Humidity control device

Abstract

To provide a novel humidity control device.SOLUTION: A batch type humidity control device 15 is for controlling humidity of air. The humidity control device 15 includes a casing 26, a humidity control part 16, an air conveying part, a drive part 28, a sensor group including a first sensor and a second sensor for detecting a rotation position of the humidity control part 16 and a control part for performing rotation control of the drive part 28 on the basis of a signal from the sensor group. The control part executes first operation processing where the humidity control part 16 controls the drive part 28 so as to alternately stop the positioning of a first position and a second position on the basis of the signal from the first sensor. The control part further executes: determination processing for determining whether or not failure of the first sensor is present using the second sensor; and second operation processing for controlling the drive part 28 so as to stop the humidity control part 16 at the first position or the second position on the basis of the signal from the second sensor when it is determined that the first sensor is failed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidity control device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below describes a batch-type humidity control system having a humidity control chamber. The humidity control chamber is configured to include a first chamber and a second chamber that are independent of each other, and a humidity control material is disposed inside them. In these chambers, air with a low relative humidity air-conditioned by an air conditioner and air with a high relative humidity for making the humidity control material in a moisture-absorbing state are alternately switched and supplied via a damper.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The main object of the present invention is to provide a novel humidity control device different from the humidity control system as described above.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present invention relates to a batch-type humidity control device for humidifying air, comprising: a casing having a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet, and a second outlet; a humidity control unit rotatably disposed within the casing around a rotating shaft, the humidity control unit having a first chamber and a second chamber independent of each other, each chamber having a humidity control material disposed inside and having a cylindrical structure with both ends open; an air transport unit for supplying first air to the first inlet and second air having a higher relative humidity than the first air to the second inlet; a drive unit for rotationally driving the humidity control unit; a sensor group including a first sensor and a second sensor for detecting the rotational position of the humidity control unit; and a control unit for controlling the rotation of the drive unit based on signals from the sensor group, wherein the control unit controls the humidity control unit based on signals from the first sensor. The control unit further performs a first operation process to control the drive unit so that it alternately positions and stops at a first position and a second position, in which case the first inlet is connected to the first outlet via the first chamber and the second inlet is connected to the second outlet via the second chamber, in which case the first inlet is connected to the first outlet via the second chamber and the second inlet is connected to the second outlet via the first chamber, and the control unit further performs a determination process to determine whether or not the first sensor is faulty using the second sensor, and a second operation process to control the drive unit so that it stops the humidity control unit at the first position or the second position based on the signal from the second sensor when it is determined that the first sensor is faulty. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] In the humidity control device of the present invention, the humidity control unit is rotatably arranged, and a batch operation mode is provided in which the drive unit is controlled to alternately position and stop the humidity control unit between a first position and a second position. Therefore, since dampers are not essential in the humidity control device of the present invention, their maintenance can be omitted.

[0007] In the humidity control device of the present invention, when the control unit determines that the first sensor is malfunctioning, it can control the drive unit to stop the humidity control unit at a first or second position based on the signal from the second sensor. Therefore, even if the first sensor malfunctions, the rotation of the humidity control unit is guaranteed to stop at a position where conditioned air can be transported. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a house equipped with a humidity control device and an air conditioner according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the main casing of the air conditioning and humidity control system, including the humidity control device of this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a partial perspective view of Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a partial cross-sectional view of Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a magnified view of the drive unit and sensor group. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view of the humidity control unit, excluding the air transport section. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the humidity control device, excluding the air transport section. [Figure 9] (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the first position, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the second position. [Figure 10] These are front views of the humidity control section at the first, second, third, and fourth positions. [Figure 11] These are front views of the sensor groups at the first, second, third, and fourth positions. [Figure 12] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows an example of a humidity control method and its processing procedure. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for the first operational processing step. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for the second operation step. [Figure 16] Exploded perspective view of the humidity control device of another embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings include exaggerated expressions and expressions different from the actual structural dimensional ratios in order to assist in understanding the content of the invention. Also, throughout each embodiment, the same or common elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the specific configurations shown in the embodiments and the drawings are for the purpose of understanding the content of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown.

[0010] The humidity control device of the present embodiment is for conditioning air. The humidity control device of the present embodiment is configured as a batch-type humidity control device that can alternately repeat dehumidification and moisture absorption at a predetermined cycle.

[0011] The humidity control device of the present embodiment is provided in a house, for example, together with an air conditioner. In the present embodiment, in an all-house air conditioning system including an air conditioner, the humidity control device is interposed in the air conveyance path to the living room.

[0012] [House] FIG. 1 is a conceptual cross-sectional view of a house 2 provided with the humidity control device and the air conditioner of the present embodiment. The house 2 of the present embodiment is configured to include, for example, an underfloor space 3 and an above-floor space 4.

[0013] In the above-floor space 4 of the present embodiment, for example, a plurality of living rooms 5 are provided. The living rooms 5 include the living rooms on the first floor, but may also include the living rooms on the second floor and above (not shown). Also, each living room 5 is partitioned by, for example, a door 6 or the like, and air A2 flows through a gap 7 formed in the door 6.

[0014] [All-house air conditioning system] The whole-house air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment is for humidifying the air A1 conditioned by the air conditioner 13 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "conditioned air") and supplying it to multiple living rooms 5.

[0015] The whole-house air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment comprises an air conditioning and humidity control device 10 and a first flow path 11. The first flow path 11 of this embodiment is connected between the air conditioning and humidity control device 10 and a plurality of living rooms 5. As a result, the first flow path 11 can supply conditioned air (humidified conditioned air) A1 from the air conditioning and humidity control device 10 to the plurality of living rooms 5. The first flow path 11 can be formed, for example, by a cylindrical duct.

[0016] [Air conditioning and humidity control equipment] The air conditioning and humidity control device 10 of this embodiment is composed of a main casing 12, an air conditioner 13, and a filter member 17. Furthermore, the air conditioning and humidity control device 10 of this embodiment includes the humidity control device 15 described above. Note that the humidity control device 15 may be independent of the air conditioning and humidity control device 10. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the main casing 12 of the air conditioning and humidity control device 10 including the humidity control device 15 of this embodiment. Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of Figure 2. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the drive unit 28 and the sensor group 64. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 5. In this embodiment, the positions of each component of the air conditioning and humidity control device 10 are specified on a Cartesian coordinate system of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis. In this embodiment, the directions of the x-axis and y-axis are set to the horizontal direction, and the direction of the z-axis is set to the vertical direction (height direction), but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration.

[0017] [Main casing] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the main casing 12 of this embodiment is formed in a box shape having a main space 18 inside. The main space 18 of this embodiment is divided by a frame 19 and a facing material 20 supported by the frame 19. The facing material 20 may include, for example, an insulating material (not shown) for insulating the inside of the main space 18 from the outside of the main casing 12.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the main space 18 of this embodiment is divided into a first main space 18A, a second main space 18B, and a third main space 18C by a first partition surface material 20A (including a first side material 33A, which will be described later in this example) provided in the main casing 12. The first partition surface material 20A (first side material 33A) of this embodiment is positioned approximately in the center in the x-axis direction in the main casing 12. As a result, the first main space 18A and the second main space 18B are adjacent to each other in the x-axis direction via the first partition surface material 20A (first side material 33A).

[0019] In this embodiment, the first partition panel 20A (first side panel 33A) extends in the z-axis direction from one end (upper end in this example) of the main casing 12 to the other end (lower end in this example), and terminates without reaching the other end. As a result, the main space 18 is divided into a third main space 18C on the other end side of the first partition panel 20A (first side panel 33A), which communicates with the first main space 18A and the second main space 18B.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the main casing 12 of this embodiment is provided with an openable and closable door 21. When this door 21 is opened, the main space 18 inside the main casing 12 can be easily accessed, improving the maintainability of the air conditioning and humidity control device 10. The door 21 of this embodiment is composed of a first door 21A and a second door 21B.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the main casing 12 of this embodiment includes at least one inlet 22, at least one outlet 23, and an internal flow path 24 (shown in Figure 4) that connects the inlet 22 and the outlet 23.

[0022] The inlet 22 in this embodiment is for supplying air to the main space 18 of the main casing 12. The inlet 22 in this embodiment is formed as a hole that connects the outside of the main casing 12 (in this example, the floor space 4 shown in Figure 1) with the main space 18 of the main casing 12.

[0023] In this embodiment, the inlet 22 is provided on one end (upper end) side of the main casing 12 in the z-axis direction. Furthermore, in the x-axis direction, the inlet 22 is provided on one side (first main space 18A) of the first partition surface material 20A. As a result, the inlet 22 can supply air (in this example, air A2 from inside the house 2) to the first main space 18A. In this embodiment, the inlet 22 is formed to supply air A2 from inside the house 2 (in this example, return air from multiple living rooms 5) to the main space 18 of the main casing 12, but it may also be formed to supply outside air for ventilation (not shown).

[0024] The outlet 23 in this embodiment is for supplying, for example, conditioned air (in this example, humidified conditioned air) A1 from the main space 18 of the main casing 12 to the outside of the main casing 12. The outlet 23 in this embodiment is formed as a hole that connects the main space 18 of the main casing 12 to the outside of the main casing 12 (in this example, the first flow path 11).

[0025] In this embodiment, the outlet 23 is provided on one end (upper end) side of the main casing 12 in the z-axis direction. Furthermore, in the x-axis direction, the outlet 23 is provided on the other side (second main space 18B) relative to the first partition surface material 20A. This makes it possible for the outlet 23 to take out air from the second main space 18B and supply it to the outside of the main casing 12 (in this example, the first flow path 11). The outlet 23 in this embodiment is connected to the first flow path 11 described above. As a result, the air from the second main space 18B (conditioned air A1) can be supplied from the outlet 23 to multiple living rooms 5 (shown in Figure 1) via the first flow path 11.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the internal flow path 24 of this embodiment connects the inlet 22 and the outlet 23. An air conditioner 13 is provided in the internal flow path 24. This allows the air supplied from the inlet 22 (return air in this example) A2 to be conditioned by the air conditioner 13, and the conditioned air A1 to be guided to the outlet 23 (first flow path 11).

[0027] In this embodiment, the internal flow path 24 is composed of a first main space 18A communicating with the inlet 22, a second main space 18B communicating with the outlet 23, and a third main space 18C connecting the first main space 18A and the second main space 18B. As a result, the internal flow path 24 is formed in a U-shape when viewed from the side in the direction of the y-axis.

[0028] [Air conditioner] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the air conditioner 13 of this embodiment is composed of, for example, a typical household split-type air conditioner. The air conditioner 13 includes an indoor unit 13A and an outdoor unit (not shown) installed outside the house 2 as a set. The indoor unit 13A has an intake port 13a and an outlet port 13b.

[0029] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 13 (indoor unit 13A) is located in the internal flow path 24 of the main casing 12. In this embodiment, the indoor unit 13A is located in the first main space 18A (inlet 22 side) of the internal flow path 24.

[0030] In this embodiment, the intake port 13a takes in air A2 supplied from the inlet 22 (in this example, air from inside the house 2 (return air)) and supplies it to a heat exchanger (not shown) located inside the indoor unit 13A. On the other hand, the outlet port 13b in this embodiment discharges the air A1 conditioned by the heat exchanger (conditioned air) to the outlet 23 side (downstream side of the internal flow path 24 (third main space 18C and second main space 18B side)). The set temperature and airflow rate (discharge airflow rate) of the air conditioner 13 are controlled, for example, by the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 1), which will be described later.

[0031] [Filter components] The filter member 17 in this embodiment is for purifying the air. The filter member 17 in this embodiment is arranged in the internal flow path 24 of the main casing 12. With such a filter member 17, the air in the internal flow path 24 can be purified.

[0032] In this embodiment, the filter member 17 is located in the internal flow path 24 between the air conditioner 13 and the humidity control device 15, which will be described later. As a result, the conditioned air A1 purified by the filter member 17 is supplied to the humidity control device 15, thereby suppressing contamination of the humidity control device 15. An example of the filter member 17 is a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.

[0033] [Humidity control device (first embodiment)] As shown in Figure 4, the humidity control device 15 of this embodiment is located in the internal flow path 24 of the main casing 12 and on the outlet 23 side of the air conditioner 13. With such a humidity control device 15, the conditioned air A1 of the air conditioner 13 can be humidified.

[0034] The location of the humidity control device 15 in this embodiment is not particularly limited, as long as it is located within the internal flow path 24 of the main casing 12 and on the outlet 23 side (downstream side of the internal flow path 24) of the air conditioner 13. The humidity control device 15 (humidity control unit 16) in this embodiment is provided in the second main space 18B.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the humidity control device 15 of this embodiment is composed of a casing 26, a humidity control unit 16, an air transport unit 14, a drive unit 28, a sensor group 64 (shown in Figures 5 and 6), and a control unit 25 (shown in Figure 1).

[0036] [Casing (Secondary Casing)] In this embodiment, the casing 26 is configured as a sub-casing 27 within the main casing 12, in which the humidity control unit 16 is placed inside. As shown in Figure 4, the casing 26 in this embodiment is formed in a box shape having a sub-space 29 inside.

[0037] In this embodiment, the casing 26 is fixed to the main casing 12 in a way that allows for disassembly. This improves the maintainability of the humidity control device 15. The casing 26 may also be integrally constructed with the main casing 12 (fixed in a way that prevents disassembly). Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the humidity control device 15 excluding the air conveying section 14. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the humidity control device 15 excluding the air conveying section 14.

[0038] As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the casing 26 of this embodiment is composed of a bottom material 31 and an top material 32 arranged on both sides in the direction of the z axis, and a plurality of side materials 33 arranged between the bottom material 31 and the top material 32. These bottom material 31, top material 32, and plurality of side materials 33 divide the casing 26 into a subspace 29.

[0039] Each of the bottom material 31, top material 32, and multiple side material 33 in this embodiment is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view. As a result, the casing 26 is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view from the x, y, and z axes. These bottom material 31, top material 32, and multiple side material 33 may include thermal insulation material (not shown).

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, the bottom material 31 and top material 32 of this embodiment are spread out in the x-axis-y-axis plane. These bottom material 31 and top material 32 are spaced apart from each other in the z-axis direction.

[0041] As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the multiple side members 33 of this embodiment are composed of a first side member 33A, a second side member 33B, a third side member 33C, and a fourth side member 33D.

[0042] The first side member 33A and the second side member 33B of this embodiment extend in the y-z axis plane. These first side member 33A and the second side member 33B are spaced apart from each other in the x-axis direction. As shown in Figure 4, the first side member 33A of this embodiment is fixed to the first partition surface member 20A of the main casing 12, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, the third side member 33C and the fourth side member 33D of this embodiment extend in the x-axis-z-axis plane. These third side member 33C and fourth side member 33D are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the y-axis.

[0044] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the casing 26 of this embodiment is provided with a second partition 34. The second partition 34 extends in the z-axis direction from both ends (in this example, both ends in the z-axis direction) of the first partition 30, which will be described later and extends in the z-axis direction, through a gap 44. The second partition 34 of this embodiment is formed in the shape of a plate that spreads in the x-axis-z-axis plane. Furthermore, the second partition 34 is positioned between the third side material 33C and the fourth side material 33D in the y-axis direction. With these first partition 30 and second partition 34, the casing 26 (sub-space 29) is divided into a first space 29A and a second space 29B, which are arranged side by side in the y-axis direction and allow air to pass in the z-axis direction.

[0045] The casing 26 of this embodiment has a first inlet 35A, a first outlet 36A, a second inlet 35B, and a second outlet 36B as air inlets and outlets.

[0046] The first inlet 35A in this embodiment is for supplying air to the first space 29A. This first inlet 35A is formed in the bottom material 31. On the other hand, the second inlet 35B in this embodiment is for supplying air to the second space 29B. This second inlet 35B is formed in the fourth side material 33D.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first outlet 36A is for drawing air from the first space 29A. On the other hand, the second outlet 36B is for drawing air from the second space 29B. These first outlet 36A and second outlet 36B are formed in the top material 32.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, the first inlet 35A and the first outlet 36A in this embodiment are provided on one side of the casing 26 in the direction of the y-axis (in this example, one side relative to the first partition 30 and the second partition 34 (the side of the first space 29A)). As a result, the first inlet 35A and the first outlet 36A can communicate with the first space 29A and the outside of the casing 26.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the first inlet 35A of this embodiment is in communication with the third main space 18C of the main casing 12. This allows the first inlet 35A to supply conditioned air A1 from the third main space 18C to the first space 29A (second main space 18B). On the other hand, the first outlet 36A of this embodiment is the outlet 23 of the main casing 12 described above.

[0050] As shown in Figure 7, the second inlet 35B and the second outlet 36B in this embodiment are located on the other side of the casing 26 in the direction of the y-axis (in this example, on the other side of the first partition 30 and the second partition 34 (towards the second space 29B)). This allows the second inlet 35B and the second outlet 36B to communicate with the second space 29B and the outside of the casing 26.

[0051] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second inlet 35B of this embodiment is connected to an outside air supply unit 37 for supplying outside air A3 (shown in Figure 1). As a result, the second inlet 35B can supply outside air A3 to the second space 29B (second main space 18B).

[0052] The outside air supply unit 37 of this embodiment is configured to include a second flow path 38. As shown in Figure 1, one end of the second flow path 38 is located in the attic 39 of the house 2. Outside air A3, which is used to restore (regenerate) the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53) described later, is supplied to this attic 39. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7, the other end of the second flow path 38 is connected to the second inlet 35B. The second flow path 38 of this embodiment is formed by a cylindrical duct.

[0053] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, one end of the third channel 41 is connected to the second outlet 36B in this embodiment. The other end of the third channel 41 is located in the attic 39, as shown in Figure 1. Therefore, the outside air A3 from the second space 29B can be supplied to the attic 39 (shown in Figure 1) via the second outlet 36B and the third channel 41.

[0054] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 7, it is preferable that the casing 26 of this embodiment is provided with an openable and closable inspection door 42. When such an inspection door 42 is opened, the inside of the casing 26 (in this example, the humidity control section 16 (humidity control material 43) described later) can be easily accessed, improving maintainability.

[0055] The inspection door 42 can be appropriately configured as long as it allows the casing 26 to be opened and closed. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the inspection door 42 in this embodiment is provided on the lower side of the first side member 33A as part of the first side member 33A, and is configured as a door that can rotate around the y-axis. Therefore, for example, the inspection door 42 can be opened from outside the main casing 12 by opening the door portion 21 (shown in Figure 2) and removing the filter member 17. This makes it possible to easily access the inside of the casing 26.

[0056] [Humidity control section] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the humidity control unit 16 of this embodiment has a first chamber 45 and a second chamber 46 that are independent of each other. The first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 of this embodiment are separated by a first partition 30. Furthermore, the humidity control unit 16 of this embodiment is equipped with a humidity control material 43 that is placed inside each chamber (first chamber 45, second chamber 46).

[0057] [First partition section] The first partition portion 30 in this embodiment extends in the direction of the z axis. The first partition portion 30 in this embodiment is formed in the shape of a plate that extends in the plane of the x axis-z axis. The casing 26 is divided into a first space 29A and a second space 29B by this first partition portion 30 and the second partition portion 34. Both ends of the first partition portion 30 in the x axis direction in this embodiment are adjacent to the first side material 33A and the second side material 33B with a gap (not shown) in between.

[0058] [First Chamber, Second Chamber] The first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 are separated by a first partition 30, aligned in the direction of the y-axis. In this embodiment, the first chamber 45 is positioned on one side in the direction of the y-axis with respect to the rotation axis 51 which extends in the direction of the x-axis. On the other hand, the second chamber 46 in this embodiment is positioned on the other side in the direction of the y-axis with respect to the rotation axis 51.

[0059] In this embodiment, the first chamber 45 is divided by a first partition 30, a third partition 48, the first side material 33A described above, and the second side material 33B described above. However, the first chamber 45 is not limited to this configuration and may be divided by other partitions (not shown), for example.

[0060] The third partition 48 in this embodiment is formed in a plate shape that extends in the x-axis-z-axis plane, similar to the first partition 30. This third partition 48 is fixed to the first partition 30, for example, via a connecting part (not shown). Also, both ends 56, 56 (shown in Figure 7) of the third partition 48 in the x-axis direction are adjacent to the first side material 33A and the second side material 33B with a gap in between, similar to the first partition 30.

[0061] In this embodiment, the second chamber 46 is divided by the first partition 30, the fourth partition 49, the first side material 33A described above, and the second side material 33B described above. However, the second chamber 46 is not limited to this configuration, and may be divided by other partitions (not shown), for example.

[0062] The fourth partition 49 in this embodiment is formed in a plate shape that extends in the x-axis-z-axis plane, similar to the first partition 30 and the third partition 48. This fourth partition 49 is fixed to the first partition 30, for example, via a connecting part (not shown). Also, both ends 57, 57 (shown in Figure 7) of the fourth partition 49 in the x-axis direction are adjacent to the first side material 33A and the second side material 33B with a gap between them, similar to the first partition 30.

[0063] Thus, the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 are each separated by multiple partitions and side members. As a result, the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 are independent of each other.

[0064] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, each chamber (first chamber 45, second chamber 46) has a cylindrical structure with openings at both ends. In this embodiment, the first chamber 45 and second chamber 46 of the humidity control unit 16 have openings at both ends in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the first partition 30, third partition 48, and fourth partition 49. As a result, the first chamber 45 can pass the first air 58 (described later) and the second chamber 46 can pass the second air 59 (described later) along the z-axis direction (up and down direction).

[0065] In order to efficiently allow air to pass through the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 (the humidity control material 43 described later), it is preferable that the casing 26 be provided with, for example, a fifth partition 52. The fifth partition 52 in this embodiment is formed in the shape of a plate that extends in the plane of the x-axis to the y-axis, and extends between the third partition 48 and the third side material 33C, and between the fourth partition 49 and the fourth side material 33D. Such a fifth partition 52 can seal the gap between the third partition 48 and the third side material 33C, and the gap between the fourth partition 49 and the fourth side material 33D, making it possible to prevent air from entering these gaps.

[0066] [Humidity control material] The humidity control material 43 is placed inside each chamber (first chamber 45, second chamber 46). The humidity control material 43 in this embodiment is for controlling the humidity of the air (first air 58 and second air 59) passing in the z-axis direction. This humidity control material 43 has the ability to adsorb water vapor from air with high relative humidity and to release the water vapor it has adsorbed into air with low relative humidity.

[0067] The humidity control material 43 is not particularly limited as long as it has moisture absorption and release properties. In this embodiment, the humidity control material 43 is composed of humidity control elements 53.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, the humidity control element 53 of this embodiment is composed of a plurality of humidity control sheets 54. The plurality of humidity control sheets 54 are stacked with gaps between them (for example, in a honeycomb or tiered pattern) so that air can pass through in the z-axis direction. Such a humidity control element 53 makes it possible to effectively increase the humidity exchange area. The humidity control sheets 54 are supported with an adsorbent material (not shown) similar to that described in Patent Document 1.

[0069] Each humidity control material 43 in this embodiment is composed of a plurality of divisible humidity control elements 53. For example, the humidity control material 43 disposed inside the first chamber 45 includes a first humidity control element 53A and a second humidity control element 53B adjacent to the first humidity control element 53A in the y-axis direction. On the other hand, the humidity control material 43 disposed inside the second chamber 46 includes a first humidity control element 53C and a second humidity control element 53D adjacent to this first humidity control element 53C in the y-axis direction. The first humidity control elements 53A and 53C are provided on the side of the rotation shaft 51.

[0070] Each of the humidity control elements 53A to 53D in this embodiment is formed to have the same shape. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the humidity control elements 53A to 53D. However, each of the humidity control elements 53A to 53D may have a different shape from one another.

[0071] As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the humidity control unit 16 of this embodiment is rotatably arranged within the casing 26 around the rotating shaft 51.

[0072] In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 51 extends in the x-axis direction, and one end is connected to the drive unit 28 via a coupling (shaft joint) 60, which will be described later. As shown in Figure 4, the other end of the rotating shaft 51 is supported by a bearing (not shown) provided on the second side member 33B. This allows the humidity control unit 16 in this embodiment to rotate around the rotating shaft 51.

[0073] [Air Conveying Section] As shown in Figure 1, the air conveying unit 14 passes air through the casing 26. As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, this air conveying unit 14 passes air through the first space 29A and the second space 29B. The air conveying unit 14 is for supplying first air 58 to the first inlet 35A and second air 59, which has a higher relative humidity than the first air, to the second inlet 35B. The air conveying unit 14 includes a first fan 14A and a second fan 40 (shown in Figure 1).

[0074] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the first fan 14A in this embodiment is for supplying air (first air) 58 to the first inlet 35A. This first fan 14A is located in the internal flow path 24 of the main casing 12, between the air conditioner 13 and the humidity control unit 16 (in this example, the third main space 18C (shown in Figure 4)).

[0075] In this embodiment, the first fan 14A generates an airflow from the inlet 22 of the main casing 12 toward the outlet 23 (first outlet 36A of the casing 26). This allows the first fan 14A to pass air (first air) 58 into the first space 29A, away from the outside of the humidity control unit 16. Through this airflow, air (return air) A2 from inside the house 2 is taken in from the inlet 22 and conditioned by the air conditioner 13. Furthermore, the airflow allows the conditioned air A1 discharged from the air conditioner 13 to pass through the casing 26 and be smoothly guided toward the outlet 23 (first outlet 36A).

[0076] As shown in Figure 1, the second fan 40 in this embodiment is for supplying air (second air) 59 to the second space 29B of the casing 26. This second fan 40 is positioned in the second flow path 38 and generates an airflow from one end (the attic 39 side) to the other end (the second inlet 35B side of the casing 26). As a result, the second fan 40 can allow air (second air) 59 to pass through the second space 29B to the outside of the humidity control unit 16. With this airflow, outside air (second air) A3 can be taken in from the second inlet 35B and guided smoothly through the casing 26 to the second outlet 36B. Note that the second fan 40 is not limited to being positioned in the second flow path 38, but may be positioned, for example, between the second inlet 35B and the humidity control unit 16.

[0077] As described above, the first air 58 is air conditioned by the air conditioner 13. On the other hand, the second air 59 is exemplified as outside air A3 from the attic 39, but it may also be outside air A3 from the underfloor space 3, or, if the house 2 is a multi-story building, it may be outside air A3 from the inter-floor space (not shown). For example, in winter, when the air conditioner 13 is operating in heating mode, the air transport unit 14 supplies the first air (heated conditioned air) A1 to the first inlet 35A, and the second air (outside air) A3, which has a higher relative humidity than the first air 58, is supplied to the second inlet 35B.

[0078] [Drive unit] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 7, the drive unit 28 is for rotationally driving the humidity control unit 16. In this embodiment, the drive unit 28 rotates the humidity control unit 16 around a rotation axis 51 that extends in the x-axis direction within the casing 26.

[0079] The drive unit 28 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of rotationally driving the humidity control unit 16. In this embodiment, the drive unit 28 is configured, for example, as a rotationally driveable electric motor. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 82 of the drive unit 28 is connected to the rotating shaft 51 of the humidity control unit 16 via a coupling 60. Such a coupling 60 can mitigate shocks and torque fluctuations that occur when the drive unit 28 starts or stops rotating. In Figure 8, the rotational trajectory of the humidity control unit 16 is shown by a dashed line, and counterclockwise rotation is exemplified as the direction of rotation.

[0080] In this embodiment, the drive unit 28 is fixed to the first side member 33A via a bracket 61 fixed to the first side member 33A. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the drive unit 28 is exposed and fixed in the first main space 18A. This allows easy access to the drive unit 28 from the door portion 21 provided in the main casing 12 via the first main space 18A, improving maintainability. A space 62 is formed inside the bracket 61. The coupling 60 described above, as well as the rotating disk 63 and sensor group 64 described later, are housed in this space 62. This protects the rotating disk 63 and sensor group 64.

[0081] In this embodiment, the drive unit 28 rotates the humidity control unit 16 around a rotation axis 51 extending in the x-axis direction, thereby allowing the humidity control unit 16 to be alternately switched between a first position and a second position, as described later.

[0082] Figure 9(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the first location. Figure 9(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the second location. In Figure 9, the humidity control material 43 in the first chamber 45 and the humidity control material 43 in the second chamber 46 are colored to make them easier to distinguish. Furthermore, the outside air A3 in Figure 9 is colored.

[0083] [First position] As shown in Figure 9(a), in the first position, the first inlet 35A is connected to the first outlet 36A via the first chamber 45, and the second inlet 35B is connected to the second outlet 36B via the second chamber 46. In the first position of this embodiment, the first chamber 45 is located in the first space 29A, and the second chamber 46 is located in the second space 29B. Therefore, in the first position of this embodiment, the first air 58 from the first inlet 35A flows to the first outlet 36A via the first chamber 45, and the second air 59 from the second inlet 35B flows to the second outlet 36B via the second chamber 46.

[0084] At the first position, the first inlet 35A is supplied with first air (conditioned air) 58 from the air conditioner 13 (shown in Figure 4). For example, in winter, when the air conditioner 13 is operating in heating mode, the relative humidity of the first air (heated conditioned air) 58 becomes low. As this first air 58 with low relative humidity passes from one end 45a to the other end 45b in the z-axis direction of the first chamber 45 (humidity control element 53), water vapor adsorbed on the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53) of the first chamber 45 is released (humidification state). This increases the relative humidity of the first air 58. The first air 58 with increased relative humidity (having passed through the other end 45b of the first chamber 45) is then supplied from the first outlet 36A to multiple living rooms 5 (shown in Figure 1) via the first flow path 11. As a result, at the first position, multiple living rooms 5 can be heated and effectively humidified.

[0085] Meanwhile, at the first position, the second inlet 35B is supplied with second air (outside air) 59 from the outside air supply unit 37. For example, in winter, the second air 59 has a higher relative humidity than the first air (heated conditioned air) 58. As this second air 59 with high relative humidity passes from one end 46a to the other end 46b in the z-axis direction of the second chamber 46, the water vapor contained in the second air 59 is adsorbed (moisture-absorbing) by the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53) of the second chamber 46. This makes it possible to restore the humidification capacity of the humidity control material 43. The second air 59, whose relative humidity has decreased due to the adsorption of water vapor (having passed through the other end 46b of the second chamber 46), is supplied from the second outlet 36B to the attic 39 (shown in Figure 1) via the third flow path 41. As a result, at the first position, it is possible to dehumidify the attic 39 (suppress condensation in the attic 39).

[0086] [Second position] As shown in Figure 9(b), in the second position, the first inlet 35A is connected to the first outlet 36A via the second chamber 46, and the second inlet 35B is connected to the second outlet 36B via the first chamber 45. In the second position of this embodiment, the first chamber 45 is located in the second space 29B, and the second chamber 46 is located in the first space 29A. Therefore, in the second position of this embodiment, the first air 58 from the first inlet 35A flows to the first outlet 36A via the second chamber 46, and the second air 59 from the second inlet 35B flows to the second outlet 36B via the first chamber 45.

[0087] In this embodiment, the second position is set at a position 180° away from the first position, with respect to the rotation axis 51. Here, "180°" is the allowable error in the rotation accuracy of the drive unit 28 (-5 to +5°).

[0088] At the second location, the first inlet 35A is supplied with first air (in this example, conditioned air with low relative humidity) 58 from the air conditioner 13. As this first air 58 with low relative humidity passes from the other end 46b to the first end 46a of the second chamber 46, water vapor adsorbed on the humidity control material 43 of the second chamber 46 is released (humidification state). This increases the relative humidity of the first air 58. The first air 58 with increased relative humidity (having passed through the first end 46a of the second chamber 46) is then supplied from the first outlet 36A to the multiple living rooms 5 (shown in Figure 1) via the first flow path 11. As a result, at the second location, just like at the first location, multiple living rooms 5 can be heated and effectively humidified.

[0089] At the second position, the second inlet 35B is supplied with second air (in this example, outside air with high relative humidity) 59 from the outside air supply unit 37. As this second air 59 with high relative humidity passes from the other end 45b to the one end 45a of the first chamber 45, the water vapor contained in the second air 59 is adsorbed by the humidity control material 43 of the first chamber 45 (humidification state). This makes it possible to restore the humidification capacity of the humidity control material 43. The second air 59, whose relative humidity has been reduced by the adsorption of water vapor (having passed through the one end 45a of the first chamber 45), is then supplied from the second outlet 36B to the attic 39 (shown in Figure 1) via the third flow path 41. As a result, at the second position, it is possible to dehumidify the attic 39 (suppress condensation in the attic 39).

[0090] [Function of the humidity control unit] As described above, in this embodiment, the humidity control device 15 is rotated by the drive unit 28, which switches the humidity control unit 16 alternately between a first position and a second position. This switching allows the conditioned air A1 to alternately pass through the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46, making it possible to continuously and efficiently supply the conditioned and humidified air A1 to multiple living rooms 5.

[0091] Furthermore, since the humidity control unit 16 can be rotated to switch between the first and second positions, the damper provided in the humidity control chamber of Patent Document 1 is not essential. Therefore, maintenance of the damper can be omitted.

[0092] [Maintenance of humidity control equipment] The humidity control device 15 is preferably maintained as needed. In this embodiment, during maintenance of the humidity control device 15, the drive unit 28 rotates the humidity control unit 16 around the rotation shaft 51, thereby switching the humidity control unit 16 to the third or fourth position described later.

[0093] Figure 10 is a front view of the humidity control section 16 at the first, second, third, and fourth positions. In Figure 10, the humidity control material 43 in the first chamber 45 and the humidity control material 43 in the second chamber 46 are colored differently to make them easier to distinguish. The first position in Figure 10 corresponds to Figure 9(a), and the second position in Figure 10 corresponds to Figure 9(b).

[0094] [Third position] As shown in Figure 10, the third position in this embodiment is set at a position 90° away from the first position with respect to the rotation axis 51. Therefore, the humidity control unit 16 is switched to the third position by the drive unit 28 rotating the humidity control unit 16 from the first position by 90°. Here, "90°" is assumed to be within the tolerance of the rotation accuracy error (-5 to +5°) of the drive unit 28.

[0095] In the third position, the multiple humidity control elements 53C and 53D of the second chamber 46 are arranged in the z-axis direction and positioned on the side of the inspection door 42 (shown in Figure 7) of the casing 26 (sub-casing 27). Each of these humidity control elements 53C and 53D can then be removed from the inspection door 42. This allows the humidity control elements 53C and 53D to be maintained.

[0096] [Fourth position] In this embodiment, the fourth position is set at a position 180° away from the third position with respect to the rotation axis 51. Therefore, the humidity control unit 16 is switched to the fourth position by the drive unit 28 rotating the humidity control unit 16 from the third position by 180°. Here, "180°" is assumed to be within the tolerance of the rotation accuracy error (-5 to +5°) of the drive unit 28.

[0097] In the fourth position, the multiple humidity control elements 53A and 53B of the first chamber 45 are arranged in the z-axis direction and positioned on the side of the inspection door 42 (shown in Figure 7) of the casing 26 (sub-casing 27). Each of these humidity control elements 53A and 53B can then be removed from the inspection door 42. This allows the humidity control elements 53A and 53B to be maintained.

[0098] Thus, in the humidity control device 15 of this embodiment, the humidity control unit 16 can be switched to the third or fourth position, allowing the humidity control element 53 to be easily inserted into and removed from the inspection door 42 provided in the casing 26 (sub-casing 27). Therefore, maintainability is improved.

[0099] [Sensor group] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the sensor group 64 is composed of a first sensor 65 and a second sensor 66. These first sensor 65 and second sensor 66 are for detecting the rotational position of the humidity control unit 16 (including the first and second positions shown in Figure 9).

[0100] Various types of sensors can be used for the first sensor 65 and the second sensor 66, as long as they can detect the rotational position of the humidity control unit 16. The first sensor 65 and the second sensor 66 can be contact-type sensors or non-contact-type sensors, and in this embodiment, non-contact-type sensors can be used. Such non-contact-type sensors do not deteriorate due to wear of the switch part of the sensor, for example, and therefore have improved durability compared to contact-type sensors.

[0101] The non-contact sensor of this embodiment is configured as a known transmissive photointerrupter. This transmissive photointerrupter employs a groove-shaped transmissive photointerrupter and is configured to include a light emitter and a light receiver. The light emitter and the light receiver are positioned facing each other and spaced apart.

[0102] A light emitter is composed of, for example, a light-emitting element (LED) and is capable of emitting light toward a light receiver. On the other hand, a light receiver is composed of, for example, a phototransistor and is capable of detecting light from the light emitter.

[0103] In the non-contact sensor of this embodiment, when light is emitted from the light emitter and the light receiver detects that light, a first signal is output, assuming that there is no object between the light emitter and the light receiver. On the other hand, when light is emitted from the light emitter but the light receiver cannot detect that light, a second signal is output, assuming that there is an object between the light emitter and the light receiver.

[0104] In this embodiment, a rotating disk 63 capable of blocking light emitted from each light emitter is placed between the light emitter and light receiver of the first sensor 65, and between the light emitter and light receiver of the second sensor. The rotating disk 63 in this embodiment is formed in the shape of a disc and is fixed to the rotation axis 51 of the humidity control unit 16 so as to be able to rotate on the same axis (about the x-axis direction) as the rotation axis 51. Therefore, the rotating disk 63 rotates together with the rotation axis 51 (at the same angular velocity as the rotation axis 51).

[0105] The rotating disk 63 is provided with a plurality of holes 67 that penetrate parallel to the rotation axis 51 (in the x-axis direction). In this embodiment, the holes 67 consist of an outer hole 68 and an inner hole 69.

[0106] The outer hole 68 is for allowing light emitted from the light emitter (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "first light emitter") 65A of the first sensor 65 to pass through the light receiver (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "first light receiver") 65B of the first sensor 65. In this embodiment, when the humidity control unit 16 is moved to the first and second positions, respectively, by the rotational drive of the humidity control unit 16 by the drive unit 28, the outer hole 68 is positioned so that light from the first light emitter 65A can pass through to the first light receiver 65B. Therefore, in this embodiment, two outer holes 68 are provided.

[0107] The outer hole portion 68 of this embodiment is composed of a first outer hole portion 68A and a second outer hole portion 68B. Figure 11 is a front view of the sensor group at the first position, second position, third position and fourth position. The first outer hole portion 68A is for allowing light from the first light emitter 65A to pass through when the humidity control unit 16 moves to the first position. The second outer hole portion 68B is for allowing light from the first light emitter 65A to pass through when the humidity control unit 16 moves to the second position.

[0108] These first and second outer holes 68A and 68B allow light emitted from the first light emitter 65A to pass through when the humidity control unit 16 moves to the first or second position by the rotational drive of the humidity control unit 16 by the drive unit 28 shown in Figures 9 and 10, and the light can be detected by the first light receiver 65B. As a result, the first sensor 65 can detect the first and second positions of the rotational position of the humidity control unit 16 and output a first signal. This first signal is treated as a detection signal output when the first and second positions are detected. Therefore, the first sensor 65 is configured to output a detection signal when the first and second positions are detected. On the other hand, when the humidity control unit 16 is positioned at a position other than the first and second positions, the light emitted from the first light emitter 65A is blocked by the rotating disk 63, and the first sensor 65 is configured to output a second signal.

[0109] The first sensor 65 is installed as appropriate if it can detect the rotational position of the humidity control unit 16 as described above. As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the first sensor 65 is installed to detect the position 100 of the outer circumference of the humidity control unit 16 at a distance L of 50% or more of the maximum rotational radius Rmax from the rotational axis 51, when viewed from the direction of the rotational axis 51. The maximum rotational radius Rmax is the maximum value of the rotational radius of the humidity control unit 16 around the rotational axis 51. The distance L is determined as the shortest distance between the position where the first sensor 65 is detected and the rotational axis 51 in the radial direction of the rotational axis 51.

[0110] In this way, by providing the first sensor 65 to detect the above position 100 (outside the distance of half the maximum rotation radius Rmax), the first and second positions of the humidity control unit 16 can be detected on the radially outer side of the rotating shaft 51 (the side where the rotational movement distance of the humidity control unit 16 is relatively larger). As a result, the first sensor 65 can detect the first and second positions in the correct position without being affected by rotational errors that are likely to occur when the rotating shaft of the drive unit 28 and the rotating shaft 51 of the humidity control unit 16 are connected by a coupling (shaft joint) 60, or by inertia acting on the humidity control unit 16. In order to effectively exert this effect, it is preferable that the first sensor 65 be provided to detect the position 100 of the outer circumference of the humidity control unit 16, which is separated from the rotating shaft 51 by a distance L of 70% or more of the maximum rotation radius Rmax.

[0111] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the internal holes 69 are for allowing light emitted from the light emitter (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "second light emitter") 66A of the second sensor 66 to pass through the light receiver (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "second light receiver") 66B of the second sensor 66. In this embodiment, when the humidity control unit 16 shown in Figure 10 moves to the first, second, third, and fourth positions respectively by the rotational drive of the humidity control unit 16 by the drive unit 28, the internal holes 69 are provided in positions that allow light from the second light emitter 66A to pass through to the second light receiver 66B. Therefore, in this embodiment, four internal holes 69 are provided.

[0112] The internal hole portion 69 of this embodiment is composed of a first internal hole portion 69A, a second internal hole portion 69B, a third internal hole portion 69C, and a fourth internal hole portion 69D. The first internal hole portion 69A is for allowing light from the second floodlight 66A to pass through when the humidity control unit 16 moves to a first position. The second internal hole portion 69B is for allowing light from the second floodlight 66A to pass through when the humidity control unit 16 moves to a second position. The third internal hole portion 69C is for allowing light from the second floodlight 66A to pass through when the humidity control unit 16 moves to a third position. The fourth internal hole portion 69D is for allowing light from the second floodlight 66A to pass through when the humidity control unit 16 moves to a fourth position.

[0113] As shown in Figure 11, these first to fourth internal holes 69A to 69D allow light emitted from the second light emitter 66A to pass through when the humidity control unit 16 moves to either the first or fourth position due to the rotational drive of the humidity control unit 16 by the drive unit 28, and the light can be detected by the second light receiver 66B. As a result, the second sensor 66 can detect the first to fourth position of the rotational position of the humidity control unit 16 and output a first signal. This first signal is treated as a detection signal output when either the first or fourth position is detected. Therefore, the second sensor 66 is configured to output a detection signal when the first or fourth position is detected. On the other hand, when the humidity control unit 16 is positioned at a position other than the first to fourth position, the light emitted from the second light emitter 66A is blocked by the rotating disk 63, and the second sensor 66 is configured to output a second signal.

[0114] In this embodiment, the first to fourth inner holes 69A to 69D are positioned radially inward of the rotating disk 63 compared to the first outer hole 68A and the second outer hole 68B. Furthermore, the first inner hole 69A and the first outer hole 68A are offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotating disk. Similarly, the second inner hole 69B and the second outer hole 68B are offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the rotating disk 63. This allows the outer hole 68 and the inner hole 69 to be spaced apart, thereby ensuring the rigidity of the rotating disk 63 in the portion between them.

[0115] As shown in Figure 6, the first sensor 65 and the second sensor 66 in this embodiment are fixed to a sensor fixing device 70 connected to a bracket 61. The first sensor 65 and the second sensor 66 are positioned to sandwich the rotating disk 63, which is fixed to the rotating shaft 51 of the humidity control unit 16. The first sensor 65 and the second sensor 66 are positioned to correspond to the outer hole 68 and inner hole 69 of the rotating disk 63.

[0116] In this embodiment, the second sensor 66 is positioned radially inward of the rotating disk 63 than the first sensor 65. Furthermore, the first sensor 65 and the second sensor 66 are positioned separated in the circumferential direction of the rotating disk 63. This prevents interference between the first sensor 65 and the second sensor 66. In addition, from a similar viewpoint as the first sensor 65, the second sensor 66 is preferably positioned to detect the position 100 of the outer circumference of the humidity control unit 16 at a distance L of 50% or more of the maximum rotation radius Rmax from the rotation axis 51, and more preferably to detect the position 100 of the outer circumference of the humidity control unit 16 at a distance L of 70% or more of the maximum rotation radius Rmax from the rotation axis 51.

[0117] [Control Unit] Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit 25. As shown in Figure 12, the control unit 25 controls the rotation of the drive unit 28 based on signals from the sensor group (first sensor 65 and second sensor 66) 64. The control unit 25 in this embodiment is composed of a computer. The control unit 25 is installed, for example, in a partition wall of a living room 5, but is not limited to this configuration.

[0118] The control unit 25 of this embodiment is configured to include a calculation unit 71 consisting of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit 72 in which processing procedures are stored, and a working memory 73 for reading processing procedures and the like stored in the storage unit 72.

[0119] An input device 74 is connected to the calculation unit 71. In this embodiment, the input device 74 is composed of, for example, operation buttons or a touch panel provided on the housing of the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 1). Through such an input device 74, for example, instruction data for operating the humidity control device 15 by a resident can be input to the calculation unit 71.

[0120] An output device 75 is connected to the calculation unit 71. In this embodiment, the output device 75 is configured as a display provided in the housing of the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 1). The calculation unit 71 can display, for example, data on the operating status of the humidity control device 15 and data related to malfunctions of the first sensor 65 and the second sensor 66 on the output device 75.

[0121] In this embodiment, the calculation unit 71 is connected to a sensor group 64 (a first sensor 65 and a second sensor 66). As a result, the calculation unit 71 can receive signals (a first signal and a second signal) output by the sensor group 64. Based on the first signal (detection signal) from these signals, the calculation unit 71 can detect (understand) that the humidity control unit 16 has been switched to one of the first, second, third, or fourth positions by rotational drive by the drive unit 28.

[0122] In this embodiment, the calculation unit 71 is connected to the indoor unit 13A (air conditioner 13) and the air transport unit 14. This allows the calculation unit 71 to control their operation and monitor their operating status. Furthermore, the calculation unit 71 in this embodiment is connected to the drive unit 28. This makes it possible to control the rotation and stopping of the drive unit 28 (humidity control unit 16).

[0123] Thus, the control unit 25 (calculation unit 71) of this embodiment can detect (understand) that the humidity control unit 16 has been switched to the first position or the second position based on the signal (detection signal) from the first sensor 65. Based on this detection signal, the control unit 25 controls the drive unit 28 to alternately position and stop the humidity control unit 16 between the first position and the second position (first operation process).

[0124] Furthermore, the control unit 25 (calculation unit 71) can detect (understand) that the humidity control unit 16 has been switched to a third and fourth position in addition to the first and second positions, based on the signal (detection signal) from the second sensor 66. Based on this detection signal, the control unit 25 can control the drive unit 28 to stop the humidity control unit 16 at the third or fourth position (maintenance mode).

[0125] [Methods for controlling humidity] Next, a humidity control method using the humidity control device 15 will be described. In this embodiment, prior to the implementation of the humidity control method, for example, instruction data for starting the operation of the humidity control device 15 by a resident or the like is input to the calculation unit 71 (control unit 25) shown in Figure 12. Based on this input, the control unit 25 starts the operation of the air transport unit 14. Furthermore, the control unit 25 starts detecting the rotational position of the humidity control unit 16 using the sensor group 64 (i.e., light emission by the first light emitter 65A and the second light emitter 66A, and light detection by the first light receiver 65B and the second light receiver 66B). Also, if necessary, the control unit 25 starts the operation of the air conditioner 13.

[0126] In this embodiment, the humidity control unit 16 is positioned and stopped at a first position at the start of the first operation process, but this is not particularly limited, and for example, the humidity control unit 16 may be positioned and stopped at a second position.

[0127] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for the humidity control method. This processing procedure is carried out based on the processing procedure stored in the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12).

[0128] [First Operation Processing Step] In the humidity control device 15 of this embodiment, first, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) performs a first operation process (first operation process step S1). In the first operation process, as shown in Figure 9, the control unit 25 controls the drive unit 28 so that the humidity control unit 16 is alternately positioned and stopped between a first position and a second position based on the signal from the first sensor 65.

[0129] As described above, in this embodiment, at the start of the first operation process, the humidity control unit 16 is positioned and stopped in a first position. In this case, water vapor adsorbed on the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53) in the first chamber 45 is released (humidification state), and the relative humidity of the first air (in this example, conditioned air with low relative humidity) 58 is increased. The first air 58 with increased relative humidity is then supplied to multiple living rooms 5 (shown in Figure 1) via the first flow path 11. This makes it possible to effectively humidify multiple living rooms 5 while heating them.

[0130] Meanwhile, in the humidity control material 43 of the second chamber 46, water vapor contained in the second air (in this example, outside air with high relative humidity) 59 is adsorbed (moisture-absorbing) by the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53) of the second chamber 46, making it possible to restore the humidity control material 43's humidification capacity. The second air 59, with its reduced relative humidity, is then supplied to the attic 39 (shown in Figure 1) via the third flow path 41. This makes it possible to dehumidify the attic 39 (suppressing condensation in the attic 39). Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for the first operation step.

[0131] [Determination of predetermined time elapsed] As shown in Figure 14, in the first operation process step S1 of this embodiment, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) determines whether a predetermined time t1 has elapsed since the start of the first operation process (step S11). In this embodiment, time t1 is set to the time required for most of the water vapor adsorbed on the humidity control material 43 (shown in Figure 9(a)) of the first chamber 45 at the first position to be released. This time t1 is set appropriately according to the size of the humidity control material 43, its moisture absorption and release performance, etc. For example, time t1 can be set to 10 to 120 minutes, preferably to 30 to 60 minutes. This makes it possible to move the humidity control unit 16 from the first position to the second position at the timing when most of the water vapor adsorbed on the humidity control material 43 of the first chamber 45 at the first position has been reliably released, as will be described later.

[0132] In step S11, if it is determined that time t1 has elapsed ("Y" in step S11), most of the water vapor has been released from the humidity control material 43 in the first chamber 45. Meanwhile, the humidity control material 43 in the second chamber 46 has adsorbed the water vapor contained in the second air 59, and the humidifying capacity of the humidity control material 43 has been restored. In this case, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) rotates the humidity control unit 16 (step S12).

[0133] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that time t1 has not elapsed ("N" in step S11), it is considered possible to continue releasing water vapor from the humidity control material 43 in the first chamber 45. Furthermore, it is considered that the humidification capacity of the humidity control material 43 in the second chamber 46 has not recovered sufficiently. In this case, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) repeats step S11 while continuing to release water vapor from the humidity control material 43 in the first chamber 45. This makes it possible to continuously heat and humidify multiple rooms 5.

[0134] [Rotating drive for humidity control unit] Next, in the first operation processing step S1 of this embodiment, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) rotates the humidity control unit 16 (step S12). In step S12 of this embodiment, the control unit 25 rotates the humidity control unit 16, moving it from the first position toward the second position. This allows the control unit 25 to move the humidity control unit 16 from the first position to the second position, for example, when most of the water vapor has been released from the humidity control material 43 in the first chamber 45. Furthermore, the control unit 25 can move the humidity control unit 16 from the first position to the second position when the humidification capacity of the humidity control material 43 in the second chamber 46 has recovered. During the movement of the humidity control unit 16, the light emitted from the first light emitter 65A and the second light emitter 66A is blocked by the rotating disk 63. As a result, the first sensor 65 and the second sensor 66 output a second signal.

[0135] [Determination of whether the detection signal from the first sensor was detected] Next, in the first operation processing step S1 of this embodiment, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) determines whether it was able to detect the detection signal from the first sensor 65 (step S13). In step S13 of this embodiment, it is detected whether the humidity control unit 16, which started moving from the first position toward the second position in step S12, has moved toward the second position.

[0136] As shown in Figures 6 and 11, during the movement of the humidity control unit 16 from the first position to the second position, the light emitted from the first light emitter 65A is blocked by the rotating disk 63, and a second signal is output from the first sensor 65. When the humidity control unit 16 moves to the second position, the light emitted from the first light emitter 65A passes through the second outer hole 68B, and this light is detected by the first light receiver 65B. As a result, the first sensor 65 can detect the second position and output a detection signal (first signal). With the output of this detection signal, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) can detect (understand) that the humidity control unit 16 has moved to the second position, as shown in Figures 9(b) and 10.

[0137] However, if the first sensor 65 is malfunctioning, or if the outer hole 68 is displaced due to vibrations applied to the humidity control unit 16 even though the first sensor 65 is functioning normally, and the light from the first light emitter 65A cannot pass through the outer hole 68, the first sensor 65 will not be able to detect the second position. Taking such cases into consideration, in step S13, it is determined whether or not the detection signal from the first sensor 65 was detected within a predetermined time t2 required for the humidity control unit 16 to move from one of the first and second positions to the other. This allows for the determination of whether or not the first sensor 65 is malfunctioning while the humidity control unit 16 is moving from one of the first and second positions to the other.

[0138] In this embodiment, time t2 is set to the time required for the humidity control unit 16 to move from the first position to the second position when there is no malfunction in the drive unit 28 or other parts of the humidity control device 15. This time t2 is set appropriately according to the angular velocity of the rotation shaft 51 of the humidity control unit 16, and is set to, for example, 5 to 60 seconds.

[0139] In step S13, if it is determined that a detection signal from the first sensor 65 was detected within time t2 ("Y" in step S13), then the first sensor 65 and other components are operating normally without malfunction, and the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) has detected the detection signal from the first sensor 65. Therefore, based on the first signal (detection signal) output from the first sensor 65, the control unit 25 detects (understands) that the humidity control unit 16 shown in Figures 9(b) and 10 has been switched to the second position, and stops the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 (step S14). As a result, the control unit 25 can control the drive unit 28 so that the humidity control unit 16 is positioned and stopped at the second position.

[0140] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the detection signal from the first sensor 65 could not be detected within time t2 ("N" in step S13), a malfunction of the first sensor 65 is suspected. For this reason, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) performs a determination process using the second sensor 66 to determine whether or not the first sensor 65 is malfunctioning (steps S15 to S17).

[0141] In step S14, after the humidity control unit 16 shown in Figure 10 is positioned and stopped in the second position, step S11 is performed again. In step S11, while it is determined that time t1 has not elapsed since the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 stopped (while it is "N" in step S11), water vapor adsorbed on the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53) in the second chamber 46 is released (humidification state), the relative humidity of the first air 58 is increased, and it is supplied to multiple living rooms 5 (shown in Figure 1). This makes it possible to effectively humidify multiple living rooms 5 while heating them.

[0142] Meanwhile, in the humidity control material 43 of the first chamber 45, the water vapor contained in the second air 59 is adsorbed by the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53) of the first chamber 45 (humidity absorption state), and the humidification capacity of the humidity control material 43 is restored. The second air 59, with its lower relative humidity, is then supplied to the attic 39 (shown in Figure 1), making it possible to dehumidify the attic 39 (suppressing condensation in the attic 39).

[0143] Then, in step S11, if it is determined that time t1 has elapsed ("Y" in step S11), the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) rotates the humidity control unit 16 at the time when most of the water vapor has been released from the humidity control material 43 in the second chamber 46 (step S12). Then, in step S13, if it is determined that the detection signal from the first sensor 65 has been detected within time t2 ("Y" in step S13), the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 is stopped (step S14). As a result, the control unit 25 can control the drive unit 28 so that the humidity control unit 16, which has moved from the second position toward the first position, is positioned and stopped at the first position.

[0144] As shown in Figures 6 and 11, in step S13, when the humidity control unit 16 moves from the second position to the first position, the light emitted from the first light emitter 65A passes through the first outer hole 68A, and this light is detected by the first light receiver 65B. As a result, the first sensor 65 can detect the first position and output a detection signal (first signal). This detection signal allows the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) to control the drive unit 28 to stop the rotation of the humidity control unit 16.

[0145] In this way, based on the signal from the first sensor 65, the humidity control unit 16 shown in Figure 9 is alternately positioned and stopped at the first position and the second position. This makes it possible for the humidity control device 15 of this embodiment to continuously and efficiently supply humidified conditioned air A1 to multiple living rooms 5 and to restore the humidification capacity of the humidity control material 43. However, if it is determined that the detection signal from the first sensor 65 could not be detected within time t2 after the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 started in step S12 ("N" in step S13), a malfunction of the first sensor 65 or the like is suspected, and the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) executes the following determination process (steps S15 to S17).

[0146] [Decision Processing] In the determination process of this embodiment (steps S15-17), the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) uses the second sensor 66 to determine whether or not the first sensor 65 is faulty. In the determination process (steps S15-17), it is determined whether or not the first sensor 65, which was suspected to be faulty in the determination in step S13 ("N" in step S13), is actually faulty.

[0147] In this embodiment, prior to determining whether the first sensor 65 is faulty, the presence or absence of a fault in the second sensor 66 is determined. If the second sensor 66 is not faulty, the second sensor 66 can output a detection signal two or more times while the humidity control unit 16 is moving from one of the first and second positions to the other after it starts rotating in step S12. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the detection signal from the second sensor 66 is detected two or more times, it is determined that the second sensor 66 is not faulty. The procedure for the second sensor 66 to output a detection signal two or more times will be described later.

[0148] In the determination process, if the detection signal from the first sensor 65 is not detected within time t2 in step S13, and the detection signal from the second sensor 66 is detected two or more times (meaning the second sensor 66 is determined to be functioning correctly), then the first sensor 65 may be determined to be malfunctioning.

[0149] On the other hand, as described above, even if the first sensor 65 is functioning normally, it may be unable to output a detection signal due to vibrations applied to the humidity control unit 16. For this reason, in the determination process of this embodiment, if the detection signal of the first sensor 65 is not detected within time t2 in step S13, and the detection signal of the second sensor 66 is detected two or more times, it is preferable that, before determining that the first sensor 65 is malfunctioning, it is determined again whether the first sensor 65 can output a detection signal.

[0150] [Determining whether the detection signal from the second sensor was detected twice] In the determination process, first, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) determines whether it was able to detect the detection signal of the second sensor 66 twice (step S15). If there is no malfunction in the second sensor 66, as described above, when the humidity control unit 16 moves from the first position to the second position, the second sensor 66 can sequentially detect the third position and the second position within time t2 after the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 starts in step S12.

[0151] As shown in Figures 6 and 11, in this embodiment, when the humidity control unit 16 moves from the first position to the third position due to the rotational drive of the humidity control unit 16 by the drive unit 28, light emitted from the second light emitter 66A passes through the third inner hole 69C, and the second light receiver 66B senses this light. As a result, the second sensor 66 can detect the third position and output a detection signal. Furthermore, when the humidity control unit 16 moves from the third position to the second position, light emitted from the second light emitter 66A passes through the second inner hole 69B, and the second light receiver 66B senses this light. As a result, the second sensor 66 can detect the second position and output a detection signal. Thus, the second sensor 66 can output a detection signal twice while the humidity control unit 16 is moving from the first position to the second position.

[0152] On the other hand, when the humidity control unit 16 moves from the second position to the first position, the second sensor 66 can sequentially detect the fourth position and the first position within time t2 after the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 begins in step S12.

[0153] In this embodiment, when the humidity control unit 16 moves from the second position to the fourth position, light emitted from the second light emitter 66A passes through the fourth inner hole 69D, and the second light receiver 66B detects this light. As a result, the second sensor 66 can detect the fourth position and output a detection signal. Furthermore, when the humidity control unit 16 moves from the fourth position to the first position, light emitted from the second light emitter 66A passes through the first inner hole 69A, and the second light receiver 66B detects this light. As a result, the second sensor 66 can detect the first position and output a detection signal. Thus, the second sensor 66 can output a detection signal twice while the humidity control unit 16 is moving from the second position to the first position.

[0154] In step S15, if it is determined that the detection signal of the second sensor 66 has been detected twice ("Y" in step S15), the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) determines that there is no malfunction in the second sensor 66. Furthermore, since the detection signal of the first sensor 65 was not detected within time t2 in step S13, it may be determined that the first sensor 65 is malfunctioning. As described above, in this embodiment, the next step S16 is performed to determine again whether or not the first sensor 65 can output a detection signal.

[0155] [Handling procedures in case of failure of the first and second sensors] On the other hand, in step S15, if it is determined that the detection signal from the second sensor 66 has not been detected twice ("N" in step S15), it is determined that the second sensor 66 is faulty. In this case, since it is not possible to determine again whether the first sensor 65 is faulty using the second sensor 66, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) terminates the determination process. Then, after a predetermined time t3 has elapsed since the start of rotational drive of the humidity control unit 16, the control unit 25 stops the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 (step S20).

[0156] In this embodiment, time t3 is set to twice the time t2 described above (i.e., the time required for the humidity control unit 16 to move from one of the first and second positions to the other of the first and second positions). This allows the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) to control the drive unit 28 so that the humidity control unit 16 stops at its original position (either the first or second position) after one rotation, thus ensuring that the humidity control unit 16 stops rotating at a position where the conditioned air A1 can be transported. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the first sensor 65 and the second sensor 66 fail, the humidity control device 15 can continuously supply the conditioned air A1 to multiple rooms 5. However, if the humidity control unit 16 stops at its original position (either the first or second position), the conditioned air A1 is supplied to the second chamber 46 from which most of the water vapor has been released from the humidity control material 43, and therefore the conditioned air A1 cannot be humidified. Therefore, time t3 may be set to three times the above-mentioned time t2 (i.e., the time from the start of rotational drive of the humidity control unit 16 until the humidity control unit 16 completes one and a half rotations). This allows the control unit 25 to stop the rotation of the humidity control unit 16, which has been driven to rotate from one of the first and second positions, at the other of the first and second positions, thereby supplying humidified conditioned air A1 to multiple living rooms 5.

[0157] After step S20, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) displays data regarding the failures of the first sensor 65 and the second sensor 66 on the output device 75 (step S21), and terminates the humidity control method. The display of failure data enables prompt contact with the customer center responsible for repairing the humidity control device 15, allowing for the early restoration of the humidity control device 15. After the humidity control device 15 is restored, the humidity control method shown in Figure 13 is performed again.

[0158] [Determining whether the detection signal from the second sensor has been detected 8 times] Next, in the determination process, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) detects the detection signal of the second sensor 66 twice in step S15, and then determines whether the detection signal of the second sensor 66 has been detected eight times (step S16). In this embodiment, if the detection signal of the second sensor 66 is detected twice in step S15, the humidity control unit 16 has started moving from the first position and reached the second position. Then, in step S16, if the detection signal of the second sensor 66 is detected eight times (i.e., the first to fourth positions are detected twice each), the humidity control unit 16, which reached the second position in step S15, can be rotated two more times. If, while the humidity control unit 16 is rotating two times, the first sensor 65, which was suspected of malfunctioning, detects the first position or the second position and outputs a detection signal, the control unit 25 may determine in the next step S17 that the first sensor 65 is not malfunctioning.

[0159] In step S16, if it is determined that the detection signal from the second sensor 66 has been output 8 times ("Y" in step S16), then the humidity control unit 16 has completed two rotations. In this case, it is determined whether the first sensor 65, which was suspected to be malfunctioning, has outputted a detection signal during the two rotations of the humidity control unit 16 (step S17).

[0160] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the detection signal from the second sensor 66 has not been output 8 times ("N" in step S16), then the two rotations of the humidity control unit 16 have not been completed. In this case, step S16 is performed again while the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 continues. This ensures that the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) can reliably perform two rotations of the humidity control unit 16. In this embodiment, the control unit 25 rotates the humidity control unit 16 twice, but this is not particularly limited; for example, it may rotate it once, or three or more times.

[0161] [Determination of whether the detection signal from the first sensor was detected] Next, in the determination process, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) determines whether it was able to detect the detection signal from the first sensor 65 (step S17). In step S17, it is determined whether the first sensor 65 detected the first or second position and output a detection signal during the two rotations of the humidity control unit 16 determined in step S16. If the control unit 25 detects the detection signal from the first sensor 65, it is determined that there is no malfunction in the first sensor 65, and that in step S13, the detection signal from the first sensor 65 could not be detected due to, for example, vibration applied to the humidity control unit 16.

[0162] In step S17, if the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) detects the detection signal from the first sensor 65 ("Y" in step S17), it is determined that there is no malfunction in the first sensor 65. In this case, step S14 is performed to stop the rotation of the humidity control unit 16. This allows the drive unit 28 to be controlled so that the humidity control unit 16 is positioned and stopped at the second position. Then, while it is determined that time t1 has not elapsed since the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 was stopped in step S11 ("N" in step S11), water vapor adsorbed on the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53) in the second chamber 46 is released (dehumidification state), while water vapor is adsorbed on the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53) in the first chamber 45 (humidification state).

[0163] Thus, in this embodiment, if the control unit 25 determines in the determination process (steps S15 to S17) that there is no malfunction in the first sensor 65, it can return to the normal steps S11 to S14 based on the detection signal of the first sensor 65. Therefore, it becomes possible to continuously and efficiently supply humidified air-conditioned air A1 to multiple rooms 5 and to restore the humidification capacity of the humidity control material 43.

[0164] [Handling of first sensor failure] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that the detection signal from the first sensor 65 could not be detected ("N" in step S17), the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) determines that the first sensor 65 is faulty and stops the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 (step S18). Subsequently, the control unit 25 displays data regarding the fault of the first sensor 65 on the output device 75 (step S19) and terminates the first operation process. After that, until the first sensor 65 is repaired, the control unit 25 performs a second operation process to control the drive unit 28 so that the humidity control unit 16 shown in Figure 9 is stopped at the first or second position based on the signal from the normal second sensor 66.

[0165] [Second Operation Processing Step] Next, in the humidity control method of this embodiment, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) performs a second operation process (second operation process step S2). The second operation process is performed when it is determined that the first sensor 65 is malfunctioning in step S17 shown in Figure 14 ("N" in step S17). In this second operation process, the control unit 25 controls the drive unit 28 so that the humidity control unit 16 is alternately positioned and stopped between a first position and a second position based on the signal from the second sensor 66. As a result, as in the case of the first operation process, it is possible to effectively humidify while heating multiple rooms 5 and dehumidify the attic 39 (suppressing condensation in the attic 39). Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the second operation process step. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the humidity control unit 16 is positioned and stopped at the second position at the start of the second operation process.

[0166] [Determination of predetermined time elapsed] As shown in Figure 15, in the second operation process step S2 of this embodiment, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) determines whether time t1 has elapsed since the start of the second operation process (since the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 was stopped in step S18) (step S31). As described above, the time t1 in this embodiment is set to the time required for most of the water vapor adsorbed on the humidity control material 43 (shown in Figure 9(b)) of the second chamber 46 at the second position to be released.

[0167] In step S31, if it is determined that time t1 has elapsed ("Y" in step S31), most of the water vapor has been released from the humidity control material 43 in the second chamber 46. Meanwhile, the humidity control material 43 in the first chamber 45 has adsorbed the water vapor contained in the second air 59, and the humidifying capacity of the humidity control material 43 has been restored. In this case, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) rotates the humidity control unit 16 (step S32).

[0168] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that time t1 has not elapsed ("N" in step S31), it is considered possible to continue releasing water vapor from the humidity control material 43 in the second chamber 46. Furthermore, it is considered that the humidification capacity of the humidity control material 43 in the first chamber 45 has not recovered sufficiently. In this case, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) repeats step S31 while continuing to release water vapor from the humidity control material 43 in the second chamber 46.

[0169] [Rotating drive for humidity control unit] Next, in the second operation process step S2 of this embodiment, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) rotates the humidity control unit 16 (step S32). In step S32 of this embodiment, the control unit 25 rotates the humidity control unit 16, moving it from the second position shown in Figure 9(b) to the first position shown in Figure 9(a). This allows the control unit 25 to move the humidity control unit 16 from the second position to the first position, for example, when most of the water vapor has been released from the humidity control material 43 in the second chamber 46. Furthermore, the control unit 25 can move the humidity control unit 16 from the second position to the first position when the humidification capacity of the humidity control material 43 in the first chamber 45 has recovered.

[0170] [Determining whether the detection signal from the second sensor was detected twice] Next, in the second operation processing step S2 of this embodiment, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) determines whether it was able to detect the detection signal from the second sensor 66 twice (step S33). In step S33 of this embodiment, it is detected whether the humidity control unit 16, which started moving from the second position toward the first position in step S32, has moved toward the first position.

[0171] As described above, when the humidity control unit 16 moves from the second position to the first position, the detection signal from the second sensor 66 is output twice. Based on the output of this detection signal, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) can detect (understand) that the humidity control unit 16 has moved to the first position.

[0172] For example, if the second sensor 66 is malfunctioning, the second sensor 66 will not be able to detect the fourth and first positions while the humidity control unit 16 is moving from the second position to the first position. Taking such cases into consideration, in step S33, it is determined whether the detection signal from the second sensor 66 was detected twice within time t2 (i.e., the time required for the humidity control unit 16 to move from the second position to the first position).

[0173] In step S33, if it is determined that the detection signal from the second sensor 66 was detected twice within time t2 ("Y" in step S33), then the second sensor 66 is operating normally without failure, and the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) is able to detect the detection signal from the second sensor 66. Therefore, based on the first signal (detection signal) output from the second sensor 66, the control unit 25 detects (understands) that the humidity control unit 16 has been switched to the first position and stops the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 (step S34). As a result, the control unit 25 can control the drive unit 28 so that the humidity control unit 16 is positioned and stopped at the first position.

[0174] On the other hand, in step S33, if it is determined that the detection signal from the second sensor 66 could not be detected twice within time t2 after the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 started ("N" in step S33), it is determined that the second sensor 66 is faulty. In this case, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) cannot position and stop the humidity control unit 16 based on the signal from the second sensor 66, so steps S35 to S36 are executed to terminate the second operation process.

[0175] In step S34, after the humidity control unit 16 is positioned and stopped in the first position, step S31 is performed again. In step S31, while it is determined that time t1 has not elapsed since the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 stopped (while it is "N" in step S31), water vapor adsorbed on the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53) in the first chamber 45 is released (humidification state), the relative humidity of the first air 58 is increased, and it is supplied to the multiple living rooms 5 (shown in Figure 1). This makes it possible to effectively humidify the multiple living rooms 5 while heating them.

[0176] Meanwhile, in the humidity control material 43 of the second chamber 46, the water vapor contained in the second air 59 is adsorbed by the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53) of the second chamber 46 (humidity absorption state), and the humidification capacity of the humidity control material 43 is restored. The second air 59, with its reduced relative humidity, is then supplied to the attic 39 (shown in Figure 1), making it possible to dehumidify the attic 39 (suppressing condensation in the attic 39).

[0177] Then, in step S31, if it is determined that time t1 has elapsed (indicated as "Y" in step S31), the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) rotates the humidity control unit 16 at the time when most of the water vapor has been released from the humidity control material 43 in the first chamber 45 (step S32). Then, in step S33, if it is determined that the detection signal from the second sensor 66 has been detected twice within time t2 (indicated as "Y" in step S33), the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 is stopped (step S34). As a result, the control unit 25 can control the drive unit 28 so that the humidity control unit 16, which has moved from the first position to the second position, is positioned and stopped at the second position.

[0178] In this way, based on the signal from the second sensor 66, the humidity control unit 16 is alternately positioned and stopped between the first position and the second position. As a result, the humidity control device 15 of this embodiment can continuously and efficiently supply humidified conditioned air A1 to multiple living rooms 5 and restore the humidification capacity of the humidity control material 43.

[0179] [Handling procedures in case of failure of the first and second sensors] As described above, if it is determined in step S33 that the second sensor 66 is malfunctioning ("N" in step S33), the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) cannot position and stop the humidity control unit 16 based on the signal from the second sensor 66, and therefore stops the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 after time t3 has elapsed (step S35).

[0180] As described above, time t3 in this embodiment is set to twice time t2 (i.e., the time required for the humidity control unit 16 to move from one of the first and second positions to the other of the first and second positions). Therefore, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) can control the drive unit 28 so that the humidity control unit 16 stops at its original position (either the first or second position) after one rotation, thus ensuring that the humidity control unit 16 stops rotating at a position where the conditioned air A1 can be transported. Consequently, in this embodiment, even if the second sensor 66 fails during the second operation process, the humidity control device 15 can continuously supply the conditioned air A1 to multiple rooms 5.

[0181] After step S35, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) displays data regarding the failures of the first sensor 65 and the second sensor 66 on the output device 75 (step S36), and terminates the second operation process and the humidity control method. The display of failure data enables the humidity control device 15 to be restored quickly, as described above. After the humidity control device 15 is restored, the humidity control method is performed again.

[0182] [Humidity control device (second embodiment)] In the embodiments described above, the first sensor 65 and the second sensor 66 are non-contact sensors, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. The first sensor 80 and the second sensor 81 may be, for example, contact sensors. Such contact sensors are less susceptible to the influence of ambient light and other factors compared to non-contact sensors, and can therefore more reliably detect the rotational position of the humidity control unit 16.

[0183] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of a humidity control device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The contact sensor in this embodiment is configured as a known limit switch. In this embodiment, when an external force is applied to the limit switch (when an object makes contact), a first signal (detection signal) is output. On the other hand, when no external force is applied to the limit switch, a second signal is output.

[0184] In this embodiment, the first sensor 80 and the second sensor 81 are provided on the inspection door 42. The first sensor 80 and the second sensor 81 face the second main space 18B and are fixed to the opening of the inspection door 42.

[0185] In this embodiment, the humidity control unit 16 is provided with protrusions 77 so that external force can be applied (pressed) to the first sensor 80 and the second sensor 81 (contact type sensor). In this embodiment, the protrusions 77 are formed on the first partition 30, the third partition 48, and the fourth partition 49 of the humidity control unit 16. In this embodiment, the protrusions 77 are composed of an outer protrusion 78 and an inner protrusion 79.

[0186] The external protrusions 78 are for applying an external force to the first sensor 80. In this embodiment, the external protrusions 78 are provided at positions where an external force is applied to the first sensor 80 when the humidity control unit 16 moves to the first and second positions, respectively. Therefore, in this embodiment, two external protrusions 78 are provided.

[0187] In this embodiment, the external projection 78 includes a first external projection 78A and a second external projection 78B. The first external projection 78A is for applying an external force to the first sensor 80 when the humidity control unit 16 moves to a first position. The second external projection 78B is for applying an external force to the first sensor 80 when the humidity control unit 16 moves to a second position.

[0188] The internal protrusions 79 are for applying an external force to the second sensor 81. In this embodiment, the internal protrusions 79 are provided at positions where an external force is applied to the second sensor 81 when the humidity control unit 16 moves to the first, second, third, and fourth positions, respectively. Therefore, in this embodiment, four internal protrusions 79 are provided.

[0189] The internal projection 79 is composed of a first internal projection 79A, a second internal projection 79B, a third internal projection 79C, and a fourth internal projection 79D. The first internal projection 79A is for applying an external force to the second sensor 81 when the humidity control unit 16 moves to a first position. The second internal projection 79B is for applying an external force to the second sensor 81 when the humidity control unit 16 moves to a second position. The third internal projection 79C is for applying an external force to the second sensor 81 when the humidity control unit 16 moves to a third position. The fourth internal projection 79D is for applying an external force to the second sensor 81 when the humidity control unit 16 moves to a fourth position.

[0190] In this embodiment, the internal projection 79 is positioned closer to the rotation axis 51 of the humidity control unit 16 than the external projection 78. This makes it possible to prevent interference between the external projection 78 and the internal projection 79 (interference between the first sensor 80 and the second sensor 81).

[0191] In this embodiment, even if the first sensor 80 and the second sensor 81 are composed of contact sensors, they can detect the first to fourth positions of the humidity control unit 16 and output a detection signal, similar to the non-contact sensors in previous embodiments. Therefore, the control unit 25 (shown in Figure 12) can continuously heat and humidify multiple rooms 5 based on the processing procedure of the humidity control method shown in Figure 13. Furthermore, even if the first sensor 80 fails, the rotation of the humidity control unit 16 is guaranteed to stop at a position where the conditioned air A1 can be transported.

[0192] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific disclosures described above, and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims.

[0193] [Note] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0194] [Invention 1] A batch-type humidity control device for regulating air humidity, A casing having a first entrance, a first exit, a second entrance, and a second exit, A humidity control unit rotatably disposed around a rotating shaft within the casing, comprising a first chamber and a second chamber independent of each other, each chamber having a humidity control material inside and a cylindrical structure with both ends open, An air transport unit for supplying first air to the first inlet and supplying second air having a higher relative humidity than the first air to the second inlet, A drive unit for rotating the humidity control unit, A sensor group including a first sensor and a second sensor for detecting the rotational position of the humidity control unit, It includes a control unit for controlling the rotation of the drive unit based on the signals of the sensor group, The control unit performs a first operation process to control the drive unit so that the humidity control unit alternately positions and stops between a first position and a second position, based on the signal from the first sensor. In the first position, the first inlet is connected to the first outlet via the first chamber, and the second inlet is connected to the second outlet via the second chamber. In the second position, the first inlet is connected to the first outlet via the second chamber, and the second inlet is connected to the second outlet via the first chamber. The control unit further, A determination process that uses the second sensor to determine whether or not the first sensor is faulty, When it is determined that the first sensor is malfunctioning, a second operation process is performed in which the drive unit is controlled to stop the humidity control unit at the first or second position based on the signal from the second sensor. Humidity control device. [Invention 2] The humidity control device according to the present invention 1, wherein the determination process determines whether or not the first sensor is malfunctioning while the humidity control unit is moving from one of the first position and the second position to the other of the first position and the second position. [Invention 3] The first sensor is configured to output a detection signal when it detects the first position and the second position. The humidity control device according to invention 1 or 2, wherein the second position is a position 180° away from the first position with respect to the axis of rotation. [4th Invention] The humidity control device according to any one of inventions 1 to 3, wherein the control unit includes a maintenance mode that controls the drive unit to stop the humidity control unit at a third or fourth position based on the signal from the second sensor. [5th ​​Invention] The second sensor is configured to output a detection signal when it detects the first position or the fourth position. The third position is a position 90° away from the first position with respect to the axis of rotation, The humidity control device according to the present invention, wherein the fourth position is a position 180° away from the third position with respect to the axis of rotation. [Invention 6] The humidity control device according to the present invention, wherein the determination process determines that the first sensor is malfunctioning when, while the humidity control unit is moving from one of the first and second positions to the other of the first and second positions, the detection signal of the first sensor cannot be detected within a predetermined time required for the movement, and the detection signal of the second sensor is detected two or more times. [7th Invention] The first sensor is a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor, The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 of the present invention, wherein the second sensor is a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor. [8th Invention] The humidity control unit has a maximum rotational radius around the rotation axis, The humidity control device according to any one of invention 1 to 7, wherein the first sensor is provided to detect the position of the outer periphery of the humidity control section at a distance of 50% or more of the maximum rotation radius from the rotation axis when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0195] 15. Humidity control device 16. Humidity control section 26 Casing 28 Drive unit 35A 1st entrance 35B 2nd entrance 36A Exit 1 36B 2nd exit 43. Humidity control material 45 First Chamber 46. ​​Second Chamber

Claims

1. A batch-type humidity control device for regulating air humidity, A casing having a first entrance, a first exit, a second entrance, and a second exit, A humidity control unit rotatably disposed around a rotating shaft within the casing, comprising a first chamber and a second chamber independent of each other, each chamber having a humidity control material disposed inside and having a cylindrical structure with both ends open, An air transport unit for supplying first air to the first inlet and supplying second air having a higher relative humidity than the first air to the second inlet, A drive unit for rotating the humidity control unit, A sensor group including a first sensor and a second sensor for detecting the rotational position of the humidity control unit, It includes a control unit for controlling the rotation of the drive unit based on the signals of the sensor group, The control unit performs a first operation process to control the drive unit so that the humidity control unit is alternately positioned and stopped between a first position and a second position, based on the signal from the first sensor. In the first position, the first inlet is connected to the first outlet via the first chamber, and the second inlet is connected to the second outlet via the second chamber. In the second position, the first inlet is connected to the first outlet via the second chamber, and the second inlet is connected to the second outlet via the first chamber. The control unit further, A determination process that uses the second sensor to determine whether or not the first sensor is faulty, When it is determined that the first sensor is malfunctioning, a second operation process is performed in which the drive unit is controlled to stop the humidity control unit at the first or second position based on the signal from the second sensor. Humidity control device.

2. The humidity control device according to claim 1, wherein the determination process determines whether or not the first sensor is malfunctioning while the humidity control unit is moving from one of the first position and the second position to the other of the first position and the second position.

3. The first sensor is configured to output a detection signal when it detects the first position and the second position. The humidity control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second position is a position 180° away from the first position with respect to the axis of rotation.

4. The humidity control device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit includes a maintenance mode that controls the drive unit to stop the humidity control unit at a third or fourth position based on the signal from the second sensor.

5. The second sensor is configured to output a detection signal when it detects the first position to the fourth position. The third position is a position located 90° away from the first position with respect to the axis of rotation. The humidity control device according to claim 4, wherein the fourth position is a position 180° away from the third position with respect to the axis of rotation.

6. The humidity control device according to claim 5, wherein the determination process determines that the first sensor is malfunctioning when, while the humidity control unit is moving from one of the first and second positions to the other of the first and second positions, the detection signal of the first sensor cannot be detected within a predetermined time required for the movement, and the detection signal of the second sensor is detected two or more times.

7. The first sensor is a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor, The humidity control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second sensor is a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor.

8. The humidity control unit has a maximum rotational radius around the rotation axis, The humidity control device according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor is provided to detect the position of the outer periphery of the humidity control unit at a distance of 50% or more of the maximum rotation radius from the rotation axis, as viewed from the direction of the rotation axis.

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