15) is an electrically operated expansion valve whose opening is adjustable. The pressure reducing mechanism may be a temperature sensitive expansion valve, an expander, a capillary tube, or the like. The expansion valve (15) may be provided in the air conditioner indoor unit (30) as long as it is connected to a liquid line of the refrigerant circuit (R).

[0040] The four-way switching valve (16) is an example of a flow path switching mechanism. The four-way switching valve (16) has a first port (P1), a second port (P2), a third port (P3), and a fourth port (P4). The first port (P1) is connected to the discharge portion of the compressor (12). The second port (P2) is connected to the suction portion of the compressor (12). The third port (P3) is connected to the gas end of the outdoor heat exchanger (14). The fourth port (P4) is connected to the gas connection pipe (4).

[0041] The four-way switching valve (16) is switched between a first valve state (a state shown by a solid line in FIG. 2) and a second valve state (a state shown by a dashed line in FIG. 2). In the first valve state, the four-way switching valve (16) communicates between the first port (P1) and the third port (P3) and also communicates between the second port (P2) and the fourth port (P4). In the second valve state, the four-way switching valve (16) communicates between the first port (P1) and the fourth port (P4) and also communicates between the second port (P2) and the third port (P3).

[0042] (2-2) Humidification unit The humidification unit (20) is installed outdoors. In this example, the humidification unit (20) is integrated with the air conditioning outdoor unit (10). The humidification unit (20) sends moisture in the outdoor air to the air conditioning indoor unit (30). The humidification unit (20) includes a humidification casing (21), a humidification rotor (22), a second fan (23), a switching damper (24), a heater (25), and a first fan (26).

[0043] The humidification casing (21) is attached integrally to the outdoor casing (11). The humidification casing (21) houses a humidification rotor (22), a second fan (23), a switching damper (24), a heater (25), and a first fan (26). The humidification casing (21) is formed with a humidification inlet (21a), a humidification exhaust port (21b), and an intake / exhaust port (21c).

[0044] The humidification intake port (21a) is an opening for drawing in outdoor air. The humidification exhaust port (21b) is an opening for discharging air after moisture has been added to the humidification rotor (22). The intake and exhaust port (21c) is an opening for drawing in outdoor air or discharging air sent from inside the room. A first passage (27) extending from the humidification intake port (21a) to the humidification exhaust port (21b) is formed inside the humidification casing (21). A second passage (28) extending from the intake and exhaust port (21c) to a connection port (21d) is formed inside the humidification casing (21). A hose (2) is connected to the connection port (21d).

[0045] The humidification rotor (22) is disposed across the first passage (27) and the second passage (28). The humidification rotor (22) is an adsorbent that adsorbs moisture in the air. The humidification rotor (22) is, for example, a disk-shaped humidity control rotor having a honeycomb structure. The humidification rotor (22) holds an adsorbent such as silica gel, zeolite, or alumina. The adsorbent has the property of adsorbing moisture in the air. The moisture absorbent has the property of desorbing the adsorbed moisture when heated.

[0046] The humidification rotor (22) is rotated by being driven by the third motor (M3). The humidification rotor (22) has a moisture absorption area (22A) that adsorbs moisture in the air and a moisture release area (22B) that desorbs moisture into the air. The moisture absorption area (22A) is formed by a portion of the humidification rotor (22) located in the first passage (27). The moisture release area (22B) is formed by a portion of the humidification rotor (22) located in the second passage (28).

[0047] The first fan (26) is disposed in the first passage (27). The first fan (26) is rotated by being driven by the fourth motor (M4). The first fan (26) is configured so that the air volume can be switched between a plurality of levels by adjusting the rotation speed of the fourth motor (M4). Air delivered by the first fan (26) is sucked into the humidification casing (21) through the humidification inlet (21a). This air flows through the first passage (27) and is discharged to the outside of the humidification casing (21) through the humidification exhaust port (21b). The first fan (26) delivers outdoor air so that the air passes through the moisture absorption region (22A) of the humidification rotor (22). Moisture contained in the outdoor air flowing through the first passage (27) is adsorbed by the moisture absorption region (22A) of the humidification rotor (22).

[0048] The switching damper (24) is disposed in the second passage (28). As shown in FIG. 5, the switching damper (24) is disposed in a damper casing (29). The damper casing (29) is provided with a space (S1) inside the switching damper (24), a space (S2) in which the switching damper (24) is disposed, and a space (S3). The switching damper (24) is supported so as to be slidable within the space (S2). The damper casing (29) is provided with a first inlet (24a) and a second inlet (24b) which communicate between the space (S2) and the outside of the damper casing (29). The first inlet (24a) communicates with the intake / exhaust port (21c). The second inlet (24b) communicates with a connection port (21d) for connecting to the hose (2) in the humidification casing (21). The damper casing (29) is provided with an air intake port (24c) and an air outlet port (24d) that communicate between the space (S2) and the space (S3). The switching damper (24) slides within the space (S2) to be switched to one of a first state (air supply position), a second state (air exhaust position), and a third state (fully closed position). As shown in FIG. 5, the switching damper (24) in the first state has the first inlet port (24a) as an inlet for sucking in air and the second inlet port (24b) as an outlet for discharging air. As shown in FIG. 6, the switching damper (24) in the second state has the second inlet port (24b) as an inlet for sucking in air and the first inlet port (24a) as an outlet for discharging air. As shown in Fig. 7, the switching damper (24) in the third state blocks communication between the first entrance (24a) and the second entrance (24b), thereby preventing air from flowing from one of the first entrance (24a) and the second entrance (24b) to the other. The switching damper (24) in the third state is located between the location in the first state and the location in the second state. The state of the switching damper (24) is switched by driving the fifth motor (M5).

[0049] 2 and 4, the heater (25) is disposed in the second passage (28) between the intake / exhaust port (21c) and the switching damper (24). The heater (25) heats the air flowing through the second passage (28). The heater (25) is configured to have a variable output. The temperature of the air passing through the heater (25) changes depending on the output of the heater (25). The heater (25) is an example of a heating section of the present invention.

[0050] The first fan (26) is disposed between the first entrance (24a) and the second entrance (24b) of the switching damper (24). The first fan (26) is rotated by being driven by the sixth motor (M6). The first fan (26) is configured so that the air volume can be switched between a plurality of stages by adjusting the rotation speed of the sixth motor (M6). The flow of air conveyed by the first fan (26) changes according to the state of the switching damper (24). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, when the switching damper (24) is in the first state, the space (S1) communicates with the second entrance (24b), the space (S1) communicates with the space (S3) via the air outlet (24d), and the space (S3) communicates with the space (S2) via the air intake (24c). When the switching damper (24) is in the first state, air sucked in through the first entrance (24a) flows out through the second entrance (24b), as shown by the solid arrow in Fig. 2 and the arrow R1 in Fig. 5. When the switching damper (24) is in the second state, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, the space (S1) communicates with the second entrance (24b), the space (S1) communicates with the space (S3) through the air intake (24c), and the space (S3) communicates with the space (S2) through the air outlet (24d). When the switching damper (24) is in the second state, air sucked in through the second entrance (24b) flows out through the first entrance (24a), as shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 2 and the arrow R2 in Fig. 6. 2 and 7, when the switching damper (24) is in the third state, the space (S1) is in communication with the first inlet / outlet (24a) through the air outlet (24d), the space (S3), and the air inlet (24c), but communication between the space (S1) and the second inlet / outlet (24b) is blocked. When the switching damper (24) is in the third state, the air flow as indicated by the solid and dashed arrows in Fig. 2 is suppressed, and the air flow in the supply / exhaust hose (2) is suppressed.

[0051] (2-3) Air conditioning indoor unit As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the air conditioner indoor unit (30) is installed indoors. The air conditioner indoor unit (30) is a wall-mounted type that is installed on a wall (WL) of a room that forms an indoor space (I). The air conditioner indoor unit (30) includes an indoor casing (31), an indoor fan (32), an air filter (33), an indoor heat exchanger (34), a drain pan (35), and an air direction adjustment unit (36).

[0052] The indoor casing (31) accommodates the indoor fan (32), the air filter (33), the indoor heat exchanger (34), and the drain pan (35). The indoor casing (31) is formed with an indoor suction port (31a) and an indoor air outlet (31b). The indoor suction port (31a) is disposed on the upper side of the indoor casing (31). The indoor suction port (31a) is an opening for drawing in indoor air. The indoor air outlet (31b) is disposed on the lower side of the indoor casing (31). The indoor air outlet (31b) is an opening for blowing out air after heat exchange or air for humidification. An indoor air passage (31c) continuing from the indoor suction port (31a) to the indoor air outlet (31b) is provided inside the indoor casing (31).

[0053] The indoor fan (32) is disposed approximately in the center of the indoor air passage (31c). The indoor fan (32) is, for example, a cross-flow fan. The indoor fan (32) is rotated by being driven by the seventh motor (M7). The indoor fan (32) takes in indoor air into the indoor air passage (31c) and transports the air. The air transported by the indoor fan (32) is sucked into the indoor casing (31) through the indoor inlet port (31a). This air flows through the indoor air passage (31c) and is blown out of the indoor casing (31) through the indoor outlet port (31b).

[0054] The indoor fan (32) transports indoor air so as to pass through the indoor heat exchanger (34). The air blown out through the indoor air outlet (31b) is supplied to the indoor space. The indoor fan (32) is configured so that the air volume can be switched between a plurality of levels by adjusting the rotation speed of the seventh motor (M7).

[0055] The air filter (33) is disposed in the indoor air passage (31c) upstream of the indoor heat exchanger (34). The air filter (33) is attached to the indoor casing (31) so that substantially all of the air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger (34) passes through the air filter (33). The air filter (33) collects dust in the air sucked through the indoor suction port (31a).

[0056] The indoor heat exchanger (34) is disposed in the indoor air passage (31c) upstream of the indoor fan (32). In this example, the indoor heat exchanger (34) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger (34) exchanges heat between the refrigerant therein and the indoor air transported by the indoor fan (32).

[0057] The drain pans (35) are disposed on the front and rear lower sides of the indoor heat exchanger (34). The drain pans (35) receive condensation water generated inside the indoor casing (31) of the air conditioning indoor unit (30). The condensation water generated on the surfaces of the fins of the indoor heat exchanger (34) flows down along the surfaces due to its own weight and is received in the drain pan (35).

[0058] The airflow direction adjustment section (36) adjusts the direction of air blown out from the indoor air outlet (31b). The airflow direction adjustment section (36) has a flap (37). The flap (37) is in the shape of a long plate extending along the longitudinal direction of the indoor air outlet (31b). The flap (37) rotates when driven by a motor. The flap (37) opens and closes the indoor air outlet (31b) as it rotates.

[0059] The flap (37) is configured so that the inclination angle can be changed stepwise. In this example, the positions to which the flap (37) can be adjusted include six positions. These six positions include a closed position and five open positions. The five open positions include the substantially horizontal blowing position shown in FIG. 3. In the closed position, the flap (37) substantially closes the indoor air outlet (31b). A gap may be formed between the flap (37) in the closed position and the indoor air outlet (31b).

[0060] (2-4) Remote Controller The remote controller (40) is disposed in a position in the room where the user can operate it. The remote controller (40) has a display unit (41) and an input unit (42). The display unit (41) displays predetermined information. The display unit (41) is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal monitor. The predetermined information is information indicating the operating state and set temperature of the air conditioner (1). The input unit (42) accepts input operations from the user to make various settings. The input unit (42) is configured, for example, by a plurality of physical switches. The user can set the operating mode, target temperature, target humidity, etc. of the air conditioner (1) by operating the input unit (42) of the remote controller (40).

[0061] (2-5) Sensors 2, the air conditioner (1) has a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors includes a sensor for the refrigerant and a sensor for the air. The refrigerant sensors include a sensor for detecting the temperature and pressure of a high-pressure refrigerant and a sensor for detecting the temperature and pressure of a low-pressure refrigerant (not shown).

[0062] The air sensors include an outdoor air temperature sensor (51), an outdoor air humidity sensor (52), an indoor air temperature sensor (53), and an indoor air humidity sensor (54). The outdoor air temperature sensor (51) is provided in the air conditioner outdoor unit (10). The outdoor air temperature sensor (51) detects the temperature of outdoor air (outdoor temperature). The outdoor air humidity sensor (52) is provided in the humidification unit (20). The outdoor air humidity sensor (52) detects the humidity of outdoor air (outdoor humidity). In this example, the outdoor air humidity sensor (52) detects the relative humidity of the outdoor air, but may detect the absolute humidity. The indoor air temperature sensor (53) and the indoor air humidity sensor (54) are provided in the air conditioner indoor unit (30). The indoor air temperature sensor (53) detects the temperature of indoor air. The indoor air humidity sensor (54) detects the humidity of indoor air. The indoor air humidity sensor (54) detects the relative humidity of the indoor air, but may detect the absolute humidity.

[0063] (2-6) Control section The air conditioner (1) has a control unit (C). The control unit (C) controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit (R). The control unit (C) controls the operation of the air conditioning outdoor unit (10), the humidification unit (20), and the air conditioning indoor unit (30). The control unit (C) includes an outdoor control unit (OC), an indoor control unit (IC), and a remote controller (40). The outdoor control unit (OC) is provided in the air conditioning outdoor unit (10). The indoor control unit (IC) is provided in the air conditioning indoor unit (30). The indoor control unit (IC) and the outdoor control unit (OC) each include an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs to be executed by the CPU.

[0064] The outdoor control unit (OC) receives a detection value of the outdoor air temperature sensor (51) and a detection value of the outdoor air humidity sensor (52).

[0065] The outdoor control unit (OC) is connected to the compressor (12), the outdoor fan (13), the expansion valve (15), and the four-way switching valve (16). The outdoor control unit (OC) outputs control signals for starting and stopping the operation of the air conditioning outdoor unit (10) to the compressor (12), the outdoor fan (13), the expansion valve (15), and the four-way switching valve (16). The outdoor control unit (OC) controls the operating frequency of the first motor (M1) of the compressor (12), the rotation speed of the second motor (M2) of the outdoor fan (13), the state of the four-way switching valve (16), and the opening degree of the expansion valve (15).

[0066] The outdoor control unit (OC) is further connected to the humidification rotor (22), the second fan (23), the switching damper (24), the heater (25), and the first fan (26). The outdoor control unit (OC) outputs control signals for starting and stopping the operation of the humidification unit (20) to the humidification rotor (22), the second fan (23), the switching damper (24), the first fan (26), and the heater (25). The outdoor control unit (OC) controls the rotation speeds of the fourth motor (M4) of the second fan (23) and the sixth motor (M6) of the first fan (26), the operation of the humidification rotor (22) and the switching damper (24), and the output of the heater (25).

[0067] The indoor control unit (IC) receives a detection value of the indoor air temperature sensor (53) and a detection value of the indoor air humidity sensor (54).

[0068] The indoor control unit (IC) is connected to the remote controller (40) so as to be able to communicate with the indoor control unit (IC). The indoor control unit (IC) is connected to the indoor fan (32). The indoor control unit (IC) outputs a control signal for starting and stopping the operation of the air conditioning indoor unit (30) to the indoor fan (32). The indoor control unit (IC) controls the rotation speed of the seventh motor (M7) of the indoor fan (32). The indoor control unit (IC) is connected to the outdoor control unit (OC) so as to be able to communicate with the indoor control unit (OC).

[0069] The remote controller (40) is connected to the indoor control unit (IC) so as to be able to communicate with it. The remote controller (40) transmits an instruction signal to the indoor control unit (IC) instructing the operation of the air conditioner (1) in response to a user's operation on the input unit (42). Upon receiving the instruction signal from the remote controller (40), the indoor control unit (IC) transmits the instruction signal to the outdoor control unit (OC). The indoor control unit (IC) controls the operation of the above-mentioned devices of the air conditioning indoor unit (30) in accordance with the instruction signal. Upon receiving the instruction signal from the indoor control unit (IC), the outdoor control unit (OC) controls the operation of the above-mentioned devices of the air conditioning outdoor unit (10) and the humidification unit (20).

[0070] (3) Driving behavior The operation modes executed by the air conditioner (1) include a cooling operation mode, a heating operation mode, a humidification operation mode, an air supply operation mode, and an exhaust operation mode. The control unit (C) executes these operations based on instruction signals from the remote controller (40).

[0071] (3-1) Cooling operation mode The cooling operation mode includes a cooling operation in which the indoor air is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (34) serving as an evaporator. The set temperature for the cooling operation is instructed by the remote controller (40) at the start of or during the cooling operation. In the cooling operation, the control unit (C) operates the compressor (12), the outdoor fan (13), and the indoor fan (32). The control unit (C) sets the four-way switching valve (16) to the first valve state. The control unit (C) appropriately adjusts the opening of the expansion valve (15). In the cooling operation, a first refrigeration cycle is performed in which the compressed refrigerant releases heat in the outdoor heat exchanger (14) and evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (34).

[0072] In the cooling operation, the control unit (C) adjusts the target evaporation temperature of the indoor heat exchanger (34) so ​​that the indoor temperature detected by the indoor air temperature sensor (53) converges to a set temperature. The control unit (C) controls the rotation speed of the compressor (12) so that the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger (34) converges to the target evaporation temperature. In the cooling operation, air delivered by the indoor fan (32) is cooled as it passes through the indoor heat exchanger (34). The air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger (34) is supplied to the indoor space (I) from the indoor air outlet (31b) of the air conditioner indoor unit (30).

[0073] (3-2) Heating operation mode The heating operation mode includes a heating operation in which the indoor air is heated by the indoor heat exchanger (34) serving as a radiator. The set temperature for the heating operation is instructed by the remote controller (40) at the start of or during the heating operation. In the heating operation, the control unit (C) operates the compressor (12), the outdoor fan (13), and the indoor fan (32). The control unit (C) sets the four-way switching valve (16) to the second valve state. The control unit (C) appropriately adjusts the opening degree of the expansion valve (15). In the heating operation, a second refrigeration cycle is performed in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (12) radiates heat in the indoor heat exchanger (34) and evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger (14).

[0074] In the heating operation, the control unit (C) adjusts the target condensing temperature of the indoor heat exchanger (34) so ​​that the indoor temperature detected by the indoor air temperature sensor (53) converges to a set temperature. The control unit (C) controls the rotation speed of the compressor (12) so that the condensing temperature of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger (34) converges to the target condensing temperature. In the heating operation, air delivered by the indoor fan (32) is heated as it passes through the indoor heat exchanger (34). The air heated in the indoor heat exchanger (34) is supplied to the indoor space (I) from the indoor air outlet (31b) of the air conditioner indoor unit (30).

[0075] (3-3) Humidification operation mode The humidification operation mode includes a humidification operation in which the humidification unit (20) humidifies the indoor air. In the humidification operation, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 2, outdoor air is sent to the air conditioner indoor unit (30) through the hose (2). In the humidification operation, the control unit (C) operates the heater (25), the humidification rotor (22), and the second fan (23). The control unit (C) operates the first fan (26). The control unit (C) sets the switching damper (24) to the first state.

[0076] In the humidification operation, outdoor air conveyed by the second fan (23) passes through the moisture absorption region (22A) of the humidification rotor (22), and moisture contained in the outdoor air is adsorbed in the moisture absorption region (22A) of the humidification rotor (22). The portion of the humidification rotor (22) that has adsorbed moisture as the moisture absorption region (22A) moves to the second passage (28) as the humidification rotor (22) rotates, and forms a moisture release region (22B). Outdoor air heated by the heater (25) passes through the moisture release region (22B) of the humidification rotor (22), and moisture is desorbed from the humidification rotor (22) into the heated air. In the humidification operation, the highly humidified air to which moisture has been added by the humidification rotor (22) is sent to the air conditioning indoor unit (30) through the hose (2), and is supplied to the indoor space (I) through the indoor air outlet (31b) of the air conditioning indoor unit (30). In addition, in the humidification operation mode, the heating operation may be performed simultaneously with the humidification operation.

[0077] (3-4) Air supply operation mode The air supply operation mode includes an air supply operation in which outdoor air is supplied to the room. In the air supply operation, outdoor air is sent to the air conditioner indoor unit (30) through the hose (2), as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 2. In the air supply operation, the control unit (C) stops the heater (25), the humidification rotor (22), and the second fan (23), and operates the first fan (26). In the air supply operation, the control unit (C) sets the switching damper (24) to the first state (see FIG. 5). In the air supply operation, the outdoor air conveyed by the first fan (26) is sent to the air conditioner indoor unit (30) through the hose (2) and supplied to the indoor space (I) through the indoor air outlet (31b) of the air conditioner indoor unit (30). In the air supply operation mode, a cooling operation or a heating operation may be performed simultaneously with the air supply operation.

[0078] (3-5) Exhaust operation mode The exhaust operation modes include an exhaust operation, a post-exhaust operation, a drying operation, and a post-drying operation.

[0079] The exhaust operation is an operation for discharging indoor air to the outside of the room. In the exhaust operation, as shown by the dashed arrow in FIG. 2, indoor air is sent to the humidification unit (20) through the hose (2). In the exhaust operation, the control unit (C) stops the heater (25), the humidification rotor (22), and the second fan (23), and operates the first fan (26). In the exhaust operation, the control unit (C) sets the switching damper (24) to the second state (see FIG. 6). In the exhaust operation, indoor air conveyed by the first fan (26) is sent to the humidification unit (20) through the hose (2) and is discharged to the outside of the room through the intake / exhaust port (21c) of the humidification unit (20). In the exhaust operation mode, the cooling operation or the heating operation may be performed simultaneously with the exhaust operation. The rotation speed (rotation speed per unit time) of the first fan (26) in the exhaust operation is, for example, 4010 rpm or more and 7000 rpm or less. The fan tap of the first fan (26) during the exhaust operation is determined corresponding to the fan tap of the indoor fan (32) of the air conditioner indoor unit (30) and is managed at, for example, about indoor decibels +2 decibels.

[0080] The post-exhaust operation is an operation that is performed at the end of an exhaust operation in which indoor air is exhausted to the outside. In the post-exhaust operation, the control unit (C) performs the exhaust operation while rotating the first fan (26) at a low speed. The rotation speed of the first fan (26) in the post-exhaust operation is equal to or lower than the rotation speed of the first fan (26) in the exhaust operation (for example, the same as the minimum rotation speed of the first fan (26) in the exhaust operation).

[0081] The drying operation is an operation for drying the inside of the hose (2). In the drying operation, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 2, the outdoor air is heated by the heater (25) and then sent to the air conditioner indoor unit (30) through the hose (2). In the drying operation, the control unit (C) performs the air supply operation while keeping the heater (25) in operation. In the drying operation, air heated by the heater (25) (heated air) is sent into the hose (2), so that air flows in the opposite direction (air supply direction to the room) to that in the exhaust operation. The rotation speed of the first fan (26) in the drying operation is, for example, 4010 rpm or more and 4630 rpm or less. In order to prevent the indoor environment from deteriorating (the indoor temperature rising) due to the air heated by the heater (25) being supplied to the room, the rotation speed of the first fan (26) in the drying operation is set to a value lower than that in the exhaust operation. In the drying operation, the output of the heater (25) is set to a predetermined range (e.g., not less than 200 W and not more than 300 W) and is set lower than the output of the heater (25) in the humidifying operation (e.g., not less than 850 W and not more than 1100 W). The output of the heater (25) in the drying operation is set lower than the output of the heater (25) in the humidifying operation, from the viewpoint of preventing the indoor environment from deteriorating due to the supply of air heated by the heater (25) into the room.

[0082] The post-drying operation is an operation for cooling the parts around the heater (25) whose temperature has risen due to heat generated by the heater (25) during the drying operation. In the post-drying operation, the control unit (C) performs the air supply operation while keeping the heater (25) stopped. The rotation speed of the first fan (26) during the post-drying operation is equal to or lower than the rotation speed of the first fan (26) during the exhaust operation (for example, the same as the minimum rotation speed of the first fan (26) during the exhaust operation).

[0083] (4) Operation of the control unit in exhaust operation mode 4 and 7, in step S10, the user inputs an instruction to start the exhaust operation mode of the air conditioner (1) through the input unit (42), thereby starting the exhaust operation mode.

[0084] In step S20, the control unit (C) starts an exhaust operation. When starting the exhaust operation, the control unit (C) changes the switching damper (24) from the third state (fully closed position) to the second state (exhaust position). In this embodiment, a limit switch for checking the position of the switching damper (24) is provided in the first state, which is the supply position, and when the exhaust operation is started, the switching damper (24) is changed to the third state, the first state, and the second state in that order. Note that the configuration may also be such that when the exhaust operation is started, the switching damper (24) is changed directly from the third state to the second state.

[0085] When the exhaust operation is started, room air is sent through the hose (2) to the humidification unit (20) as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 2, and is exhausted to the outside through the intake and exhaust port (21c) of the humidification unit (20).

[0086] In step S30, the control unit (C) determines whether or not condensation and freezing conditions are satisfied in the hose (2). The freezing and condensation conditions indicate conditions under which condensation occurs in the hose (2) (condensation conditions) and conditions under which freezing occurs in the hose (2) (freezing conditions).

[0087] <Condensation conditions> The control unit (C) estimates the air temperature at the outlet (2a) of the hose (2) (see Figs. 1 and 2) and determines whether or not the condensation conditions are satisfied based on the estimated air temperature at the outlet (2a). The control unit (C) determines that the condensation conditions are satisfied when the estimated air temperature at the outlet (2a) is equal to or lower than the dew point temperature of the indoor air, and determines that the condensation conditions are not satisfied when the estimated air temperature at the outlet (2a) is higher than the dew point temperature of the indoor air. The dew point temperature of the indoor air is calculated by the control unit (C) based on the temperature of the indoor air detected by the indoor air temperature sensor (53) (see Fig. 2).

[0088] The reason why the control unit (C) uses the estimated result of the air temperature at the outlet portion (2a) when determining whether the condensation condition is satisfied will be described. During exhaust operation, when air is sent from the high temperature indoors to the low temperature outdoor through the hose (2), the air sent to the outlet portion (2a) is affected by the outside air for the longest period of time in the hose (2), and therefore the air temperature at the outlet portion (2a) is the lowest. When the hose (2) is short, or when the air volume in the hose (2) is large, the air temperature at the outlet portion (2a) does not drop to the outside air temperature and becomes higher than the outside air temperature. Even if the outside air temperature is below the dew point temperature of the indoor air, when the hose (2) is short, or when the air volume in the hose (2) is large, the air temperature at the outlet portion (2a) becomes higher than the outside air temperature and does not drop to the dew point temperature of the indoor air and becomes higher than the dew point temperature of the indoor air. In this case, condensation is suppressed from occurring in the hose (2) even if the outside air temperature is below the dew point temperature of the indoor air. In this embodiment, in a situation where the temperature inside the hose (2) has not dropped to the dew point temperature of the indoor air even if the outdoor air temperature is below the dew point temperature of the indoor air, in order to make an estimation based on the actual situation that the condition for condensation to occur inside the hose (2) is not satisfied, when the control unit (C) determines whether the condition for condensation to occur inside the hose (2) is satisfied, the estimated result of the air temperature at the outlet portion (2a), which has the lowest air temperature inside the hose (2), is used. In this way, by using the estimated result of the air temperature at the outlet portion (2a), it is possible to delay the timing of determining that the condition for condensation to occur inside the hose (2) is satisfied, compared to a configuration using the outdoor air temperature (a configuration in which the condition for condensation to occur inside the hose (2) is determined to be satisfied when the outdoor air temperature is below the dew point temperature of the indoor air), and it is possible to perform the exhaust operation for a long time while suppressing the occurrence of condensation inside the hose (2).

[0089] The following describes parameters used by the control unit (C) when estimating the air temperature at the outlet (2a). The control unit (C) estimates the air temperature at the outlet (2a) by using correlation information including a predetermined arithmetic expression or table obtained from the correlation between the actual measurement result and the parameters. The control unit (C) inputs the values ​​of the parameters into the correlation information, thereby outputting an estimated value of the air temperature at the outlet (2a). The correlation information is stored in a memory of the control unit (C). The parameters include, for example, the indoor humidified air outlet temperature (detection result of the indoor air temperature sensor (53)), the outdoor air temperature (detection result of the outdoor air temperature sensor (51)), the rotation speed of the first fan (26), and the length of the hose (2). The indoor humidified air outlet temperature is treated as the temperature of the inlet (2b) (see FIGS. 1 to 3) of the hose (2) during exhaust operation. The inlet portion (2b) is connected to a diffusion duct extending in the left-right direction in the indoor casing (31), and the diffusion duct is disposed upstream of the indoor heat exchanger (34) on an air passage formed in the indoor casing (31) from the indoor air inlet (31a) to the indoor air outlet (31b). The diffusion duct is formed with a plurality of openings that communicate the inside and outside of the diffusion duct. Air flows between the indoor casing (31) and the hose (2) through the plurality of openings. The outdoor air temperature is treated as the temperature around the hose (2) during exhaust operation. The lower the rotation speed of the first fan (26), the smaller the air volume in the hose (2) becomes, and the more the air in the hose (2) is affected by the outdoor air temperature, and therefore the greater the temperature difference between the inlet portion (2b) and the outlet portion (2a) of the hose (2). The longer the hose (2), the longer it takes for air to pass through it and the more susceptible it is to the effects of the outside air temperature, resulting in a larger temperature difference between the inlet (2b) and outlet (2a) of the hose (2).

[0090] <Freezing conditions> The control unit (C) is provided with a temperature sensor that detects the temperature around the switching damper (24), and determines that the freezing condition is satisfied when the outdoor discharge temperature detected by the temperature sensor becomes equal to or lower than 0°C, and determines that the freezing condition is not satisfied when the outdoor discharge temperature does not become equal to or lower than 0°C.

[0091] If the control unit (C) determines that the condensation and dew conditions are satisfied (Yes in step S30), the process proceeds to step S40. If the control unit (C) determines that the condensation and dew conditions are not satisfied (No in step S30), the process proceeds to step S80. Satisfaction of the condensation and freezing conditions indicates that at least one of the condensation conditions and the freezing conditions is satisfied. Not satisfying the condensation and freezing conditions indicates that both the condensation conditions and the freezing conditions are not satisfied.

[0092] In step S40, the control section (C) ends the exhaust operation and starts the drying operation.

[0093] In step S50, the control unit (C) determines whether or not a first predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the drying operation. The first predetermined time is, for example, 5 minutes. If the control unit (C) determines that the first predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S50), the process proceeds to step S60. If the control unit (C) determines that the first predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S50), the process proceeds to step S190.

[0094] In step S60, the control section (C) ends the drying operation and starts a post-drying operation.

[0095] In step S70, the control unit (C) determines whether or not a second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the post-drying operation. The second predetermined time is, for example, 30 seconds. If the control unit (C) determines that the second predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S70), the process proceeds to step S80. If the control unit (C) determines that the second predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S70), the process shown in step S70 is repeated.

[0096] In step S80, the control unit (C) stops the heater (25) and the first fan (26) and switches the switching damper (24) to the third state (fully closed position), thereby ending the exhaust operation and terminating the exhaust operation mode. When step S80 is completed, the process ends.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 9, in step S90, the control unit (C) determines whether or not an operation mode change instruction or a stop instruction has been input from the input unit (42). An operation mode change instruction is an instruction to change the operation mode of the air conditioning apparatus (1) from the exhaust operation mode to an operation mode other than the exhaust operation mode. A stop instruction is an instruction to stop the air conditioning apparatus (1). If the control unit (C) determines that an operation mode change instruction or a stop instruction has been input (Yes in step S90), the process proceeds to step S100. If the control unit (C) determines that an operation mode change instruction or a stop instruction has not been input (No in step S90), the process proceeds to step S30.

[0098] In step S100, the control unit (C) determines whether or not the condensation and freezing conditions are satisfied in the hose (2). If the control unit (C) determines that the condensation and freezing conditions are satisfied (Yes in step S100), the process proceeds to step S150. If the control unit (C) determines that the condensation and freezing conditions are not satisfied (No in step S100), the process proceeds to step S110.

[0099] In step S100, a determination is made as to whether the condensation and freezing conditions are satisfied (condensation and freezing determination) separately from step S30 (see FIG. 8). The reason for this is that in the case where the guard timer is set so that the condensation and freezing determination in step S30 is not made immediately after the start of exhaust operation, the condensation and freezing determination is made during the guard timer.

[0100] In step S110, the control unit (C) ends the exhaust operation and starts a post-exhaust operation.

[0101] In step S120, the control unit (C) determines whether or not a third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the post-exhaust operation. The third predetermined time is, for example, 30 seconds. If the control unit (C) determines that the third predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S120), the process proceeds to step S130. If the control unit (C) determines that the third predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S120), the process shown in step S120 is repeated.

[0102] In step S130, the control section (C) ends the post-exhaust operation and ends the exhaust operation mode.

[0103] In step S140, the control unit (C) performs the processing input from the input unit (42) in step S90. When an operation mode change instruction is input from the input unit (42) in step S90, the control unit (C) changes the operation mode of the air conditioner (1) to the operation mode input from the input unit (42). When a stop instruction is input from the input unit (42) in step S90, the control unit (C) stops the air conditioner (1). When step S140 ends, the processing ends.

[0104] In step S150, the control section (C) ends the exhaust operation and starts the drying operation.

[0105] In step S160, the control unit (C) determines whether or not a first predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the drying operation. If the control unit (C) determines that the first predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S160), the process proceeds to step S170. If the control unit (C) determines that the first predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S160), the process shown in step S160 is repeated.

[0106] In step S170, the control section (C) ends the drying operation and starts a post-drying operation.

[0107] In step S180, the control unit (C) determines whether or not a second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the post-drying operation. If the control unit (C) determines that the second predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S180), the process proceeds to step S130. If the control unit (C) determines that the second predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S180), the process shown in step S180 is repeated.

[0108] 4 and 10, in step S190, the control unit (C) determines whether or not an instruction to change the operation mode of the air conditioning apparatus (1) to the supply air operation mode has been input from the input unit (42). If the control unit (C) determines that an instruction to change to the supply air operation mode has been input (Yes in step S190), the process proceeds to step S200. If the control unit (C) determines that an instruction to change to the supply air operation mode has not been input (No in step S190), the process proceeds to step S50.

[0109] In step S200, the control unit (C) determines whether or not a first predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the drying operation. If the control unit (C) determines that the first predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S200), the process proceeds to step S210. If the control unit (C) determines that the first predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S200), the process shown in step S200 is repeated.

[0110] In step S210, the control section (C) ends the drying operation and starts a post-drying operation.

[0111] In step S220, the control unit (C) determines whether or not a second predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the post-drying operation. If the control unit (C) determines that the second predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S220), the process proceeds to step S230. If the control unit (C) determines that the second predetermined time has not elapsed (No in step S220), the process shown in step S220 is repeated.

[0112] In step S230, the control section (C) ends the post-drying operation and ends the exhaust operation mode.

[0113] In step S240, the control section (C) starts the air supply operation mode. When step S240 ends, the process ends.

[0114] (5) Effects As described above, the control unit (C) performs the drying operation during the exhaust operation when the conditions for condensation to occur in the hose (2) or the conditions for freezing inside the hose (2) are satisfied. This allows the inside of the hose (2) to be dried by the drying operation, and therefore it is possible to prevent the hose (2) from becoming condensed or frozen. As a result, it is possible to prevent moisture from remaining in the hose (2) and the generation of abnormal noises (bubbling noises) caused by the moisture pulsating inside the hose.

[0115] In addition, when the control unit (C) determines whether the conditions for condensation to form inside the hose (2) are met, the control unit (C) uses the estimated air temperature at the outlet (2a) of the hose (2) to continue exhaust operation until the condition is immediately before condensation forms inside the hose (2). Furthermore, even when the control unit (C) stops the exhaust operation, the control unit (C) can perform drying operation to effectively prevent abnormal noises inside the hose (2).

[0116] In addition, the hose (2) functions as an exhaust passage that sends indoor air to the outside of the room, and also functions as an air supply passage that sends outdoor air to the room. This allows exhaust and air supply to be performed using the hose (2), thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0117] Furthermore, the heater (25) is provided on the outdoor side of the hose (2) (the air conditioner outdoor unit (10)), and when the exhaust operation is switched to the drying operation, the first fan (26) sends heated air from the outdoor side to the indoor side through the hose (2). As a result, by causing air to flow in the opposite directions in the hose (2) during the exhaust operation and the drying operation, even if the heater (25) is provided on the outdoor side of the hose (2), it is possible to effectively send air heated by the heater (25) into the hose (2) during the drying operation.

[0118] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications of form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims (for example, (A) to (C) below). Furthermore, the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate as long as the functionality of the subject matter of the present disclosure is not impaired.

[0119] (A) In this embodiment, the heating unit that heats the air sent into the hose (2) includes a heater (25). However, the present invention is not limited to this. The heating unit may include an indoor heat exchanger (34). The heating unit may be provided on the indoor side (air conditioner indoor unit (30)).

[0120] (B) In this embodiment, in steps S30 and S100 (see Figs. 8 and 9), it is determined whether or not both the condensation condition and the freezing condition are satisfied. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In steps S30 and S100, it may be determined whether or not either one of the condensation condition and the freezing condition is satisfied. In this case, in steps S30 and S100, the process of determining whether or not the other of the condensation condition and the freezing condition is satisfied becomes unnecessary, and if one of the conditions is satisfied, it is determined as Yes, and if one of the conditions is not satisfied, it is determined as No.

[0121] (C) The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. mentioned above are used to distinguish the words to which they are attached, and do not limit the number or order of those words. [Industrial Applicability]

[0122] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the present disclosure is useful for ventilation devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] C control section 1. Air conditioning equipment (ventilation equipment) 2 Hose (ventilation passage) 2a Exit section 22 Humidification rotor 24 Switching damper 25 Heater (heating part) 26 First fan (blower section)

Claims

1. A ventilation passage (2); a blower (26) that blows air into the ventilation passage (2); a heating section (25) for heating air; A control unit (C) capable of operating in an exhaust operation mode; Equipped with The exhaust operation mode is an exhaust operation for sending indoor air to the outside through the ventilation passage (2); a drying operation in which the air heated by the heating section (25) is sent into the ventilation passage (2); and Including, the control unit (C) performs the drying operation when a condition for condensation to occur in the ventilation passage (2) or a condition for freezing in the ventilation passage (2) is satisfied during the exhaust operation, The blower section (26) includes a fan, The rotation speed of the fan during the drying operation is equal to or lower than the rotation speed of the fan during the exhaust operation, In the drying operation, the ventilation device performs an air supply operation to supply outdoor air into the room.

2. In claim 1, The control unit (C) terminates the exhaust operation mode after the drying operation.

3. In claim 1 or claim 2, The ventilation passage (2) functions as an exhaust passage for sending air from inside the room to the outside of the room, and also functions as an air supply passage for sending air from the outside of the room into the room.

4. In claim 3, The ventilation device includes a switching damper (24) that switches the state of the ventilation passage (2) from one of a state in which the passage functions as the exhaust passage and a state in which the passage functions as the air supply passage to the other state.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, The heating section (25) is provided on the outdoor side of the ventilation passage (2), When the exhaust operation is switched to the drying operation, the blower section (26) sends the heated air from the outdoor side to the indoor side through the ventilation passage (2).

6. In any one of claims 1 to 5, The control section (C) performs a post-drying operation after the drying operation is completed, in which the control section (C) drives the air blower section (26) with heating by the heating section (25) stopped.

7. In claim 6, The ventilation device, wherein the rotation speed of the fan during the post-drying operation is equal to or lower than the rotation speed of the fan during the exhaust operation.

8. In any one of claims 1 to 7, the control unit (C) is capable of performing a humidification operation in which air containing moisture desorbed from the humidification rotor (22) is sent through the ventilation passage (2) to the room by sending air heated by the heating unit (25) to the moisture adsorbed on the humidification rotor (22), The ventilation device, wherein the output of the heating section (25) during the drying operation is smaller than the output of the heating section (25) during the humidifying operation.

9. In any one of claims 1 to 8, The ventilation passage (2) includes an outlet portion (2a) disposed on the outdoor side, The control unit (C) estimates the air temperature at the outlet portion (2a) and determines whether or not a condition for condensation to occur in the ventilation passage (2) is satisfied based on the estimated air temperature at the outlet portion (2a).

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