Dehumidifier and humidifier with air purification function

Abstract

To provide a dehumidification / humidification device with an air purification function that can discharge hypochlorous acid while keeping comfort throughout the year.SOLUTION: A dehumidification / humidification device with an air purification function 2 comprises: a refrigerant cycle 9 including a compressor 9a, a first heat exchanger 9b, an expander 9c, a second heat exchanger 9d, and a four-way valve 9e; a hypochlorous acid vaporization part 11; a third heat exchanger 10 comprising a first heat exchange air passage 10a and a second heat exchange air passage 10b; a first bypass air passage 12 communicably connecting the upstream side of the first heat exchange air passage 10a and the upstream side of the hypochlorous acid vaporization part 11 provided on the downstream side of the second heat exchange air passage 10b; a second bypass air passage 13 communicably connecting the upstream side of the second heat exchange air passage 10b and the downstream side of the first heat exchange air passage 10a; a first switching part 15 for switching an air passage so as to pass air through the first heat exchange air passage 10a or the first bypass air passage 12; and a second switching part 16 for switching an air passage so as to pass air through the second heat exchange air passage 10b or the second bypass air passage 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a dehumidifying and humidifying device with an air purification function that performs dehumidification and humidification while disinfecting a target space, such as an indoor space. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an air conditioning system that supplies sterilized, clean air is known, which sterilizes the air supplied to a room by bringing it into contact with a gas-liquid contact area containing hypochlorous acid and then releasing it (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-133521 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Conventional air conditioning systems release hypochlorous acid along with moisture using humidifiers or two-fluid nozzles. While this can humidify the area where hypochlorous acid is released, it can also increase humidity, especially during the summer when relative humidity is high, potentially compromising comfort.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a dehumidifying and humidifying device with an air purification function that can release hypochlorous acid while maintaining comfort throughout the year. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve this objective, the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device with air purification function according to the present invention comprises a refrigerant cycle comprising an intake port for drawing in outside air, a compressor, a first heat exchanger for performing either heating or cooling, an expander, a second heat exchanger for performing the other heating or cooling, and a four-way valve for switching the direction of refrigerant flow; a hypochlorous acid vaporization unit for adding hypochlorous acid gas to the air flowing inside, an outlet for blowing out the air that has flowed inside, a third heat exchanger having a first heat exchange air passage and a second heat exchange air passage independent of the first heat exchange air passage, and a first portion of the air drawn in from the intake port, the first heat exchanger, the first heat The system includes a first path through which air flows in the order of the heat exchange air passage, a second path through which the second portion of the air drawn in from the intake flows in the order of the second heat exchange air passage and the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, a first bypass air passage that connects the downstream side of the first heat exchanger and the upstream side of the first heat exchange air passage with the downstream side of the second heat exchange air passage and the upstream side of the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, a second bypass air passage that connects the upstream side of the second heat exchange air passage with the downstream side of the first heat exchange air passage, a first switching unit that switches the air passage between a state in which the first portion flows through the first heat exchange air passage and a state in which it flows through the first bypass air passage, and a second switching unit that switches the air passage between a state in which the second portion flows through the second heat exchange air passage and a state in which it flows through the second bypass air passage. The system has a dehumidification mode in which a four-way valve directs the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant cycle to the first direction, cooling the first heat exchanger and heating the second heat exchanger, and the first and second parts are circulated through the first and second heat exchange air passages, respectively, by the first and second switching units; and a humidification mode in which a four-way valve directs the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant cycle to the second direction opposite to the first direction, heating the first heat exchanger and cooling the second heat exchanger, and the first and second parts are circulated through the first bypass air passage and the second bypass air passage, respectively, by the first and second switching units.

[0007] Another dehumidifying device with an air purification function according to the present invention includes a suction port for sucking in external air, a compressor, a first heat exchanger that performs either heating or cooling, an expander, a second heat exchanger that performs the other of heating or cooling, a four-way valve for switching the flow direction of the refrigerant, a refrigerant cycle configured to include these components, a hypochlorous acid vaporization unit that adds hypochlorous acid gas to the air flowing inside, a blowout port for blowing out the air that has flowed inside to the outside, a first heat exchange air passage and a second heat exchange air passage independent of the first heat exchange air passage, a third heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage and the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage, a first path through which a first portion of the air sucked in from the suction port flows in the order of the first heat exchanger and the first heat exchange air passage, a second path through which a second portion of the air sucked in from the suction port flows in the order of the second heat exchange air passage and the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit, a first bypass air passage that connects and communicates the upstream side of the first heat exchange air passage on the downstream side of the first heat exchanger and the upstream side of the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit on the downstream side of the second heat exchange air passage, a second bypass air passage that connects and communicates the upstream side of the second heat exchange air passage and the downstream side of the first heat exchange air passage, a first switching unit that switches the air passage between a state where the first portion flows through the first heat exchange air passage and a state where it flows through the first bypass air passage, and a second switching unit that switches the air passage between a state where the second portion flows through the second heat exchange air passage and the second bypass air passage and a state where it flows through the second bypass air passage. The second heat exchanger is disposed on the downstream side of the confluence portion of the second bypass air passage. The four-way valve sets the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant cycle in a first direction, cools the first heat exchanger, and heats the second heat exchanger. The four-way valve sets the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant cycle in a first direction, cools the first heat exchanger, and heats the second heat exchanger. In the dehumidifying mode, the first switching unit causes the first portion to flow through the first heat exchange air passage, and the second switching unit causes the second portion to flow through the second heat exchange air passage and the second bypass air passage. In the humidifying mode, the four-way valve sets the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant cycle in a second direction opposite to the first direction, heats the first heat exchanger, cools the second heat exchanger, and the first switching unit and the second switching unit cause the first portion and the second portion to flow through the first bypass air passage and the second bypass air passage, respectively.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a dehumidifying device with an air purification function that can release hypochlorous acid while maintaining comfort throughout the year.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an installation example of a dehumidifying device with an air purification function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in a living space. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a dehumidifying device with an air purification function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the air passage configuration in the dehumidifying mode of a dehumidifying device with an air purification function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the air passage configuration in the humidifying mode of a dehumidifying device with an air purification function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a dehumidifying device with an air purification function according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the air passage configuration in the dehumidifying mode of a dehumidifying device with an air purification function according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the air passage configuration in the humidifying mode of a dehumidifying device with an air purification function according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The dehumidifying and dehumidifying device with air purification function according to the present invention comprises a refrigerant cycle comprising an intake port for drawing in outside air, a compressor, a first heat exchanger that performs either heating or cooling, an expander, a second heat exchanger that performs the other of heating or cooling, and a four-way valve for switching the direction of refrigerant flow; a hypochlorous acid vaporization unit that adds hypochlorous acid gas to the air flowing inside; an outlet that blows out the air that has flowed inside to the outside; a third heat exchanger having a first heat exchange air passage and a second heat exchange air passage independent of the first heat exchange air passage, which exchanges heat between the air flowing in the first heat exchange air passage and the air flowing in the second heat exchange air passage; and the first portion of the air drawn in from the intake port flows through the first heat exchanger and the first heat exchange air passage in that order. The system includes a first path through which air flows, a second path through which a second portion of air drawn in from the intake flows in the order of a second heat exchange air passage and a hypochlorous acid vaporization section, a first bypass air passage connecting the downstream side of the first heat exchanger and the upstream side of the first heat exchange air passage with the downstream side of the second heat exchange air passage and the upstream side of the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, a second bypass air passage connecting the upstream side of the second heat exchange air passage with the downstream side of the first heat exchange air passage, a first switching unit that switches the air passage between a state in which the first portion flows through the first heat exchange air passage and a state in which it flows through the first bypass air passage, and a second switching unit that switches the air passage between a state in which the second portion flows through the second heat exchange air passage and a state in which it flows through the second bypass air passage. The system has a dehumidification mode in which a four-way valve directs the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant cycle to the first direction, cooling the first heat exchanger and heating the second heat exchanger, and the first and second parts are circulated through the first and second heat exchange air passages, respectively, by the first and second switching units; and a humidification mode in which a four-way valve directs the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant cycle to the second direction opposite to the first direction, heating the first heat exchanger and cooling the second heat exchanger, and the first and second parts are circulated through the first bypass air passage and the second bypass air passage, respectively, by the first and second switching units.

[0011] With this configuration, in dehumidification mode, the first portion of the external air drawn in from the intake port flows through the first path. In this process, the first portion of the air passes through the cooled first heat exchanger, becomes cold, and condenses, i.e., is dehumidified. The cold air then flows through the first heat exchange air passage and is then blown out to the outside from the outlet. The second portion of the external air drawn in from the intake port flows through the second path. In this process, the second portion of the air flows through the second heat exchange air passage, and becomes cold through heat exchange with the cold air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage, and condenses, i.e., is dehumidified. The cold air that has passed through the second heat exchange air passage then flows through the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, where hypochlorous acid gas is added, and then it is blown out to the outside from the outlet. As a result, while dehumidifying the air flowing inside the device, cold air that does not easily vaporize moisture can be introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, thus suppressing the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization section.

[0012] On the other hand, in humidification mode, the first portion of the air drawn in from the intake passes through the heated first heat exchanger and becomes hot. This hot air then flows through the first bypass air passage, and then through the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, where hypochlorous acid gas is added before being blown out from the outlet. As a result, hot air that easily vaporizes moisture can be introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, which increases the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization section.

[0013] In other words, a dehumidifying and humidifying device with an air purification function can switch between dehumidification and humidification modes. During periods of high humidity (for example, summer in Japan), it dehumidifies while releasing hypochlorous acid gas, and during periods of low humidity (for example, winter in Japan), it humidifies while releasing hypochlorous acid gas. To put it another way, a dehumidifying and humidifying device with an air purification function is a device that can release hypochlorous acid while maintaining comfort throughout the year.

[0014] Furthermore, in the dehumidifying and humidifying device with air purification function according to the present invention, the second heat exchanger is positioned downstream of the confluence of the second bypass air passage. This allows air at a lower temperature than the outside air to circulate to the heated second heat exchanger in dehumidification mode, thereby promoting heat dissipation in the second heat exchanger and lowering the temperature of the first heat exchanger. As a result, the air that has passed through the second heat exchange air passage (air cooled by heat exchange with the low-temperature air that has passed through the cooled first heat exchanger), that is, the air introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, can be made colder, and the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization section can be suppressed. In other words, the decrease in dehumidification performance associated with vaporizing and releasing hypochlorous acid can be suppressed.

[0015] On the other hand, in humidification mode, the amount of air passing through the cooled second heat exchanger can be increased relative to the amount of air passing through the heated first heat exchanger. This promotes heat absorption in the cooled second heat exchanger, allowing the first heat exchanger to reach a higher temperature, and thus increasing the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization section. In other words, a dehumidifying and humidifying device with an air purification function can increase the amount of dehumidification and humidification when vaporizing and releasing hypochlorous acid.

[0016] Furthermore, in the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device with air purification function according to the present invention, a first mixed air, which is a mixture of air that has flowed through the first heat exchange air passage and air that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization section via the second heat exchange air passage, or a second mixed air, which is a mixture of air that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization section via the first bypass air passage and air that has flowed through the second bypass air passage, is blown out to the outside from the outlet. This makes it possible to blow out air with reduced temperature and humidity unevenness to the outside, enabling the blowing out of more comfortable air.

[0017] Furthermore, in the dehumidifying and humidifying device with air purification function according to the present invention, the airflow rate through the second heat exchange air passage is smaller than the airflow rate through the first heat exchange air passage. As a result, the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage can be cooled by a relatively large amount of low-temperature air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage, making the air that has passed through the second heat exchange air passage, i.e., the air introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, even colder. Consequently, the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization section can be further suppressed. In other words, the decrease in dehumidification performance associated with vaporizing and releasing hypochlorous acid can be further suppressed.

[0018] Furthermore, the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device with air purification function according to the present invention further comprises a first blower for circulating air through a first path and a second blower for circulating air through a second path. The second blower is positioned upstream of the hypochlorous acid vaporization section in the second path. With this configuration, by positioning blowers in both the first and second paths, the airflow rates circulating through the first heat exchange air passage and the second heat exchange air passage can be easily and independently adjusted. As a result, the airflow rate circulating through the second heat exchange air passage can be easily made smaller than the airflow rate circulating through the first heat exchange air passage.

[0019] Another dehumidifying and dehumidifying device with an air purification function according to the present invention comprises a refrigerant cycle comprising an intake port for drawing in outside air, a compressor, a first heat exchanger that performs either heating or cooling, an expander, a second heat exchanger that performs the other of heating or cooling, and a four-way valve for switching the direction of refrigerant flow; a hypochlorous acid vaporization unit that adds hypochlorous acid gas to the air flowing inside; an outlet that blows out the air that has flowed inside to the outside; a third heat exchanger having a first heat exchange air passage and a second heat exchange air passage independent of the first heat exchange air passage, which exchanges heat between the air flowing in the first heat exchange air passage and the air flowing in the second heat exchange air passage; and a first portion of the air drawn in from the intake port that flows in the order of the first heat exchanger and the first heat exchange air passage. The system includes a first path through which the second portion of the air drawn in from the intake port flows in the order of the second heat exchange air passage and the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, a first bypass air passage connecting the downstream side of the first heat exchange air passage and the upstream side of the first heat exchange air passage to the downstream side of the second heat exchange air passage and the upstream side of the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, a second bypass air passage connecting the upstream side of the second heat exchange air passage and the downstream side of the first heat exchange air passage, a first switching section that switches the air passage between a state in which the first portion flows through the first heat exchange air passage and a state in which it flows through the first bypass air passage, and a second switching section that switches the air passage between a state in which the second portion flows through the second heat exchange air passage and the second bypass air passage and a state in which it flows through the second bypass air passage. The second heat exchanger is located downstream of the confluence of the second bypass air passages. The system has a dehumidification mode in which a four-way valve directs the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant cycle to a first direction, cooling the first heat exchanger and heating the second heat exchanger, and a first switching unit directs the first portion to flow through the first heat exchange air passage, while a second switching unit directs the second portion to flow through the second heat exchange air passage and the second bypass air passage; and a humidification mode in which a four-way valve directs the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant cycle to a second direction opposite to the first direction, heating the first heat exchanger and cooling the second heat exchanger, and a first and second switching unit directs the first and second portions to flow through the first bypass air passage and the second bypass air passage, respectively.

[0020] In this configuration, in dehumidification mode, the first portion of the outside air drawn in from the intake flows through the first path. In this process, the first portion of the air passes through the cooled first heat exchanger, becomes cold, and condenses, i.e., is dehumidified. The cold air then flows through the first heat exchange air passage, and then passes through the heated second heat exchanger before being blown out to the outside from the outlet. The second portion of the outside air drawn in from the intake flows through the second path and the second bypass air passage. In this process, the second portion of the air flowing through the second path flows through the second heat exchange air passage, and by exchanging heat with the cold air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage, becomes cold, and condenses, i.e., is dehumidified. The cold air that has passed through the second heat exchange air passage then flows through the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, has hypochlorous acid gas added to it, and is then blown out to the outside from the outlet. The second portion of the air flowing through the second bypass air passage also flows through the second bypass air passage, and then passes through the heated second heat exchanger before being blown out to the outside from the outlet. As a result, while dehumidifying the air circulating inside the device, low-temperature air that does not easily vaporize moisture can be introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, thereby suppressing the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization section. Furthermore, since the air that has passed through the second bypass airflow path is passed through the heated second heat exchanger, the amount of air circulating through the heated second heat exchanger can be increased relative to the amount of air that has passed through the cooled first heat exchanger, while the amount of air passing through the cooled first heat exchanger can be reduced. This promotes heat dissipation from the heated second heat exchanger, and the cooled first heat exchanger becomes even colder. As a result, the cooled first heat exchanger can be cooled to a low temperature with less energy, enabling energy-saving operation in dehumidification mode.

[0021] On the other hand, in humidification mode, the first portion of air drawn in from the intake port passes through the heated first heat exchange gas and becomes hot. This hot air then flows through the first bypass air passage, then through the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, where hypochlorous acid gas is added before being blown out from the outlet. As a result, hot air that easily vaporizes moisture can be introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, increasing the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization section. In addition, in humidification mode, the amount of air flowing through the cooled second heat exchanger can be increased relative to the amount of air that passes through the heated first heat exchanger. This promotes heat absorption in the cooled second heat exchanger, allowing the first heat exchanger to become hotter, thus increasing the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization section.

[0022] In other words, a dehumidifying and humidifying device with an air purification function can switch between dehumidification and humidification modes. During periods of high humidity (for example, summer in Japan), it can dehumidify while releasing hypochlorous acid gas in an energy-saving manner, and during periods of low humidity (for example, winter in Japan), it can humidify while releasing hypochlorous acid gas. To put it another way, a dehumidifying and humidifying device with an air purification function is a device that can release hypochlorous acid throughout the year while maintaining comfort and energy efficiency.

[0023] Furthermore, in another dehumidifying and humidifying device with air purification function according to the present invention, the second switching unit switches the flow rate to the second bypass air passage to be greater than the flow rate to the second heat exchange air passage when air is flowing through the second heat exchange air passage and the second bypass air passage. As a result, the amount of air passing through the heated second heat exchanger can be increased relative to the amount of air passing through the cooled first heat exchanger, thereby promoting heat dissipation from the heated second heat exchanger and lowering the temperature of the cooled first heat exchanger. Consequently, the cooled first heat exchanger can be lowered to a lower temperature with less energy, enabling energy-saving operation in dehumidification mode.

[0024] Furthermore, in another dehumidifying and dehumidifying device with an air purification function according to the present invention, a first mixed air is produced by mixing the air that has flowed through the second heat exchanger with the air that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization section via the second heat exchange air passage, or a second mixed air is produced by mixing the air that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization section via the first bypass air passage with the air that has flowed through the second heat exchanger via the second bypass air passage, and this mixture is blown out to the outside from the outlet. This makes it possible to blow out air with reduced temperature and humidity unevenness to the outside, enabling the blowing out of more comfortable air.

[0025] Furthermore, in another dehumidifying and humidifying device with air purification function according to the present invention, the airflow rate through the second heat exchange air passage is smaller than the airflow rate through the first heat exchange air passage. As a result, the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage can be cooled by a relatively large amount of low-temperature air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage, making the air that has passed through the second heat exchange air passage, i.e., the air introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, even colder. Consequently, the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization section can be further suppressed. In other words, the decrease in dehumidification performance associated with vaporizing and releasing hypochlorous acid can be further suppressed.

[0026] Furthermore, in another dehumidifying and dehumidifying device with an air purification function according to the present invention, a first blower for circulating air in a first path and a second blower for circulating air in a second path are further included. The second blower is positioned upstream of the hypochlorous acid vaporization section in the second path. With this configuration, by positioning blowers in both the first and second paths, the airflow rates circulating in the first heat exchange air passage and the second heat exchange air passage can be easily and independently adjusted, and the airflow rate circulating in the second heat exchange air passage can be made smaller than the airflow rate circulating in the first heat exchange air passage.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the figures described in the embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0028] (Embodiment 1) First, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the outline of the dehumidifying and de-icing device 2 with air purification function according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the installation of the dehumidifying and de-icing device 2 with air purification function according to an embodiment of the present invention in a living space 1. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the dehumidifying and de-icing device 2 with air purification function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the dehumidifying and decompressing device 2 with air purification function is installed on the underside of the ceiling surface 1a of the living space 1. The dehumidifying and decompressing device 2 takes in intake air 3 from the living space 1, dehumidifies or humidifies the intake air 3 while adding hypochlorous acid gas, and releases it back into the living space 1 as blown air 4 with added hypochlorous acid gas. In other words, the dehumidifying and decompressing device 2 with air purification function is a device that dehumidifies or humidifies the living space 1 and disinfects it by supplying hypochlorous acid gas to the living space 1. Although not specifically shown in the figures, the dehumidifying and decompressing device 2 with air purification function is connected to an external power source, as well as to water supply and drainage facilities.

[0030] As will be explained in more detail later, the discharged air 4 is air that has been dehumidified or humidified and disinfected within the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with an air purification function. Furthermore, since the discharged air 4 contains hypochlorous acid gas, it can also be said to be air that disinfects the walls and other surfaces of the living space 1.

[0031] Next, we will describe the specific configuration of the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with air purification function.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with air purification function includes an intake port 5, an outlet port 6, a first path 7, a second path 8, a refrigerant cycle 9, a third heat exchanger 10, a hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, a first bypass air passage 12, a second bypass air passage 13, a first blower 14a, a second blower 14b, a first switching unit 15, and a second switching unit 16. The refrigerant cycle 9 includes a compressor 9a, a first heat exchanger 9b, an expander 9c, a second heat exchanger 9d, a four-way valve 9e, and a refrigerant pipe 9f. The third heat exchanger 10 includes a first heat exchange air passage 10a and a second heat exchange air passage 10b.

[0033] The intake port 5 is an intake port for taking in intake air 3 from the living space 1 into the dehumidifying and de-icing device 2 with air purification function, and is located on the top surface 1a of the living space 1.

[0034] The air outlet 6 is an outlet for supplying the air (intake air 3) taken into the dehumidifying and decontaminating device 2 with an air purification function as discharged air 4 to the living space 1, and is located on the top surface 1a of the living space 1.

[0035] The first path 7 is an air passage through which air flows in the following order: intake port 5, first heat exchanger 9b of the refrigerant cycle 9, first heat exchange air passage 10a of the third heat exchanger 10, second heat exchanger 9d of the refrigerant cycle 9, first blower 14a, and outlet port 6. It is arranged so as to connect the intake port 5 and the outlet port 6. In other words, the first path 7 has the following components arranged in this order from upstream: intake port 5, first heat exchanger 9b of the refrigerant cycle 9, first heat exchange air passage 10a of the third heat exchanger 10, second heat exchanger 9d of the refrigerant cycle 9, first blower 14a, and outlet port 6.

[0036] The second path 8 is an airflow path through which air flows in the following order: intake port 5, second heat exchange air passage 10b of the third heat exchanger 10, second blower 14b, hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, and outlet port 6. It is arranged so that the intake port 5 and outlet port 6 are connected in communication. In other words, in the second path 8, the intake port 5, second heat exchange air passage 10b of the third heat exchanger 10, second blower 14b, hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, and outlet port 6 are arranged in this order from upstream.

[0037] The first path 7 and the second path 8 can also be described as branched air passages leading from the intake port 5 to the outlet port 6. As will be explained in more detail later, the air drawn in from the intake port 5 (intake air 3) is branched, with the first part (first airflow 3a, described later) flowing through the first path 7, and the remaining second part (second airflow 3b, described later) flowing through the second path 8.

[0038] The first bypass air passage 12 is positioned to connect the downstream side of the first heat exchanger 9b and the upstream side of the first heat exchange air passage 10a in the first path 7 with the downstream side of the second heat exchange air passage 10b and the upstream side of the second blower 14b in the second path 8.

[0039] The second bypass air passage 13 is positioned to connect the upstream side of the second heat exchange air passage 10b in the second path 8 with the downstream side of the first heat exchange air passage 10a in the first path 7, which is also the upstream side of the second heat exchanger 9d.

[0040] The first switching unit 15 is a damper that closes either the first bypass air passage 12 or the first heat exchange air passage 10a. In other words, the first switching unit 15 switches the air passage between a state in which the first portion of the intake air 3 (the first airflow 3a or third airflow 3c described later) flows through the first heat exchange air passage 10a and a state in which it flows through the first bypass air passage 12. More specifically, in the dehumidification mode described later, the first switching unit 15 closes the first bypass air passage 12, allowing air (the first airflow 3a described later) to flow in the following order: intake port 5, first heat exchanger 9b of the refrigerant cycle 9, first heat exchange air passage 10a of the third heat exchanger 10, second heat exchanger 9d of the refrigerant cycle 9, first blower 14a, and outlet port 6. Furthermore, in the humidification mode described later, the first switching unit 15 closes the first heat exchange air passage 10a, allowing air (the third airflow 3c described later) to circulate in the following order: the intake port 5, the first heat exchanger 9b of the refrigerant cycle 9, the first bypass air passage 12, the second blower 14b, the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, and the outlet port 6. In this embodiment, the first switching unit 15 is a damper, but it is sufficient if either the first bypass air passage 12 or the first heat exchange air passage 10a can be closed, and a shutter or the like may also be used.

[0041] The second switching unit 16 is a damper that closes either the second bypass air passage 13 or the second heat exchange air passage 10b. The second switching unit 16 switches the air passage between a state in which the second portion of the intake air 3 (the second airflow 3b or fourth airflow 3d described later) flows through the second heat exchange air passage 10b and a state in which it flows through the second bypass air passage 13. More specifically, in the dehumidification mode described later, the second switching unit 16 closes the second bypass air passage 13 and opens the second heat exchange air passage 10b, thereby allowing air (the second airflow 3b described later) to flow in the following order: intake port 5, second heat exchange air passage 10b of the third heat exchanger 10, second blower 14b, hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, and outlet port 6. Furthermore, in the humidification mode described later, the second switching unit 16 closes the second heat exchange air passage 10b and opens the second bypass air passage 13, thereby allowing air (the fourth airflow 3d described later) to circulate in the order of the intake port 5, the second heat exchanger 9d of the refrigerant cycle 9, the first blower 14a, and the outlet port 6. In this embodiment, the second switching unit 16 is a damper, but it is sufficient if either the second bypass air passage 13 or the second heat exchange air passage 10b can be closed, and a shutter or the like may also be used.

[0042] The refrigerant cycle 9 consists of a compressor 9a, a four-way valve 9e, a first heat exchanger 9b, an expander 9c, and a second heat exchanger 9d, all connected by refrigerant pipes 9f to form a refrigerant flow path. Copper pipes are commonly used as the refrigerant pipes 9f in the refrigerant cycle and are connected by welding. In addition, alternative fluorocarbons (such as HFC134a) are used as refrigerants in the refrigerant cycle. The refrigerant cycle 9 is also called a refrigeration cycle.

[0043] The compressor 9a is a device that compresses the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas (working medium gas) in the refrigerant cycle, increasing its pressure and raising its temperature. In this embodiment, the compressor 9a raises the temperature of the refrigerant gas to approximately 45°C. The compressor 9a is located outside the first path 7, the second path 8, the first bypass air passage 12, and the second bypass air passage 13.

[0044] The first heat exchanger 9b is a device that performs either heating or cooling. When heating, the first heat exchanger 9b functions as a heat radiator, and when cooling, it functions as a heat absorber. More specifically, in the dehumidification mode described later, the first heat exchanger 9b functions as a heat absorber, and in the humidification mode described later, it functions as a heat radiator. The first heat exchanger 9b is installed between the intake port 5 in the first path 7 and the third heat exchanger 10 (first heat exchange air passage 10a).

[0045] The second heat exchanger 9d is a device that performs either heating or cooling. When heating is performed, the second heat exchanger 9d functions as a heat radiator, and when cooling is performed, it functions as a heat absorber. More specifically, the first heat exchanger 9b functions as a heat radiator in the dehumidification mode described later, and as a heat absorber in the humidification mode described later. The second heat exchanger 9d is located between the third heat exchanger 10 (first heat exchange air passage 10a) and the second blower 14b in the first path 7, and is positioned downstream of the confluence of the second bypass air passage 13 in the first path 7.

[0046] The four-way valve 9e is a valve used to switch the direction of refrigerant flow. In the dehumidification mode, described later, the four-way valve 9e switches the refrigerant flow path so that the suction side of the compressor 9a is connected to the first heat exchanger 9b, and the discharge side of the compressor 9a is connected to the second heat exchanger 9d. In the humidification mode, described later, the four-way valve 9e switches the refrigerant flow path so that the discharge side of the compressor 9a is connected to the first heat exchanger 9b, and the suction side of the compressor 9a is connected to the second heat exchanger 9d. By switching the four-way valve 9e, the first heat exchanger 9b or the second heat exchanger 9d connected to the discharge side of the compressor 9a functions as a heat radiator. On the other hand, by switching the four-way valve 9e, the first heat exchanger 9b or the second heat exchanger 9d connected to the suction side of the compressor 9a functions as a heat absorber. The four-way valve 9e is located outside the first path 7, the second path 8, the first bypass air passage 12, and the second bypass air passage 13.

[0047] The radiator (either the first heat exchanger 9b or the second heat exchanger 9d) releases heat to the outside (outside the refrigerant cycle) by exchanging heat between the refrigerant gas, which has been heated to a high temperature and pressure by the compressor 9a, and the air. In the radiator, the temperature of the refrigerant gas introduced (approximately 45°C) is higher than the temperature of the air, so when heat exchange occurs, the air is heated and the refrigerant gas is cooled. At this time, the refrigerant gas condenses and liquefies under high pressure. The radiator is also called a condenser.

[0048] The expander 9c is a device that reduces the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant liquefied by the heat exchanger to a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid. The expander 9c has a variable throttle opening and adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant path. The expander 9c is installed in the refrigerant pipe 9f that connects the first heat exchanger 9b and the second heat exchanger 9d. The expander 9c itself is located outside the first path 7, the second path 8, the first bypass air passage 12, and the second bypass air passage 13.

[0049] The heat absorber (the other half of the first heat exchanger 9b and the second heat exchanger 9d) is a device in which the refrigerant flowing through the expander 9c absorbs heat from the air and evaporates, converting the liquid refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas. In a heat absorber, the temperature of the refrigerant introduced is lower than the temperature of the air, so when heat exchange occurs, the air is cooled and the temperature of the refrigerant is raised. A heat absorber is also called an evaporator.

[0050] The third heat exchanger 10 has a first heat exchange air passage 10a and a second heat exchange air passage 10b that is independent of the first heat exchange air passage 10a, and is a device that exchanges heat between the air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage 10a and the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage 10b. More specifically, the third heat exchanger 10 is a heat exchanger equipped with a sensible heat type heat exchange element. Inside the third heat exchanger 10, there is a first heat exchange air passage 10a through which air flows in a predetermined direction, and a second heat exchange air passage 10b through which air flows in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first heat exchange air passage 10a. In the first heat exchange air passage 10a, heat exchange takes place between the air flowing inside and the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage 10b. Similarly, in the second heat exchange air passage 10b, heat exchange takes place between the air flowing inside and the air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage 10a. As shown in Figure 2, the third heat exchanger 10 is located at the intersection of the first path 7 and the second path 8.

[0051] The hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 is a device that adds hypochlorous acid gas to the air circulating inside it (the second airflow 3b or third airflow 3c, described later). The hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 has a centrifugal crushing unit and a hypochlorous acid water tank. The hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 uses a motor to rotate the centrifugal crushing unit, drawing up the hypochlorous acid water stored in the hypochlorous acid water tank by centrifugal force and scattering, impacting, and crushing it into the surroundings (centrifugally), vaporizing the hypochlorous acid along with the finely divided water. As a result, hypochlorous acid gas is added to the air circulating through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 along with the finely divided water. The hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 is located between the third heat exchanger 10 (second heat exchange airflow path 10b) and the outlet 6 in the second path 8, and is positioned downstream of the confluence of the first bypass airflow path 12 in the second path 8.

[0052] The first blower 14a is a fan for circulating air inside the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2 with air purification function. More specifically, the first blower 14a is a fan for circulating air into the first path 7 when the first bypass air passage 12 is closed by the first switching unit 15 and the first heat exchange air passage 10a is open, and the second bypass air passage 13 is closed by the second switching unit 16 and the second heat exchange air passage 10b is open (see Figure 3). At this time, the operation of the first blower 14a causes air (first airflow 3a) to circulate within the first path 7. Furthermore, the first blower 14a is a fan for circulating air into the second bypass air passage 13 when the first bypass air passage 12 is open by the first switching unit 15 and the first heat exchange air passage 10a is closed, and the second bypass air passage 13 is open by the second switching unit 16 and the second heat exchange air passage 10b is closed (see Figure 4). At this time, the operation of the first blower 14a causes air (fourth airflow 3d) to circulate within the second bypass air passage 13. For example, a sirocco fan or an axial flow fan can be used as the blower fan. The first blower 14a is positioned between the second heat exchanger 9d and the outlet 6 in the first path 7.

[0053] The second blower 14b is a fan that circulates air inside the dehumidifying and decontaminating device 2 with air purification function, separately from the first blower 14a. More specifically, the second blower 14b is a fan that circulates air into the second path 8 when the first bypass air passage 12 is closed by the first switching unit 15 and the first heat exchange air passage 10a is opened, and the second bypass air passage 13 is closed by the second switching unit 16 and the second heat exchange air passage 10b is opened (see Figure 3). At this time, the operation of the second blower 14b causes air (second airflow 3b) to circulate within the second path 8. Furthermore, the second blower 14b is a fan that circulates air into the first bypass air passage 12 when the first bypass air passage 12 is open by the first switching unit 15 and the first heat exchange air passage 10a is closed, and the second bypass air passage 13 is open by the second switching unit 16 and the second heat exchange air passage 10b is closed (see Figure 4). At this time, when the second blower 14b operates, air (third airflow 3c) circulates in the first bypass air passage 12. For example, a sirocco fan or an axial flow fan can be used as the blower fan. The second blower 14b is located between the third heat exchanger 10 (second heat exchange air passage 10b) and the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 in the second path 8, and is positioned downstream of the confluence of the first bypass air passage 12 in the second path 8.

[0054] Next, the dehumidification mode and humidification mode of the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with air purification function will be described in detail.

[0055] Referring to Figure 3, the airflow path configuration, the airflow through the interior, and the operation of the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 in the dehumidification mode of the dehumidifying and humidifying air purifier 2 will be explained. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the airflow path configuration in the dehumidification mode of the dehumidifying and humidifying air purifier 2 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The dehumidification mode is a mode in which hypochlorous acid gas is released while dehumidifying, and is used when it is desired to dehumidify and disinfect with hypochlorous acid gas at the same time, such as during the summer when humidity is high.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, in dehumidification mode, the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with air purification function operates the first switching unit 15 to close the first bypass air passage 12 and open the first heat exchange air passage 10a, so that the intake port 5, the first path 7, and the outlet port 6 are connected in communication. Furthermore, the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with air purification function operates the second switching unit 16 to close the second bypass air passage 13 and open the second heat exchange air passage 10b, so that the intake port 5, the second path 8, and the outlet port 6 are connected in communication.

[0057] Subsequently, the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2 with air purification function takes in intake air 3 from the intake port 5 by operating the first blower 14a and the second blower 14b. The intake air 3 taken in from the intake port 5 is divided into a first airflow 3a that flows into the first path 7 by the first blower 14a and a second airflow 3b that flows into the second path 8 by the second blower 14b. Here, the first airflow 3a corresponds to the "first part of the air taken in from the intake port" in the claim, and the second airflow 3b corresponds to the "second part of the air taken in from the intake port" in the claim. In this embodiment, the temperature of the intake air 3 is 27°C, the relative humidity is 60%, and the airflow rate is 400 m³. 3 It is / h. Also, the airflow rate of the first airflow 3a when taken in from the intake port 5 is 250m³. 3 The value is / h, and the airflow rate of the second airflow 3b is 150m 3 It is / h.

[0058] The first airflow 3a is taken in from the intake port 5 into the dehumidifying and decompressing device 2 with air purification function, and then flows through the first heat exchanger 9b, the first heat exchange air passage 10a, the second heat exchanger 9d, and the first blower 14a in that order.

[0059] The second airflow 3b is taken in from the intake port 5 into the dehumidifying and decompressing device 2 with air purification function, and then flows through the second heat exchange air passage 10b, the second blower 14b, and the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 in that order.

[0060] Furthermore, the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with air purification function operates the four-way valve 9e to switch the refrigerant flow path so that the suction side of the compressor 9a is connected to the first heat exchanger 9b and the discharge side of the compressor 9a is connected to the second heat exchanger 9d, and the opening of the expander 9c is adjusted to start the operation of the compressor 9a. At this time, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 9a flows into the second heat exchanger 9d via the four-way valve 9e, which has been switched to dehumidification mode, and the second heat exchanger 9d functions as a heat radiator. Subsequently, the refrigerant flows through the expander 9c and the first heat exchanger 9b, which functions as a heat absorber, and is drawn in from the suction side of the compressor 9a via the four-way valve 9e.

[0061] The first airflow 3a is the airflow that flows through the first path 7 by the first blower 14a.

[0062] First airflow 3a (temperature 27°C, relative humidity 60%, airflow 250 m³) 3 The air ( / h) is taken in from the intake port 5 into the dehumidifying and decompressing device 2 with air purification function, then flows through the first path 7, and is cooled by flowing through the first heat exchanger 9b, which functions as a heat absorber. As a result, the temperature of the first airflow 3a falls below the dew point temperature, condensation occurs, and the moisture contained in the first airflow 3a is removed. In other words, dehumidification of the first airflow 3a is performed by flowing through the first heat exchanger 9b. In this embodiment, the temperature of the first airflow 3a that has flowed through the first heat exchanger 9b, which functions as a heat absorber, becomes 15°C, and the relative humidity becomes 95%.

[0063] Subsequently, the first airflow 3a (temperature 15℃, relative humidity 95%, airflow 250m³) 3 The air ( / h) is heated up by circulating through the first heat exchange air passage 10a of the third heat exchanger 10 and exchanging heat with the second airflow 3b circulating through the second heat exchange air passage 10b. However, at this time, the temperature of the first airflow 3a is lower than the temperature of the second airflow 3b before it circulates through the second heat exchange air passage 10b (the temperature of the intake air 3, which is the air outside the dehumidifying and decontaminating device 2 with air purification function). In this embodiment, the temperature of the first airflow 3a that has circulated through the first heat exchange air passage 10a becomes 21°C, and the relative humidity becomes 65%.

[0064] Thereafter, the first air flow 3a (temperature 21°C, relative humidity 65%, air volume 250 m 3 / h) flows through the second heat exchanger 9d that functions as a radiator. As a result, the amount of heat corresponding to the energy absorbed by the first heat exchanger 9b that functions as an absorber and the energy for circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant cycle 9 in the compressor 9a is exhausted from the second heat exchanger 9d that functions as a radiator to the first air flow 3a. As a result, the temperature of the first air flow 3a rises. In the present embodiment, the temperature of the first air flow 3a after passing through the second heat exchanger 9d is 46°C, and the relative humidity is 16%.

[0065] Thereafter, the first air flow 3a (temperature 46°C, relative humidity 16%, air volume 250 m 3 / h) flows through the first blower 14a, merges with the second air flow 3b described later, and then is blown out as the blown air 4 from the air outlet 6 to the outside of the dehumidifying device 2 with an air purification function.

[0066] On the other hand, the second air flow 3b is an air flow that passes through the second path 8 by the second blower 14b.

[0067] The second air flow 3b (temperature 27°C, relative humidity 60%, air volume 150 m 3 / h) flows through the second heat exchange air path 10b of the third heat exchanger 10 and exchanges heat with the first air flow 3a (temperature 15°C, relative humidity 95%, air volume 250 m 3 / h) flowing through the first heat exchange air path 10a, thereby being cooled. As a result, the temperature of the second air flow 3b becomes below the dew point temperature, condensation occurs, and dehumidification of the second air flow 3b is performed. That is, dehumidification of the second air flow 3b is performed by passing through the second heat exchange air path 10b. At this time, the air volume flowing through the second heat exchange air path 10b (150 m 3 / h) is smaller than the air volume flowing through the first heat exchange air path 10a (250 m 3 / h). In the present embodiment, the temperature of the second air flow 3b after passing through the second heat exchange air path 10b is 19°C, and the relative humidity is 90%.

[0068] Thereafter, the second air flow 3b (temperature 19°C, relative humidity 90%, air volume 150 m 3The airflow ( / h) passes through the second blower 14b and then through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11. As a result, hypochlorous acid gas is added to the second airflow 3b. It is also humidified at the same time. However, since the second airflow 3b introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 is low temperature and high humidity air, humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 is suppressed. In this embodiment, the temperature of the second airflow 3b that has passed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 is 18°C, and the relative humidity is 99%.

[0069] Subsequently, the second airflow 3b (temperature 18℃, relative humidity 99%, airflow 150m) 3 The above-mentioned first airflow 3a (temperature 46°C, relative humidity 16%, airflow 250 m³) is calculated as follows: 3 The air from the second airflow 3b (temperature 18°C, relative humidity 99%, airflow 150 m³) merges with the second airflow 3b (temperature 18°C, relative humidity 99%, airflow 150 m³) and is then blown out to the outside as the discharge air 4. 3 ( / h) and first airflow 3a (temperature 46℃, relative humidity 16%, airflow 250m³) 3 The air mixed by combining ( / h) corresponds to the "first mixed air" in the claim. In this embodiment, the temperature of the discharged air 4 blown out to the outside from the outlet 6 is 35°C, the relative humidity is 31%, and the airflow is 400 m³. 3 This results in a dehumidification rate of 25L / day.

[0070] As described above, in the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with air purification function of this embodiment, by executing the dehumidification mode, the air circulating inside the device is dehumidified, and at the same time, air that is difficult to vaporize due to its low temperature and high humidity is introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11. Therefore, humidification when vaporizing and releasing hypochlorous acid gas can be suppressed. Consequently, dehumidification can be performed while adding hypochlorous acid gas, even in hot and humid summer conditions.

[0071] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the airflow path configuration, the airflow through the interior, and the operation of the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 in the humidification mode of the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with air purification function will be described. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the airflow path configuration in the humidification mode of the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with air purification function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The humidification mode is a mode in which hypochlorous acid gas is released while humidifying, and is used when it is desired to humidify and disinfect with hypochlorous acid gas at the same time, such as in winter when humidity is low.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4, in humidification mode, the dehumidifying and humidifying air purifier 2 operates the first switching unit 15 to open the first bypass air passage 12 and close the first heat exchange air passage 10a, thereby connecting the intake port 5, a portion of the first path 7 (preliminary section), the first bypass air passage 12, a portion of the second path 8 (later section), and the outlet port 6. Furthermore, the dehumidifying and humidifying air purifier 2 operates the second switching unit 16 to open the second bypass air passage 13 and close the second heat exchange air passage 10b, thereby connecting the intake port 5, a portion of the second path 8 (preliminary section), the second bypass air passage 13, a portion of the first path 7 (later section), and the outlet port 6.

[0073] Subsequently, the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2 with air purification function takes in intake air 3 from the intake port 5 by operating the first blower 14a and the second blower 14b. The intake air 3 taken in from the intake port 5 is divided by the second blower 14b into a third airflow 3c that flows into the first bypass air passage 12 and a fourth airflow 3d that flows into the second bypass air passage 13 by the first blower 14a. Here, the third airflow 3c corresponds to the "first part of the air taken in from the intake port" in the claim, and the fourth airflow 3d corresponds to the "second part of the air taken in from the intake port" in the claim. In this embodiment, the temperature of the intake air 3 is 20°C, the relative humidity is 30%, and the airflow rate is 400 m³. 3 It is / h. Furthermore, the airflow rate of the third airflow 3c at the point when it is drawn in from the intake port 5 is 150m 3 The value is / h, and the airflow rate of the fourth airflow 3d is 250m 3 It is / h.

[0074] The third airflow 3c is taken in from the intake port 5 and then flows through the first heat exchanger 9b, the first bypass air passage 12, the second blower 14b, and the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 in that order.

[0075] The fourth airflow 3d is taken in from the intake port 5 into the dehumidifying and decompressing device 2 with air purification function, and then flows through the second bypass air passage 13, the second heat exchanger 9d, and the first blower 14a in that order.

[0076] Furthermore, the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with air purification function operates the four-way valve 9e to switch the refrigerant flow path so that the discharge side of the compressor 9a is connected to the first heat exchanger 9b and the suction side of the compressor 9a is connected to the second heat exchanger 9d, adjusts the opening of the expander 9c, and starts the operation of the compressor 9a. At this time, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 9a flows into the first heat exchanger 9b via the four-way valve 9e, which has been switched to humidification mode, and the first heat exchanger 9b functions as a heat radiator. After that, the refrigerant flows through the expander 9c and the second heat exchanger 9d, and is drawn in from the suction side of the compressor 9a via the four-way valve 9e.

[0077] Third airflow 3c (temperature 20℃, relative humidity 30%, airflow 150m³) 3 The airflow (150 m³ / h) is taken in from the intake port 5 into the dehumidifying and decontaminating device 2 with an air purification function, and then heated by flowing through the first heat exchanger 9b, which functions as a heat radiator. In this embodiment, the temperature of the third airflow 3c that has flowed through the first heat exchanger 9b, which functions as a heat radiator, becomes 45°C, and the relative humidity becomes 7%. Subsequently, the third airflow 3c (temperature 45°C, humidity 7%, airflow 150 m³ / h) 3 The airflow ( / h) flows through the first bypass air passage 12 and the second blower 14b in that order, and then through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11. As a result, hypochlorous acid gas is added to the third airflow 3c. It is also humidified at the same time. At this time, since the third airflow 3c introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 is high temperature and low humidity air, the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 increases compared to the dehumidification mode. In this embodiment, the temperature of the third airflow 3c that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 is 22°C and the relative humidity is 80%.

[0078] Subsequently, the third airflow 3c (temperature 22℃, relative humidity 80%, airflow 150m) 3 The airflow ( / h) merges with the fourth airflow 3d, which will be described later, and is then blown out as mixed air 4 from the outlet 6 to the outside.

[0079] Fourth airflow 3d (temperature 20℃, relative humidity 30%, airflow 250m³) 3 The airflow ( / h) flows through the second bypass airflow path 13 and is cooled by the second heat exchanger 9d, which functions as a heat absorber. In this embodiment, the temperature of the fourth airflow 3d that has flowed through the second heat exchanger 9d, which functions as a heat absorber, becomes 9°C, and the relative humidity becomes 61%.

[0080] Here, the amount of heat equivalent to the energy absorbed from the fourth airflow 3d in the second heat exchanger 9d, which functions as a heat absorber, and the energy used to circulate the refrigerant in the refrigerant cycle 9 in the compressor 9a, is released from the first heat exchanger 9b, which functions as a heat radiator, to the third airflow 3c, and the third airflow 3c is heated by the first heat exchanger 9b.

[0081] Subsequently, the fourth airflow 3d (temperature 9°C, relative humidity 61%, airflow 250 m³) 3 The airflow ( / h) passes through the first blower 14a and merges with the third airflow 3c described above. The air mixed with this third airflow 3c and fourth airflow 3d is then discharged as air 4 from the outlet 6 to the outside of the dehumidifying and decompressing device 2 with air purification function. Here, the third airflow 3c (temperature 22℃, relative humidity 80%, airflow 150m³) 3 ( / h) and fourth airflow 3d (temperature 9°C, relative humidity 61%, airflow 250m³) 3 The air mixed by combining ( / h) corresponds to the "second mixed air" in the claim. In this embodiment, the temperature of the discharged air 4 blown out to the outside from the outlet 6 is 14°C, the relative humidity is 78%, and the airflow is 400 m³. 3 This results in a humidification rate of 39L / day.

[0082] As described above, in the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with air purification function of this embodiment, by executing the humidification mode, the air circulating inside the device is heated, and high-temperature, low-humidity air that easily vaporizes moisture can be introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11. Therefore, when humidifying while adding hypochlorous acid gas in the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, the amount of humidification can be increased compared to simply introducing air from the living space 1. Consequently, humidification can be performed while adding hypochlorous acid gas, such as in winter when temperatures are low and humidity is low.

[0083] As described above, the following effects can be enjoyed with the dehumidifying and de-saturating device 2 with air purification function according to this embodiment 1.

[0084] (1) The dehumidifying and humidifying device with air purification function 2 comprises a refrigerant cycle 9 which includes an intake port 5 for drawing in outside air (intake air 3), a compressor 9a, a first heat exchanger 9b that performs either heating or cooling, an expander 9c, a second heat exchanger 9d that performs the other of heating or cooling, and a four-way valve 9e that switches the direction of refrigerant flow; a hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 that adds hypochlorous acid gas to the air flowing through it; an outlet 6 that blows out the air that has flowed through it to the outside; a third heat exchanger 10 which has a first heat exchange air passage 10a and a second heat exchange air passage 10b independent of the first heat exchange air passage 10a, and which exchanges heat between the air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage 10a and the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage 10b; and the first part of the air drawn in from the intake port 5 flows through the first heat exchanger 9b and the first heat exchange air passage 10a in that order. The system includes a first path 7 through which air flows, a second path 8 through which the second portion of air drawn in from the intake port 5 flows in the order of second heat exchange air passage 10b and hypochlorous acid vaporization section 11, a first bypass air passage 12 that connects the downstream side of the first heat exchanger 9b and the upstream side of the first heat exchange air passage 10a with the downstream side of the second heat exchange air passage 10b and the upstream side of the hypochlorous acid vaporization section 11, a second bypass air passage 13 that connects the upstream side of the second heat exchange air passage 10b with the downstream side of the first heat exchange air passage 10a, a first switching unit 15 that switches the air passage between a state in which the first portion flows through the first heat exchange air passage 10a and a state in which it flows through the first bypass air passage 12, and a second switching unit 16 that switches the air passage between a state in which the second portion flows through the second heat exchange air passage 10b and a state in which it flows through the second bypass air passage 13. The system has a dehumidification mode in which the four-way valve 9e directs the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant cycle 9 to the first direction, cooling the first heat exchanger 9b and heating the second heat exchanger 9d, and the first switching unit 15 and the second switching unit 16 cause the first and second parts to circulate through the first heat exchange air passage 10a and the second heat exchange air passage 10b, respectively; and a humidification mode in which the four-way valve 9e directs the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant cycle 9 to the second direction opposite to the first direction, heating the first heat exchanger 9b and cooling the second heat exchanger 9d, and the first and second parts to circulate through the first bypass air passage 12 and the second bypass air passage 13, respectively.

[0085] In this configuration, in dehumidification mode, the first portion (first airflow 3a) of the external intake air 3 drawn in from the intake port 5 flows through the first path 7. In this process, the first portion of the intake air 3 passes through the cooled first heat exchanger 9b, becomes cold, and undergoes condensation, i.e., dehumidification. The cold air then flows through the first heat exchange air passage 10a and is subsequently blown out to the outside from the outlet 6. The second portion (second airflow 3b) of the external intake air 3 drawn in from the intake port 5 flows through the second path 8. In this process, the second portion of the intake air 3 flows through the second heat exchange air passage 10b, and becomes cold through heat exchange with the cold air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage 10a, resulting in condensation, i.e., dehumidification. The cold air that has passed through the second heat exchange air passage 10b then flows through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, where hypochlorous acid gas is added, and is then blown out to the outside from the outlet 6. As a result, while dehumidifying the air circulating inside the device, low-temperature air that does not easily vaporize moisture can be introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, thus suppressing the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11.

[0086] On the other hand, in humidification mode, the first portion (third airflow 3c) of the intake air 3 drawn in from the intake port 5 passes through the heated first heat exchanger 9b and becomes hot. The hot air then flows through the first bypass air passage 12, and then through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, where hypochlorous acid gas is added before being blown out to the outside from the outlet 6. As a result, hot air that easily vaporizes moisture can be introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, which increases the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11.

[0087] In other words, the dehumidifying and humidifying air purifier 2 can switch between dehumidification mode and humidification mode, allowing it to dehumidify while releasing hypochlorous acid gas during periods of high humidity (for example, summer in Japan) and humidify while releasing hypochlorous acid gas during periods of low humidity (for example, winter in Japan). To put it another way, the dehumidifying and humidifying air purifier 2 is a device that can release hypochlorous acid while maintaining comfort throughout the year.

[0088] (2) In the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with air purification function, the second heat exchanger 9d is positioned downstream of the confluence of the second bypass air passage 13. This allows air at a lower temperature than the outside air (intake air 3) to circulate to the heated second heat exchanger 9d in dehumidification mode, thereby promoting heat dissipation in the second heat exchanger 9d and allowing the first heat exchanger 9b to be cooled further. As a result, the air that has passed through the second heat exchange air passage 10b (air cooled by heat exchange with the low-temperature air that has passed through the cooled first heat exchanger 9b), that is, the air introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, can be cooled further, and the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 can be suppressed. In other words, the decrease in dehumidification performance associated with vaporizing and releasing hypochlorous acid can be suppressed.

[0089] On the other hand, in humidification mode, the amount of air passing through the cooled second heat exchanger 9d can be increased relative to the amount of air passing through the heated first heat exchanger 9b. This promotes heat absorption by the cooled second heat exchanger 9d, allowing the first heat exchanger 9b to reach a higher temperature, and thus increasing the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization section.

[0090] In other words, the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with air purification function can increase the amount of dehumidification and humidification when hypochlorous acid is vaporized and released.

[0091] (3) In the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2 with air purification function, a first mixed air is blown out from the outlet 6 to the outside, which is a mixture of air that has flowed through the first heat exchange air passage 10a and air that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 via the second heat exchange air passage 10b, or a second mixed air is blown out from the outlet 6 to the outside, which is a mixture of air that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 via the first bypass air passage 12 and air that has flowed through the second bypass air passage 13. This makes it possible to blow out air with reduced temperature and humidity unevenness to the outside, enabling the blowing out of more comfortable air.

[0092] (4) In the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with air purification function, the airflow rate through the second heat exchange air passage 10b is smaller than the airflow rate through the first heat exchange air passage 10a. As a result, the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage 10b can be cooled by a relatively large amount of low-temperature air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage 10a, making the air that has passed through the second heat exchange air passage 10b, i.e., the air introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization section 11, even colder. As a result, the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization section 11 can be further suppressed. In other words, the decrease in dehumidification performance associated with vaporizing and releasing hypochlorous acid can be further suppressed.

[0093] (5) The dehumidifying and humidifying device 2 with air purification function is equipped with a first blower 14a that circulates air in the first path 7 and a second blower 14b that circulates air in the second path 8. As a result, with blowers placed in the first path 7 and the second path 8, the airflow rates circulating in the first heat exchange air passage 10a and the second heat exchange air passage 10b can be easily adjusted independently, and the airflow rate circulating in the second heat exchange air passage 10b can be easily made smaller than the airflow rate circulating in the first heat exchange air passage 10a.

[0094] (6) In the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2 with air purification function, the second blower 14b is positioned upstream of the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11. This makes it possible to suppress the consumption of hypochlorous acid gas caused by the second blower 14b and to suppress the decrease in the amount of hypochlorous acid gas released.

[0095] (Embodiment 2) The dehumidifying and decontaminating device 2a with air purification function according to this second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the dehumidifying and decontaminating device 2a with air purification function according to this second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the airflow path configuration in the dehumidification mode of the dehumidifying and decontaminating device 2a with air purification function according to this second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the airflow path configuration in the humidification mode of the dehumidifying and decontaminating device 2a with air purification function according to this second embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] The dehumidifying and decontaminating device 2a with air purification function according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention differs from Embodiment 1 in that the second switching unit 16a is configured to switch the airflow path between a state in which the second portion of the intake air 3 flows through the second heat exchange airflow path 10b and the second bypass airflow path 13 during dehumidification mode, and a state in which it flows through the second bypass airflow path 13 during humidification mode. The configuration of the dehumidifying and decontaminating device 2a with air purification function other than this is the same as that of the dehumidifying and decontaminating device 2 with air purification function according to Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, explanations of contents already described in the embodiments will be omitted as appropriate, and the differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly described.

[0097] As shown in Figure 5, the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2a with air purification function includes an intake port 5, an outlet port 6, a first path 7, a second path 8, a refrigerant cycle 9, a third heat exchanger 10, a hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, a first bypass air passage 12, a second bypass air passage 13, a first blower 14a, a second blower 14b, a first switching unit 15, and a second switching unit 16a. The refrigerant cycle 9 includes a compressor 9a, a first heat exchanger 9b, an expander 9c, a second heat exchanger 9d, a four-way valve 9e, and a refrigerant pipe 9f. The third heat exchanger 10 includes a first heat exchange air passage 10a and a second heat exchange air passage 10b.

[0098] The second switching unit 16a switches the airflow between a state in which the second portion of the intake air 3 (second airflow 3b or fourth airflow 3d) flows through both the second bypass airflow passage 13 and the second heat exchange airflow passage 10b, and a state in which it flows only through the second bypass airflow passage 13. More specifically, in dehumidification mode, the second switching unit 16a opens both the second bypass airflow passage 13 and the second heat exchange airflow passage 10b, allowing a portion of the second airflow 3b to flow through the second heat exchange airflow passage 10b, the second blower 14b, the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, and the outlet 6 in that order, while allowing the remaining portion of the second airflow 3b to flow through the second bypass airflow passage 13, the second heat exchanger 9d, the second blower 14b, and the outlet 6 in that order. Furthermore, in humidification mode, the second switching unit 16a closes the second heat exchange air passage 10b and opens the second bypass air passage 13, thereby allowing air (fourth airflow 3d) to circulate in the order of second bypass air passage 13, second heat exchanger 9d, first blower 14a, and outlet 6. The second switching unit 16a can use a damper or shutter, similar to the second switching unit 16.

[0099] Next, the dehumidification mode and humidification mode of the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2a with air purification function will be described in detail.

[0100] Referring to Figure 6, the airflow path configuration, the airflow through the interior, and the operation of the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 in the dehumidification mode of the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2a with air purification function will be explained. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the airflow path configuration in the dehumidification mode of the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2a with air purification function according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0101] As shown in Figure 6, in dehumidification mode, the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2a with air purification function operates the first switching unit 15 to close the first bypass air passage 12 and open the first heat exchange air passage 10a, so that the intake port 5, the first path 7, and the outlet port 6 are connected in communication. Furthermore, the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2a with air purification function operates the second switching unit 16a to open both the second heat exchange air passage 10b and the second bypass air passage 13. As a result of the second heat exchange air passage 10b being opened, the intake port 5, the second path 8, and the outlet port 6 are connected in communication, and as a result of the second bypass air passage 13 being opened, the intake port 5, a part of the second path 8 (the preceding part), the second bypass air passage 13, a part of the first path 7 (the succeeding part), and the outlet port 6 are connected in communication.

[0102] Subsequently, the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2a with air purification function takes in intake air 3 from the intake port 5 by operating the first blower 14a and the second blower 14b. The intake air 3 taken in from the intake port 5 is divided into a first airflow 3a that flows into the first path 7 and a second airflow 3b that circulates in the second path 8. Furthermore, the second airflow 3b circulating in the second path 8 is divided at the second switching section 16a into a portion of the second airflow 3b that circulates in the second heat exchange air passage 10b of the third heat exchanger 10 (hereinafter referred to as the second airflow 3b, although the flow rate decreases), and the remaining portion of the second airflow 3b that circulates in the second bypass air passage 13 (hereinafter referred to as the fifth airflow 3e). In this embodiment, the temperature of the intake air 3 is 27°C, the relative humidity is 60%, and the airflow rate is 450 m³. 3 It is / h. Also, the airflow rate of the first airflow 3a at the time of intake port 5 is 180m 3 The value is / h, and the airflow rate of the second airflow 3b is 270m 3 It is / h.

[0103] The first airflow 3a is taken in through the intake port 5 to the dehumidifying and decompressing device 2a with air purification function, and then flows through the first heat exchanger 9b, the first heat exchange air passage 10a, the second heat exchanger 9d, and the first blower 14a in that order.

[0104] The second airflow 3b is taken in from the intake port 5 into the dehumidifying and de-icing device 2a with air purification function, and then partially divided at the second switching section 16a, flowing into the second bypass air passage 13 as the fifth airflow 3e. Therefore, the airflow volume of the divided second airflow 3b is reduced by the airflow volume of the fifth airflow 3e compared to the airflow volume of the second airflow 3b before division. In this embodiment, the airflow volume of the second airflow 3b at the time it is taken in from the intake port 5 is 270 m³. 3 / h, but the airflow rate of the fifth airflow 3e is 120m 3 Since it is set to / h, the airflow of the divided second airflow 3b is 150m 3 It becomes / h.

[0105] Subsequently, the divided second airflow 3b flows through the second heat exchange air passage 10b, the second blower 14b, and the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 in that order. Meanwhile, the fifth airflow 3e, after being separated from the second airflow 3b, flows through the second bypass air passage 13, the second heat exchanger 9d, and the first blower 14a in that order.

[0106] First airflow 3a (temperature 27°C, relative humidity 60%, airflow 180 m³) 3 The air ( / h) is taken in from the intake port 5 into the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2 with air purification function, then flows through the first path 7, and is cooled by flowing through the first heat exchanger 9b, which functions as a heat absorber. As a result, the temperature of the first airflow 3a falls below the dew point temperature, causing condensation on the first airflow 3a, and thus removing the moisture contained in the first airflow 3a. In other words, dehumidification of the first airflow 3a is performed by flowing through the first heat exchanger 9b. In this embodiment, the temperature of the first airflow 3a that has flowed through the first heat exchanger 9b becomes 10°C, and the relative humidity becomes 95%.

[0107] Subsequently, the first airflow 3a (temperature 10°C, relative humidity 95%, airflow 180 m³) 3The air ( / h) is heated up by circulating through the first heat exchange air passage 10a of the third heat exchanger 10 and exchanging heat with the second airflow 3b circulating through the second heat exchange air passage 10b. However, at this time, the temperature of the first airflow 3a is lower than the temperature of the second airflow 3b before it circulates through the second heat exchange air passage 10b (the temperature of the intake air 3, which is the air outside the dehumidifying and decontaminating device 2 with air purification function). In this embodiment, the temperature of the first airflow 3a that has circulated through the first heat exchange air passage 10a becomes 18°C, and the relative humidity becomes 55%.

[0108] Subsequently, the first airflow 3a (temperature 18°C, relative humidity 55%, airflow 180 m³) 3 / h) is the fifth airflow 3e (temperature 27℃, relative humidity 60%, airflow 120m³). 3 The airflow is increased by merging with the first airflow ( / h). As a result, the temperature of the merged first airflow 3a becomes 22°C, the relative humidity becomes 60%, and the airflow becomes 300 m³. 3 It becomes / h.

[0109] Subsequently, the first airflow 3a (temperature 22°C, relative humidity 60%, airflow 300 m³) 3 The airflow (300 m³ / h) flows through the second heat exchanger 9d. As a result, the amount of heat equivalent to the energy absorbed in the first heat exchanger 9b, which functions as a heat absorber, and the energy used by the compressor 9a to circulate the refrigerant in the refrigerant cycle 9, is released from the second heat exchanger 9d, which functions as a heat radiator, into the first airflow 3a. Consequently, the temperature of the first airflow 3a rises. In this embodiment, the temperature of the first airflow 3a that has flowed through the second heat exchanger 9d becomes 45°C, and the relative humidity becomes 16%. Subsequently, the first airflow 3a (temperature 45°C, relative humidity 16%, airflow 300 m³ / h) 3 The air ( / h) flows through the first blower 14a, merges with the second airflow 3b, and is then blown out from the outlet 6 as discharged air 4 to the outside of the dehumidifying and decompressing device 2a with air purification function.

[0110] The second airflow 3b (temperature 27°C, relative humidity 60%, airflow 150 m³) is divided in the second switching section 16a. 3 The first airflow 3a (temperature 10°C, relative humidity 95%, airflow 180 m³ / h) flows through the second heat exchange air passage 10b of the third heat exchanger 10 and through the first heat exchange air passage 10a. 3Cooling occurs through heat exchange with the second airflow 3b (150 m³ / h). As a result, the temperature of the second airflow 3b falls below the dew point temperature, causing condensation and dehumidification of the second airflow 3b. In other words, dehumidification of the second airflow 3b is achieved by flowing through the second heat exchange air passage 10b. At this time, the airflow (150 m³ / h) flowing through the second heat exchange air passage 10b is 3 The airflow rate (180 m³ / h) through the first heat exchange air passage 10a is the airflow rate (180 m³ / h). 3 It is smaller than ( / h). In this embodiment, the temperature of the second airflow 3b that flows through the second heat exchange air passage 10b is 20°C, and the relative humidity is 85%.

[0111] Subsequently, the second airflow 3b (temperature 20℃, relative humidity 85%, airflow 150m) 3 The airflow ( / h) passes through the second blower 14b and then through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11. As a result, hypochlorous acid gas is added to the second airflow 3b. It is also humidified at the same time. However, since the second airflow 3b introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 is low temperature and high humidity air, humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 is suppressed. In this embodiment, the temperature of the second airflow 3b that has passed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 is 18°C, and the relative humidity is 98%.

[0112] Subsequently, the second airflow 3b (temperature 18℃, relative humidity 98%, airflow 150m) 3 The above-mentioned first airflow 3a (temperature 45°C, relative humidity 16%, airflow 300 m³) is calculated as follows: 3 The air mixed with the air ( / h) is then blown out to the outside from the outlet 6 as discharged air 4. In this embodiment, the temperature of the discharged air 4 blown out to the outside from the outlet 6 is 36°C, the relative humidity is 30%, and the airflow rate is 450 m³. 3 This results in a dehumidification rate of 33L / day.

[0113] As described above, in the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2a with air purification function of this embodiment, by executing the dehumidification mode, the air circulating inside the device is dehumidified in an energy-saving manner, and at the same time, air that is difficult to vaporize due to its low temperature and high humidity is introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11. Therefore, humidification when vaporizing and releasing hypochlorous acid gas can be suppressed. Consequently, energy-saving dehumidification can be performed while adding hypochlorous acid gas, even in hot and humid summer conditions.

[0114] Next, with reference to Figure 7, the airflow path configuration, the airflow through the interior, and the operation of the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 in the humidification mode of the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2a with air purification function will be described. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the airflow path configuration in the humidification mode of the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2a with air purification function according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0115] As shown in Figure 7, in humidification mode, the dehumidifying and humidifying air purifier 2a operates the first switching unit 15 to open the first bypass air passage 12 and close the first heat exchange air passage 10a, thereby connecting the intake port 5, a portion of the first path 7 (the preceding portion), the first bypass air passage 12, a portion of the second path 8 (the succeeding portion), and the outlet port 6. Furthermore, the dehumidifying and humidifying air purifier 2a operates the second switching unit 16a to open the second bypass air passage 13 and close the second heat exchange air passage 10b, thereby connecting the intake port 5, a portion of the second path 8 (the preceding portion), the second bypass air passage 13, a portion of the first path 7 (the succeeding portion), and the outlet port 6.

[0116] Subsequently, the dehumidifying and decompressing device 2a with air purification function takes in intake air 3 from the intake port 5 by operating the first blower 14a and the second blower 14b. The intake air 3 taken in from the intake port 5 is divided by the second blower 14b into a third airflow 3c that flows into the first bypass air passage 12 and a fourth airflow 3d that flows into the second bypass air passage 13 by the first blower 14a.

[0117] The third airflow 3c is taken in from the intake port 5 and then flows through the first heat exchanger 9b, the first bypass air passage 12, the second blower 14b, and the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 in that order.

[0118] The fourth airflow 3d is taken in from the intake port 5 and then flows through the second bypass air passage 13, the second heat exchanger 9d, and the first blower 14a in that order.

[0119] The temperature, relative humidity, and airflow changes in the third airflow 3c and fourth airflow 3d are the same as in Embodiment 1, so we will omit the explanation. However, in the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2a with air purification function in this embodiment, by executing the humidification mode, the air circulating inside the device is heated, and high-temperature, low-humidity air that easily vaporizes moisture can be introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11. Therefore, when humidifying while adding hypochlorous acid gas in the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, the amount of humidification can be increased compared to simply introducing air from the living space 1. Consequently, humidification can be performed while adding hypochlorous acid gas, such as in winter when temperatures are low and humidity is low.

[0120] As described above, the following effects can be enjoyed with the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2a with air purification function according to this second embodiment.

[0121] (1a) The dehumidifying and humidifying device with air purification function 2a comprises a refrigerant cycle 9 which includes an intake port 5 for drawing in outside air (intake air 3), a compressor 9a, a first heat exchanger 9b that performs either heating or cooling, an expander 9c, a second heat exchanger 9d that performs the other of heating or cooling, and a four-way valve 9e that switches the direction of refrigerant flow; a hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 that adds hypochlorous acid gas to the air flowing inside; an outlet 6 that blows out the air that has flowed inside to the outside; a third heat exchanger 10 which has a first heat exchange air passage 10a and a second heat exchange air passage 10b independent of the first heat exchange air passage 10a, and which exchanges heat between the air flowing in the first heat exchange air passage 10a and the air flowing in the second heat exchange air passage 10b; and a third heat exchanger 10 which has a first heat exchange air passage 10a for drawing in outside air (intake air 3), and a first heat exchange air passage 10a for drawing in outside air. The system includes a first path 7, a second path 8 through which the second portion of the air drawn in from the intake port 5 flows in the order of second heat exchange air passage 10b and hypochlorous acid vaporization section 11, a first bypass air passage 12 connecting the downstream side of the first heat exchanger 9b and the upstream side of the first heat exchange air passage 10a with the downstream side of the second heat exchange air passage 10b and the upstream side of the hypochlorous acid vaporization section 11, a second bypass air passage 13 connecting the upstream side of the second heat exchange air passage 10b and the downstream side of the first heat exchange air passage 10a, a first switching unit 15 that switches the air passage between a state in which the first portion flows through the first heat exchange air passage 10a and a state in which it flows through the first bypass air passage 12, and a second switching unit 16a that switches the air passage between a state in which the second portion flows through the second heat exchange air passage 10b and the second bypass air passage 13 and a state in which it flows through the second bypass air passage 13. The second heat exchanger 9d is positioned downstream of the confluence of the second bypass air passage 13. The four-way valve 9e directs the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant cycle 9 to the first direction, cooling the first heat exchanger 9b and heating the second heat exchanger 9d. The first switching unit 15 directs the first portion to flow through the first heat exchange air passage 10a, while the second switching unit 16a directs the second portion to flow through the second heat exchange air passage 10b and the second bypass air passage 13. This provides a dehumidification mode. The four-way valve 9e directs the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant cycle 9 to the second direction, opposite to the first direction. This directs the first heat exchanger 9b and cools the second heat exchanger 9d. The first switching unit 15 and the second switching unit 16a direct the first and second portions to flow through the first bypass air passage 12 and the second bypass air passage 13, respectively.

[0122] In this configuration, in dehumidification mode, the first portion (first airflow 3a) of the outside air (intake air 3) drawn in from the intake port 5 flows through the first path 7. In this process, the first portion of the intake air 3 passes through the cooled first heat exchanger 9b, becomes cold, and condenses, i.e., is dehumidified. The cold air then flows through the first heat exchange air passage 10a, and then passes through the heated second heat exchanger 9d before being blown out to the outside from the outlet 6. In addition, the second portion (second airflow 3b) of the outside intake air 3 drawn in from the intake port 5 flows through the second path 8 and the second bypass air passage 13. In this process, the second portion of the intake air 3 flowing through the second path 8 flows through the second heat exchange air passage 10b, and by exchanging heat with the cold air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage 10a, becomes cold, condenses, and is dehumidified. The low-temperature air that has passed through the second heat exchange air passage 10b then flows through the hypochlorous acid vaporization section 11, where hypochlorous acid gas is added before being blown out to the outside from the outlet 6. In addition, the second portion of the intake air 3 flowing through the second bypass air passage 13 flows through the second bypass air passage 13, then passes through the heated second heat exchanger 9d before being blown out to the outside from the outlet 6. As a result, while dehumidifying the air flowing inside the device, low-temperature air that does not easily vaporize moisture can be introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization section 11, thus suppressing the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization section 11. Furthermore, since the air that has passed through the second bypass air passage 13 can be passed through the heated second heat exchanger 9d, the amount of air flowing through the heated second heat exchanger 9d can be increased relative to the amount of air that has passed through the cooled first heat exchanger 9b, while suppressing the amount of air that has passed through the cooled first heat exchanger 9b. This promotes heat dissipation from the heated second heat exchanger 9d, causing the cooled first heat exchanger 9b to become even colder. As a result, the first heat exchanger 9b can be cooled to a lower temperature with less energy, enabling energy-saving operation in dehumidification mode.

[0123] On the other hand, in humidification mode, the first portion (first airflow 3a) of the intake air 3 drawn in from the intake port 5 passes through the heated first heat exchanger 9b and becomes hot. The hot air then flows through the first bypass air passage 12, then through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, where hypochlorous acid gas is added, and finally blown out to the outside from the outlet 6. As a result, hot air that easily vaporizes moisture can be introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, thus increasing the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11. In addition, in humidification mode, the amount of air flowing through the cooled second heat exchanger 9d can be increased relative to the amount of air that has passed through the heated first heat exchanger 9b. This promotes heat absorption in the cooled second heat exchanger 9d, allowing the first heat exchanger 9b to become hotter, thus increasing the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11.

[0124] In other words, the dehumidifying and humidifying air purifier 2a can switch between dehumidification mode and humidification mode, allowing for energy-efficient dehumidification while releasing hypochlorous acid gas during periods of high humidity (for example, summer in Japan), and humidification while releasing hypochlorous acid gas during periods of low humidity (for example, winter in Japan). To put it another way, the dehumidifying and humidifying air purifier 2a is a device that can release hypochlorous acid throughout the year while maintaining comfort and energy efficiency.

[0125] (2a) In the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2a with air purification function, the second switching unit 16a switches the flow rate to the second bypass air passage 13 to be greater than the flow rate to the second heat exchange air passage 10b when air is flowing through the second heat exchange air passage 10b and the second bypass air passage 13. As a result, the amount of air passing through the heated second heat exchanger 9d can be increased relative to the amount of air passing through the cooled first heat exchanger 9b, so that heat dissipation from the heated second heat exchanger 9d is promoted and the cooled first heat exchanger 9b becomes colder. As a result, the cooled first heat exchanger 9b can be made colder with less energy, so energy-saving operation can be achieved in dehumidification mode.

[0126] (3a) In the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2a with air purification function, a first mixed air is blown out from the outlet 6 to the outside, which is a mixture of air that has flowed through the second heat exchanger 9d and air that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 via the second heat exchange air passage 10b, or a second mixed air is blown out from the outlet 6 to the outside, which is a mixture of air that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 via the first bypass air passage 12 and air that has flowed through the second heat exchanger 9d via the second bypass air passage 13. This makes it possible to blow out air with reduced temperature and humidity unevenness to the outside, enabling the blowing out of more comfortable air.

[0127] (4a) In the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2a with air purification function, the airflow rate through the second heat exchange air passage 10b is smaller than the airflow rate through the first heat exchange air passage 10a. As a result, the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage 10b can be cooled by a relatively large amount of low-temperature air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage 10a, making the air that has passed through the second heat exchange air passage 10b, i.e., the air introduced into the hypochlorous acid vaporization section 11, even colder. As a result, the amount of humidification in the hypochlorous acid vaporization section 11 can be further suppressed. In other words, the decrease in dehumidification performance associated with vaporizing and releasing hypochlorous acid can be further suppressed.

[0128] (5a) The dehumidifying and humidifying device 2a with air purification function includes a first blower 14a that circulates air in the first path 7 and a second blower 14b that circulates air in the second path 8. As a result, by arranging blowers in the first path 7 and the second path 8, the airflow rates circulating in the first heat exchange air passage 10a and the second heat exchange air passage 10b can be easily adjusted independently, and the airflow rate circulating in the second heat exchange air passage 10b can be easily made smaller than the airflow rate circulating in the first heat exchange air passage 10a.

[0129] (6a) In the dehumidifying and humidifying device 2a with air purification function, the second blower 14b is positioned upstream of the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 in the second path 8. This makes it possible to suppress the consumption of hypochlorous acid gas caused by the second blower 14b and to suppress the decrease in the amount of hypochlorous acid gas released.

[0130] Although the present invention has been described above based on embodiments, it can be easily inferred that the present invention is not limited in any way to the above embodiments, and that various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0131] The dehumidifying and decompressing device 2,2a with air purification function according to this embodiment is equipped with one intake port 5 and one outlet port 6, but is not limited to this. For example, an intake port for taking in air in the first path 7 and an intake port for taking in air in the second path 8 may be provided. Alternatively, an outlet may be provided for blowing out air that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11 and air that has flowed through the first blower 14a. By doing so, the constraints on the configuration and handling of the dehumidifying and decompressing device 2,2a with air purification function are reduced, and effects such as miniaturization of the device or reduction of pressure loss can be enjoyed.

[0132] Furthermore, in the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2,2a with air purification function according to this embodiment, a centrifugal crushing unit is used as the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 11, but the device is not limited to this. For example, a vaporization filter configured to contain hypochlorous acid water may be used. In this case as well, hypochlorous acid gas can be added to the air circulating inside, and similar effects can be enjoyed.

[0133] Furthermore, while the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2,2a with air purification function according to this embodiment is equipped with two blowers, a first blower 14a and a second blower 14b, it is not limited to this. For example, a single blower may be placed close to the intake port 5. The same effect can be enjoyed even in this case.

[0134] Furthermore, in the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2,2a with air purification function according to this embodiment, the first blower 14a is located downstream of the second heat exchanger 9d, but this is not the only option. For example, the first blower 14a may be located downstream of the confluence with the second bypass air passage 13 in the first path 7 and upstream of the second heat exchanger 9d. The same effects can be enjoyed even in this configuration.

[0135] Furthermore, in the dehumidifying and dehumidifying devices 2 and 2a with air purification functions according to this embodiment, the second switching unit 16 and the second switching unit 16a may be made common. Specifically, the second switching unit may be one that can switch the airflow path between a state in which the second portion of the intake air 3 flows only through the second heat exchange air passage 10b, a state in which it flows only through the second bypass air passage 13, and a state in which it flows through both the second bypass air passage 13 and the second heat exchange air passage 10b. By doing so, the dehumidification mode in the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2 with air purification functions, the dehumidification mode in the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2a with air purification functions, and the humidification mode in the dehumidifying and dehumidifying devices 2 and 2a with air purification functions can be easily switched. In other words, the dehumidifying and dehumidifying devices 2 and 2a with air purification functions can be made common.

[0136] Furthermore, in the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2a with air purification function according to this embodiment, the second switching unit 16a may be configured to allow adjustment of the airflow rate of the fifth airflow 3e to the second bypass airflow 13 when it is flowing through both the second bypass airflow 13 and the second heat exchange airflow 10b. This improves the controllability of the temperature and humidity (amount of dehumidification) of the discharged air 4 in dehumidification mode.

[0137] Furthermore, in the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device 2 with air purification function according to this embodiment, the second heat exchanger 9d is placed in the first path 7, but this is not the only option. For example, the second heat exchanger 9d may be placed outside the air passage (outside the first path 7, the second path 8, the first bypass air passage 12, and the second bypass air passage 13) and air may be blown in by another blower. In this case, although the temperature and humidity (amount of dehumidification) of the discharged air 4 will change, the effects described above can still be enjoyed. [Industrial applicability]

[0138] The dehumidifying and humidifying device with air purification function according to this embodiment achieves both improved comfort in the space throughout the year by switching between dehumidification and humidification, and a reduction in the risk of infectious diseases through disinfection, making it useful as a device that disinfects indoor spaces while dehumidifying or humidifying them. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0139] 1 Living space 1a Top surface 2. Dehumidifying and humidifying device with air purification function 2a Dehumidifying and humidifying device with air purification function 3. Intake air 3a First airflow 3b Second airflow 3c Third airflow 3D Fourth Airflow 3e Fifth Airflow 4. Outlet air 5. Inlet 6 Air outlet 7. First Route 8 Second Route 9. Refrigerant cycle 9a Compressor 9b First heat exchanger 9c expander 9d Second heat exchanger 9e Four-way valve 9f refrigerant pipe 10 Third heat exchanger 10a First heat exchange air passage 10b Second heat exchange air passage 11. Hypochlorous acid vaporization unit 12 First Bypass Windway 13 Second Bypass Windway 14a First blower 14b Second blower 15 First change section 16 Second switching section 16a Second switching section

Claims

1. An intake port for drawing in outside air, A refrigerant cycle comprising a compressor, a first heat exchanger that performs either heating or cooling, an expander, a second heat exchanger that performs the other heating or cooling, and a four-way valve that switches the direction of refrigerant flow, A hypochlorous acid vaporization unit that adds hypochlorous acid gas to the air circulating inside, An outlet that blows the air that has circulated inside out to the outside, A third heat exchanger having a first heat exchange air passage and a second heat exchange air passage independent of the first heat exchange air passage, which exchanges heat between the air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage and the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage, The first portion of the air drawn in from the intake port flows through a first path in the order of the first heat exchanger and the first heat exchange air passage, The second portion of the air drawn in from the intake port flows through a second path, in the order of the second heat exchange air passage and the hypochlorous acid vaporization section. A first bypass air passage connects the downstream side of the first heat exchanger and the upstream side of the first heat exchange air passage to the downstream side of the second heat exchange air passage and the upstream side of the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, A second bypass air passage connects the upstream side of the second heat exchange air passage and the downstream side of the first heat exchange air passage, A first switching unit that switches the airflow between a state in which the first portion flows through the first heat exchange airflow path and a state in which it flows through the first bypass airflow path, A second switching unit that switches the airflow between a state in which the second portion flows through the second heat exchange airflow path and a state in which it flows through the second bypass airflow path, Equipped with, A dehumidifying and humidifying air purifier having the following functions: a dehumidifying mode in which the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant cycle is directed in a first direction by the four-way valve, the first heat exchanger is cooled, the second heat exchanger is heated, and the first and second portions are circulated through the first and second heat exchange air passages, respectively by the first and second switching units; and a humidifying mode in which the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant cycle is directed in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the four-way valve, the first heat exchanger is heated, the second heat exchanger is cooled, and the first and second portions are circulated through the first bypass air passage and the second bypass air passage, respectively by the first and second switching units.

2. The dehumidifying and dehumidifying device with air purification function according to claim 1, wherein the second heat exchanger is located downstream of the confluence portion of the second bypass air passage.

3. A dehumidifying and dehumidifying device with an air purification function according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first mixed air is obtained by mixing the air that has flowed through the first heat exchange air passage with the air that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization section via the second heat exchange air passage, or a second mixed air is obtained by mixing the air that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization section via the first bypass air passage with the air that has flowed through the second bypass air passage, and the mixture is blown out to the outside from the outlet.

4. The dehumidifying and dehumidifying device with air purification function according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the dehumidification mode, the amount of air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage is smaller than the amount of air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage.

5. The system further comprises a first blower for circulating air through the first path and a second blower for circulating air through the second path. The air purifying and humidifying device according to claim 4, wherein the second blower is arranged upstream of the hypochlorous acid vaporization section in the second path.

6. An intake port for drawing in outside air, A refrigerant cycle comprising a compressor, a first heat exchanger that performs either heating or cooling, an expander, a second heat exchanger that performs the other heating or cooling, and a four-way valve that switches the direction of refrigerant flow, A hypochlorous acid vaporization unit that adds hypochlorous acid gas to the air circulating inside, An outlet that blows the air that has circulated inside out to the outside, A third heat exchanger having a first heat exchange air passage and a second heat exchange air passage independent of the first heat exchange air passage, which exchanges heat between the air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage and the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage, The first portion of the air drawn in from the intake port flows through a first path in the order of the first heat exchanger and the first heat exchange air passage, The second portion of the air drawn in from the intake port flows through a second path, in the order of the second heat exchange air passage and the hypochlorous acid vaporization section. A first bypass air passage connects the downstream side of the first heat exchanger and the upstream side of the first heat exchange air passage to the downstream side of the second heat exchange air passage and the upstream side of the hypochlorous acid vaporization section, A second bypass air passage connects the upstream side of the second heat exchange air passage and the downstream side of the first heat exchange air passage, A first switching unit that switches the airflow between a state in which the first portion flows through the first heat exchange airflow path and a state in which it flows through the first bypass airflow path, A second switching unit that switches the airflow between a state in which the second portion flows through the second heat exchange airflow path and the second bypass airflow path, and a state in which it flows through the second bypass airflow path. Equipped with, The second heat exchanger is located downstream of the confluence portion of the second bypass airflow path. A dehumidifying and humidifying air purifier having the following functions: a dehumidifying mode in which the four-way valve directs the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant cycle to a first direction, cooling the first heat exchanger and heating the second heat exchanger, the first switching unit directs the flow of the first portion to the first heat exchange air passage and the second portion to the second heat exchange air passage and the second bypass air passage; and a humidifying mode in which the four-way valve directs the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant cycle to a second direction opposite to the first direction, heating the first heat exchanger and cooling the second heat exchanger, and the first and second switching units direct the flow of the first and second portions to the first bypass air passage and the second bypass air passage, respectively.

7. The dehumidifying and dehumidifying device with air purification function according to claim 6, wherein the second switching unit switches the flow rate to flow through the second bypass air passage to be greater than the flow rate to flow through the second heat exchange air passage when air is flowing through the second heat exchange air passage and the second bypass air passage.

8. A dehumidifying and dehumidifying device with an air purification function according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a first mixed air is obtained by mixing the air that has flowed through the first heat exchange air passage, the air that has flowed through the second bypass air passage, and the air that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit via the second heat exchange air passage, or a second mixed air is obtained by mixing the air that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit via the first bypass air passage and the air that has flowed through the second heat exchanger via the second bypass air passage, and the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device with an air purification function according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first mixed air is obtained by mixing the air that has flowed through the first heat exchange air passage, the air that has flowed through the second bypass air passage, and the air that has flowed through the hypochlorous acid vaporization unit via the second heat exchanger, and the dehumidifying and dehumidifying device with an air purification function is blown out from the outlet to the outside.

9. The dehumidifying and dehumidifying device with air purification function according to claim 6 or 7, wherein in the dehumidification mode, the amount of air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage is smaller than the amount of air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage.

10. The system further comprises a first blower for circulating air through the first path and a second blower for circulating air through the second path. The air purification and humidification device with an air purification function according to claim 9, wherein the second blower is arranged upstream of the hypochlorous acid vaporization section in the second path.

Images