air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner capable of executing both of air supply ventilation and air exhaust ventilation on an indoor side.SOLUTION: In an air conditioner having an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, the outdoor unit includes: a casing having an air suction port, an air exhaust port and a connection port connected to the indoor unit; a first flow passage P1 extending from the air suction port and branched toward the air exhaust port and the connection port; a first damper device 64 disposed at a branch point of the first flow passage P1 for selectively distributing air flowing in the first flow passage P1 to either one of the air exhaust port or the connection port; a first fan 62 disposed at a portion between the air suction port and the first damper device 64 of the first flow passage P1; an air exhaust ventilation flow passage P3 through which a portion between the connection port and the first damper device 64 of the first flow passage P1 communicates with a portion between the air suction port and the first fan 62 of the first flow passage P1; and a second damper device 68 disposed on the air exhaust ventilation flow passage P3 and selectively opening / closing the air exhaust ventilation flow passage P3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

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 perform supply air ventilation in which the indoor unit supplies outdoor air sent from the outdoor unit into the room.

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 some cases, instead of supply air ventilation for supplying outdoor air into the room, exhaust air ventilation for ventilating the room by discharging indoor air outdoors may be desired. For example, exhaust air ventilation is desired when one wants to quickly eliminate an odor in the room.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of performing both supply air ventilation and exhaust air ventilation indoors.

Means for Solving the Problems

[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, where the outdoor unit includes a housing having an intake port, an exhaust port, and a connection port connected to the indoor unit, a first flow path extending from the intake port and branching toward the exhaust port and the connection port, A first damper device is positioned at the branching point of the first flow path and selectively distributes the air flowing through the first flow path to either the exhaust port or the connection port. A first fan is positioned in the first flow path portion between the air intake and the first damper device, An exhaust ventilation passage connecting the portion of the first flow path between the connection port and the first damper device and the portion of the first flow path between the intake port and the first fan, The system includes a second damper device positioned on the exhaust ventilation passage and selectively opening and closing the exhaust ventilation passage, In the supply air ventilation operation, the first fan rotates while the second damper device closes the exhaust ventilation passage, thereby distributing the outside air that flows into the first passage through the intake port to the connection port, and the first damper device distributes the outside air to the connection port. An air conditioner is provided that performs an exhaust ventilation operation in which the first fan rotates and the second damper device opens the exhaust ventilation passage, thereby distributing the indoor air that flows into the first passage through the connection port and the exhaust ventilation passage to the exhaust port via the first damper device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner capable of performing both indoor air supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during supply air ventilation operation. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during exhaust ventilation operation. [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during humidification operation. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during dehumidification operation. [Figure 7]Front perspective view of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner [Figure 8] Rear perspective view of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner [Figure 9] Front perspective view of a ventilation device [Figure 10] Exploded perspective view of the ventilation device with the top cover removed [Figure 11] Top view of the ventilation device showing the internal structure [Figure 12] Schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation device [Figure 13] Top view of a part of the ventilation device showing the second space [Figure 14A] Perspective view showing the state of a plurality of damper devices provided in the second space during the execution of supply ventilation operation, humidification operation, or dehumidification operation [Figure 14B] Perspective view showing the state of a plurality of damper devices provided in the second space during the execution of exhaust ventilation operation [Figure 15A] Top view showing the state of the damper device provided in the fan during the execution of the adsorption operation in the supply ventilation operation, humidification operation, and dehumidification operation [Figure 15B] Figure 15B is a top view showing the state of the damper device provided in the fan during the execution of the regeneration operation in the exhaust ventilation operation and the dehumidification operation [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view showing the state where the damper of the damper device divides the second space during the execution of the supply ventilation operation, humidification operation, and dehumidification operation [Figure 17] Perspective view of a part of the outdoor unit with the protective cover removed

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 housing having an air inlet, an air outlet, and a connection port connected to the indoor unit, a first flow path extending from the air inlet and branching toward the air outlet and the connection port, a first damper device disposed at a branch point of the first flow path for selectively distributing the air flowing through the first flow path to either the air outlet or the connection port, a first fan disposed in a portion of the first flow path between the air inlet and the first damper device, an exhaust ventilation flow path connecting a portion of the first flow path between the connection port and the first damper device and a portion of the first flow path between the air inlet and the first fan, and a second damper device disposed on the exhaust ventilation flow path for selectively opening and closing the exhaust ventilation flow path. When the first fan rotates and the second damper device closes the exhaust ventilation flow path, the outdoor air flowing into the first flow path through the air inlet is distributed by the first damper device to the connection port in a supply air ventilation operation. When the first fan rotates and the second damper device opens the exhaust ventilation flow path, the indoor air flowing into the first flow path through the connection port and the exhaust ventilation flow path is distributed by the first damper device to the air outlet in an exhaust ventilation operation.

[0010] According to such an aspect, an air conditioner capable of performing both indoor supply air ventilation and exhaust air ventilation can be provided.

[0011] For example, the outdoor unit may further include an absorber disposed in a portion of the first flow path between the air inlet and the first fan through which outdoor air from the air inlet passes, and a third damper device disposed in a portion of the first flow path between the absorber and the first fan for selectively opening and closing the first flow path. In this case, the exhaust ventilation flow path may be connected to a portion of the first flow path between the first fan and the third damper device. In this case, during the supply air ventilation operation, the third damper device opens the first flow path, and during the exhaust ventilation operation, the third damper device closes the first flow path.

[0012] For example, the outdoor unit may further include a heater positioned in the first flow path portion between the air intake and the absorbent material.

[0013] For example, the outdoor unit further comprises a second flow path through which outdoor air flows independently of the first flow path, and a second fan positioned on the second flow path, wherein the absorbent material is positioned such that a portion of it is located in the first flow path and the other portion is located in the second flow path, and the portion located in one of the first and second flow paths rotates to move to the other.

[0014] For example, the second damper device may include a damper disposed within the exhaust ventilation passage and dividing the exhaust ventilation passage during exhaust ventilation operation, a shaft provided on the damper, and a motor disposed outside the exhaust ventilation passage and rotating the shaft. In this case, the shaft is provided on the surface of the damper facing the internal space of the exhaust ventilation passage, which becomes negative pressure when the damper divides the exhaust ventilation passage.

[0015] For example, the first fan may be a sirocco fan.

[0016] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

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

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment has an indoor unit 20 located in the indoor area Rin to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit 30 located in the outdoor area Rout.

[0019] The indoor unit 20 is equipped 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 the indoor air A1, which has exchanged heat with the indoor heat exchanger 22, out into the indoor Rin.

[0020] The outdoor unit 30 is equipped 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 the outdoor air A2, which has exchanged heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 32, out to the outdoor Rout. The outdoor unit 30 is also equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 22 and an outdoor heat exchanger 32, a compressor 36, an expansion valve 38, and a four-way valve 40 that execute the refrigeration cycle.

[0021] The indoor heat exchanger 22, outdoor heat exchanger 32, compressor 36, expansion valve 38, and four-way valve 40 are each connected by refrigerant piping through which the refrigerant flows. In cooling and dehumidifying (weak cooling) operation, the air conditioner 10 performs a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows sequentially from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, outdoor heat exchanger 32, expansion valve 38, indoor heat exchanger 22, and back to the compressor 36. In heating operation, the air conditioner 10 performs a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows sequentially from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, indoor heat exchanger 22, expansion valve 38, outdoor heat exchanger 32, and back to the compressor 36.

[0022] In addition to air conditioning operation using a refrigeration cycle, the air conditioner 10 also performs air conditioning operation that supplies outdoor air A3 to indoor Rin and air conditioning operation that discharges indoor air A1 to outdoor Rout. For this purpose, the air conditioner 10 has a ventilation device 50. The ventilation device 50 is installed on the outdoor unit 30.

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

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the ventilation device 50 is equipped with an absorbent material 52 through which the outdoor air A3 and A4 pass.

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

[0026] The absorbent material 52 is preferably a polymer sorbent that adsorbs moisture from the air. The polymer sorbent is, for example, composed of a crosslinked sodium polyacrylate. Compared to adsorbents such as silica gel and zeolite, the polymer sorbent absorbs a larger amount of moisture per unit volume, can desorb the supported moisture at a low heating temperature, and can support moisture for a long period of time.

[0027] Inside the ventilation device 50, there are a first flow path P1 and a second flow path P2 through which outdoor air A3 and A4 flow, respectively, passing through the absorbent material 52. That is, the absorbent material 52 is positioned such that a portion is located in the first flow path P1 and the other portion is located in the second flow path P2. Furthermore, when the absorbent material 52 is rotated by the motor 54, the portion of the absorbent material 53 located in one of the first and second flow paths P1 and P2 moves to the other. In addition, inside the ventilation device 50, there is a third flow path P3 whose ends are connected to different portions of the first flow path P1.

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

[0029] In this embodiment, the first flow path P1 includes a plurality of branch flow paths P1a and P1b upstream of the absorbent material 52. In this specification, "upstream" and "downstream" are used in relation to airflow.

[0030] Multiple branch channels P1a and P2a merge upstream of the absorbent material 52. Heaters 58 and 60 for heating the outdoor air A3 are provided in each of the branch channels P1a and P1b.

[0031] Heaters 58 and 60 may have the same heating capacity or they may have different heating capacities. Furthermore, it is preferable that heaters 58 and 60 be PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters, which increase electrical resistance as current flows and the temperature rises, that is, which can suppress an excessive rise in heating temperature. In the case of heaters using nichrome wire or carbon fiber, the heating temperature (surface temperature) continues to rise as the current continues to flow, so it is necessary to monitor the temperature. In the case of PTC heaters, the heater itself regulates the heating temperature within a certain temperature range, so it is not necessary to monitor the heating temperature.

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

[0033] Furthermore, the first flow path P1 is provided with a damper device 64 for distributing the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to either the indoor Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20) or the outdoor Rout. That is, the first flow path P1 branches toward the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout, and the damper device 64 is positioned at the branching point. In this embodiment, the damper device 64 is positioned downstream of the 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 conduit 56 and is blown out to the indoor Rin by the fan 24.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first flow path P1 is provided with a damper device 66 that is different from the damper device 64. In this embodiment, the damper device 66 is positioned between the absorbent material 52 and the fan 62. As will be described in detail later, the damper device 66 is provided for exhaust ventilation and selectively opens and closes the first flow path P1.

[0035] Furthermore, a third flow path P3 is connected to the first flow path P1. The third flow path P3, as will be described in detail later, is a flow path for exhaust ventilation and connects the portion of the first flow path P1 between the fan 62 and the damper device 66 with the portion of the first flow path P1 downstream of the damper device 64. A damper device 68 is provided in the third flow path P3. As will be described in detail later, the damper device 68 is provided for exhaust ventilation and selectively opens and closes the third flow path P3.

[0036] The second flow path P2 is a flow path for outdoor air A4. Unlike the outdoor air A3 that flows through the first flow path P1, the outdoor air A4 that flows through the second flow path P2 does not go towards the indoor unit 20. In other words, the second flow path P2 is a flow path independent of the first flow path P1. After passing through the absorbent material 52, the outdoor air A4 that flows through the second flow path P2 flows out to the outdoor Rout.

[0037] The second flow path P2 is equipped with a fan 70 that generates a flow of outdoor air A4. In this embodiment, the fan 70 is positioned downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the fan 70 operates, 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.

[0038] The ventilation system 50 selectively uses the absorbent material 52 (motor 54), heaters 58 and 60, fan 62, damper devices 64, 66 and 68, and fan 70 to selectively perform ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification operations. Ventilation operations include supply air ventilation and exhaust air ventilation.

[0039] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during supply air ventilation operation.

[0040] The supply air ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation that supplies outdoor air A3 to indoor Rin (i.e., indoor unit 20). As shown in Figure 3, during the supply air ventilation operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The heaters 58 and 60 are in the OFF state and are not heating the outdoor air A3. The fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby allowing 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 damper device 66 is in the open state, thereby allowing the outdoor air A3 to flow from the absorbent material 52 towards the fan 62. The damper device 68 is in the closed state, thereby preventing the outdoor air A3 from flowing through the third flow path P3. The fan 70 is in the OFF state, thereby preventing the flow of outdoor air A4 into the second flow path P2.

[0041] In this type of supply air 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 heaters 58 and 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 conduit 56 is blown out into the indoor Rin by the fan 24. With this type of supply air ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 is supplied directly to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is ventilated with supply air.

[0042] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during exhaust ventilation operation.

[0043] Exhaust ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation that discharges indoor air A1 to the outdoor Rout. As shown in Figure 4, during exhaust ventilation operation, the motor 54 is in the OFF state and the absorbent material 52 is not rotating. Heaters 58 and 60 are in the OFF state. Fan 62 is in the ON state, so that indoor air A1 flows through the ventilation conduit 56 and the third flow path P3 toward fan 62. Damper device 64 distributes indoor air A1 in the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout. Damper device 66 is in the closed state, so that indoor air A1 does not flow toward absorbent material 52. Damper device 68 is in the open state, so that indoor air A1 flows toward fan 62 via the third flow path P3. Fan 70 is in the OFF state, so that no flow of outdoor air A4 is generated in the second flow path P2.

[0044] In this type of exhaust ventilation operation, when the fan 62 is ON, indoor air A1 flows into the first flow path P1 between the absorbent material 52 and the fan 62 via the ventilation conduit 56 and the third flow path P3. At this time, since the damper device 66 is closed, the indoor air A1 does not flow toward the absorbent material 52. The indoor air A1 that has passed through the fan 62 is diverted to the outdoor Rout by the damper device 64 and discharged to the outdoor Rout. As a result, indoor Rin is exhaust-ventilated.

[0045] Furthermore, the third flow path P3 allows the fan 62 to rotate in the same direction during exhaust ventilation as it does during supply ventilation. As a result, a sirocco fan can be used as the fan 62.

[0046] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during humidification operation.

[0047] Humidification operation is an air conditioning operation in which outdoor air A3 is humidified and the humidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to indoor Rin (i.e., indoor unit 20). As shown in Figure 5, during humidification operation, motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. Heaters 58 and 60 are ON and heating the outdoor air A3. Fan 62 is ON, causing outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. Damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. Damper device 66 is open, causing outdoor air A3 to flow from the absorbent material 52 towards fan 62. Damper device 68 is closed, preventing outdoor air A3 from flowing through the third flow path P3. Fan 70 is ON, causing outdoor air A4 to flow through the second flow path P2.

[0048] In this humidification operation, outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent material 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 can absorb more moisture from the absorbent material 52 than if it were unheated. As a result, the outdoor air A3 carries a large amount of moisture. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 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 has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 is blown into the indoor Rin by the fan 24. Through this humidification operation, outdoor air A3 that carries a large amount of moisture is supplied to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is humidified.

[0049] Furthermore, by turning off either heater 58 or 60, the amount of moisture absorbed by the outdoor air A3 from the absorbent material 52 can be reduced, meaning that a weak humidification operation with less humidification of indoor Rin can be performed.

[0050] As moisture is drawn away by the heated outdoor air A3, the water retention capacity of the absorbent material 52 decreases, meaning the absorbent material 52 dries out. When the absorbent material 52 dries out, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first channel P1 can no longer draw moisture from the absorbent material 52. To compensate for this, the absorbent material 52 draws moisture from the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second channel P2. As a result, the water retention capacity of the absorbent material 52 is maintained at a nearly constant level, allowing the humidification operation to continue.

[0051] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during dehumidification operation.

[0052] Dehumidification operation is an air conditioning operation that dehumidifies the outdoor air A3 and supplies the dehumidified outdoor air A3 to the indoor Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in Figure 6, in dehumidification operation, adsorption operation and regeneration operation are performed alternately.

[0053] The adsorption operation is an operation that dehumidifies the outdoor air A3 by adsorbing moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 onto the absorbent material 52. As shown in Figure 6, during the adsorption operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The heaters 58 and 60 are in the OFF state and are not heating the outdoor air A3. The fan 62 is in the ON state, so that 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 damper device 66 is in the open state, so that the outdoor air A3 flows from the absorbent material 52 towards the fan 62. The damper device 68 is in the closed state, so that the outdoor air A3 does not flow through the third flow path P3. The fan 70 is in the OFF state, so that no flow of outdoor air A4 is generated in the second flow path P2.

[0054] In this adsorption operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52 without being heated by the heaters 58 and 60. At this time, the moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 is adsorbed by the absorbent material 52. As a result, the amount of moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 decreases, i.e., the outdoor air A3 is dried. The dried 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 conduit 56 is blown into the indoor Rin by the fan 24. Through this adsorption operation, dried outdoor air A3 is supplied to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is dehumidified.

[0055] As the adsorption operation continues, the amount of water absorbed by the absorbent material 52 continues to increase, and as a result, the adsorption capacity of the absorbent material 52 for moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 decreases. In order to restore this adsorption capacity, a regeneration operation is performed to regenerate the absorbent material 52.

[0056] During regeneration, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. Heaters 58 and 60 are ON and heating the outdoor air A3. Fan 62 is ON, causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. Damper device 64 redirects the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout instead of the indoor unit 20. Damper device 66 is open, allowing the outdoor air A3 to flow from the absorbent material 52 towards fan 62. Damper device 68 is closed, preventing the outdoor air A3 from flowing through the third flow path P3. Fan 70 is OFF, preventing the flow of outdoor air A4 through the second flow path P2.

[0057] In this regeneration operation, outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent material 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 removes a large amount of moisture from the absorbent material 52. As a result, a large amount of moisture is carried on the outdoor air A3. At the same time, the amount of moisture that the absorbent material 52 can hold decreases, that is, the absorbent material 52 dries out and its adsorption capacity is regenerated. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 and is carried on a large amount of moisture is distributed to the outdoor Rout by the damper device 64 and discharged to the outdoor Rout. As a result, during the regeneration operation in dehumidification, outdoor air A3 that is carried on a large amount of moisture due to the regeneration of the absorbent material 52 is not supplied to the indoor Rin.

[0058] By alternating between this adsorption operation and regeneration operation, the adsorption capacity of the absorbent material 52 is maintained, and dehumidification operation can be performed continuously.

[0059] The above-mentioned air conditioning operations using the refrigeration cycle (cooling operation, dehumidification operation (weak cooling operation), heating operation) and air conditioning operations using the ventilation device 50 (ventilation operation (supply air ventilation operation, exhaust ventilation operation), humidification operation, dehumidification operation) can be performed separately or simultaneously. For example, by performing dehumidification operation using the refrigeration cycle and dehumidification operation using the ventilation device 50 simultaneously, it is possible to dehumidify the indoor Rin while maintaining a constant room temperature.

[0060] The air conditioning operation performed by the air conditioner 10 is selected by the user. For example, the air conditioner 10 performs the corresponding air conditioning operation based on the user's selection operation to the remote controller 72 shown in Figure 1.

[0061] Up to this point, we have provided a general overview of the configuration and operation of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment. From here on, we will describe the details of the configuration of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment.

[0062] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Furthermore, Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the ventilation device. Furthermore, Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation device with the top cover removed. In addition, Figure 11 is a top view of the ventilation device showing its internal structure. And Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation device. Note that the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system shown in the drawings is for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the embodiment and does not limit the embodiment. The X axis direction indicates the front-to-back 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. Also, in Figure 11, the top cover, inner cover, and heater cover are omitted. And Figure 12 shows the state in which the adsorption operation in the supply air ventilation operation shown in Figure 3, the humidification operation shown in Figure 5, and the dehumidification operation shown in Figure 6 is being performed.

[0063] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in this embodiment, the ventilation device 50 constitutes the upper part of the outdoor unit 30. Specifically, the ventilation device 50 is installed on the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30, which houses the outdoor heat exchanger 32, fan 34, compressor 36, expansion valve 38, and four-way valve 40.

[0064] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the ventilation device 50 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the outdoor unit 30 and comprises a box-shaped housing 102 that is open at the top and a top cover 104 that is attached to the top of the housing 102 and covers it. Components of the ventilation device 50, such as absorbent material 52, are stored inside the housing 102.

[0065] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, in this embodiment, the absorbent material 52 is positioned in the center of the ventilation device 50 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). Components related to the first flow path P1 are arranged on one side (right side) in the longitudinal direction relative to the absorbent material 52, and components related to the second flow path P2 are arranged on the other side (left side).

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, multiple spaces S1 to S4 are substantially formed within the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50.

[0067] The first space S1 is part of the first flow path P1 and is the space into which the outdoor air A3 first flows. Furthermore, the first space S1 is substantially formed in the right and upper portions of the housing 102.

[0068] The second space S2 is part of the first flow path P1 and is the space through which the outdoor air A3 in the first space S1 flows in after passing through the absorbent material 52. Furthermore, the second space S2 is substantially formed in the right and lower portions of the housing 102.

[0069] The third space S3 is part of the second flow path P2 and is the space into which the outdoor air A4 first flows. Furthermore, the third space S3 is substantially formed in the left and lower portions of the housing 102.

[0070] The fourth space S4 is part of the second flow path P2 and is the space through which the outdoor air A4 in the third space S3 flows in after passing through the absorbent material 52. Furthermore, the fourth space S4 is substantially formed in the left and upper portions of the housing 102.

[0071] To prevent outdoor air A3 inside the first and second spaces S1 and S2 from moving into the third and fourth spaces S3 and S4, and conversely to prevent outdoor air A4 inside the third and fourth spaces S3 and S4 from moving into the first and second spaces S1 and S2, the third and fourth spaces S3 and S4 are independent of the first and second spaces S1 and S2 (i.e., they are sealed apart).

[0072] First, we will describe the components of the ventilation device 50 related to the second flow path P2, which has a simple configuration.

[0073] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 is provided with an intake port 102a, an intake port 102b, and an exhaust port 102c in relation to the second flow path P2 through which the outdoor air A4 flows. That is, the second flow path P2 connects the intake ports 102a, 102b and the exhaust port 102c. The intake port 102a is formed in the center of the front wall 102d of the housing 102 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The intake port 102b is formed in the center of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102 in the left-right direction. The exhaust port 102c is formed on the left side of the front wall 102d.

[0074] When the fan 70 is activated, the outdoor air A4 flows into the third space S3 inside the housing 102 through the intake ports 102a and 102b. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, the outdoor air A4 flows into the third space S3 between the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 and the lower end surface 52a of the absorbent material 52.

[0075] The outdoor air A4 in the third space S3 flows into the absorbent material 52 via the lower end surface 52a and flows out of the absorbent material 52 into the fourth space S4 via the upper end surface 52b. The fourth space S4 is defined by a partition plate 106 that separates the third space S3 and the fourth space S4, and an inner cover 108 that covers the partition plate 106.

[0076] The outdoor air A4 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 and flowed into the fourth space S4 is drawn into the fan 70. In this embodiment, the fan 70 is a sirocco fan and includes an impeller 70a housed in the fan chamber F1 that rotates around a rotation centerline extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and a motor 70b that rotates the impeller 70a. The motor 70b is located below the impeller 70a.

[0077] The fan chamber F1 of the fan 70 is defined by the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102, a scroll wall 102g that extends from the bottom plate 102f toward the partition plate 106 so as to surround the impeller 70a of the fan 70 and directs the air that has passed through the impeller 70a toward the exhaust port 102c, and the partition plate 106. In other words, these components that define the fan chamber F1 constitute the fan casing 70c of the fan 70, which is a sirocco fan. Furthermore, the fan chamber F1 communicates with the fourth space S4 through a through hole 106a formed in the partition plate 106. That is, the through hole 106a is the air intake port of the fan 70, which is a sirocco fan, and the exhaust port 102c is the air outlet port.

[0078] The outdoor air A4 in the fourth space S4 is drawn into the fan chamber F1 through the through-hole (air intake) 106a of the partition plate 106 by the rotation of the impeller 70a, and discharged to the outside Rout through the exhaust port (air outlet) 102c which is connected to the fan chamber F1.

[0079] The motor 70b of the fan 70 is housed in a recess formed in the bottom surface of the fan chamber F1, specifically in a recess 102h formed in the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102. This recess 102h is covered by the motor cover 110.

[0080] Next, the components of the ventilation device 50 related to the first flow path P1 will be described.

[0081] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 is provided with an intake port 102i, an exhaust port 102j, and a connection port 102m that connects to a ventilation conduit 56, in relation to the first flow path P1 through which the outdoor air A3 flows. That is, the first flow path P1 extends from the intake port 102i and branches toward the exhaust port 102j and the connection port 102m. The intake port 102i is formed on the right side of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102. The exhaust port 102j is provided on the right side wall 102k of the housing 102. The connection port 102m is formed on the right side wall 102k so as to be located behind the exhaust port 102j.

[0082] When the fan 62 is activated, the outdoor air A3 flows through the intake port 102i into the first space S1 within the housing 102, which is part of the first flow path P1. The outdoor air A3 that has flowed into the first space S1 passes through the heaters 58 and 60 and heads upward towards the upper end face 52b of the absorbent material 52.

[0083] Specifically, the heaters 58 and 60 are supported by the heater base member 112. The heater base member 112 comprises a heater mounting section 112a on which the heaters 58 and 60 are placed, and a cylindrical absorbent material housing section 112b that rotatably houses the absorbent material 52.

[0084] As shown in Figure 11, the heaters 58 and 60 are arranged in a "V" shape on the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the heaters 58 and 60 (i.e., the outdoor air A3 that has flowed through the branch channels P1a and P2b) merges on the upper end face 52b of the absorbent material 52 housed in the absorbent material housing portion 112b of the heater base member 112. The heaters 58 and 60 are fin heaters equipped with multiple heating fins that transfer heat to the outdoor air A3 flowing through the branch channels P1a and P2a.

[0085] In this embodiment, the disc-shaped absorbent material 52 is supported by a cylindrical absorbent material holder 114. The absorbent material holder 114 is supported by the housing 102 so as to be rotatable about a rotational centerline C1 that extends in the height direction (Z-axis direction). External teeth 114a are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the absorbent material holder 114, which engage with a pinion gear 116 attached to the motor 54. The motor 54 rotates the absorbent material 52 via this absorbent material holder 114.

[0086] In this embodiment, the heaters 58 and 60 and a portion of the upper end face 52b of the absorbent material 52 are covered by the heater cover 118 shown in Figure 10. As a result, all of the outdoor air A3 that passes through the heaters 58 and 60 passes through the portion of the upper end face 52b of the absorbent material 52 that is covered by the heater cover 118. The outdoor air A3 also passes through the gap between the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112 and the heater cover 118, as shown in Figure 13, and then passes through the heaters 58 and 60.

[0087] The outdoor air A3 heated by heaters 58 and 60 passes downward through the absorbent material 52 from the upper end face 52b to the lower end face 52a, as shown in Figure 13, and enters the second space S2, which is part of the first flow path P1.

[0088] Figure 13 is a top view of a portion of the ventilation system representing the second space. Figure 13 shows the state during the adsorption operation in the supply air ventilation operation shown in Figure 3, the humidification operation shown in Figure 5, and the dehumidification operation shown in Figure 6.

[0089] As shown in Figure 13, a guide wall 102n extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction) is provided on the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102. As shown in Figure 12, a partition plate 120 is positioned at the top of this guide wall 102n, separating the first space S1 and the second space S2. That is, the second space S2 is defined by the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102, the guide wall 102n, and the partition plate 120. A sealing member 122 is provided on the portion of the guide wall 102n located below the absorbent material 52, sealing the space between the lower end surface 52a of the absorbent material 52 and the guide wall 102n. This sealing member 122 restricts the movement of air from the second space S2 to the third space S3 or vice versa.

[0090] The second space S2, which is part of the first flow path P1, is connected to a connection port 102m to which the ventilation conduit 56 is connected. Damper devices 66 and 68 are also provided in the second space S2.

[0091] The damper devices 66 and 68 consist of dampers 66a and 68a arranged within the second space S2 and dividing the second space S2, shafts 66b and 68b provided on the dampers 66a and 68a, and motors 66c and 68c arranged outside the second space S2 and rotating the shafts 66b and 68b. In this embodiment, each of the dampers 66a and 68a is mounted on the housing 102 so as to be rotatable about a rotation centerline extending in a direction perpendicular to the height direction (Z-axis direction). The motors 66c and 68c are housed and protected in motor boxes 66d and 68d provided outside the second space S2.

[0092] The dampers 66a and 68a of the damper devices 66 and 68 divide the second space S2 into three regions: region S2a on the absorbent material 52 side, the central region S2b, and region S2c on the connection port 102m side. Region S2c corresponds to a portion of the third flow path P3 shown in Figures 2 to 6.

[0093] When the damper device 66 is open, that is, when the damper 66a does not divide the second space S2, air can move between regions S2a and S2b. On the other hand, when the damper device 66 is closed, that is, when the damper 66a divides the second space S2 between region S2a and region S2b, the movement of air between regions S2a and S2b is restricted.

[0094] When the damper device 68 is open, that is, when the damper 68a does not divide the second space S2, air can move between regions S2b and S2c. On the other hand, when the damper device 68 is closed, that is, when the damper 68a divides the second space S2 between region S2b and region S2c, the movement of air between regions S2b and S2c is restricted.

[0095] The central region S2b is in communication with the fan chamber F2 of the fan 62. Specifically, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, the fan 62 in this embodiment is a sirocco fan and includes an impeller 62a housed in the fan chamber F2 and rotating around a rotation centerline extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and a motor 62b that rotates the impeller 62a.

[0096] The fan chamber F2 of fan 62 is defined by a partition plate 120, a scroll wall 120a that rises upward from the partition plate 106 so as to surround the impeller 62a and directs the air that has passed through the impeller 62a toward the connection port 102m, and a fan cover 124 that is placed on top of the scroll wall 120a and covers the impeller 62a. In other words, these components that define the fan chamber F2 constitute the fan casing 62c of fan 62, which is a sirocco fan. Furthermore, the fan chamber F2 communicates with the central region S2b of the second space S2 through a through hole 120b formed in the partition plate 120. That is, the through hole 106a is the air intake port of fan 62, which is a sirocco fan, and the connection port 102m is the air outlet port. The motor 62b is placed on the fan cover 124 and is protected by a motor cover 126 that covers the motor 62b.

[0097] Outdoor air A3 or indoor air A1 enters the fan room F2. Specifically, when the air conditioner 10 is performing the supply air ventilation operation shown in Figure 3, the humidification operation shown in Figure 5, or the dehumidification operation shown in Figure 6, outdoor air A3 enters. When the air conditioner 10 is performing the exhaust ventilation operation shown in Figure 4, indoor air A1 enters.

[0098] Figure 14A is a perspective view showing the state of multiple damper devices installed in the second space during supply air ventilation, humidification, or dehumidification operation. Figure 14B is a perspective view showing the state of multiple damper devices installed in the second space during exhaust ventilation operation. Figures 14A and 14B are perspective views taken from diagonally above and in front.

[0099] As shown in Figure 14A, during air supply ventilation, humidification, or dehumidification operation, the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the lower end face 52a of the absorbent material 52 flows through region S2a of the second space S2 and passes through the damper 66a of the damper device 66, which is in an open state. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper 66a and flowed into region S2b is sucked into the fan room F2 through the through hole (air intake) 120b located above region S2b by the rotation of the impeller 62a of the fan 62. At this time, since the damper 68a of the damper device 68 is in a closed state, the outdoor air A3 in region S2b cannot enter region S2c.

[0100] As shown in Figure 14B, during exhaust ventilation operation, the rotation of the impeller 62a of the fan 62 causes indoor air A1 to flow into region S2c of the second space S2 via the ventilation conduit 56 and connection port 102m. The indoor air A1 that has flowed into region S2c passes through the damper 68a of the damper device 68, which is in an open state, and flows into region S2b. The indoor air A1 that has flowed into region S2b is drawn into the fan room F2 via the through hole (air intake port) 120b located above region S2b, due to the rotation of the impeller 62a of the fan 62. At this time, since the damper 66a of the damper device 66 is in a closed state, the outdoor air A2 in region S2b cannot enter region S2a.

[0101] Furthermore, the fan 62 is made smaller by a damper device 66 that divides the second space S2 between regions S2a and S2b during exhaust ventilation operation. If the damper device 66 were not present, during exhaust ventilation operation, the fan 62 would draw in indoor air A1 through the ventilation conduit 56 and connection port 102m while simultaneously drawing in outdoor air A3 through the intake port 102i and absorbent material 52. In this case, to obtain sufficient exhaust ventilation capacity, it would be necessary to enlarge the fan 62 to increase its suction capacity.

[0102] The outdoor air A3 or indoor air A1 drawn into the fan chamber F2 of fan 62 is distributed by the damper device 64 to the connection port 102m (i.e., indoor unit 20) or the exhaust port 102j (i.e., outdoor Rout). Specifically, when the air conditioner 10 is performing the adsorption operation in the supply air ventilation operation shown in Figure 3, the humidification operation shown in Figure 5, or the dehumidification operation shown in Figure 6, the outdoor air A3 is distributed to the connection port 102m. Also, when the air conditioner 10 is performing the exhaust ventilation operation shown in Figure 4, the indoor air A1 is distributed to the exhaust port 102j. And when the air conditioner 10 is performing the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation shown in Figure 6, the outdoor air A3 is distributed to the exhaust port 102j.

[0103] Figure 15A is a top view showing the state of the damper device installed on the fan during adsorption operation in supply air ventilation operation, humidification operation, and dehumidification operation. Figure 15B is a top view showing the state of the damper device installed on the fan during regeneration operation in exhaust ventilation operation and dehumidification operation.

[0104] As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the damper device 64 includes a damper 64a that rotates around a rotation centerline C2 extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and a motor 64b (see Figure 11) that rotates the damper 64a. The motor 64b is mounted on the fan cover 124, as shown in Figure 11.

[0105] As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, in this embodiment, the fan 62 includes a linear duct section 62d that connects the fan chamber F2 and the connection port 102m. In this embodiment, the duct section 62d is composed of a partition plate 120, a guide wall 120c that extends in the height direction (Z-axis direction) from the partition plate 120 toward the fan cover 124, and the fan cover 124. The internal flow path of the duct section 62d is included in the first flow path P1. Within this duct section 62d, the damper 64a of the damper device 64 rotates.

[0106] In this embodiment, the duct section 62d extends linearly toward the connection port 102m in the tangential direction DT of the impeller 62a of the fan 62. Here, the tangential direction refers to the tangential direction of the circle centered on the rotational centerline of the impeller 62a. As a result, the outdoor air A3 moving from the fan room F2 toward the connection port 102m can pass through the connection port 102m and flow into the ventilation conduit 56 without suppressing pressure loss or generating significant noise.

[0107] Furthermore, a guide wall 120c, which is part of the duct section 62d and extends from the tongue portion 120d of the scroll wall 120a toward the connection port 102m, has an outlet 120e that communicates with the exhaust port 102j.

[0108] As shown in Figure 15A, during adsorption operation in supply air ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification, the damper 64a of the damper device 64 blocks the outlet 120e. As a result, the outdoor air A3 in the fan room F2 flows through the duct section 62d toward the connection port 102m. In other words, the damper 64a functions as part of the guide wall 120c extending from the tongue section 120d to the connection port 102m. For this purpose, the outlet 120e is located between the tongue section 120d and the rotational centerline C2 of the damper 64a.

[0109] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15B, during exhaust ventilation operation and regeneration operation in dehumidification operation, the damper 64a of the damper device 64 closes the internal flow path of the duct section 62d by intersecting the extending direction of the duct section 62d (i.e., the tangential direction DT) at a non-perpendicular angle and facing the outlet 120e. As a result, the indoor air A1 (during exhaust ventilation operation) and outdoor air A3 (during regeneration operation) in the fan room F2 flow along the damper 64a, pass through the outlet 120e, and then flow toward the exhaust port 102j. In other words, the damper 64a functions as a guide plate that guides the air toward the outlet 120e. As a result, compared to the case where the damper 64a closes the internal flow path of the duct section 62d at a perpendicular angle to the extending direction of the duct section 62d, pressure loss and turbulence generation are suppressed, and the generation of large noises as a result is suppressed.

[0110] Furthermore, during exhaust ventilation operation, that is, when the damper device 68 is open, as shown in Figure 15B, the damper 64a of the damper device 64 closes the internal flow path of the duct section 62d, causing the impeller 62a of the fan 62 to rotate, and indoor air A1 flows into the fan chamber F2 of the fan 62 via the ventilation conduit 56 and the second space S2 (see Figure 14B).

[0111] Furthermore, with respect to the damper device 68, during the air supply ventilation operation, humidification operation, and dehumidification operation, the damper 68a of the damper device 68 divides the second space S2 between region S2b and region S2c, as described above. At this time, region S2b becomes negative pressure and region S2c becomes positive pressure.

[0112] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the damper of the damper device divides the second space during supply air ventilation operation, humidification operation, and dehumidification operation.

[0113] As shown in Figure 16, during air supply ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification operations, the damper 68a of the damper device 68 divides the second space S2 between region S2b and region S2c. Region S2b is under negative pressure (i.e., a lower pressure than atmospheric pressure) because the outdoor air A3 inside it is drawn in by the fan 62 located above it. On the other hand, region S2c is under positive pressure (i.e., a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure) because it is in communication with the ventilation conduit 56 through which the outdoor air A3 blown out from the fan 62 flows. For this reason, the shaft 68b for rotating the damper 68a is provided on the surface 68e of the damper 68a facing region S2b, which is under negative pressure. As a result, the shaft 68b passes through a through hole 102p formed in the part of the guide wall 102n that defines region S2b in order to connect to the motor 68c located outside the second space S2. Since the area around the motor 68c (in this embodiment, the inside of the motor box 68d is at atmospheric pressure, foreign matter does not move from the negative pressure area S2b towards the area around the motor 68c at atmospheric pressure through the through hole 102p. As a result, the motor 68c is protected from foreign matter.

[0114] In this embodiment, the outdoor air A3 or indoor air A1 discharged from the exhaust port 102j flows into the protective cover 128 shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0115] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a portion of the outdoor unit with the protective cover removed.

[0116] As shown in Figure 17, and also in Figures 1 and 2, the protective cover 128 is a cover that covers and protects the ventilation conduit 56. The ventilation conduit 56 extends downward from the connection port 102m of the ventilation device 50, and then extends diagonally upward and backward toward the indoor unit 20. The protective cover 128 covers and protects the portion of the ventilation conduit 56 that extends downward from the connection port 102m. To this end, as shown in Figure 8, the protective cover 128 has an opening 128a at its lower part that opens backward, through which the ventilation conduit 56 passes. In this embodiment, the opening 128a is notched. In this embodiment, the protective cover 128 also covers and protects the connector 130 to which the refrigerant piping is connected.

[0117] The protective cover 128 is attached to the right wall 102k of the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 and the right wall 100a of the housing 100 of the outdoor unit 30, since the ventilation conduit 56 is connected to the connection port 102m formed in the right wall 102k of the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50. As a result, the exhaust port 102j of the ventilation device 50 is covered by the protective cover 128 and communicates with its internal space.

[0118] The protective cover 128 covering the exhaust port 102j functions as a "muffler" that reduces the level of noise leaking from the exhaust port 102j to the outside of the ventilation device 50. For example, the protective cover 128 reduces noise generated from the fan 62 that leaks from the ventilation device 50 through the exhaust port 102j. Alternatively, for example, the protective cover 128 reduces the level of wind noise generated when indoor air A1 or outdoor air A3 passes through the exhaust port 102j during exhaust ventilation operation or regeneration operation in dehumidification operation.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the exhaust port 102j is located on the upper part of the outdoor unit 30 (more precisely, on the ventilation device 50 mounted on the housing 100 of the outdoor unit 30). The opening 128a of the protective cover 128 that covers the exhaust port 102j is located at its lower part. As a result, the exhaust port 102j and the opening 128a are as far apart as possible in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the outdoor unit 30. Consequently, the level of noise leaking to the outside of the ventilation device 50 from the exhaust port 102j is further reduced.

[0120] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an air conditioner capable of both supplying and exhausting indoor air.

[0121] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0122] For example, in the embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, when one of the damper devices 66 and 68 is open, the other is closed. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this. In some cases, both damper devices 66 and 68 may be open or closed.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the air conditioner is capable of performing a humidification operation, which supplies humidified outdoor air into the room, and a dehumidification operation, which supplies dehumidified outdoor air into the room. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the embodiments of this disclosure may be air conditioners in which the ventilation device only performs a supply ventilation operation, which supplies outdoor air directly into the room, and an exhaust ventilation operation, which discharges indoor air to the outside. In this case, the absorbent material 52, heaters 58 and 60 can be omitted.

[0124] 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, wherein the outdoor unit comprises a housing having an air intake port, an exhaust port, and a connection port for connecting to the indoor unit; a first flow path extending from the air intake port and branching toward the exhaust port and the connection port; a first damper device positioned at the branching point of the first flow path and selectively distributing the air flowing through the first flow path to either the exhaust port or the connection port; a first fan positioned in the portion of the first flow path between the air intake port and the first damper device; and between the portion of the first flow path between the connection port and the first damper device and between the air intake port and the first fan. The system includes an exhaust ventilation passage connecting to a portion of the first passage, and a second damper device positioned on the exhaust ventilation passage and selectively opening and closing the exhaust ventilation passage. The system performs an air supply ventilation operation in which the first fan rotates and the second damper device closes the exhaust ventilation passage, thereby distributing the outdoor air flowing into the first passage through the intake port to the connection port, and an exhaust ventilation operation in which the first fan rotates and the second damper device opens the exhaust ventilation passage, thereby distributing the indoor air flowing into the first passage through the connection port and the exhaust ventilation passage to the exhaust port. [Industrial applicability]

[0125] This disclosure is applicable to any air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0126] 62. The first fan 64. First damper device (damper device) 68. Second damper device (damper device) P1 First channel P3 Exhaust ventilation channel (third channel)

Claims

1. An air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, The aforementioned outdoor unit, A housing having an air intake port, an exhaust port, and a connection port for connecting to the indoor unit, A first flow path extending from the intake port and branching toward the exhaust port and connection port, A first damper device is positioned at the branching point of the first flow path and selectively distributes the air flowing through the first flow path to either the exhaust port or the connection port. A first fan is positioned in the first flow path portion between the air intake and the first damper device, An exhaust ventilation passage connecting the portion of the first flow path between the connection port and the first damper device and the portion of the first flow path between the intake port and the first fan, A second damper device is positioned on the exhaust ventilation passage and selectively opens and closes the exhaust ventilation passage, An absorbent material is placed in the first flow path between the air intake and the first fan, through which the outdoor air from the air intake passes; The system includes a third damper device disposed in the portion of the first flow path between the absorbent material and the first fan, which selectively opens and closes the first flow path, The exhaust ventilation passage is connected to the portion of the first passage between the first fan and the third damper device. In the supply air ventilation operation, the first fan rotates while the second damper device closes the exhaust ventilation passage, thereby distributing the outside air that flows into the first passage through the intake port to the connection port via the first damper device. The first fan rotates while the second damper device opens the exhaust ventilation passage, thereby performing an exhaust ventilation operation in which the first damper device distributes the indoor air that flows into the first passage through the connection port and the exhaust ventilation passage to the exhaust port. During the aforementioned air supply ventilation operation, the third damper device opens the first flow path. An air conditioner in which, during exhaust ventilation operation, the third damper device closes the first flow path.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the outdoor unit further comprises a heater disposed in the first flow path portion between the air intake and the absorbent material.

3. The aforementioned outdoor unit, A second flow path through which outdoor air flows independently of the first flow path, The system further comprises a second fan positioned on the second flow path, The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent material is arranged such that a portion of it is located in the first flow path and the other portion is located in the second flow path, and the portion located in one of the first and second flow paths rotates to move to the other.

4. The second damper device includes a damper disposed within the exhaust ventilation passage and dividing the exhaust ventilation passage during exhaust ventilation operation, a shaft provided on the damper, and a motor disposed outside the exhaust ventilation passage and rotating the shaft. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the shaft is provided on the surface of the damper facing the internal space of the exhaust ventilation passage, which becomes negatively pressurized when the damper is dividing the exhaust ventilation passage.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the first fan is a sirocco fan.

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