air conditioner

Abstract

To facilitate the internal cleaning of a nozzle which introduces air from an outdoor air introducing unit.SOLUTION: An air conditioner in this disclosure includes an indoor unit having an underframe and a filter frame detachably mounted to the underframe, and the nozzle for introducing outdoor air supplied from the outdoor air introduction unit into the indoor side, the nozzle consisting of an upper nozzle and a lower nozzle, the upper nozzle being fixed to the filter frame and dividable into two components along an internal flow path, the lower nozzle being fixed to the underframe, dividable into two components along the internal flow path, and provided with a contraction flow part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 28

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a humidifying duct that blows outdoor air to an indoor heat exchanger. This humidifying duct has an inlet to which an air supply hose is connected and an outlet through which outdoor air is blown out. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-083069 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The humidifying duct disclosed in Patent Document 1 is made up of a single part and has multiple bends, making it difficult to remove dust and other debris when it becomes clogged in the duct, or to check for mold or dirt. Furthermore, increasing the airflow rate from the outside air intake unit increases the noise level on the indoor unit side.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to easily remove mold that occurs inside the duct and dust that has clogged the duct from the outside, and to reduce noise levels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit equipped with an outdoor air introduction unit, wherein the indoor unit has a frame and a filter frame that is detachably attached to the frame, and has a nozzle that introduces outdoor air supplied from the outdoor air introduction unit into the indoor side, the nozzle consisting of an upper nozzle and a lower nozzle, the upper nozzle is fixed to the filter frame and can be separated into two parts along the internal flow path, and the lower nozzle is fixed to the frame and can be separated into two parts along the internal flow path, and is provided with a contraction section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, in an air conditioner that supplies outdoor air from an outdoor unit to an indoor unit, it is possible to easily check the inside of the nozzle and remove dust, and noise levels can be reduced even when the supply air volume increases. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of ventilation system [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during ventilation operation [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of ventilation system during humidification operation [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of ventilation system during dehumidification operation [Figure 6] Perspective view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner [Figure 7] A perspective view of the ventilation device with the cover removed. [Figure 8] Top view of the ventilation device with the lid removed [Figure 9] Exploded perspective view with the cover removed [Figure 10] Schematic cross-sectional view of a ventilation system [Figure 11] Perspective view of the heater unit [Figure 12] Bottom view of heater unit [Figure 13]Exploded perspective view of the heater unit [Figure 14] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater unit taken along line AA in FIG. 12. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a top view of a portion of the housing of the ventilation device showing the second space; [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the absorber perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorber; [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an absorbent material perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorbent material in a ventilation device of a comparative example; [Figure 18] 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of an absorbent material perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorbent material in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment; [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an absorbent holder showing a labyrinth channel formed on the outside of the absorbent holder; [Figure 20] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of components around a first fan; [Figure 21] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air intake of a housing in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment; [Figure 22] 10 is a top view of a portion of the housing of a ventilation device showing the second space in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment; FIG. [Figure 23A] Cross-sectional view showing the damper device connected to the room [Figure 23B] Cross-sectional view showing the damper device connected to the outdoor unit [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a ventilation device showing the flow of outdoor air flowing out of a damper device; [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a front view of an outdoor unit showing the interior of the outdoor unit body. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an indoor heat exchanger and a nozzle provided in an indoor unit. [Figure 27] Side view of the indoor unit showing the internal structure [Figure 28] Exploded perspective view of the nozzle [Figure 29] A perspective view showing the nozzle separated into two halves [Figure 30] Cross section of the nozzle DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The indoor unit of the air conditioner disclosed herein has a frame and a filter frame that can be detachably attached to the frame, and has a nozzle that introduces outdoor air supplied from an outdoor air intake unit into the indoor side, the nozzle consisting of an upper nozzle and a lower nozzle, the upper nozzle is fixed to the filter frame and can be separated into two parts along the internal flow path, and the lower nozzle is fixed to the frame and can be separated into two parts along the internal flow path, and has a contraction section.

[0010] According to this aspect, in an air conditioner that supplies outdoor air from an outdoor unit to an indoor unit, it is possible to easily check the inside of the nozzle and remove dust, and noise levels can be reduced even when the supply air volume increases.

[0011] For example, the nozzle path may be such that it passes through the frame rather than around it.

[0012] For example, the blowing portion of the nozzle may be installed between the heat exchanger and the filter frame, and may blow outside air toward the heat exchanger.

[0013] For example, the upper nozzle may be fixed to the filter frame by snap engagement or the like, without using fixing parts such as screws.

[0014] For example, the lower nozzle may be fixed to the frame by snap engagement or the like, without using fixing parts such as screws.

[0015] For example, the connection between the upper nozzle and the lower nozzle may be fixed by snap engagement or the like without using fixing parts such as screws.

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, although the embodiment will be described using an outside air introduction unit with a humidifying function as an example, a unit simply having an outside air introduction function without a humidifying function may also be used.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment has an indoor unit 20 arranged in a room Rin to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit 30 arranged in an outdoor room Rout.

[0019] The indoor unit 20 is provided with an indoor heat exchanger 22 that exchanges heat with the indoor air A1, and a fan 24 that draws the indoor air A1 into the indoor unit 20 and blows the indoor air A1 into the room Rin after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 22.

[0020] The outdoor unit 30 is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger 32 that exchanges heat with outdoor air A2, and a fan 34 that draws the outdoor air A2 into the outdoor unit 30 and blows the outdoor air A2 out to the outdoor Rout after exchanging heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 32. The outdoor unit 30 is also 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.

[0021] The indoor heat exchanger 22, the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the compressor 36, the expansion valve 38, and the four-way valve 40 are each connected by a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant flows. In cooling operation and 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 that order, before returning to the compressor 36. In 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 that order, before returning to the compressor 36.

[0022] In addition to air conditioning operation using a refrigeration cycle, the air conditioner 10 also performs air conditioning operation in which outdoor air A3 is introduced into the room Rin. To this end, the air conditioner 10 has a ventilation device 50. The ventilation device 50 is provided in the outdoor unit 30.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a ventilation system.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the ventilation device 50 includes an absorbent material 52 therein through which the outdoor air A3 and A4 passes.

[0025] The absorbent material 52 is a member through which air can pass and which collects moisture from the air passing through it or adds moisture to the air passing through it. In this embodiment, the absorbent material 52 is disk-shaped and rotates around a rotation center line C1 that passes through the center of the absorbent material 52. The absorbent material 52 is rotationally driven by a motor 54.

[0026] The absorbent 52 is preferably a polymeric adsorbent that adsorbs moisture in the air. The polymeric adsorbent is, for example, composed of cross-linked sodium polyacrylate. Compared to adsorbents such as silica gel and zeolite, the polymeric adsorbent absorbs a larger amount of moisture per volume, can desorb the moisture it holds at a low heating temperature, and can hold the moisture for a long period of time.

[0027] 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, 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.

[0028] The first flow path P1 is a flow path through which the outdoor air A3 flows toward the indoor unit 20. The outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 is supplied into the indoor unit 20 via a ventilation duct 56.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first flow path P1 includes a plurality of branch flow paths P1a, P1b on the upstream side of the absorbent material 52. In this specification, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used with respect to the flow of air.

[0030] The plurality of tributary channels P1a, P2a join together upstream of the absorbent material 52. The plurality of tributary channels P1a, P1b are provided with first and second heaters 58, 60, respectively, that heat the outside air A3.

[0031] The first and second heaters 58, 60 may have the same heating capacity or different heating capacities. Furthermore, the first and second heaters 58, 60 are preferably PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters, which increase electrical resistance as current flows and the temperature rises, thereby preventing excessive increases in heating temperature. In the case of heaters using nichrome wire or carbon fiber, the heating temperature (surface temperature) continues to rise as current continues to flow, so the temperature must be monitored. In the case of PTC heaters, the heaters themselves adjust the heating temperature within a certain temperature range, eliminating the need to monitor the heating temperature.

[0032] The first flow path P1 is provided with a first fan 62 that generates a flow of outdoor air A3 toward the indoor unit 20. In the present embodiment, the first fan 62 is disposed downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the first fan 62 is operated, the outdoor air A3 flows from the outdoor Rout into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52.

[0033] The first flow path P1 is provided with a damper device 64 that distributes the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20) or the outdoor Rout. In the present embodiment, the damper device 64 is disposed downstream of the first fan 62. The outdoor air A3 distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64 enters the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 and is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24.

[0034] 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 head toward the indoor unit 20. The outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 passes through the absorbent material 52 and then flows out to the outdoor Rout.

[0035] A second fan 66 that generates a flow of outdoor air A4 is provided in the first flow path P1. In the present embodiment, the second fan 66 is disposed downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the second fan 66 is operated, the outdoor air A4 flows from the outdoor Rout into the second flow path P2, passes through the absorbent material 52, and then flows out to the outdoor Rout.

[0036] The ventilation device 50 selectively performs ventilation operation, humidification operation, and dehumidification operation by selectively using an absorbent material 52 (motor 54), a first heater 58, a second heater 60, a first fan 62, a damper device 64, and a second fan 66.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device during ventilation operation.

[0038] Ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is supplied directly to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20) via the ventilation duct 56. As shown in FIG. 3, during ventilation operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 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, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow 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, thereby causing no flow of outdoor air A4 to occur through the second flow path P2.

[0039] According to this ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52 without being heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 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 out into the room Rin by the fan 24. According to this ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 is supplied as is to the room Rin, and the room Rin is ventilated.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device during humidification operation.

[0041] The humidification operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is humidified and the humidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in FIG. 4, during the humidification operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 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, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow 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, thereby causing the outdoor air A4 to flow through the second flow path P2.

[0042] In this humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 can remove a larger amount of moisture from the absorbent 52 than when the outdoor air A3 is not heated. As a result, the outdoor air A3 carries a larger amount of moisture. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 and carried a larger amount of moisture 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. In this humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 carrying a larger amount of moisture is supplied to the room Rin, and the room Rin is humidified.

[0043] By turning off either the first heater 58 or the second heater 60, the amount of moisture that the outdoor air A3 takes from the absorbent material 52 is reduced, that is, weak humidification operation is performed in which the amount of humidification of the indoor air Rin is small. As moisture is removed by the heated outdoor air A3, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 decreases, i.e., the absorbent 52 dries. When the absorbent 52 dries, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 cannot remove moisture from the absorbent 52. To address this, the absorbent 52 removes moisture from the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2. This keeps the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 approximately constant, allowing the humidification operation to continue.

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

[0045] The dehumidifying operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is dehumidified and the dehumidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in Fig. 5, in the dehumidifying operation, the adsorption operation and the regeneration operation are performed alternately.

[0046] The adsorption operation is an operation in which moisture contained in the outdoor air A3 is adsorbed onto the absorbent material 52, thereby dehumidifying the outdoor air A3. As shown in FIG. 5, during the adsorption operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 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, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow 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, thereby causing no flow of outdoor air A4 to occur through the second flow path P2. During this 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, 60. At this time, the moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 is adsorbed by the absorbent 52. This reduces the amount of moisture carried by the outdoor air A3, i.e., the outdoor air A3 is dried. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 and is then 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 then blown into the room Rin by the fan 24. During this adsorption operation, the dried outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin, and the room Rin is dehumidified.

[0047] As the adsorption operation continues, the amount of water held by the absorbent 52 continues to increase, resulting in a decrease in the absorbent 52's ability to adsorb the moisture contained in the outdoor air A3. In order to recover the adsorption ability, a regeneration operation is performed to regenerate the absorbent 52.

[0048] During regeneration operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are ON and heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is ON and causes the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout rather than to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is OFF and causes no flow of outdoor air A4 to occur in the second flow path P2.

[0049] According to this regeneration operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 removes a large amount of moisture from the absorbent 52. As a result, the outdoor air A3 carries a large amount of moisture. 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 has passed through the absorbent 52 and carries a large amount of moisture is diverted by the damper device 64 to the outdoor Rout and discharged to the outdoor Rout. As a result, 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 indoor Rin.

[0050] By alternately performing the adsorption operation and the regeneration operation in this manner, the adsorption capacity of the absorbent material 52 is maintained, and the dehumidification operation can be carried out continuously.

[0051] The above-mentioned air conditioning operations using the refrigeration cycle (cooling operation, dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation), heating operation) and the air conditioning operations using the ventilation device 50 (ventilation operation, humidifying operation, dehumidifying operation) can be performed separately or simultaneously. For example, if the dehumidifying operation using the refrigeration cycle and the dehumidifying operation using the ventilation device 50 are performed simultaneously, it is possible to dehumidify the room Rin while maintaining the room temperature constant.

[0052] The user selects the air conditioning operation to be performed by the air conditioner 10. For example, when the user performs a selection operation on the remote controller 70 shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioner 10 performs the air conditioning operation corresponding to that operation.

[0053] Up to this point, we have given an overview of the configuration and operation of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment. From here on, we will explain further features of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment.

[0054] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner 10. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the ventilation device with the lid removed. Fig. 8 is a top view of the ventilation device with the lid removed. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation device with the lid removed. Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation device. Note that the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system shown in the drawings is intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments and does not limit the embodiments. The X-axis direction indicates the front-to-rear direction of the outdoor unit 30, the Y-axis direction indicates the left-to-right direction, and the Z-axis direction indicates the height direction.

[0055] 6, in this embodiment, the ventilation device 50 is provided on top of the outdoor unit 30. Specifically, the ventilation device 50 is provided on a housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30, which houses the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the fan 34, the compressor 36, the expansion valve 38, and the four-way valve 40.

[0056] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the ventilation device 50 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the outdoor unit 30, and includes a box-like housing 102 that is open at the top, and a lid 104 that is attached to the top of the housing 102. Components of the ventilation device 50, such as the absorbent material 52, are stored inside the housing 102. Note that Figures 7 and 8 show the ventilation device 50 with the lid 104 removed.

[0057] 7 to 9, in this embodiment, the absorbent material 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 longitudinal side (right side) of the absorbent material 52, and components related to the second flow path P2 are disposed on the other longitudinal side (left side).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of spaces S1 to S4 are substantially formed within the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50.

[0059] The first space S1 is a space into which the outside air A3 first flows in. The first space S1 is substantially formed in the right and upper portions of the housing 102.

[0060] 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. The second space S2 is substantially formed in the right and lower portions of the housing 102.

[0061] The third space S3 is a space into which the outside air A4 first flows. The third space S3 is substantially formed in the left and lower portions of the housing 102.

[0062] 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 after passing through the absorbent material 52. The fourth space S4 is substantially formed in the left and upper portions of the housing 102.

[0063] The third and fourth spaces S3 and S4 are separated from the first and second spaces S1 and S2 so that the outdoor air A3 in 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 in the third and fourth spaces S3 and S4 does not move into the first and second spaces S1 and S2. First, the components of the ventilation device 50 related to the second flow path P2, which has a simple configuration, will be described.

[0064] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, a first air intake port 102a, a second air intake port 102b, and an exhaust port 102c are provided in the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 in relation to the second flow path P2 through which the outdoor air A4 flows. The first air intake port 102a is formed in the center in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the front wall 102d of the housing 102. The second air intake port 102b is formed in the center in the left-right direction of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102. The exhaust port 102c is formed on the left side of the front wall 102d.

[0065] When the second fan 66 is activated, the outdoor air A4 flows through the first air intake 102a and the second air intake 102b into the third space S3 inside the housing 102. 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 surface 52b of the absorbent material 52.

[0066] The outdoor air A4 in the third space S3 flows into the absorbent material 52 through the second end surface 52b and flows out of the absorbent material 52 into the fourth space S4 through the first end surface 52a. The outdoor air A4 that passes through the absorbent material 52 and flows into the fourth space S4 is drawn into the second fan 66. In this embodiment, the second fan 66 is a sirocco fan that is disposed in the fan chamber F1 and includes an impeller 66a that 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 drawn into the fan chamber F1 by the rotation of the impeller 66a and is discharged to the outdoor air Rout through an 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 from the fourth space S4. The partition plate 106 is formed with an air intake port 106a that communicates with the fan chamber F1 and through which the outside air A4 passes.

[0067] Next, the components of the ventilation device 50 related to the first flow path P1 will be described.

[0068] 8 and 9, in this embodiment, a third air intake 102g and a fourth air intake 102h are provided in the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 in association with the first flow path P1 through which the outdoor air A3 flows. The third air intake 102g is formed in the right wall 102i of the housing 102. The fourth air intake 102h is formed on the right side of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102.

[0069] When the first fan 62 is activated, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first space S1 inside the housing 102 through the third air intake 102g and the fourth air intake 102h. The outdoor air A3 that has flowed into the first space S1 passes through the first and second heaters 58, 60 and flows above the first end surface 52a of the absorbent material 52.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first and second heaters 58, 60 are incorporated into a heater unit 110 located in the center of the ventilation device 50.

[0071] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the heater unit, Fig. 12 is a bottom view of the heater unit, 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 line AA in Fig. 12.

[0072] 11 to 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 mounted, and a cylindrical absorber housing portion 112b that rotatably houses the absorber 52. The heater mounting portion 112a and the absorber housing portion 112b of the heater base member 112 can also be configured as separate components.

[0073] The first and second heaters 58, 60 are arranged in a V-shape on the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112. The outdoor air A3 (i.e., the tributary channels P1a, P2b) that have passed through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, respectively, merge on the first end surface 52a of the absorbent 52 housed in the absorbent housing portion 112b of the heater base member 112 (i.e., the tributary channels P1a, P1b merge with the main channel P1c of the first channel P1). The first and second heaters 58, 60 are fin heaters equipped with a plurality of heating fins that transfer heat to the outdoor air A3 flowing through the tributary channels P1a, P2a.

[0074] In this embodiment, the ventilation device 50 includes an absorbent material holder 114 that holds a disk-shaped absorbent material 52 having a first end face 52a and a second end face 52b. The absorbent material holder 114 includes a cylindrical portion 114a that holds an outer peripheral surface 52c of the absorbent material 52, a hub portion 114b (see FIG. 10 ) that is rotatably supported on a support shaft 102j that stands on the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50, and a plurality of spokes 114c that connect the cylindrical portion 114a and the hub portion 114b. The plurality of spokes 114c support the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52.

[0075] The absorbent holder 114, which holds the absorbent 52, is accommodated in the absorbent accommodation section 112b of the heater base member 112. An engaging section 112c is provided in the center of the absorbent accommodation section 112b of the heater base member 112. The engaging section 112c engages with the support shaft 102j of the housing 102, which passes through the hub section 114b of the absorbent holder 114. The heater base member 112 is provided with a plurality of beam sections 112d that connect the cylindrical absorbent accommodation section 112b to the engaging section 112c located in the center thereof.

[0076] 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 absorber holder 114. The motor 54 drives the absorber 52 to rotate via this absorber holder 114.

[0077] 13, the heater unit 110 also includes a first cover member 118 and a second cover member 120 that cover a portion of the first end surface 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 multiple 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, as well as the portion of the first end surface 52a of the absorbent material 52 that is surrounded by the heater mounting portion 112a and the beam portions 112d when viewed from above (in the Z-axis direction). The second cover member 120 covers the first cover member 118 with a gap provided between the first cover member 118 and the second cover member 120. In 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. The first cover member 118 and the second cover member 120 allow the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, respectively, to pass through the portion of the first end surface 52a of the absorbent 52 that is covered by the first cover member 118 and the second cover member 120.

[0078] 14, the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are placed on the heater mounting portion 112a so that the direction in which the outdoor air A3 passes is horizontal (X-axis direction). The first cover member 118 covers the upper parts 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.

[0079] 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 periphery of the top plate portion 120a. The top plate portion 120a faces the first cover member 118 at a distance in the height direction (Z-axis direction). The wall portion 120b faces the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 at a distance in the horizontal direction.

[0080] 14, an undercover member 122 is attached to the lower part of the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112. The undercover 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.

[0081] With such second cover member 120 and undercover member 122, the outside 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 undercover member 122. Next, the outside air A3 flows over the wall portion 122b of the undercover member 122 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) above the bottom plate portion 122a, and reaches the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. Due to this flow of the outside air A3 (i.e., the tributary channels P1a, P1b), dust and other foreign matter entrained in the outside air A3 is removed by gravity before the outside air A3 reaches the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. Note that the distance D of the gap between the wall portion 120b of the second cover member 120 and the wall portion 122b of the undercover member 122 is set to a size that prevents insects and other living organisms from entering, for example, 8 mm or less. This prevents the intrusion of living organisms into the first heater 58 and the second heater 60.

[0082] 14, outside air A3 flows through the gap between the first cover member 118 and the top plate portion 120a of 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 an upstream portion of the tributary flow path P1a relative to the first heater 58 and an upstream portion of the tributary flow path P1b relative to the second heater 60. In 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 outside 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, part of the outdoor air A3 flowing through the portion of the branch channel P1b upstream of the second heater 60 flows through the communication channel P1d into the branch channel P1a, and then passes through the first heater 58.

[0083] 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, part of the generated heat is not transferred to the outdoor air A3 passing through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, but is transferred to the surroundings of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, particularly to the area above the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. In this embodiment, the exhaust heat H from the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is transferred 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, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the communication path P1d recovers the exhaust heat H from the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the outdoor air A3 by the first and second heaters 58, 60. As a result, the amount of humidification of the outdoor air A3 (the amount of moisture removed from the absorbent 52) ​​increases, and the efficiency of the humidification operation (humidification efficiency of indoor Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation (regeneration efficiency of the absorbent 52) ​​improves.

[0084] The communication path P1d for recovering exhaust heat may be provided not only above the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 but also below the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. The communication path P1d may pass through the vicinity of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, i.e., the area where the exhaust heat of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is transferred.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 10, the outdoor air A3 heated by at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 passes downward through the absorbent material 52 from the first end surface 52a to the second end surface 52b and enters the second space S2.

[0086] FIG. 15 is a top view of a portion of the housing of the ventilation device showing the second space.

[0087] 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 is disposed on the top of this annular wall portion 102k, separating the first space S1 from the second space S2 (see Fig. 10). The annular wall portion 102k of the housing 102 and the partition plate 124 define the second space S2. Note that a seal (described later) is disposed on a portion 102l of the annular wall portion 102k located below the absorber 52 to seal the annular wall portion 102k and the absorber 52. FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the absorber taken perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorber.

[0088] 16 , the ventilation device 50 is provided with a plurality of first seal units 126 for the first end face 52 a of the absorbent 52 and a plurality of second seal units 128 for the second end face 52 b of the absorbent 52. In the present embodiment, the first seal units 126 are provided on a plurality of beam portions 112 d of the heater base member 112 that face the first end face 52 a of the absorbent 52. The second seal units 128 are provided on a portion 102 l of the annular wall portion 102 k of the housing 102 that faces the second end face 52 b of the absorbent 52.

[0089] The plurality of first seal units 126 include a seal member 126a that contacts the first end surface 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 surface 52a of the absorbent 52. In 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 relative to the first end surface 52a of the rotating absorbent 52. The seal member 126a may be, for example, an elastic member such as flexible silicone rubber.

[0090] Such a first seal unit 126 prevents the outside air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, specifically, a portion of the outside air A3 flowing inside the first cover member 118, from entering the second flow path P2 (i.e., the fourth space S4). Conversely, the outside air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 is also prevented from entering the first flow path P1.

[0091] The plurality of second seal units 128 each include a seal member 128a that contacts the second end surface 52b of the absorber 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 absorber 52, extends parallel to the seal member 126a of the first seal unit 126, and contacts the second end surface 52b of the absorber 52. In this 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 relative to the second end surface 52b of the rotating absorber 52. The seal member 128a may be, for example, an elastic member such as flexible silicone rubber. The seal member 128a may be different from or the same as the seal member 126a of the first seal unit 126.

[0092] Such a second seal unit 128 prevents the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, specifically, a portion of the outdoor air A3 flowing into the second space S2 from the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52, from entering the second flow path P2 (i.e., the third space S3). Conversely, the outside air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 is also prevented from entering the first flow path P1.

[0093] 12, in the present embodiment, multiple spoke portions 114c of the absorbent material holder 114 are present on the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52 with which the second seal unit 128 (its seal member 128a) comes into contact. Therefore, while the absorbent material holder 114 is rotating, the seal member 128a needs to climb over the multiple spoke portions 114c.

[0094] At this time, when the entire seal member 128a simultaneously moves over the spoke portions 114c, the rotational resistance of the absorbent material holder 114 increases at that timing. As a result, a torque load is intermittently applied to the motor 54 that rotates the absorbent material holder 114.

[0095] Therefore, the spoke portions 114c extend so that the entire seal member 128a does not move over the spoke portions 114c at the same time. Specifically, the seal member 128a extends substantially in the radial direction of the absorber 52, while the spoke portions 114c do not extend substantially in the radial direction of the absorber 52. As a result, for example, when the end of the seal member 128a closest to the center of the absorber 52 is positioned on the spoke portions 114c, the outer end of the seal member 128a is not positioned on the spoke portions 114c. Due to this difference in the extending direction, the seal member 128a does not move over the spoke portions 114c all at once, but moves over the spoke portions 114c one by one. As a result, the load on the motor 54 is reduced.

[0096] 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 on which the first seal unit 126 is provided. The collision plate 112e extends above the portion of the first end surface 52a of the absorbent material 52 from which the outside air A4 flows out. As a result, the outside air A4 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 near the first seal unit 126 collides with the collision plate 112e. This "collision plate" will be described using a comparative example.

[0097] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the absorbent material in a ventilation device of a comparative example, taken along a line perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorbent material.

[0098] 17, if there is no collision plate 112e protruding into the second flow path P2 away from the first seal unit 126, part of the outside air A3 may enter the second flow path P2 after passing through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 and before flowing into the absorbent material 52. Specifically, part of the outside air A3 may pass between the seal member 126a and the absorbent material 52 and enter the second flow path P2.

[0099] This passage of the outdoor air A3 between the seal member 126a and the absorbent 52 can occur when the pressure in the first flow path P1 is higher than the pressure in the second flow path P2, resulting in a large pressure difference. Because outdoor air A4 flows through the second flow path P2 without being heated, the pressure is maintained substantially at atmospheric pressure. In contrast, when the outdoor air A3 is heated by at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 (during humidification operation or regeneration operation in dehumidification operation), the pressure in the space S5 above the portion of the first end surface 52a of the absorbent 52 covered by the first cover member 118 and the second cover member 120 increases (compared to when the outdoor air A3 is not heated). That is, the second flow path P2 side becomes relatively low pressure relative to the first seal unit 126, and the first flow path P1 side becomes relatively high pressure. As a result, the high-temperature outdoor air A3 in the high-pressure first flow path P1 can pass between the seal member 126a and the absorbent material 52 and enter the low-pressure second flow path P2.

[0100] When part of the heated and high-temperature outdoor air A3 enters the second flow path P2 without passing through the absorbent material 52, the amount of moisture that the outdoor air A3 removes from the absorbent material 52 decreases, that is, the efficiency of the humidification operation (humidification efficiency of the room Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation (regeneration efficiency of the absorbent material 52) decreases. To address this issue, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, there is an impingement plate 112e that protrudes from the first seal unit 126 into the second flow path P2.

[0101] 16, outside air A4 flowing near the first seal unit 126 flows out from the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52 and then collides with the collision plate 112e. This generates a turbulent high-pressure region AP between the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52 and the collision plate 112e. This high-pressure region AP reduces the pressure difference on both sides of the seal member 126a. As a result, outside air A3 is prevented from entering the second flow path P2 through the gap between the seal member 126a and the absorbent 52.

[0102] In the present 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 farthest from the first seal unit 126). This forms 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, and generates a high-pressure region AP within the space. As a result, intrusion of the outside air A3 into the second flow path P2 through the gap between the seal member 126a and the absorbent 52 is more effectively suppressed than in the absence of the throttle wall 112f.

[0103] 16, the seal member 126a of the first seal unit 126 and the seal member 128a of the second seal unit 128 are in contact with the absorber 52 in a direction perpendicular to the first end face 52a and the second end face 52b of the absorber 52. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0104] FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an absorbent material perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorbent material in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment.

[0105] 18, in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment, seal members 126a, 128a contact absorbent material 52 while being inclined relative to first end face 52a and second end face 52b, respectively. Specifically, seal members 126a, 128a are held by seal holders 226b, 228b while being inclined so as to approach absorbent material 52 from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotation direction DR of absorbent material 52. In this case, the sliding resistance between seal members 126a, 128a and absorbent material 52 is lower than in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, and the load on motor 54 is reduced.

[0106] When the rotation direction of the absorber 52 is switched, the seal members 126a and 128a may each be held by a seal holder so as to be swingable about a rotation center line extending in the radial direction of the absorber 52.

[0107] Furthermore, the rotation speeds of the first fan 62 and the second fan 66 may be adjusted so that the outdoor air A3 or the 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 material 52, and between the seal member 128a of the second seal unit 128 and the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52. For example, when the rotation speed of the first fan 62 or the second fan 66 increases, the pressure in the first flow path P1 or the second flow path P2 decreases. Conversely, when the rotation speed increases, the pressure increases.

[0108] For example, when at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is ON, the passage of heated outdoor air A3 between the seal member 126a of the first seal unit 126 and the absorbent material 52 can be further suppressed by increasing the rotation speed of the first fan 62 to reduce the pressure in the first flow path P1 and / or by reducing the rotation speed of the second fan 66 to increase the pressure in the second flow path P2.

[0109] As a seal for the absorbent material 52, the ventilation device 50 is provided with a labyrinth seal member 130 in addition to the first seal unit 126 and the second seal unit 128, as shown in FIG.

[0110] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent holder showing the labyrinth flow path formed on the outside of the absorbent holder.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 19 , because the absorbent holder 114 rotates, the outer circumferential surface of its cylindrical portion 114a faces the absorbent accommodation portion 112b of the heater base member 112 and the partition plate 124 at a distance. Therefore, some of the outdoor air A3 that should pass through the absorbent 52 can flow outside the cylindrical portion 114a and bypass the absorbent 52. When the outdoor air A3 is heated by at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, this bypass reduces the amount of moisture absorbed by the outdoor air A3 from the absorbent 52. This reduces the efficiency of the humidification operation (humidification efficiency of the room Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation during the dehumidification operation (regeneration efficiency of the absorbent 52). Therefore, in this embodiment, a labyrinth flow path PL is formed between the absorbent holder 114 and the opposing members (the heater base member 112 and the partition plate 124) by the labyrinth seal member 130. The labyrinth flow path is a flow path that has a high flow resistance due to a flow path shape that changes the flow direction of the fluid multiple times.

[0112] The labyrinth seal member 130 has an end face 130a that forms a radial flow path PLa extending in the radial direction (Y-axis direction) of the absorber 52 as part of the labyrinth flow path PL. Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, the absorber holder 114 has external teeth 114d on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 114a. The absorber holder 114 also has an annular flange 114e provided on the end face of the external teeth 114d on the side farther from the first end face 52a of the absorber 52. The end face 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130 forms the radial flow path PLa between itself and the flange 114e.

[0113] The labyrinth flow path PL including such radial flow paths PLa makes it difficult for the outdoor air A3 to flow outside the cylindrical portion 114a and bypass the absorbent material 52, and the outdoor air A3 passes through the absorbent material 52. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the efficiency of the humidification operation (humidification efficiency of the room Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation (regeneration efficiency of the absorbent material 52) that occurs when the outdoor air A3 bypasses the absorbent material 52.

[0114] In addition, in this embodiment, the end surface 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130 is provided with a protruding ridge 130b that protrudes toward the flange 114e of the absorber holder 114. This further increases the flow path resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the partition plate 124 is provided with a rib 124a extending in the radial direction (Y-axis direction) of the absorbent 52 so as to face, with a gap, the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52. The rib 124a makes it difficult for the outside air A3 to flow out of the labyrinth flow path PL, and as a result, the flow path resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL is further increased.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, protrusions 124b that protrude toward the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52 are provided at the tips of the ribs 124a of the partition plate 124. These protrusions 124b make it difficult for the outside air A3 to flow out of the labyrinth flow path PL, and as a result, the flow path resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL further increases.

[0117] The labyrinth flow path PL may or may not be formed over the entire outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 114a of the absorbent holder 114. The main purpose of the labyrinth flow path PL is to prevent the outside air A3 from bypassing the absorbent 52 so that most of the outside 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 present 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 outside air A3 passes.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end surface 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130 forms a radial flow path PLa between itself 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 can form a radial flow path PLa between itself and the expanded diameter portion. Note that 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.

[0119] The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 flows into the second space S2.

[0120] FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of components around the first fan.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 20, outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, specifically, into the second space S2, is drawn into the first fan 62. In this embodiment, the first fan 62 is a sirocco fan that includes an impeller 62a disposed in the fan chamber F2 and rotating about a rotation centerline extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and a motor 62b that rotates the impeller 62a. The outdoor air A3 is drawn into the fan chamber F2 by the rotation of the impeller 62a. The fan chamber F1 is defined by an annular wall 124c provided on the partition plate 124 and a fan cover member 132 attached to the annular wall 124c. The partition plate 124 is formed with an air intake port 124d that communicates with the fan chamber F2 and through which the outdoor air A3 passes.

[0122] In this embodiment, the motor 62b of the first fan 62 is provided on the fan cover member 132 and covered by the motor cover member 134. That is, the motor 62b is housed in a motor chamber M1 defined by the fan cover member 132 and the motor cover member 134.

[0123] In the present embodiment, the fan cover member 132 and the motor cover member 134 are configured so that the outside air A3 flows into the motor chamber M1.

[0124] Specifically, when the first fan 62 rotates, outside air A3 flows into the first space S1 through the third air intake 102g and the fourth air intake 102h, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. A portion of the outside air A3 that flows into the space S1 passes directly through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. The remainder of the outside air A3 flows into the motor chamber M1, cools the motor 62b, and then flows out of the motor chamber M1, passing through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, as shown in Figure 20.

[0125] To allow outside air A3 entering the motor chamber M1 to flow locally in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), the fan cover member 132 and the motor cover member 134 are provided with multiple vertically extending obstacle walls 132a, 134a, respectively. These obstacle walls 132a, 134b allow the outside air A3 to flow vertically, and foreign matter entrained in the outside air A3 is removed by gravity. As a result, foreign matter is prevented from entering the motor chamber M1.

[0126] Fourth air intake port 102h, which communicates with first space S1, is provided with multiple crosspieces 102m to prevent foreign matter from entering. Furthermore, an inclined surface 102o, which is higher on the first space S1 side, is formed on the upper surface 102n of at least one crosspiece 102m. This inclined surface 102o prevents rainwater falling diagonally downward from entering first space S1. Similar crosspieces 102m are also provided on first air intake port 102a, second air intake port 102b, and third air intake port 102g.

[0127] The means for preventing the intrusion of rainwater is not limited to the inclined surface 102o.

[0128] FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air inlet of a housing in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment.

[0129] 21, in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment, a fourth air intake port 202h of a housing 202 is provided with a plurality of crosspieces 202m. Each crosspiece 202m is provided with a hanging portion 202p extending toward another crosspiece 202m located below. These hanging portions 202p also serve to prevent rainwater from entering the first space S1.

[0130] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 and 15, an orifice member 136 is provided in the portion of the first flow path P1 between the absorbent material 52 and the air inlet 124d, i.e., in the second space S2. The orifice member 136 is an obstacle for locally reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in the portion of the first flow path P1 between the absorbent material 52 and the air inlet 124d. By providing the orifice member 136, the temperature distribution in the second space S2 is more uniform than in the case where the orifice member 136 is not provided.

[0131] More specifically, 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 mix together and flow through the second space S2. 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.

[0132] In contrast, 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. This is because the flow path length from the first heater 58 to the first fan 62 (i.e., the air inlet 124d) is different from the flow path length from the second heater 60 to the air inlet 124d. As a result, the temperature sensor 138 that measures the temperature of the outdoor air A3 in the second space S2 performs measurement under different measurement conditions. The temperature sensor 138 is provided on the partition plate 124 as shown in FIG. 9.

[0133] As shown in Fig. 15, the orifice member 136 is disposed upstream of the temperature sensor 138 in a portion of the first flow path P1 (the second space S2) from the first and second heaters 58, 60 to the air inlet 124d. The orifice member 136 is also disposed 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 toward the air inlet 124d. When passing through this 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 together. As a result, around the temperature sensor 138 located downstream of the orifice member 136, 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.

[0134] However, the orifice member 136 can have other shapes.

[0135] FIG. 22 is a top view of a portion of a housing of a ventilation device showing a second space in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment.

[0136] 22, in a 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 when viewed from above (as viewed in the Z-axis direction). During the bypass, 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 mix appropriately. In this case, the outdoor air A3 flows slowly near the temperature sensor 138, stabilizing the measurement environment of the temperature sensor 138.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 20, the outdoor air A3 that flows from the second space S2 into the fan chamber F1 of the first fan 62 is sent to the damper device 64 by the rotation of the impeller 62a.

[0138] Fig. 23A is a cross-sectional view showing the damper device connected to the indoors, and Fig. 23B is a cross-sectional view showing the damper device connected to the outdoors.

[0139] 23A and 23B, and also as shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the damper device 64 includes a portion of the partition plate 124 and a portion of the fan cover member 132 as components of its housing. The damper device 64 also 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 outside 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. The damper device 64 also includes a power source (not shown) such as a motor that rotates the closing door 64e around a rotation center line extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction) and is controlled by the control device of the air conditioner 10.

[0140] The inlet 64a of the damper device 64 is connected to the fan chamber F2 of the first fan 62. As a result, the outside air A3 that passes through the first heater 58, the second heater 60, and the absorbent material 52 and is blown out from the impeller 62a of the first fan 62 flows into the damper device 64 through the inlet 64a.

[0141] The ventilation duct 56 is connected to the first outlet 64b of the damper device 64. As a result, the first outlet 64b communicates with the inside of the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56. As a result, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the inlet 64a flows into the indoor unit 20. In the present embodiment, the first outlet 64b opens to the right.

[0142] In this embodiment, the opening direction of the first outlet 64b of the damper device 64 is to the right, and the opening direction of the inlet 64a is to the left. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 that flows 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 slowing down, while maintaining the blowing speed of the first fan 62.

[0143] The second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 communicates with the outside of the room not directly but indirectly. Specifically, the second outlet 64c opens horizontally, particularly toward the rear wall 102e, within an isolated chamber S6 provided within the housing 102. The isolated chamber S6 is defined by the housing 102 and the fan cover member 132, and is independent from the other spaces S1 to S4. Therefore, the outside air A3 flowing out from the second outlet 64c flows into the isolated chamber S6.

[0144] A connection port 102q that communicates with the inside of the housing 100 of the outdoor unit 30 main body is provided on a bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 that defines the isolated room S6.

[0145] Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the ventilation device showing the flow of outdoor air flowing out from the damper device, and Fig. 25 is a front view of the outdoor unit showing a schematic view of the inside of the main body of the outdoor unit.

[0146] As shown in Figure 24, the outdoor air A3 that flows out rearward from the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 changes its flow direction downward within the isolated chamber S6 and passes through the connection port 102q provided in the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102.

[0147] 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.

[0148] In this embodiment, the inside of the main body housing 100 is roughly divided into a heat exchange chamber R1 that houses the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the fan 34, etc., and a machinery chamber R2 that houses the compressor 36, the four-way valve 40, the control board, etc. Outdoor air A3 flows into the machinery chamber R2.

[0149] The reason why the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 is discharged to the outdoor area Rout via the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30 will be described below.

[0150] As shown in Figure 23B, when the outdoor air A3 flows out from the second outlet 64c, it collides with the closing door 64d and changes its flow direction by substantially 90 degrees. At this time, turbulence occurs within the damper device 64, and If an exhaust port with multiple bars is provided in the rear wall 102e of the housing 102 facing the second outlet 64c, noise caused by turbulence will leak to the outdoor Rout through the exhaust port. The operating sound of the closing door 64e will also leak to the outdoor Rout through the exhaust port. Furthermore, the bars may generate wind noise.

[0151] In the present embodiment, when the outside air A3 flowing out from the second outlet 64c flows into the enclosure 100 via the isolated chamber S6, noise caused by turbulence and the operating sound of the closing door 64e are prevented from leaking to the outside Rout. In other words, the internal space of the enclosure 100 functions as a "muffler" that reduces the level of noise that is generated when the outside air A3 flows through the damper device 64 and leaks to the outside Rout.

[0152] In particular, when the outside air A3 flows into the machine room R2, the level of noise leaking to the outdoor Rout can be further reduced. The machine room R2 is a substantially sealed space and is connected to the outdoor Rout via a gap large enough to allow heat generated by the compressor 36 and other components housed therein to flow out to the outdoor Rout. Meanwhile, the heat exchange chamber R1 is connected to the outdoor Rout via an intake port through which the outside air A2 drawn in by the fan 34 passes and an exhaust port through which the outside air A2 flows out after heat exchange. Therefore, the level of noise leaking to the outdoor Rout can be reduced by having the outside air A3 flowing out of the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 flow into the machine room R2 compared to when the outside air A3 flows into the heat exchange chamber R1.

[0153] In this way, the damper device 64 discharges the outdoor air A3 to the outside Aout through the space within the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30, thereby making it possible to reduce the level of noise generated from the outdoor unit 30.

[0154] In addition, 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, i.e., so that turbulence does not occur between them and cause noise.

[0155] Furthermore, the damper device 64 may be configured so that the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 faces downwards and so that the second outlet 64c faces the connection port 102q in the isolated chamber S6.

[0156] The outdoor air A3 that flows out from the first outlet 64b of the damper device 64 flows into the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56.

[0157] Fig. 26 is a perspective view showing an indoor heat exchanger and nozzles provided in the indoor unit. Fig. 27 is a side view of the indoor unit showing the internal structure. Note that the UVW Cartesian coordinate system shown in the figure is intended to facilitate 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.

[0158] 26, the indoor unit 20 includes an indoor heat exchanger 22 and a nozzle 140. The nozzle 140 includes a connection part 140a that connects to the ventilation duct 56, and an outlet 140b that blows out the outdoor air A3 supplied from the ventilation duct 56.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 27 , the nozzle 140 is provided in the housing 142 of the indoor unit 20 so as to blow out 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 inside the indoor unit 20 so that the blown outdoor air A3 passes through a dry region inside the indoor unit 20 and heads toward the fan 24. The fan 24 is, for example, a crossflow fan. Furthermore, the "dry region" referred to here is a region that is drier than other regions. Such a "dry region" can be identified experimentally or by simulation.

[0160] In this embodiment, the direction in which the outdoor air A3 is blown out from the nozzle 140 is directed so that the outdoor air A3 blown out from the outlet 140b passes through the dry portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22, which serves as the "dry area" within the indoor unit 20.

[0161] Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27 , 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 this embodiment, so as to surround the fan 24 except for the area below it) when viewed in the direction in which the rotational axis of the fan 24 extends (when viewed in the U-axis direction). The indoor heat exchanger 22 is also composed of a first portion 22a located behind the fan 24 and a second portion 22b located in front of the fan 24. Refrigerant supplied from the compressor 36 flows through this indoor heat exchanger 22. In this embodiment, when the air conditioner 10 is in cooling operation or weak cooling operation (dehumidifying operation), the refrigerant flows from the top to the bottom of the first portion 22a and then from the bottom to the top of the second portion 22b when viewed in the direction in which the rotational axis of the fan 24 extends. That is, the refrigerant flows counterclockwise through the indoor heat exchanger 22 in FIG. 27 .

[0162] As a result of this flow of the refrigerant, a dry portion DP is generated above the second portion 22b of the indoor heat exchanger 22. The dry portion DP is located downstream in the refrigerant flow direction in the indoor heat exchanger 22. Because the temperature of the refrigerant rises while flowing through other portions of the indoor heat exchanger 22, condensation is less likely to occur in the dry portion DP than in other portions (less condensed water adheres).

[0163] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the dry portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22 is located away from the drain pans 144, 146 provided below the indoor heat exchanger 22, and therefore has little condensed water adhering thereto. That is, the condensed water flows downward on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 22 toward the drain pans 144, 146, and therefore there is little condensed water in the dry portion DP located at the top of the indoor heat exchanger 22.

[0164] 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 present embodiment, the dry portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22) and heads toward the fan 24 will now be described.

[0165] The air conditioner 10 is configured to be able to simultaneously perform a dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation) using a refrigeration cycle and a dehumidifying operation using the ventilation device 50 as one operation mode.

[0166] In dehumidifying operation using the refrigeration cycle, when the fan 24 rotates, indoor air A1 is taken into the housing 142 of the indoor unit 20 through the air intake 142a provided at the top 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 from the indoor air A1, causing it to dry. The removed moisture condenses on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 22. The dried indoor air A1 is blown out by the fan 24 into the room Rin through the air outlet 142b.

[0167] During dehumidifying operation by the ventilation device 50 (see FIG. 5), dry outdoor air A3 at substantially outdoor temperature is supplied from the ventilation device 50 to the nozzle 140. The outdoor air A3 is blown out from the nozzle 140 and drawn by the fan 24 to pass through the dry portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22. At this time, the outdoor air A3 passes through the dry portion DP, i.e., does not pass through other portions of the indoor heat exchanger 22 where a large amount of condensed water adheres, and therefore remains dry. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 22 while remaining dry is blown out by the fan 24 through the air outlet 142b into the room Rin.

[0168] By simultaneously executing such a dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation) by the refrigeration cycle and a dehumidifying operation by the ventilation device 50, the room Rin can be dehumidified without significantly lowering the room temperature.

[0169] If the outdoor air A3 blown out from the nozzle 140 passes through a portion of the indoor heat exchanger 22 other than the drying portion DP, the outdoor air A3 will be humidified by the evaporation of condensed water. Since the humidified outdoor air A3 is blown out into the room Rin, that is, some of the moisture that was originally present in the room Rin returns to the room Rin, the dehumidification efficiency of the room Rin will decrease.

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

[0171] In this case, the outdoor air A3 that has not been dehumidified is supplied from the ventilation device 50 to the nozzle 140. The outdoor air A3 blown out from the nozzle 140 passes through the dry portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22. In this case, the indoor Rin can be ventilated without returning some of the condensed water that has adhered to the indoor heat exchanger 22 during the dehumidifying operation to the indoor Rin.

[0172] The nozzle 140 may blow out at least a portion of the outdoor air A3 toward the space between the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the fan 24, which serves as a "dry region" within the indoor unit 20.

[0173] In this embodiment, the nozzle 140 is configured to be divisible into a plurality of parts without being destroyed.

[0174] Fig. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle, Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing the nozzle separated into two pieces, and Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle.

[0175] As shown in Fig. 28, nozzle 140 is made up of four parts 148 to 154. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 29, in this embodiment, nozzle 140 is configured to be separable into rear part 140c having connecting part 140a and front part 140d having outlet 140b. Rear part 140c has connecting port 140e for connection to front part 140d, and tip end 140f of front part 140d is removably inserted into connecting port 140e.

[0176] As shown in Figure 29, in this embodiment, the rear portion 140c is attached to a base member 156 of the indoor unit 20, and the front portion 140d is attached to a filter frame 158. The base member 156 functions as a bracket when installing the indoor unit 20 on a wall, and holds the 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 indoor air A1 passes on its way to the indoor heat exchanger 22, and is configured to be removable from the base member 156. When the filter frame 158 is removed from the base member 156, the front portion 140d of the nozzle 140 separates from the rear portion 140c.

[0177] 30, when tip 140f of front portion 140d is inserted into connection port 140e of rear portion 140c of nozzle 140, inner circumferential surface 140g of rear portion 140c and inner circumferential surface 140h of front portion 140d are connected continuously without any steps, thereby suppressing pressure loss of outdoor air A3 flowing from rear portion 140c to front portion 140d.

[0178] 28, rear portion 140c of nozzle 140 is configured to be separable along its internal flow path into two parts 148 and 150. Front portion 140d is also configured to be separable along its internal flow path into two parts 152 and 154. Parts 148 and 150 are configured to be connectable, for example, by snap engagement, without using fastening parts such as screws. Similarly, parts 152 and 154 are configured to be connectable without using fastening parts.

[0179] 30, in this embodiment, a contraction section 140i that reduces the flow path cross-sectional area compared to other locations is provided in the rear portion 140c of the nozzle 140. This allows noise from the outdoor unit 30 to be reflected, and the level of noise transmitted into the indoor unit 20 to be reduced.

[0180] The nozzle 140 configured as above can easily check and clean its interior. That is, the nozzle 140 can be divided into four parts 148 to 154, and each part can be checked and cleaned separately.

[0181] According to the present embodiment described above, in an air conditioner that supplies outdoor air from an outdoor unit to an indoor unit, it is possible to easily check the inside of the nozzle and remove dust, and noise levels can be reduced even when the supply air volume increases.

[0182] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0183] For example, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in Figure 29, the connection between the upper nozzle and the lower nozzle is located immediately after the lower nozzle penetrates the underframe. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The connection can take any form as long as the outside air flows through the nozzle and is blown out to the heat exchanger.

[0184] In other words, the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is, in a broad sense, an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit equipped with an outdoor air introduction unit, wherein the indoor unit has a frame and a filter frame that is detachably attached to the frame, and has a nozzle that introduces outdoor air supplied from the outdoor air introduction unit into the indoor side, the nozzle consisting of an upper nozzle and a lower nozzle, the upper nozzle is fixed to the filter frame and can be separated into two parts along the internal flow path, and the lower nozzle is fixed to the frame and can be separated into two parts along the internal flow path, and has a contraction section.

[0185] The present disclosure is applicable to any air conditioner that includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0186] 20 Indoor unit 22 Heat exchanger 140 nozzles 140c lower nozzle 140d upper nozzle 140i Contraction section

Claims

1. An air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit equipped with an outdoor air introduction unit, wherein the indoor unit has a frame and a filter frame that can be detachably attached to the frame, and has a nozzle that introduces outdoor air supplied from the outdoor air introduction unit into the indoor side, the nozzle consisting of an upper nozzle and a lower nozzle, the upper nozzle being fixed to the filter frame and the lower nozzle being fixed to the frame.

2. 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the upper nozzle is connected to the lower nozzle by being inserted into the lower nozzle, and the internal passage at the joint between the nozzles is shaped so that there is no step that reduces the cross-sectional area.

3. 3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a flow contraction section is provided in the internal passage of the lower nozzle to narrow the passage.

4. 4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein both the upper nozzle and the lower nozzle have a shape that can be separated along the direction of the path.

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