Air conditioner

Abstract

To inhibit outdoor air from bypassing an absorber in an air conditioner in which outdoor air is humidified by passing through a rotating absorber and supplied to an indoor unit.SOLUTION: An outdoor unit of an air conditioner includes: a heater; an absorber 52 through which outdoor air A3 heated by the heater passes; an absorber holder 114 which rotates, having a cylindrical part 114a for holding the absorber 52; opposed members 112 and 124, which are opposed to each other with respect to an outer peripheral surface of the absorber holder 114; a fan for generating a flow of outdoor air that passes through the absorber 52; and a labyrinth seal member 130 that forms a labyrinth flow passage PL between the outer peripheral surface of the absorber holder 114 and the opposed members 112 and 124. The labyrinth seal member 130 includes an end surface 130a for forming a radial direction flow passage PLa extending at least in a radial direction of the absorber 52 between an enlarged diameter part 114e of the absorber holder 114 and itself as part of the labyrinth flow passage PL.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, an air conditioner including an indoor unit disposed in a room to be air-conditioned and an outdoor unit disposed outdoors is known. This air conditioner is configured to supply humidified outdoor air or dehumidified outdoor air from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. Specifically, the absorbent rotates, and the outdoor air heated by the heater passes through a part of the absorbent, and the unheated outdoor air passes through the remaining part of the absorbent. One of the outdoor air heated by the heater (humidified outdoor air) or the unheated outdoor air (dehumidified outdoor air) is supplied to the indoor unit, and the other is discharged outdoors.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the case of the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, the absorbent rotates. Therefore, there is a clearance between the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent and the opposing member facing the outer peripheral surface. When a part of the outdoor air heated by the heater bypasses the absorbent through the clearance, the humidification amount of the outdoor air supplied to the indoor unit decreases. As a result, the indoor humidification efficiency decreases.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to suppress the bypass of outdoor air around the absorbent in an air conditioner in which outdoor air is humidified by passing through a rotating absorbent and supplied to an indoor unit.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit a heater for heating outdoor air, a disk-shaped absorbent member having a first end face and a second end face, and through which the outdoor air heated by the heater passes from the first end face toward the second end face, an absorbent holder that rotates and includes a cylindrical portion that holds the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent member, a facing member facing the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent holder, a fan that generates a flow of outdoor air passing through the absorbent member, and a labyrinth seal member that forms a labyrinth flow path between the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent holder and the facing member, wherein the absorbent holder includes a diameter-expanded portion, and the labyrinth seal member includes an end face that forms a radial flow path that at least extends in the radial direction of the absorbent member between the diameter-expanded portion of the absorbent holder as a part of the labyrinth flow path, and an air conditioner is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, in an air conditioner in which outdoor air is humidified by passing through a rotating absorbent member and supplied to an indoor unit, it is possible to suppress the outdoor air from bypassing the absorbent member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present invention is an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit includes a heater for heating outdoor air, a first end face and a second end face, and a disk-shaped absorber through which the outdoor air heated by the heater passes from the first end face toward the second end face; an absorber holder that rotates and includes a cylindrical portion that holds the outer peripheral surface of the absorber; an opposing member that faces the outer peripheral surface of the absorber holder; a fan that generates a flow of outdoor air passing through the absorber; and a labyrinth seal member that forms a labyrinth flow path between the outer peripheral surface of the absorber holder and the opposing member. The absorber holder includes a diameter-expanded portion, and the labyrinth seal member includes an end face that forms a radially extending flow path that at least extends in the radial direction of the absorber between the diameter-expanded portion of the absorber holder as a part of the labyrinth flow path.

[0010] According to such an aspect, in an air conditioner in which outdoor air is humidified by passing through a rotating absorber and supplied to the indoor unit, it is possible to suppress the outdoor air from bypassing the absorber.

[0011] For example, the absorbent holder may include, as the diameter-expanded portion, external teeth and a flange provided on an end face of the external teeth that is far from the first end face, and the end face of the labyrinth seal member may form the radial flow path between the end face and the flange.

[0012] For example, a protruding ridge portion that protrudes toward the flange of the absorbent holder may be provided on the end face of the labyrinth seal member.

[0013] For example, a rib that extends in the radial direction may be provided on the opposing member so as to face the second end face of the absorbent member with a gap therebetween.

[0014] For example, a protruding ridge portion that protrudes toward the second end face of the absorbent may be provided at the tip of the rib of the opposing member.

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment includes an indoor unit 20 disposed in an indoor space Rin to be air-conditioned and an outdoor unit 30 disposed in an outdoor space Rout.

[0018] The indoor unit 20 is provided with an indoor heat exchanger 22 that exchanges heat with indoor air A1, and a fan 24 that draws indoor air A1 into the indoor unit 20 and blows out the indoor air A1 that has exchanged heat with the indoor heat exchanger 22 into the indoor space Rin.

[0019] The outdoor unit 30 is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger 32 that exchanges heat with the outdoor air A2, and a fan 34 that draws the outdoor air A2 into the outdoor unit 30 and blows out the outdoor air A2 that has exchanged heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 32 to the outside Rout. Further, the outdoor unit 30 is provided with a compressor 36, an expansion valve 38, and a four-way valve 40 that execute a refrigeration cycle with the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the outdoor heat exchanger 32.

[0020] Each of the indoor heat exchanger 22, the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the compressor 36, the expansion valve 38, and the four-way valve 40 is connected by a refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant flows. In the case of the cooling operation and the dehumidification operation (weak cooling operation), the air conditioner 10 executes a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the expansion valve 38, and the indoor heat exchanger 22 in sequence and returns to the compressor 36. In the case of the heating operation, the air conditioner 10 executes a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, the indoor heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve 38, and the outdoor heat exchanger 32 in sequence and returns to the compressor 36.

[0021] In addition to the air conditioning operation by the refrigeration cycle, the air conditioner 10 executes an air conditioning operation of introducing the outdoor air A3 into the indoor Rin. For this purpose, the air conditioner 10 has a ventilation device 50. The ventilation device 50 is provided in the outdoor unit 30.

[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the ventilation device 50 includes an absorbent 52 through which the outdoor air A3 and A4 pass inside.

[0024] The absorbent 52 is a member through which air can pass, and is a member that collects moisture from the passing air or gives moisture to the passing air. In the case of this embodiment, the absorbent 52 is disk-shaped and rotates about a rotation center line C1 passing through its center. The absorbent 52 is rotationally driven by a motor 54.

[0025] The absorbent material 52 is preferably a polymer absorbent material that adsorbs moisture in the air. The polymer absorbent material is composed of, for example, a crosslinked sodium polyacrylate. Compared with adsorbent materials such as silica gel and zeolite, the polymer absorbent material can absorb a larger amount of moisture per unit volume, desorb the moisture carried at a low heating temperature, and can carry moisture for a long time.

[0026] Inside the ventilation device 50, a first flow path P1 and a second flow path P2 are provided through which the outdoor air A3 and A4 flow respectively after passing through the absorbent material 52. The first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 pass through the absorbent material 52 at different positions.

[0027] The first flow path P1 is a flow path through which the outdoor air A3 flowing toward the indoor unit 20 flows. The outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 is supplied into the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56.

[0028] In the case of this embodiment, the first flow path P1 includes a plurality of branch flow paths P1a and P1b on the upstream side with respect to the absorbent material 52. In this specification, "upstream" and "downstream" are used with respect to the flow of air.

[0029] The plurality of branch flow paths P1a and P2a merge on the upstream side with respect to the absorbent material 52. A first heater 58 and a second heater 60 for heating the outdoor air A3 are provided in each of the plurality of branch flow paths P1a and P1b.

[0030] The first and second heaters 58 and 60 may be heaters having the same heating capacity or may be heaters having different heating capacities. Also, the first and second heaters 58 and 60 are preferably PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters in which the electrical resistance increases when an electric current flows and the temperature rises, that is, the rise in the excessive heating temperature can be suppressed. In the case of a heater using a nichrome wire or carbon fiber, etc., since the heating temperature (surface temperature) continues to rise when the current continues to flow, it is necessary to monitor the temperature. In the case of a PTC heater, since the heater itself adjusts the heating temperature within a certain temperature range, there is no need to monitor the heating temperature.

[0031] In the first flow path P1, a first fan 62 for generating a flow of outdoor air A3 toward the indoor unit 20 is provided. In the case of the present embodiment, the first fan 62 is disposed on the downstream side with respect to the absorbent 52. When the first fan 62 operates, the outdoor air A3 flows from the outdoor Rout into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent 52.

[0032] Also, in the first flow path P1, a damper device 64 for distributing the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to the indoor Rin (that is, the indoor unit 20) or the outdoor Rout is provided. In the case of the present embodiment, the damper device 64 is disposed on the downstream side with respect to the first fan 62. The outdoor air A3 distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64 enters the indoor unit 20 through the ventilation duct 56 and is blown out to the indoor Rin by the fan 24.

[0033] The second flow path P2 is a flow path through which the outdoor air A4 flows. Unlike the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 does not go toward the indoor unit 20. The outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 flows out to the outdoor Rout after passing through the absorbent 52.

[0034] The first flow path P1 is provided with a second fan 66 that generates a flow of outdoor air A4. In the case of the present embodiment, the second fan 66 is disposed on the downstream side with respect to the absorbent 52. When the second fan 66 operates, the outdoor air A4 flows from the outdoors Rout into the second flow path P2, passes through the absorbent 52, and then flows out to the outdoors Rout.

[0035] The ventilation device 50 selectively executes ventilation operation, humidification operation, and dehumidification operation by selectively using the absorbent 52 (motor 54), the first heater 58, the second heater 60, the first fan 62, the damper device 64, and the second fan 66.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device during ventilation operation.

[0037] The ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation that supplies the outdoor air A3 as it is to the indoor Rin (that is, the indoor unit 20) through the ventilation duct 56. As shown in FIG. 3, during the ventilation operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the OFF state and do not heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, and thereby the outdoor air A3 flows through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is in the OFF state, and thereby no flow of outdoor air A4 is generated in the second flow path P2.

[0038] According to such a ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent 52 without being heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 through the ventilation duct 56 is blown into the indoor Rin by the fan 24. By such a ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 is supplied to the indoor Rin as it is, and the indoor Rin is ventilated.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device during humidification operation.

[0040] The humidification operation is an air conditioning operation that humidifies the outdoor air A3 and supplies the humidified outdoor air A3 to the indoor space Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in FIG. 4, during the humidification operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the ON state and heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, and thereby the outdoor air A3 flows through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is in the ON state, and thereby the outdoor air A4 flows through the second flow path P2.

[0041] According to such a humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 can take more moisture from the absorbent 52 than when it is not heated. Thereby, the outdoor air A3 carries a large amount of moisture. The outdoor air A3 that passes through the absorbent 52 and carries a large amount of moisture is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that reaches the indoor unit 20 through the damper device 64 and via the ventilation duct 56 is blown into the indoor space Rin by the fan 24. By such a humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 carrying a large amount of moisture is supplied to the indoor space Rin, and the indoor space Rin is humidified.

[0042] Note that a weak humidification operation in which the amount of moisture taken from the absorbent 52 by the outdoor air A3 is reduced, i.e., the humidification amount of the indoor space Rin is small, may be performed by turning OFF either the first heater 58 or the second heater 60.

[0043] When moisture is removed from the heated outdoor air A3, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 decreases, that is, the absorbent 52 dries out. When the absorbent 52 dries out, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 cannot take moisture from the absorbent 52. As a countermeasure, the absorbent 52 takes moisture from the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2. Thereby, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 is maintained substantially constant, and the humidification operation can be continued.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device during the dehumidification operation.

[0045] The dehumidification operation is an air-conditioning operation that dehumidifies the outdoor air A3 and supplies the dehumidified outdoor air A3 to the indoor space Rin (that is, the indoor unit 20). As shown in FIG. 5, in the dehumidification operation, the adsorption operation and the regeneration operation are alternately executed.

[0046] The adsorption operation is an operation that adsorbs the moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 to the absorbent 52, thereby dehumidifying the outdoor air A3. As shown in FIG. 5, during the adsorption operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the OFF state and do not heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, whereby the outdoor air A3 flows through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is in the OFF state, whereby no flow of the outdoor air A4 occurs in the second flow path P2.

[0047] According to such an adsorption operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent 52 without being heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60. At this time, the moisture carried by the outdoor air A3 is adsorbed by the absorbent 52. Thereby, the amount of moisture carried by the outdoor air A3 decreases, that is, the outdoor air A3 is dried. The dried outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 is blown into the room Rin by the fan 24. By such an adsorption operation, the dried outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin, and the room Rin is dehumidified.

[0048] If the adsorption operation continues, the water retention amount of the absorbent 52 continues to increase. As a result, the adsorption capacity of the absorbent 52 for the moisture carried by the outdoor air A3 decreases. A regeneration operation for regenerating the absorbent 52 is executed to recover the adsorption capacity.

[0049] During the regeneration operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the ON state and are heating the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, and thereby the outdoor air A3 is flowing in the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout instead of the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is in the OFF state, and thereby there is no flow of the outdoor air A4 in the second flow path P2.

[0050] According to such a regeneration operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 takes a large amount of moisture from the absorbent 52. As a result, a large amount of moisture is carried by the outdoor air A3. At the same time, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 decreases, that is, the absorbent 52 dries and its adsorption capacity is regenerated. The outdoor air A3 that passes through the absorbent 52 and carries a large amount of moisture is distributed to the outside Rout by the damper device 64 and discharged to the outside Rout. Thereby, during the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation, the outdoor air A3 carrying a large amount of moisture due to the regeneration of the absorbent 52 is not supplied to the inside Rin.

[0051] By alternately performing such an adsorption operation and a regeneration operation, the adsorption capacity of the absorbent 52 is maintained, and the dehumidification operation can be continuously executed.

[0052] The air conditioning operations (cooling operation, dehumidification operation (weak cooling operation), heating operation) by the above-described refrigeration cycle and the air conditioning operations (ventilation operation, humidification operation, dehumidification operation) by the ventilation device 50 can be executed separately, and can also be executed simultaneously. For example, if the dehumidification operation by the refrigeration cycle and the dehumidification operation by the ventilation device 50 are executed simultaneously, it is possible to dehumidify the inside Rin while maintaining the room temperature constant.

[0053] The air conditioning operation executed by the air conditioner 10 is selected by the user. For example, by a user's selection operation on the remote controller 70 shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10 executes the air conditioning operation corresponding to the operation.

[0054] So far, the configuration and operation of the air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment have been schematically described. From here, further features of the air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner 10. Further, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the ventilation device with the lid removed. Furthermore, FIG. 8 is a top view of the ventilation device with the lid removed. Still further, FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation device with the lid removed. And FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation device. Note that the X-Y-Z orthogonal coordinate system shown in the drawings is for facilitating the understanding of the embodiment and does not limit the embodiment. The X-axis direction indicates the front-rear direction of the outdoor unit 30, the Y-axis direction indicates the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction indicates the height direction.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, in the case of this embodiment, the ventilation device 50 is provided above the outdoor unit 30. Specifically, the ventilation device 50 is provided on the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30 that houses the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the fan 34, the compressor 36, the expansion valve 38, and the four-way valve 40.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the ventilation device 50 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the outdoor unit 30 and is open at the top, and includes a housing 102 and a lid 104 attached to the upper part of the housing 102. Components of the ventilation device 50 such as the absorbent 52 are stored in the housing 102. Note that FIGS. 7 and 8 show the ventilation device 50 with the lid 104 removed.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, in the case of this embodiment, the absorbent 52 is disposed at the center in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the ventilation device 50. Components related to the first flow path P1 are disposed on one side (right side) in the longitudinal direction with respect to the absorbent 52, and components related to the second flow path P2 are disposed on the other side (left side).

[0059] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of spaces S1 to S4 are substantially formed in the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50.

[0060] The first space S1 is a space into which the outdoor air A3 first flows. Also, the first space S1 is substantially formed in the right and upper portions within the housing 102.

[0061] The second space S2 is a space that communicates with the first space S1 via the absorbent material 52, and is a space into which the outdoor air A3 in the first space S1 flows through the absorbent material 52. Further, the second space S2 is substantially formed in the right and lower portions within the housing 102.

[0062] The third space S3 is a space into which the outdoor air A4 first flows. Further, the third space S3 is substantially formed in the left and lower portions within the housing 102.

[0063] The fourth space S4 is a space that communicates with the third space S3 via the absorbent material 52, and is a space into which the outdoor air A4 in the third space S3 flows through the absorbent material 52. Further, the fourth space S4 is substantially formed in the left and upper portions within the housing 102.

[0064] The third and fourth spaces S3 and S4 are independent of the first and second spaces S1 and S2 (i.e., sealed between them) so that the outdoor air A3 inside the first and second spaces S1 and S2 does not move into the third and fourth spaces S3 and S4, and conversely, the outdoor air A4 inside the third and fourth spaces S3 and S4 does not move into the first and second spaces S1 and S2.

[0065] First, the components of the ventilation device 50 related to the second flow path P2 with a simple configuration will be described.

[0066] In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in relation to the second flow path P2 through which the outdoor air A4 flows, the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 is provided with a first intake port 102a, a second intake port 102b, and an exhaust port 102c. The first intake port 102a is formed at the center in the left - right direction (Y - axis direction) of the front wall 102d of the housing 102. Further, the second intake port 102b is formed at the center in the left - right direction of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102. And the exhaust port 102c is formed on the left side of the front wall 102d.

[0067] When the second fan 66 operates, the outdoor air A4 flows into the third space S3 in the housing 102 through the first air inlet 102a and the second air inlet 102b. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the outdoor air A4 flows into the third space S3 between the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 and the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52.

[0068] The outdoor air A4 in the third space S3 flows into the absorbent material 52 through the second end face 52b and flows out of the absorbent material 52 into the fourth space S4 through the first end face 52a. The outdoor air A4 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 and flows into the fourth space S4 is sucked into the second fan 66. In the case of this embodiment, the second fan 66 is a sirocco fan and includes an impeller 66a that is disposed in the fan chamber F1 and rotates about a rotation center line extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and a motor 66b that rotates the impeller 66a. The outdoor air A4 is sucked into the fan chamber F1 by the rotation of the impeller 66a and is discharged to the outside Rout through the exhaust port 102c that communicates with the fan chamber F1. The fan chamber F1 is defined by the housing 102 and a partition plate 106 that separates the third space S3 and the fourth space S4. An air suction port 106a through which the outdoor air A4 passes and communicates with the fan chamber F1 is formed in the partition plate 106.

[0069] Next, the components of the ventilation device 50 related to the first flow path P1 will be described.

[0070] In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in relation to the first flow path P1 through which the outdoor air A3 flows, a third air inlet 102g and a fourth air inlet 102h are provided in the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50. The third air inlet 102g is formed in the right wall 102i of the housing 102. The fourth air inlet 102h is formed on the right side of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102.

[0071] When the first fan 62 operates, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first space S1 in the housing 102 through the third air inlet 102g and the fourth air inlet 102h. The outdoor air A3 that has flowed into the first space S1 passes through the first and second heaters 58, 60 and heads upward above the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52.

[0072] In the case of the present embodiment, the first and second heaters 58, 60 are incorporated in a heater unit 110 disposed at the center of the ventilation device 50.

[0073] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the heater unit. FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the heater unit. Further, FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the heater unit. And FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater unit taken along the line A-A of FIG. 12.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 11-14, the heater unit 110 includes a heater base member 112 that holds the first and second heaters 58, 60. The heater base member 112 includes a substantially triangular heater mounting portion 112a on which the first and second heaters 58, 60 are placed, and a cylindrical absorbent housing portion 112b that rotatably houses the absorbent 52. Note that the heater mounting portion 112a and the absorbent housing portion 112b of the heater base member 112 can also be configured as separate parts.

[0075] The first and second heaters 58, 60 are arranged in a "C" shape on the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112. The outdoor air A3 (i.e., the branch channels P1a, P2b) that has passed through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 respectively merges on the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52 housed in the absorbent housing portion 112b of the heater base member 112 (i.e., the branch channels P1a, P1b merge into the main channel P1c in the first channel P1). Note that the first and second heaters 58, 60 are fin heaters provided with a plurality of heating fins that transfer heat to the outdoor air A3 flowing through the branch channels P1a, P2a.

[0076] In the case of this embodiment, the ventilation device 50 includes an absorbent holder 114 that holds a disk-shaped absorbent 52 having a first end face 52a and a second end face 52b. The absorbent holder 114 includes a cylindrical portion 114a that holds the outer peripheral surface 52c of the absorbent 52, a hub portion 114b that is rotatably supported by a support shaft 102j erected on the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 (see FIG. 10), and a plurality of spoke portions 114c that connect the cylindrical portion 114a and the hub portion 114b. The plurality of spoke portions 114c support the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52.

[0077] In the absorbent housing portion 112b of the heater base member 112, the absorbent holder 114 holding the absorbent 52 is housed. Further, at the center of the absorbent housing portion 112b of the heater base member 112, an engaging portion 112c is provided that engages with the support shaft 102j of the housing 102 that passes through the hub portion 114b of the absorbent holder 114. A plurality of beam portions 112d that connect the cylindrical absorbent housing portion 112b and the engaging portion 112c located at the center thereof are provided on the heater base member 112.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 9, external teeth 114d that engage with a pinion gear 116 attached to the motor 54 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 114a of the absorbent holder 114. Through such an absorbent holder 114, the motor 54 rotationally drives the absorbent 52.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 13, the heater unit 110 also includes a first cover member 118 and a second cover member 120 that cover a part of the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52 through which the outdoor air A3 passes, the first heater 58, and the second heater 60. The first cover member 118 and the second cover member 120 are supported by the heater mounting portion 112a and the plurality of beam portions 112d of the heater base member 112. As a result, the first cover member 118 covers the first and second heaters 58 and 60, and also covers the portion of the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52 surrounded by the heater mounting portion 112a and the beam portion 112d in a top view (view in the Z-axis direction). The second cover member 120 covers the first cover member 118 with a gap provided between the second cover member 120 and the first cover member 118. In the case of the present embodiment, the first cover member 118 is made of a resin material, and the second cover member 120 is made of a metal material. With such a first cover member 118 and second cover member 120, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 respectively passes through the portion of the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52 covered by the first cover member 118 and the second cover member 120.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 14, the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are mounted on the heater mounting portion 112a such that the passing direction of the outdoor air A3 is in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). The first cover member 118 covers the upper portions of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 so that the outdoor air A3 can pass through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 in the horizontal direction.

[0081] The second cover member 120 includes a top plate portion 120a that covers the first cover member 118, and a wall portion 120b that extends downward from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate portion 120a. The top plate portion 120a faces the first cover member 118 with a space in the height direction (Z-axis direction). Also, the wall portion 120b faces the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 with a space in the horizontal direction.

[0082] In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, an under cover member 122 is attached to the lower part of the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112. The under cover member 122 includes a bottom plate portion 122a attached to the heater mounting portion 112a and a wall portion 122b extending from the bottom plate portion 122a in the height direction (Z-axis direction). The wall portion 122b extends between the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 and the wall portion 120b of the second cover member 120.

[0083] According to such a second cover member 120 and under cover member 122, the outdoor air A3 flows upward through the gap between the wall portion 120b of the second cover member 120 and the wall portion 122b of the under cover member 122. Next, the outdoor air A3 flows horizontally (in the X-axis direction) above the bottom plate portion 122a after climbing over the wall portion 122b of the under cover member 122 and reaches the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. Due to such a flow of the outdoor air A3 (i.e., the branch flow paths P1a and P1b), foreign matters such as dust carried by the outdoor air A3 are removed by gravity before the outdoor air A3 reaches the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. The distance D of the gap between the wall portion 120b of the second cover member 120 and the wall portion 122b of the under cover member 122 is set to a size that organisms such as insects cannot enter, for example, 8 mm or less. Thereby, the intrusion of organisms into the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is suppressed.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 14, outdoor air A3 flows through the gap between the top plate portion 120a of the first cover member 118 and the second cover member 120. That is, the gap between the first cover member 118 and the second cover member 120 functions as a communication path P1d that connects the upstream portion with respect to the first heater 58 in the branch path P1a and the upstream portion with respect to the second heater 60 in the branch path P1b. In the case of the present embodiment, the flow path length from the first heater 58 to the first fan 62 is shorter than the flow path length from the second heater 60 to the first fan 62. Therefore, the flow velocity of the outdoor air A3 at the first heater 58 is higher than the flow velocity at the second heater 60. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, a part of the outdoor air A3 flowing through the portion of the branch path P1b upstream of the second heater 60 flows through the communication path P1d, flows into the branch path P1a, and passes through the first heater 58.

[0085] The reason for providing such a communication path P1d is to effectively utilize the exhaust heat H of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. Specifically, most of the heat generated by the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is used to heat the outdoor air A3 passing through them. However, a part of the generated heat is transmitted to the surroundings of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 without being transmitted to the outdoor air A3 passing through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, particularly above the first heater 58 and the second heater 60.

[0086] In the case of the present embodiment, the exhaust heat H of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is transmitted to the outdoor air A3 flowing through the communication path P1d. The outdoor air A3 heated by the exhaust heat H passes through the first heater 58 or the second heater 60 and then passes through the absorbent 52. In this way, by the outdoor air A3 flowing through the communication path P1d recovering the exhaust heat H of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, the heating efficiency of the outdoor air A3 by the first and second heaters 58 and 60 is improved. As a result, the humidification amount of the outdoor air A3 (the amount of moisture taken from the absorbent 52) increases, and the efficiency of the humidification operation (the humidification efficiency of the indoor Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation (the regeneration efficiency of the absorbent 52) is improved.

[0087] Note that such a communication path P1d for waste heat recovery may be provided not only above the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 but also below them. The communication path P1d may pass near the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, that is, through the region where the waste heat of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is transmitted.

[0088] The outdoor air A3 heated by at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 passes downward from the first end face 52a to the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52 and enters the second space S2 as shown in FIG. 10.

[0089] FIG. 15 is a top view of a part of the housing of the ventilation device showing the second space.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 15, an annular wall portion 102k extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction) is formed on the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102. A partition plate 124 that separates the first space S1 and the second space S2 is disposed at the top of the annular wall portion 102k (see FIG. 10). The second space S2 is defined by the annular wall portion 102k and the partition plate 124 of the housing 102. A seal unit (described later) that seals the space between the annular wall portion 102k and the absorbent 52 is attached to a portion 102l of the annular wall portion 102k located below the absorbent 52.

[0091] FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the absorbent perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorbent.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of first seal units 126 for the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52 and a plurality of second seal units 128 for the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52 are provided in the ventilation device 50. In the case of this embodiment, the first seal unit 126 is provided on a plurality of beam portions 112d of the heater base member 112 facing the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52. The second seal unit 128 is provided on a portion 102l of the annular wall portion 102k of the housing 102 facing the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52.

[0093] The plurality of first seal units 126 includes a seal member 126a that contacts the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52 in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and a seal holder 126b that holds the seal member 126a and is attached to the heater base member 112. The seal member 126a extends substantially in the radial direction of the disk-shaped absorbent 52 and contacts the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52. In the case of the present embodiment, the seal member 126a is a brush. Note that the seal member 126a is not limited to a brush as long as it is slidable with respect to the first end face 52a of the rotating absorbent 52. The seal member 126a may be an elastic member such as flexible silicon rubber, for example.

[0094] Such a first seal unit 126 suppresses a part of the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, specifically, the outdoor air A3 flowing in the first cover member 118, from entering the second flow path P2 (that is, the fourth space S4). Conversely, it also suppresses the outdoor air A4 flowing in the second flow path P2 from entering the first flow path P1.

[0095] The plurality of second seal units 128 includes a seal member 128a that contacts the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52 in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and a seal holder 128b that holds the seal member 128a and is attached to the housing 102. The seal member 128a extends substantially in the radial direction of the disk-shaped absorbent 52 and extends parallel to the seal member 126a of the first seal unit 126, and contacts the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52. In the case of the present embodiment, the seal member 128a is a brush. Note that the seal member 128a is not limited to a brush as long as it is slidable with respect to the second end face 52b of the rotating absorbent 52. The seal member 128a may be an elastic member such as flexible silicon rubber, for example. Also, the seal member 128a may be different from or the same as the seal member 126a of the first seal unit 126.

[0096] With such a second seal unit 128, it is possible to suppress a part of the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, specifically, the outdoor air A3 flowing from the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52 into the second space S2, from entering the second flow path P2 (i.e., the third space S3). Conversely, it is also possible to suppress the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 from entering the first flow path P1.

[0097] In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of spoke portions 114c of the absorbent holder 114 are present on the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52 with which the second seal unit 128 (its seal member 128a) contacts. Therefore, during the rotation of the absorbent holder 114, the seal member 128a needs to overcome the plurality of spoke portions 114c.

[0098] At this time, if the entire seal member 128a overrides the spoke portion 114c at the same timing, the rotational resistance of the absorbent holder 114 increases at that timing. As a result, an intermittent torque load is applied to the motor 54 that rotates the absorbent holder 114.

[0099] Therefore, the spoke portion 114c extends so that the entire seal member 128a does not override the spoke portion 114c at the same timing. Specifically, the seal member 128a extends substantially in the radial direction of the absorbent 52, and the spoke portion 114c does not extend substantially in the radial direction of the absorbent 52. As a result, for example, when the end on the center side of the absorbent 52 of the seal member 128a is located on the spoke portion 114c, the outer end of the seal member 128a is not located on the spoke portion 114c. Due to such a difference in the extending direction, the seal member 128a overrides the spoke portion 114c one part at a time without the entire seal member 128a simultaneously overriding the spoke portion 114c. As a result, the load on the motor 54 is reduced.

[0100] Further, as shown in FIG. 16, a collision plate 112e extending in a direction away from the first seal unit 126 is provided on the beam portion 112d of the heater base member 112 where the first seal unit 126 is provided. The collision plate 112e extends above a portion of the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52 through which the outdoor air A4 flows out. As a result, the outdoor air A4 that has passed through the absorbent 52 in the vicinity of the first seal unit 126 collides with the collision plate 112e. A comparative example will be given and described for this "collision plate".

[0101] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the absorbent orthogonal to the radial direction of the absorbent in the ventilation device of the comparative example.

[0102] As shown in the comparative example of FIG. 17, when there is no collision plate 112e protruding into the second flow path P2 so as to be away from the first seal unit 126, a part of the outdoor air A3 before flowing into the absorbent 52 through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 can enter the second flow path P2. Specifically, a part of the outdoor air A3 can pass between the seal member 126a and the absorbent 52 and enter the second flow path P2.

[0103] This passage of the outdoor air A3 between the seal member 126a and the absorbent 52 occurs due to the ventilation resistance of the absorbent 52, that is, the pressure loss caused by passing through the absorbent 52. Specifically, the pressure in the portion of the first flow path P1 on the upstream side with respect to the absorbent 52 (i.e., the space S5) is the pressure before the pressure loss occurs due to the absorbent 52, whereas the pressure in the portion of the second flow path P2 on the downstream side with respect to the absorbent 52 (i.e., the fourth space S4) is the pressure after the pressure loss occurs by passing through the absorbent 52. That is, the pressure in the space S5 is relatively higher than the pressure in the space S4 because it has not passed through the absorbent 52. Due to the difference between these two pressures, the outdoor air A3 can pass between the seal member 126a and the absorbent 52. As a result, the outdoor air A3 heated by the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 at a relatively high pressure can enter the relatively low-pressure second flow path P2 through the space between the seal member 126a and the absorbent 52.

[0104] When heated in this way and a part of the high-temperature outdoor air A3 enters the second flow path P2 without passing through the absorbent 52, the amount of moisture that the outdoor air A3 takes away from the absorbent 52 decreases, that is, the efficiency of the humidification operation (the humidification efficiency of the indoor Rin) decreases. As a countermeasure in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, there is a collision plate 112e that protrudes from the first seal unit 126 into the second flow path P2.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 16, the outdoor air A4 flowing near the first seal unit 126 collides with the collision plate 112e after flowing out from the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52. Thereby, a high-pressure region AP in a turbulent flow state is generated between the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52 and the collision plate 112e. Due to this high-pressure region AP, the pressure difference between both sides of the seal member 126a becomes small. As a result, the intrusion of the outdoor air A3 into the second flow path P2 through the space between the seal member 126a and the absorbent 52 is suppressed.

[0106] In the case of this embodiment, a throttle wall 112f extending toward the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52 is provided at the tip of the collision plate 112e (the end far from the first seal unit 126). Thereby, a substantially closed space surrounded by the seal member 126a, the collision plate 112e, the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52, and the throttle wall 112f is formed, and a high-pressure region AP with a higher pressure is generated in the space. As a result, the intrusion of the outdoor air A3 into the second flow path P2 through the space between the seal member 126a and the absorbent 52 is more suppressed than in the case where the throttle wall 112f is not provided.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 16, each of the seal member 126a of the first seal unit 126 and the seal member 128a of the second seal unit 128 is in contact with the absorbent 52 in a direction orthogonal to the first end face 52a and the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0108] FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the absorbent orthogonal to the radial direction of the absorbent in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 18, in the ventilation device according to different embodiments, each of the seal members 126a and 128a contacts the absorbent 52 in a state inclined with respect to the first end face 52a and the second end face 52b, respectively. Specifically, the seal members 126a and 128a are held by the seal holders 226b and 228b in a state inclined so as to approach the absorbent 52 from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotation direction DR of the absorbent 52. In this case, compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the sliding resistance between the seal members 126a and 128a and the absorbent 52 is reduced, and the load on the motor 54 is decreased.

[0110] In addition, when the rotation direction of the absorbent 52 is switched, each of the seal members 126a and 128a may be held by the seal holder so as to be swingable about the rotation center line extending in the radial direction of the absorbent 52.

[0111] Also, the rotational speeds of the first fan 62 and the second fan 66 may be adjusted so that outdoor air A3 or outdoor air A4 does not pass between the seal member 126a of the first seal unit 126 and the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52, and between the seal member 128a of the second seal unit 128 and the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52. For example, when the rotational speeds of the first fan 62 and the second fan 66 increase, the pressures in the first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 decrease. Conversely, when the rotational speed decreases, the pressure increases.

[0112] For example, when at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is ON, by increasing the rotational speed of the first fan 62 to decrease the pressure in the first flow path P1 and / or decreasing the rotational speed of the second fan 66 to increase the pressure in the second flow path P2, the passage of the heated outdoor air A3 between the seal member 126a of the first seal unit 126 and the absorbent 52 can be more suppressed.

[0113] As a seal related to the absorbent material 52, in addition to the first seal unit 126 and the second seal unit 128, as shown in FIG. 13, the ventilation device 50 includes a labyrinth seal member 130.

[0114] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an absorbent holder showing a labyrinth flow path formed outside the absorbent holder.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 19, for the absorbent holder 114 to rotate, the outer peripheral surface of its cylindrical portion 114a faces the absorbent housing portion 112 of the heater base member 112 and the partition plate 124 with a gap therebetween. Therefore, a part of the outdoor air A3 that should originally pass through the absorbent material 52 can flow outside the cylindrical portion 114a and bypass the absorbent material 52. When the outdoor air A3 is heated by at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, when such a bypass occurs, the amount of moisture that the outdoor air A3 takes away from the absorbent material 52 decreases, that is, the efficiency of the humidification operation (humidification efficiency of the indoor Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation (regeneration efficiency of the absorbent material 52) decreases. Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, a labyrinth flow path PL is formed between the absorbent holder 114 and the member facing it (the heater base member 112 and the partition plate 124) by the labyrinth seal member 130. Note that the labyrinth flow path refers to a flow path having a high flow path resistance by having a flow path shape that changes the flow direction of the fluid a plurality of times.

[0116] The labyrinth seal member 130 includes an end face 130a that forms a radial flow path PLa extending in the radial direction (Y-axis direction) of the absorbent material 52 as a part of the labyrinth flow path PL. Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, the absorbent holder 114 has external teeth 114d on the outer peripheral surface of its cylindrical portion 114a. Further, the absorbent holder 114 includes an annular flange 114e provided on the end face of the external teeth 114d on the side far from the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52. The end face 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130 forms a radial flow path PLa between it and the flange 114e.

[0117] With such a labyrinth flow path PL including the radial flow path PLa, the outdoor air A3 flows outside the cylindrical portion 114a and it becomes difficult to bypass the absorbent 52, and the outdoor air A3 passes through the absorbent 52. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the efficiency of the humidifying operation (humidifying efficiency of the indoor Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation (regeneration efficiency of the absorbent 52) in the dehumidifying operation caused by the outdoor air A3 bypassing the absorbent 52.

[0118] Also, in the case of the present embodiment, a ridge portion 130b protruding toward the flange 114e of the absorbent holder 114 is provided on the end face 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130. As a result, the flow path resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL further increases.

[0119] Furthermore, in the case of the present embodiment, the partition plate 124 is provided with ribs 124a extending in the radial direction (Y-axis direction) of the absorbent 52 so as to face the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52 with a gap therebetween. Due to these ribs 124a, it becomes difficult for the outdoor air A3 to flow out from the labyrinth flow path PL, and as a result, the flow path resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL further increases.

[0120] Still further, in the case of the present embodiment, a ridge portion 124b protruding toward the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52 is provided at the tip of the rib 124a of the partition plate 124. Due to this ridge portion 124b, it becomes difficult for the outdoor air A3 to flow out from the labyrinth flow path PL, and as a result, the flow path resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL further increases.

[0121] The labyrinth flow path PL may or may not be formed over the entire outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 114a of the absorbent holder 114. The main purpose of the labyrinth flow path PL is to prevent the outdoor air A3 from bypassing the absorbent 52 so that most of the outdoor air A3 heated by at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 passes through the absorbent 52. Therefore, it is sufficient that the labyrinth flow path PL is located at least outside the portion of the cylindrical portion 114a of the absorbent holder 114 that corresponds to the portion of the absorbent 52 through which the heated outdoor air A3 passes. If the labyrinth flow path PL is formed over the entire outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 114a, bypassing of the absorbent 52 can also be prevented for the outdoor air A4 passing through the absorbent 52 from the second end face 52b toward the first end face 52a.

[0122] In this embodiment, the end surface 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130 forms a radial flow path PLa between the end surface 130a and the flange 114e of the absorber holder 114. The part of the absorber holder 114 that cooperates with the end surface 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130 to form the radial flow path PLa is not limited to the flange 114e. If the absorber holder 114 has an expanded diameter portion that protrudes radially outward, the end surface 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130 forms a radial flow path PLa between the expanded diameter portion and the end surface 130a. It is possible to form a radial flow path PLa. The flange 114e obstructs the outside air A3 flowing between the teeth of the external teeth 114d, which also increases the flow path resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL.

[0123] The outside air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 flows into the second space S2.

[0124] FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of components around the first fan.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 20, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, specifically flowing into the second space S2, is sucked into the first fan 62. In the case of this embodiment, the first fan 62 is a sirocco fan and is composed of an impeller 62a that rotates about a rotation center line extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) disposed in the fan chamber F2, and a motor 62b that rotates the impeller 62a. The outdoor air A3 is sucked into the fan chamber F2 by the rotation within the impeller 66a. The fan chamber F1 is defined by an annular wall 124c provided on the partition plate 124 and a fan cover member 132 attached on the annular wall 124c. An air suction port 124d through which the outdoor air A3 passes and communicates with the fan chamber F2 is formed in the partition plate 124.

[0126] In the case of this embodiment, the motor 62b of the first fan 62 is provided on the fan cover member 132 and is covered by a motor cover member 134. That is, the motor 62b is stored in a motor chamber M1 defined by the fan cover member 132 and the motor cover member 134.

[0127] In the case of this embodiment, the fan cover member 132 and the motor cover member 134 are configured such that the outdoor air A3 flows into the motor chamber M1.

[0128] Specifically described, when the first fan 62 rotates, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first space S1 through the third intake port 102g and the fourth intake port 102h. A part of the outdoor air A3 flowing into the space S1 directly passes through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. The remainder flows into the motor chamber M1 as shown in FIG. 20, cools the motor 62b and then flows out of the motor chamber M1, and then passes through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60.

[0129] In order for the outdoor air A3 that enters the motor chamber M1 to flow locally in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), a plurality of obstacle walls 132a and 134a extending in the vertical direction are provided on the fan cover member 132 and the motor cover member 134, respectively. Due to these obstacle walls 132a and 134b, the outdoor air A3 flows in the vertical direction, and foreign matters entrained in the outdoor air A3 are removed by gravity. As a result, the intrusion of foreign matters into the motor chamber M1 is suppressed.

[0130] Also, a plurality of crossbars 102m for suppressing the intrusion of foreign matters are provided at the fourth air inlet 102h communicating with the first space S1. Further, on the upper surface 102n of at least one crossbar 102m, an inclined surface 102o with the first space S1 side being higher is formed. Due to this inclined surface 102o, the intrusion of rainwater falling obliquely downward into the first space S1 is suppressed. Note that similar crossbars 102m are also provided at the first air inlet 102a, the second air inlet 102b, and the third air inlet 102g.

[0131] Note that the means for suppressing the intrusion of rainwater is not limited to the inclined surface 102o.

[0132] FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air inlet of a housing in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 21, in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment, a plurality of crossbars 202m are provided at the fourth air inlet 202h of the housing 202. Each of the crossbars 202m is provided with a hanging portion 202p extending toward another crossbar 202m located below. Also, the intrusion of rainwater into the first space S1 can be suppressed by such a hanging portion 202p.

[0134] In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 15, an orifice member 136 is provided in a portion of the first flow path P1 between the absorbent 52 and the air suction port 124d, that is, in the second space S2. The orifice member 136 is an obstacle for locally reducing the flow path cross-sectional area in a portion of the first flow path P1 between the absorbent 52 and the air suction port 124d. By providing the orifice member 136, the temperature distribution in the second space S2 is made more uniform compared to the case where the orifice member 136 is not provided.

[0135] Specifically, in the second space S2, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the second heater 60 flow while being mixed. When both the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are ON and when both are OFF, the temperature distribution in the second space S2 is substantially uniform.

[0136] On the other hand, the temperature distribution when only the first heater 58 is ON and the temperature distribution when only the second heater 60 is ON are not uniform and are significantly different from each other. Specifically, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 disposed on the rear side of the heating device 50 flows through the rear portion in the second space S2, and the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the second heater 60 disposed on the front side flows through the front portion in the second space S2. The outdoor air A3 flowing through the second space S2 begins to swirl near the air suction port 124d of the first fan 62 and flows into the fan chamber F2 through the air suction port 124d in that state. At this time, for example, when only the rear first heater 58 is ON, the outdoor air A3 with a high temperature flows through the rear portion in the second space S2, and the outdoor air A3 with a low temperature (not heated) flows through the front portion. When the outdoor air A3 swirls near the air suction port 124d in this state, the detection accuracy of the temperature sensor 138 that measures the temperature of the outdoor air A3 in the second space S2 decreases. The temperature sensor 138 is provided on the partition plate 124 as shown in FIG. 9.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 15, the orifice member 136 is disposed upstream of the temperature sensor 138 in a portion (second space S2) of the first flow path P1 from the first and second heaters 58, 60 to the air suction port 124d. Further, the orifice member 136 is provided so as to cross the second space S2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the second heater 60 pass through a narrow gap between the orifice member 136 and the partition plate 124 and head toward the air suction port 124d. Due to the gap and the vortices generated by the separated flow after passing through the gap, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the second heater 60 are appropriately mixed. As a result, the temperature distribution when only the first heater 58 is ON and the temperature distribution when only the second heater 60 is ON become substantially equal around the temperature sensor 138 located on the downstream side of the orifice member 136. Note that the orifice member 136 also has an effect of reducing the noise level generated by the first fan 62 and leaking to the outside as a secondary effect.

[0138] Note that the orifice member 136 can have other shapes.

[0139] FIG. 22 is a top view of a part of the casing of the ventilation device showing the second space in the ventilation device according to a different embodiment.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 22, in the ventilation device according to a different embodiment, the orifice member 236 is not provided so as to cross the second space S2, but is provided only on the front side of the ventilation device. In this case, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the outdoor air A4 that has passed through the second heater 60 flow so as to bypass the orifice member 236 in a top view (viewed in the Z-axis direction). When bypassing, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the second heater 60 are appropriately mixed. In this case, the outdoor air A3 flows gently near the temperature sensor 138, and the measurement environment of the temperature sensor 138 is stabilized.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 20, the outdoor air A3 that has flowed into the fan chamber F1 of the first fan 62 from the second space S2 is sent to the damper device 64 by the rotation of the impeller 62a.

[0142] FIG. 23A is a cross-sectional view showing the damper device in a state connected to the interior. Further, as shown in FIG. 23B, it is a cross-sectional view showing the damper device in a state connected to the exterior.

[0143] As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, and in addition FIG. 9, in the case of the present embodiment, the damper device 64 includes a part of the partition plate 124 and a part of the fan cover member 132 as components of its housing. Further, the damper device 64 includes an inlet 64a through which the outdoor air A3 flows in, a first outlet 64b that communicates with the indoor unit 20 and through which the outdoor air A3 flows out, a second outlet 64c that communicates with the exterior and through which the outdoor air A3 flows out, and a closing door 64d that selectively closes one of the first outlet 64b and the second outlet 64c. Note that the damper device 64 also includes a power source (not shown), such as a motor, that rotationally drives the closing door 64e about a rotation center line extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction) and is controlled by the control device of the air conditioner 10.

[0144] The inlet 64a of the damper device 64 communicates with the fan chamber F2 of the first fan 62. Thereby, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58, the second heater 60, and the absorbent 52 and has been blown out from the impeller 62a of the first fan 62 flows into the damper device 64 through the inlet 64a.

[0145] A ventilation duct 56 is connected to the first outlet 64b of the damper device 64. Thereby, the first outlet 64b communicates with the interior of the indoor unit 20 through the ventilation duct 56. As a result, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the inlet 64a flows into the indoor unit 20. Note that in the case of the present embodiment, the first outlet 64b opens to the right.

[0146] Also, in the case of this embodiment, the opening direction of the first outlet 64b of the damper device 64 is the right direction, and the opening direction of the inlet 64a is the opposite left direction. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 flowing into the inlet 64a flows out from the first outlet 64b without changing its flow direction. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 can flow into the ventilation duct 56 without decelerating while maintaining the blowing speed of the first fan 62.

[0147] The second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 communicates with the outside indirectly, not directly. Specifically, the second outlet 64c opens in the isolation chamber S6 provided in the housing 102 in a horizontal direction, particularly facing the rear wall 102e. The isolation chamber S6 is defined by the housing 102 and the fan cover member 132 and is independent of the other spaces S1 to S4. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the second outlet 64c flows into the isolation chamber S6.

[0148] A connection port 102q that communicates with the inside of the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30 is provided in the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 that defines the isolation chamber S6.

[0149] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the ventilation device showing the flow of the outdoor air flowing out from the damper device. FIG. 25 is a front view of the outdoor unit schematically showing the inside of the main body of the outdoor unit.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 24, the outdoor air A3 flowing out rearward from the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 changes its flow direction downward in the isolation chamber S6 and passes through the connection port 102q provided in the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 25, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the connection port 102q of the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 flows into the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30.

[0152] In the case of this embodiment, the interior of the main body housing 100 is roughly divided into a heat exchange chamber R1 that stores the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the fan 34, etc., and a machine chamber R2 that stores the compressor 36, the four-way valve 40, the control board, etc. The outdoor air A3 flows into the machine chamber R2.

[0153] The reason for discharging the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 to the outside Rout through the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30 will be described.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 23B, when flowing out from the second outlet 64c, the outdoor air A3 collides with the closing door 64d and substantially changes its flow direction by 90 degrees. At this time, turbulent flow is generated in the damper device 64, and as a result, noise is generated.

[0155] Here, if an exhaust port having a plurality of crossbars is provided in the portion of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102 facing the second outlet 64c, the noise derived from the turbulent flow leaks to the outside Rout through the exhaust port. Also, the operating noise of the closing door 64e leaks to the outside Rout through the exhaust port. Furthermore, wind noise may be generated by the crossbars.

[0156] As in this embodiment, when the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the second outlet 64c flows into the housing 100 through the isolation chamber S6, it is possible to suppress the leakage of the noise derived from the turbulent flow and the operating noise of the closing door 64e to the outside Rout. That is, the internal space of the housing 100 functions as a "muffler" that reduces the level of noise generated when the outdoor air A3 flows through the damper device 64 and leaks to the outside Rout.

[0157] In particular, when outdoor air A3 flows into the machine room R2, the level of noise leaking to the outside Rout can be further reduced. The machine room R2 is a substantially airtight space, and is connected to the outside Rout through a gap that allows the heat generated from the compressor 36 stored therein to flow out to the outside Rout. On the other hand, the heat exchange room R1 is connected to the outside Rout through an intake port through which the outdoor air A2 sucked by the fan 34 passes and an exhaust port through which the outdoor air A2 after heat exchange flows out. Therefore, when the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 flows into the machine room R2, the level of noise leaking to the outside Rout can be reduced compared to the case where it flows into the heat exchange room R1.

[0158] In this way, by discharging the outdoor air A3 from the damper device 64 to the outside Aout through the space inside the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30, the level of noise generated from the outdoor unit 30 can be reduced.

[0159] Note that a duct connecting the second outlet 64c and the connection port 102q may be provided inside the housing 102 so that the outdoor air A3 flows smoothly from the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 toward the connection port 102q communicating with the housing 100, that is, so that turbulent flow does not occur between them and noise is not generated.

[0160] Also, the damper device 64 may be configured such that the second outlet 64c faces downward so that the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 and the connection port 102q face each other inside the isolation chamber S6. Further, the damper device 64 may be configured such that the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 is directly connected to the connection port 102q.

[0161] The outdoor air A3 flowing out from the first outlet 64b of the damper device 64 flows into the indoor unit 20 through the ventilation duct 56.

[0162] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing an indoor heat exchanger and a nozzle provided in the indoor unit. Further, FIG. 27 is a side view of the indoor unit showing the internal structure. Note that the U-V-W orthogonal coordinate system shown in the figures is for facilitating the understanding of the embodiment and does not limit the embodiment. The U-axis direction indicates the left-right direction of the indoor unit 20, the V-axis direction indicates the front-rear direction, and the W-axis direction indicates the height direction.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 26, the indoor unit 20 includes an indoor heat exchanger 22 and a nozzle 140. The nozzle 140 includes a connection portion 140a connected to the ventilation duct 56 and a blowout port 140b for blowing out the outdoor air A3 supplied from the ventilation duct 56.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 27, the nozzle 140 is provided in the housing 142 of the indoor unit 20 so as to blow out the outdoor air A3 supplied from the ventilation device 50 through the ventilation duct 56 into the housing 142 of the indoor unit 20. Specifically, the nozzle 140 is arranged in the indoor unit 20 such that the blown outdoor air A3 passes through the drying region in the indoor unit 20 and heads toward the fan 24. The fan 24 is, for example, a cross-flow fan. Also, the "drying region" mentioned here is a region that is drier than other regions. Such a "drying region" can be specified experimentally or by simulation.

[0165] In the case of this embodiment, the blowing direction of the outdoor air A3 of the nozzle 140 is directed such that the outdoor air A3 blown out from the blowout port 140b passes through the drying portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22 as the "drying region" in the indoor unit 20.

[0166] Specifically, in the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, when viewed in the extending direction of the rotation center line of the fan 24 (viewed in the U-axis direction), the indoor heat exchanger 22 is provided in the housing 142 of the indoor unit 20 so as to partially surround the fan 24 (in the case of this embodiment, so as to surround it except for the lower part of the fan 24). The indoor heat exchanger 22 is also composed of a first part 22a located behind the fan 24 and a second part 22b located in front of the fan 24. The refrigerant supplied from the compressor 36 flows through such an indoor heat exchanger 22. In the case of this embodiment, during the cooling operation or weak cooling operation (dehumidifying operation) of the air conditioner 10, when viewed in the extending direction of the rotation center line of the fan 24, the refrigerant flows from the upper part to the lower part of the first part 22a, and then flows from the lower part to the upper part of the second part 22b. That is, in FIG. 27, the refrigerant flows counterclockwise in the indoor heat exchanger 22.

[0167] As a result of such a refrigerant flow, a dry part DP is generated at the upper part of the second part 22a of the indoor heat exchanger 22. The dry part DP is located on the downstream side in the refrigerant flow direction in the indoor heat exchanger 22. Since the temperature of the refrigerant rises while flowing through other parts of the indoor heat exchanger 22, dew condensation is less likely to occur (less condensed water adheres) in the dry part DP than in other parts.

[0168] Also, in the case of this embodiment, the dry part DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22 is a part away from the drain pans 144 and 146 provided below the indoor heat exchanger 22, so there is little condensed water adhering to it. That is, since the condensed water flows downward on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 22 toward the drain pans 144 and 146, there is little condensed water in the dry part DP located at the upper part of the indoor heat exchanger 22.

[0169] The reason why the outdoor air A3 blown out from the nozzle 140 passes through the dry area in the indoor unit 20 (in the case of this embodiment, the dry part DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22) and heads toward the fan 24 will be explained.

[0170] The air conditioner 10 is configured to be able to simultaneously execute a dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation) by a refrigeration cycle and a dehumidifying operation by a ventilation device 50 as one operation mode.

[0171] In the dehumidifying operation by the refrigeration cycle, when the fan 24 rotates, the indoor air A1 is taken into the housing 142 of the indoor unit 20 through the air intake port 142a provided at the upper part of the housing 142 and passes through the indoor heat exchanger 22. At this time, the indoor air A1 is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 22 and moisture is removed to be dried. The removed moisture condenses on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 22. The dried indoor air A1 is blown into the room Rin through the air outlet 142b by the fan 24.

[0172] In the dehumidifying operation by the ventilation device 50 (see Fig. 5), the outdoor air A3 heated up during the adsorption operation in the dehumidifying operation is supplied from the ventilation device 50 to the nozzle 140. The outdoor air A3 is blown out from the nozzle 140 and is attracted by the fan 24 to pass through the dry part DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22. At this time, since the outdoor air A3 passes through the dry part DP, that is, it does not pass through other parts of the indoor heat exchanger 22 where a lot of condensed water adheres, the dry state is maintained. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 22 while maintaining the dry state is blown into the room Rin through the air outlet 142b by the fan 24.

[0173] When such a dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation) by the refrigeration cycle and a dehumidifying operation by the ventilation device 50 are simultaneously executed, the room Rin can be dehumidified without significantly lowering the indoor temperature.

[0174] Here, if the outdoor air A3 blown out from the nozzle 140 passes through other parts of the indoor heat exchanger 22 other than the dry part DP, the outdoor air A3 is humidified by the evaporation of the condensed water. Since the humidified outdoor air A3 is blown into the room Rin, that is, a part of the moisture originally present in the room Rin returns to the room Rin, the dehumidification efficiency of the room Rin decreases.

[0175] In addition, the air conditioner 10 is configured to be able to simultaneously execute a dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation) by a refrigeration cycle and a ventilation operation by the ventilation device 50 as one operation mode.

[0176] In this case, the outdoor air A3 that has not been dehumidified as it is from the ventilation device 50 is supplied to the nozzle 140. Then, the outdoor air A3 blown out from the nozzle 140 passes through the drying portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22. In this case, it is possible to ventilate the interior Rin without returning a part of the condensed water adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 22 by the dehumidifying operation to the interior Rin.

[0177] Note that the nozzle 140 may blow at least a part of the outdoor air A3 toward the space between the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the fan 24 as a "drying area" inside the indoor unit 20.

[0178] In the case of the present embodiment, the nozzle 140 is configured to be non-destructively dividable into a plurality of parts.

[0179] FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle. FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the nozzle in a separated state into two parts. And FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle.

[0180] As shown in FIG. 28, the nozzle 140 is composed of four parts 148 to 154. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 29, in the case of the present embodiment, the nozzle 140 is configured to be separable into a rear portion 140c having a connection portion 140a and a front portion 140d having a blowout port 140b. The rear portion 140c is provided with a connection port 140e for connecting to the front portion 140d, and the tip portion 140f of the front portion 140d is inserted into the connection port 140e so as to be removable.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 29, in the case of this embodiment, the rear portion 140c is attached to the base member 156 of the indoor unit 20, and the front portion 140d is attached to the filter frame 158. The base member 156 functions as a bracket when installing the indoor unit 20 on the wall surface, and holds components of the indoor unit 20 such as the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the fan 24. The filter frame 158 is a member that holds a filter (not shown) through which the indoor air A1 flowing toward the indoor heat exchanger 22 passes, and is configured to be detachable from the base member 156. When the filter frame 158 is removed from the base member 156, the front portion 140d separates from the rear portion 140c of the nozzle 140.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 30, when the tip portion 140f of the front portion 140d is inserted into the connection port 140e of the rear portion 140c of the nozzle 140, the inner peripheral surface 140g of the rear portion 140c and the inner peripheral surface 140h of the front portion 140d are connected so as to be continuous without a step. Thereby, the pressure loss of the outdoor air A3 flowing from the rear portion 140c to the front portion 140d is suppressed.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 28, the rear portion 140c of the nozzle 140 is configured to be divisible into two parts 148 and 150 along its internal flow path. Also, the front portion 140d is also configured to be divisible into two parts 152 and 154 along its internal flow path. Note that the parts 148 and 150 are configured to be combinable, for example, by snap engagement without using fixing parts such as screws. Similarly, the parts 152 and 154 are also configured to be combinable without using fixing parts.

[0184] Note that, as shown in FIG. 30, in the case of this embodiment, a constriction portion 140i that makes the flow path cross-sectional area smaller than other places is provided in the rear portion 140c of the nozzle 140. Thereby, the noise from the outdoor unit 30 can be reflected, and the level of the noise transmitted into the indoor unit 20 can be reduced.

[0185] According to the nozzle 140 configured as described above, internal inspection and cleaning can be easily performed. That is, the nozzle 140 is divided into four components 148 to 154, and inspection and cleaning can be performed on each component.

[0186] According to the above-described embodiment, in an air conditioner in which outdoor air is humidified by passing through a rotating absorbent material and supplied to an indoor unit, it is possible to suppress the outdoor air from bypassing the absorbent material.

[0187] The present invention has been described above by way of the above-described embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0188] For example, in the case of the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the absorbent holder 114 is not in contact with the opposing members (the absorbent housing portion 112b of the heater base member 112 and the partition plate 124) in order to rotate smoothly. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this. As long as the absorbent holder 114 is rotatable, a part thereof may slide with respect to the opposing member.

[0189] That is, the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure broadly includes a heater that heats outdoor air in the outdoor unit, a disk-shaped absorbent material having a first end face and a second end face, and outdoor air heated by the heater passing from the first end face toward the second end face, a cylindrical portion that holds the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent material and rotates, an absorbent holder, an opposing member that faces the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent holder, a fan that generates a flow of outdoor air passing through the absorbent material, and a labyrinth seal member that forms a labyrinth flow path between the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent holder and the opposing member. The absorbent holder includes a diameter-expanded portion, and the labyrinth seal member includes an end face that forms a radial flow path that extends at least in the radial direction of the absorbent material between the diameter-expanded portion of the absorbent holder as a part of the labyrinth flow path.

Industrial Applicability

[0190] The present disclosure is applicable to any air conditioner including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

Explanation of Signs

[0191] 52 Absorbent 112 Opposing member (heater base member) 114 Absorbent holder 114a Cylindrical portion 114e Diameter-expanded portion (flange) 124 Opposing member (partition plate 124) 130 Labyrinth seal member 130a End face PL Labyrinth flow path PLa Radial flow path

Claims

1. An air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit includes: a heater for heating outdoor air; a disk-shaped absorber having a first end face and a second end face, and through which the outdoor air heated by the heater passes from the first end face toward the second end face; an absorber holder that rotates and includes a cylindrical portion for holding the outer peripheral surface of the absorber; an opposing member that faces the outer peripheral surface of the absorber holder; a fan for generating a flow of outdoor air passing through the absorber; a labyrinth seal member for forming a labyrinth flow path between the outer peripheral surface of the absorber holder and the opposing member; and the absorber holder includes a diameter-expanded portion; the labyrinth seal member includes an end face that forms a radial flow path extending at least in the radial direction of the absorber between the diameter-expanded portion of the absorber holder as a part of the labyrinth flow path; the opposing member includes a rib extending in the radial direction so as to face the second end face of the absorber with a gap therebetween, and a protrusion provided at the tip of the rib and protruding toward the second end face of the absorber; an air conditioner, wherein the inner edge of the protrusion of the opposing member is located inside compared to the inner edge of the portion on the second end face side of the absorber holder.

2. the absorber holder includes, as the diameter-expanded portion, external teeth and a flange provided on an end face of the external teeth far from the first end face; the air conditioner according to Claim 1, wherein the end face of the labyrinth seal member forms the radial flow path between the end face and the flange.

3. the air conditioner according to Claim 2, wherein a protrusion protruding toward the flange of the absorber holder is provided on the end face of the labyrinth seal member.

Images