air conditioner

Abstract

To reduce a level of noise occurring from an outdoor unit of an air conditioner.SOLUTION: An outdoor unit of an air conditioner includes: a first housing; a second housing 102; an absorber which is disposed within the second housing 102 and through which outdoor air A3 passes; a damper device 64 which is disposed within the second housing 102 and allots the outdoor air A3 which has passed through the absorber to an indoor unit or the first housing; and a fan 62a which generates flow of the outdoor air A3 which has passed through the absorber and flows toward the damper device 64. The damper device 64 includes: an inflow port 64a into which the outdoor air A3 which has passed through the absorber flows; a first outflow port 64b which communicates with the indoor unit and from which the outdoor air A3 flows; a second outflow port 64c which communicates with the first housing and from which the outdoor air A3 flows; and a closing door 64d which selectively closes one of the first outflow port 64b and the second outflow port 64c.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23B

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, an air conditioner including an indoor unit disposed in a room to be air-conditioned and an outdoor unit disposed outdoors is known. This air conditioner is configured to supply humidified outdoor air or dehumidified outdoor air from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. Specifically, the absorbent rotates, and the outdoor air heated by the heater passes through a part of the absorbent, and the unheated outdoor air passes through the remaining part of the absorbent. One of the outdoor air heated by the heater (humidified outdoor air) or the unheated outdoor air (dehumidified outdoor air) is supplied to the indoor unit, and the other is discharged outdoors. [[ID=—14]]

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, noise may be generated from the outdoor unit when discharging the outdoor air that is not supplied indoors outdoors.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to reduce the level of noise generated from the outdoor unit when discharging outdoor air outdoors in an air conditioner that supplies outdoor air from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, An air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, The aforementioned outdoor unit, The first enclosure and, The second enclosure, An absorbent material is placed inside the second enclosure through which outside air passes, A damper device is placed inside the second housing and distributes the outdoor air that has passed through the absorbent material into the indoor unit or the first housing, The system includes a fan that generates a flow of outdoor air that passes through the absorbent material and is directed toward the damper device, The provided air conditioner includes a damper device comprising: an inlet through which outdoor air that has passed through the absorbent material flows in; a first outlet communicating with the indoor unit through which outdoor air flows out; a second outlet communicating with the first housing through which outdoor air flows out; and a closing door that selectively closes either the first outlet or the second outlet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, in an air conditioner that supplies outdoor air from an outdoor unit to an indoor unit, the level of noise generated from the outdoor unit when the outdoor air is discharged to the outside can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during ventilation operation. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during humidification operation. [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during dehumidification operation. [Figure 6] Perspective view of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. [Figure 7] Perspective view of the ventilation system with the cover removed. [Figure 8] Top view of the ventilation unit with the cover removed. [Figure 9] Exploded perspective view with the lid removed. [Figure 10] Schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation device [Figure 11] Perspective view of the heater unit [Figure 12] Bottom view of the heater unit [Figure 13] Exploded perspective view of the heater unit [Figure 14] Schematic cross-sectional view of the heater unit along the line A-A in FIG. 12 [Figure 15] Top view of a part of the housing of the ventilation device showing the second space [Figure 16] Schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the absorbent material perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorbent material [Figure 17] Schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the absorbent material perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorbent material in the ventilation device of the comparative example [Figure 18] Schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the absorbent material perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorbent material in the ventilation device according to different embodiments [Figure 19] Schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent holder showing the labyrinth flow path formed outside the absorbent holder [Figure 20] Schematic cross-sectional view of the components around the first fan [Figure 21] Schematic cross-sectional view of the air inlet of the housing in the ventilation device according to different embodiments [Figure 22] Top view of a part of the housing of the ventilation device showing the second space in the ventilation device according to different embodiments [Figure 23A] Cross-sectional view showing the damper device in a state connected to the room [Figure 23B] Cross-sectional view showing the damper device in a state connected to the outside [Figure 24] Cross-sectional perspective view of the ventilation device showing the flow of the outdoor air flowing out of the damper device [Figure 25] Front view of the outdoor unit schematically showing the inside of the main body of the outdoor unit [Figure 26] Perspective view showing the indoor heat exchanger and the nozzle provided in the indoor unit [Figure 27] Side view of the indoor unit showing the internal structure [Figure 28] Exploded perspective view of the nozzle [Figure 29] Perspective view showing the nozzle separated into two parts. [Figure 30] Cross-section of the nozzle [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present invention is an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit comprises a first housing, a second housing, an absorbent material disposed in the second housing through which outdoor air passes, a damper device disposed in the second housing for distributing the outdoor air that has passed through the absorbent material into the indoor unit or the first housing, and a fan for generating a flow of outdoor air that has passed through the absorbent material toward the damper device, wherein the damper device includes an inlet through which outdoor air that has passed through the absorbent material flows in, a first outlet communicating with the indoor unit through which outdoor air flows out, a second outlet communicating with the first housing through which outdoor air flows out, and a closing door that selectively closes either the first outlet or the second outlet.

[0010] According to this embodiment, in an air conditioner that supplies outdoor air from an outdoor unit to an indoor unit, the level of noise generated from the outdoor unit when the outdoor air is discharged to the outside can be reduced.

[0011] For example, the first housing may include a machine room for housing the compressor that constitutes the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner, and the second outlet of the damper device may communicate with the machine room.

[0012] For example, the second outlet of the damper device may open horizontally and communicate with an isolation chamber provided within the second housing, and a connection port communicating with the first housing may be provided in the bottom plate of the isolation chamber.

[0013] For example, the second outlet of the damper device may open inside the second housing, a connection port communicating with the first housing may be provided in the bottom plate of the second housing, and a duct connecting the second outlet and the connection port may be provided inside the second housing.

[0014] For example, the second outlet of the damper device may open downwards and communicate with an isolation chamber provided inside the second housing, and a connection port communicating with the first housing may be provided in the bottom plate portion of the isolation chamber facing the second outlet.

[0015] For example, the opening direction of the first outlet may be opposite to the opening direction of the inlet.

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

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

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

[0019] The indoor unit 20 is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 22 that exchanges heat with indoor air A1, and a fan 24 that draws indoor air A1 into the indoor unit 20 and blows the indoor air A1, which has exchanged heat with the indoor heat exchanger 22, out into the indoor Rin.

[0020] The outdoor unit 30 is equipped with an outdoor heat exchanger 32 that exchanges heat with the outdoor air A2, and a fan 34 that draws the outdoor air A2 into the outdoor unit 30 and blows the outdoor air A2, which has exchanged heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 32, out to the outdoor Rout. The outdoor unit 30 is also equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 22 and an outdoor heat exchanger 32, a compressor 36, an expansion valve 38, and a four-way valve 40 that execute the refrigeration cycle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0027] Inside the ventilation device 50, there are a first flow path P1 and a second flow path P2 through which outdoor air A3 and A4 flow, respectively, passing through the absorbent material 52. The first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 pass through the absorbent material 52 at different positions.

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

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

[0030] Multiple branch channels P1a and P2a merge upstream of the absorbent material 52. Each of the branch channels P1a and P1b is equipped with first and second heaters 58 and 60 for heating the outdoor air A3.

[0031] The first and second heaters 58 and 60 may have the same heating capacity or they may have different heating capacities. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first and second heaters 58 and 60 be PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters, which increase electrical resistance as current flows and the temperature rises, thus suppressing excessive increases in heating temperature. In the case of heaters using nichrome wire or carbon fiber, the heating temperature (surface temperature) continues to rise as current flows, requiring temperature monitoring. With PTC heaters, the heater itself regulates the heating temperature within a certain temperature range, eliminating the need to monitor the heating temperature.

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

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

[0034] The second flow path P2 is the flow path for outdoor air A4. Unlike the outdoor air A3 that flows through the first flow path P1, the outdoor air A4 that flows through the second flow path P2 does not go towards the indoor unit 20. After passing through the absorbent material 52, the outdoor air A4 that flows through the second flow path P2 flows out to the outdoor Rout.

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

[0036] The ventilation device 50 selectively uses the absorbent material 52 (motor 54), the first heater 58, the second heater 60, the first fan 62, the damper device 64, and the second fan 66 to selectively perform ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification operations.

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during ventilation operation.

[0038] Ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation in which outdoor air A3 is supplied directly to indoor Rin (i.e., indoor unit 20) via the ventilation conduit 56. As shown in Figure 3, during ventilation operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the OFF state and are not heating the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is in the OFF state, so no flow of outdoor air A4 is generated in the second flow path P2.

[0039] In this type of ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52 without being heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 is blown out into the indoor Rin by the fan 24. In this type of ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 is supplied directly to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is ventilated.

[0040] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during humidification operation.

[0041] The humidification operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is humidified and the humidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to the indoor Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in Figure 4, during the humidification operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are ON and heating the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is ON, causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is ON, causing the outdoor air A4 to flow through the second flow path P2.

[0042] In this humidification operation, outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent material 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 can remove more moisture from the absorbent material 52 than if it were unheated. As a result, the outdoor air A3 carries a large amount of moisture. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 and carries a large amount of moisture is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 is blown into the indoor Rin by the fan 24. Through this humidification operation, outdoor air A3 that carries a large amount of moisture is supplied to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is humidified.

[0043] Furthermore, by turning off either the first heater 58 or the second heater 60, the amount of moisture absorbed by the outdoor air A3 from the absorbent material 52 can be reduced, meaning that a weak humidification operation with less humidification of the indoor Rin can be performed.

[0044] As moisture is drawn away by the heated outdoor air A3, the water retention capacity of the absorbent material 52 decreases, meaning the absorbent material 52 dries out. When the absorbent material 52 dries out, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first channel P1 can no longer draw moisture from the absorbent material 52. To compensate for this, the absorbent material 52 draws moisture from the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second channel P2. As a result, the water retention capacity of the absorbent material 52 is maintained at a nearly constant level, allowing the humidification operation to continue.

[0045] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during dehumidification operation.

[0046] Dehumidification operation is an air conditioning operation that dehumidifies the outdoor air A3 and supplies the dehumidified outdoor air A3 to the indoor Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in Figure 5, in dehumidification operation, adsorption operation and regeneration operation are performed alternately.

[0047] The adsorption operation is an operation that dehumidifies the outdoor air A3 by adsorbing moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 onto the absorbent material 52. As shown in Figure 5, during the adsorption operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the OFF state and are not heating the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is in the OFF state, so no flow of outdoor air A4 is generated in the second flow path P2.

[0048] In this adsorption operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52 without being heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60. At this time, the moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 is adsorbed by the absorbent material 52. As a result, the amount of moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 decreases, i.e., the outdoor air A3 is dried. The dried outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 is blown out into the indoor Rin by the fan 24. Through this adsorption operation, dried outdoor air A3 is supplied to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is dehumidified.

[0049] As the adsorption operation continues, the amount of water absorbed by the absorbent material 52 continues to increase, and as a result, the adsorption capacity of the absorbent material 52 for moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 decreases. In order to restore this adsorption capacity, a regeneration operation is performed to regenerate the absorbent material 52.

[0050] During regeneration, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are ON, heating the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is ON, causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 redirects the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout instead of the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is OFF, preventing the flow of outdoor air A4 through the second flow path P2.

[0051] In this regeneration operation, outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent material 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 removes a large amount of moisture from the absorbent material 52. As a result, a large amount of moisture is carried on the outdoor air A3. At the same time, the amount of moisture that the absorbent material 52 can hold decreases, that is, the absorbent material 52 dries out and its adsorption capacity is regenerated. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 and is carried on a large amount of moisture is distributed to the outdoor Rout by the damper device 64 and discharged to the outdoor Rout. As a result, during the regeneration operation in dehumidification, outdoor air A3 that is carried on a large amount of moisture due to the regeneration of the absorbent material 52 is not supplied to the indoor Rin.

[0052] By alternating between this adsorption operation and regeneration operation, the adsorption capacity of the absorbent material 52 is maintained, and dehumidification operation can be performed continuously.

[0053] The air conditioning operations using the refrigeration cycle described above (cooling operation, dehumidification operation (weak cooling operation), heating operation) and the air conditioning operations using the ventilation device 50 (ventilation operation, humidification operation, dehumidification operation) can be performed separately or simultaneously. For example, by performing dehumidification operation using the refrigeration cycle and dehumidification operation using the ventilation device 50 simultaneously, it is possible to dehumidify the indoor air while maintaining a constant room temperature.

[0054] The air conditioning operation performed by the air conditioner 10 is selected by the user. For example, the air conditioner 10 performs the corresponding air conditioning operation based on the user's selection operation on the remote controller 70 shown in Figure 1.

[0055] Up to this point, we have provided a general overview of the configuration and operation of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment. From here on, we will describe further features of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment.

[0056] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner 10. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the ventilation device with the cover removed. Furthermore, Figure 8 is a top view of the ventilation device with the cover removed. Furthermore, Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation device with the cover removed. And Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation device. Note that the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system shown in the drawings is for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the embodiment and does not limit the embodiment. The X-axis direction indicates the front-to-back direction of the outdoor unit 30, the Y-axis direction indicates the left-to-right direction, and the Z-axis direction indicates the height direction.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the ventilation device 50 is installed on the upper part of the outdoor unit 30. Specifically, the ventilation device 50 is installed on the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30, which houses the outdoor heat exchanger 32, fan 34, compressor 36, expansion valve 38, and four-way valve 40.

[0058] As shown in Figures 6-8, the ventilation device 50 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the outdoor unit 30 and comprises a box-shaped housing 102 that is open at the top and a lid 104 attached to the top of the housing 102. Components of the ventilation device 50, such as absorbent material 52, are stored inside the housing 102. Figures 7 and 8 show the ventilation device 50 with the lid 104 removed.

[0059] As shown in Figures 7-9, in this embodiment, the absorbent material 52 is positioned in the center of the ventilation device 50 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). Components related to the first flow path P1 are arranged on one side (right side) in the longitudinal direction relative to the absorbent material 52, and components related to the second flow path P2 are arranged on the other side (left side).

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, multiple spaces S1 to S4 are substantially formed within the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50.

[0061] The first space S1 is the space into which the outdoor air A3 first flows. Furthermore, the first space S1 is substantially formed in the right and upper portions of the housing 102.

[0062] The second space S2 is a space that connects to the first space S1 via the absorbent material 52, and is a space through which the outdoor air A3 in the first space S1 flows in after passing through the absorbent material 52. Furthermore, the second space S2 is substantially formed in the right and lower portions of the housing 102.

[0063] The third space S3 is the space into which the outdoor air A4 first flows. Furthermore, the third space S3 is substantially formed in the left and lower portions of the housing 102.

[0064] The fourth space S4 is a space that connects to the third space S3 via the absorbent material 52, and is a space through which the outdoor air A4 in the third space S3 flows in after passing through the absorbent material 52. Furthermore, the fourth space S4 is substantially formed in the left and upper portions of the housing 102.

[0065] To prevent outdoor air A3 inside the first and second spaces S1 and S2 from moving into the third and fourth spaces S3 and S4, and conversely to prevent outdoor air A4 inside the third and fourth spaces S3 and S4 from moving into the first and second spaces S1 and S2, the third and fourth spaces S3 and S4 are independent of the first and second spaces S1 and S2 (i.e., they are sealed apart).

[0066] First, we will describe the components of the ventilation device 50 related to the second flow path P2, which has a simple configuration.

[0067] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 is provided with a first intake port 102a, a second intake port 102b, and an exhaust port 102c in relation to the second flow path P2 through which the outdoor air A4 flows. The first intake port 102a is formed in the center of the front wall 102d of the housing 102 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The second intake port 102b is formed in the center of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102 in the left-right direction. The exhaust port 102c is formed on the left side of the front wall 102d.

[0068] When the second fan 66 is activated, the outdoor air A4 flows into the third space S3 inside the housing 102 through the first intake port 102a and the second intake port 102b. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, the outdoor air A4 flows into the third space S3 between the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 and the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52.

[0069] The outdoor air A4 in the third space S3 flows into the absorbent material 52 via the second end face 52b and flows out of the absorbent material 52 into the fourth space S4 via the first end face 52a. The outdoor air A4 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 and flowed into the fourth space S4 is drawn into the second fan 66. In this embodiment, the second fan 66 is a sirocco fan and consists of an impeller 66a that is arranged in the fan chamber F1 and rotates around a rotation center line that extends in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and a motor 66b that rotates the impeller 66a. The outdoor air A4 is drawn into the fan chamber F1 by the rotation of the impeller 66a and discharged to the outside Rout via the exhaust port 102c that communicates with the fan chamber F1. The fan chamber F1 is defined by the housing 102 and a partition plate 106 that separates the third space S3 and the fourth space S4. The partition plate 106 has an air intake port 106a that communicates with the fan chamber F1 and through which the outside air A4 passes.

[0070] Next, the components of the ventilation device 50 related to the first flow path P1 will be described.

[0071] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 is provided with a third air intake port 102g and a fourth air intake port 102h in relation to the first airflow path P1 through which the outdoor air A3 flows. The third air intake port 102g is formed on the right wall 102i of the housing 102. The fourth air intake port 102h is formed on the right side of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102.

[0072] When the first fan 62 is activated, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first space S1 inside the housing 102 through the third intake port 102g and the fourth intake port 102h. The outdoor air A3 that has flowed into the first space S1 passes through the first and second heaters 58 and 60 and heads upward towards the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first and second heaters 58 and 60 are incorporated into a heater unit 110 located in the center of the ventilation device 50.

[0074] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the heater unit. Figure 12 is a bottom view of the heater unit. Furthermore, Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the heater unit. And Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater unit along line AA in Figure 12.

[0075] As shown in Figures 11-14, the heater unit 110 includes a heater base member 112 that holds the first and second heaters 58 and 60. The heater base member 112 comprises a substantially triangular heater mounting portion 112a on which the first and second heaters 58 and 60 are placed, and a cylindrical absorbent material housing portion 112b that rotatably houses the absorbent material 52. Note that the heater mounting portion 112a and the absorbent material housing portion 112b of the heater base member 112 can also be configured as separate parts.

[0076] The first and second heaters 58 and 60 are arranged in a "V" shape on the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 (i.e., the branch channels P1a and P2b) merge on the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52 housed in the absorbent material housing portion 112b of the heater base member 112 (i.e., the branch channels P1a and P1b merge with the main channel P1c in the first channel P1). The first and second heaters 58 and 60 are fin heaters equipped with multiple heating fins that transfer heat to the outdoor air A3 flowing through the branch channels P1a and P2a.

[0077] In this embodiment, the ventilation device 50 includes an absorbent material holder 114 that holds a disc-shaped absorbent material 52 having a first end face 52a and a second end face 52b. The absorbent material holder 114 includes a cylindrical portion 114a that holds the outer peripheral surface 52c of the absorbent material 52, a hub portion 114b that is rotatably supported on a support shaft 102j erected on the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 (see Figure 10), and a plurality of spoke portions 114c that connect the cylindrical portion 114a and the hub portion 114b. The plurality of spoke portions 114c support the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52.

[0078] The absorbent material holder 114, holding the absorbent material 52, is housed in the absorbent material housing section 112b of the heater base member 112. Furthermore, the center of the absorbent material housing section 112b of the heater base member 112 is provided with an engaging section 112c that engages with the support shaft 102j of the housing 102, which penetrates the hub section 114b of the absorbent material holder 114. Multiple beam sections 112d are provided on the heater base member 112, connecting the cylindrical absorbent material housing section 112b and the engaging section 112c located in its center.

[0079] As shown in Figure 9, external teeth 114d are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 114a of the absorbent material holder 114, which engage with the pinion gear 116 attached to the motor 54. The motor 54 rotates the absorbent material 52 via this absorbent material holder 114.

[0080] The heater unit 110 also includes a first cover member 118 and a second cover member 120, as shown in Figure 13, which cover a portion of the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52 through which the outdoor air A3 passes, the first heater 58, and the second heater 60. The first cover member 118 and the second cover member 120 are supported by the heater mounting portion 112a and a plurality of beam portions 112d of the heater base member 112. As a result, the first cover member 118 covers the first and second heaters 58 and 60, as well as the portion of the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52 surrounded by the heater mounting portion 112a and the beam portions 112d in an upward view (view in the Z-axis direction). The second cover member 120 covers the first cover member 118 with a gap between them. In this embodiment, the first cover member 118 is made of a resin material, and the second cover member 120 is made of a metal material. With the first cover member 118 and the second cover member 120, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 respectively passes through the first end face 52a portion of the absorbent material 52 which is covered by the first cover member 118 and the second cover member 120.

[0081] As shown in Figure 14, the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are mounted on the heater mounting section 112a so that the outdoor air A3 passes through in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). The first cover member 118 covers the tops of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 so that the outdoor air A3 can pass through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 in the horizontal direction.

[0082] The second cover member 120 comprises a top plate portion 120a that covers the first cover member 118, and a wall portion 120b that extends downward from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate portion 120a. The top plate portion 120a faces the first cover member 118 with a gap in the height direction (Z-axis direction). The wall portion 120b faces the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 with a gap in the horizontal direction.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, an under cover member 122 is attached to the lower part of the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112. The under cover member 122 comprises a bottom plate portion 122a attached to the heater mounting portion 112a and a wall portion 122b extending from the bottom plate portion 122a in the height direction (Z-axis direction). The wall portion 122b extends between the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 and the wall portion 120b of the second cover member 120.

[0084] With the second cover member 120 and under cover member 122, the outdoor air A3 flows upward through the gap between the wall portion 120b of the second cover member 120 and the wall portion 122b of the under cover member 122. Next, the outdoor air A3 flows over the wall portion 122b of the under cover member 122 and horizontally (in the X-axis direction) above the bottom plate portion 122a, and then reaches the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. Due to this flow of outdoor air A3 (i.e., the branch channels P1a and P1b), foreign matter such as dust accompanying the outdoor air A3 is removed by gravity before the outdoor air A3 reaches the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. The distance D of the gap between the wall portion 120b of the second cover member 120 and the wall portion 122b of the under cover member 122 is set to a size that prevents insects and other organisms from entering, for example, 8 mm or less. This prevents organisms from entering the first heater 58 and the second heater 60.

[0085] As shown in Figure 14, outdoor air A3 flows through the gap between the first cover member 118 and the top plate portion 120a of the second cover member 120. That is, the gap between the first cover member 118 and the second cover member 120 functions as a connecting passage P1d that links the upstream portion of the branch passage P1a relative to the first heater 58 and the upstream portion of the branch passage P1b relative to the second heater 60. In this embodiment, the flow path length from the first heater 58 to the first fan 62 is shorter than the flow path length from the second heater 60 to the first fan 62. Therefore, the flow velocity of the outdoor air A3 at the first heater 58 is faster than the flow velocity at the second heater 60. As a result, as shown in Figure 14, a portion of the outdoor air A3 flowing through the upstream branch channel P1b relative to the second heater 60 flows through the connecting channel P1d into the branch channel P1a, and then passes through the first heater 58.

[0086] The reason for providing such a connecting passage P1d is to effectively utilize the waste heat H from the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. Specifically, much of the heat generated by the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is used to heat the outdoor air A3 that passes through them. However, some of the generated heat is not transferred to the outdoor air A3 that passes through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, but is instead transferred to the area around the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, particularly to the area above the first heater 58 and the second heater 60.

[0087] In this embodiment, the waste heat H from the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is transferred to the outdoor air A3 flowing through the connecting passage P1d. The outdoor air A3 heated by this waste heat H passes through the first heater 58 or the second heater 60, and then through the absorbent material 52. In this way, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the connecting passage P1d recovers the waste heat H from the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the outdoor air A3 by the first and second heaters 58 and 60. As a result, the amount of moisture absorbed from the absorbent material 52 in the outdoor air A3 increases, improving the efficiency of the humidification operation (humidification efficiency of indoor Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation (regeneration efficiency of the absorbent material 52).

[0088] Furthermore, such a heat recovery communication path P1d may be provided not only above the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, but also below them. The communication path P1d only needs to pass near the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, that is, in the region where the heat from the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is transmitted.

[0089] The outdoor air A3, heated by at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, passes downward through the absorbent material 52 from the first end face 52a to the second end face 52b, as shown in Figure 10, and enters the second space S2.

[0090] Figure 15 is a top view of a portion of the housing of the ventilation device that represents the second space.

[0091] As shown in Figure 15, an annular wall portion 102k extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction) is formed on the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102. A partition plate 124 is placed at the top of this annular wall portion 102k to separate the first space S1 and the second space S2 (see Figure 10). The annular wall portion 102k and the partition plate 124 of the housing 102 define the second space S2. A sealing unit, which will be described later, is attached to the portion 102l of the annular wall portion 102k located below the absorbent material 52 to seal the space between the annular wall portion 102k and the absorbent material 52.

[0092] Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the absorbent material perpendicular to its radial direction.

[0093] As shown in Figure 16, the ventilation device 50 is provided with a plurality of first seal units 126 for the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52 and a plurality of second seal units 128 for the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52. In this embodiment, the first seal units 126 are provided on a plurality of beam portions 112d of the heater base member 112 facing the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52. The second seal units 128 are provided on a portion 102l of the annular wall portion 102k of the housing 102 facing the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52.

[0094] Each of the multiple first seal units 126 comprises a seal member 126a that contacts the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52 in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and a seal holder 126b that holds the seal member 126a and is attached to the heater base member 112. The seal member 126a substantially extends in the radial direction of the disc-shaped absorbent material 52 and contacts the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52. In this embodiment, the seal member 126a is a brush. However, the seal member 126a is not limited to a brush as long as it is slidable relative to the first end face 52a of the rotating absorbent material 52. The seal member 126a may be, for example, an elastic material such as flexible silicone rubber.

[0095] This first sealing unit 126 prevents some of the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, specifically the outdoor air A3 flowing inside the first cover member 118, from entering the second flow path P2 (i.e., the fourth space S4). Conversely, it also prevents outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 from entering the first flow path P1.

[0096] Each of the multiple second seal units 128 comprises a seal member 128a that contacts the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52 in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and a seal holder 128b that holds the seal member 128a and is attached to the housing 102. The seal member 128a extends substantially in the radial direction of the disc-shaped absorbent material 52, extends parallel to the seal member 126a of the first seal unit 126, and contacts the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52. In this embodiment, the seal member 128a is a brush. However, the seal member 128a is not limited to a brush as long as it is slidable relative to the second end face 52b of the rotating absorbent material 52. The seal member 128a may be, for example, an elastic material such as flexible silicone rubber. Furthermore, the seal member 128a may be different from or the same as the seal member 126a of the first seal unit 126.

[0097] This second sealing unit 128 prevents a portion of the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, specifically the portion of the outdoor air A3 flowing into the second space S2 from the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52, from entering the second flow path P2 (i.e., the third space S3). Conversely, it also prevents outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 from entering the first flow path P1.

[0098] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, there are multiple spoke portions 114c of the absorbent material holder 114 on the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52 that the second seal unit 128 (and its seal member 128a) contacts. Therefore, during the rotation of the absorbent material holder 114, the seal member 128a needs to overcome the multiple spoke portions 114c.

[0099] At this time, when the entire sealing member 128a crosses over the spoke portion 114c at the same time, the rotational resistance of the absorbent material holder 114 increases. As a result, a torque load is intermittently applied to the motor 54 that rotates the absorbent material holder 114.

[0100] Therefore, the spoke portion 114c extends in such a way that the entire sealing member 128a does not cross over the spoke portion 114c at the same time. Specifically, the sealing member 128a substantially extends in the radial direction of the absorbent material 52, while the spoke portion 114c does not substantially extend in the radial direction of the absorbent material 52. As a result, for example, when the end of the sealing member 128a on the side closer to the center of the absorbent material 52 is located on the spoke portion 114c, the outer end of the sealing member 128a is not located on the spoke portion 114c. Due to this difference in the direction of extension, the sealing member 128a does not cross over the spoke portion 114c as a whole, but rather crosses over the spoke portion 114c in parts at a time. As a result, the load on the motor 54 is reduced.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the beam portion 112d of the heater base member 112, on which the first seal unit 126 is provided, is provided with an impact plate 112e that extends away from the first seal unit 126. The impact plate 112e extends above the portion of the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52 through which the outdoor air A4 flows. As a result, the outdoor air A4 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 near the first seal unit 126 collides with the impact plate 112e. A comparative example of this "impact plate" will be explained below.

[0102] Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the absorbent material in the comparative ventilation device, perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorbent material.

[0103] As shown in the comparative example in Figure 17, if there is no impact plate 112e protruding into the second flow path P2 away from the first seal unit 126, a portion of the outdoor air A3 before it passes through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 and flows into the absorbent material 52 may enter the second flow path P2. Specifically, a portion of the outdoor air A3 may pass between the seal member 126a and the absorbent material 52 and enter the second flow path P2.

[0104] The passage of the outdoor air A3 between the sealing member 126a and the absorbent material 52 is caused by the airflow resistance of the absorbent material 52, that is, the pressure loss caused by passing through the absorbent material 52. Specifically, the pressure in the first flow path P1 upstream of the absorbent material 52 (i.e., space S5) is the pressure before pressure loss occurs due to the absorbent material 52, while the pressure in the second flow path P2 downstream of the absorbent material 52 (i.e., fourth space S4) is the pressure after pressure loss occurs by passing through the absorbent material 52. In other words, the pressure in space S5 is relatively higher than the pressure in space S4 because it has not passed through the absorbent material 52. This difference in pressures can cause the passage of the outdoor air A3 between the sealing member 126a and the absorbent material 52. As a result, the outdoor air A3, heated at a relatively high pressure by the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, can enter the second flow path P2, which is at a relatively low pressure, through the space between the sealing member 126a and the absorbent material 52.

[0105] When a portion of the heated outdoor air A3 enters the second flow path P2 without passing through the absorbent material 52, the amount of moisture absorbed by the outdoor air A3 from the absorbent material 52 decreases, meaning the efficiency of the humidification operation (humidification efficiency of indoor Rin) decreases. To address this, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, there is an impact plate 112e that protrudes from the first seal unit 126 into the second flow path P2.

[0106] As shown in Figure 16, the outdoor air A4 flowing near the first seal unit 126 flows out from the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52 and then collides with the impact plate 112e. This generates a turbulent high-pressure region AP between the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52 and the impact plate 112e. This high-pressure region AP reduces the pressure difference on both sides of the seal member 126a. As a result, the intrusion of outdoor air A3 into the second flow path P2 through the space between the seal member 126a and the absorbent material 52 is suppressed.

[0107] In this embodiment, the tip of the impact plate 112e (the end furthest from the first seal unit 126) is provided with a constricted wall 112f that extends toward the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52. This creates a nearly closed space surrounded by the seal member 126a, the impact plate 112e, the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52, and the constricted wall 112f, generating a high-pressure region AP within that space. As a result, the intrusion of outdoor air A3 into the second flow path P2 through the space between the seal member 126a and the absorbent material 52 is more suppressed compared to the case without the constricted wall 112f.

[0108] As shown in Figure 16, the sealing member 126a of the first sealing unit 126 and the sealing member 128a of the second sealing unit 128 are in contact with the absorbent material 52 in directions perpendicular to the first end face 52a and the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this.

[0109] Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the absorbent material perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorbent material in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment.

[0110] As shown in Figure 18, in the ventilation device according to a different embodiment, the sealing members 126a and 128a each contact the absorbent material 52 at an angle with respect to the first end face 52a and the second end face 52b, respectively. Specifically, the sealing members 126a and 128a are held in the sealing holders 226b and 228b at an angle that approaches the absorbent material 52 as it moves from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotational direction DR of the absorbent material 52. In this case, compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the sliding resistance between the sealing members 126a and 128a and the absorbent material 52 is reduced, and the load on the motor 54 is reduced.

[0111] Furthermore, when the rotation direction of the absorbent material 52 is switched, the sealing members 126a and 128a may each be held in the seal holder so as to be able to swing about a rotational center line extending radially from the absorbent material 52.

[0112] Furthermore, the rotational speeds of the first fan 62 and the second fan 66 may be adjusted so that outdoor air A3 or outdoor air A4 does not pass between the sealing member 126a of the first seal unit 126 and the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52, and between the sealing member 128a of the second seal unit 128 and the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52. For example, if the rotational speed of the first fan 62 or the second fan 66 increases, the pressure in the first flow path P1 or the second flow path P2 decreases. Conversely, if the rotational speed decreases, the pressure increases.

[0113] For example, when at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is ON, the passage of heated outdoor air A3 between the sealing member 126a of the first sealing unit 126 and the absorbent material 52 can be further suppressed by increasing the rotational speed of the first fan 62 to lower the pressure in the first flow path P1 and / or decreasing the rotational speed of the second fan 66 to increase the pressure in the second flow path P2.

[0114] In addition to the first sealing unit 126 and the second sealing unit 128, the ventilation device 50 also includes a labyrinth sealing member 130 as shown in Figure 13, for sealing the absorbent material 52.

[0115] Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent holder showing the labyrinth channel formed on the outside of the absorbent holder.

[0116] As shown in Figure 19, the absorbent holder 114 rotates, and the outer surface of its cylindrical portion 114a faces the absorbent housing portion 112b of the heater base member 112 and the partition plate 124 with a gap between them. Therefore, a portion of the outdoor air A3 that should pass through the absorbent 52 may flow outside the cylindrical portion 114a and bypass the absorbent 52. When the outdoor air A3 is heated by at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, such bypassing reduces the amount of moisture that the outdoor air A3 removes from the absorbent 52, that is, the efficiency of the humidification operation (humidification efficiency of indoor Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation (regeneration efficiency of the absorbent 52) ​​decreases. Therefore, in this embodiment, a labyrinth flow path PL is formed between the absorbent holder 114 and the opposing members (heater base member 112 and partition plate 124) by the labyrinth seal member 130. A labyrinth channel is a channel that has high flow resistance due to its channel shape that changes the direction of fluid flow multiple times.

[0117] The labyrinth seal member 130 has an end face 130a that forms a radial channel PLa extending radially (in the Y-axis direction) of the absorbent material 52 as part of the labyrinth channel PL. Specifically, in this embodiment, the absorbent material holder 114 has external teeth 114d on the outer circumferential surface of its cylindrical portion 114a. The absorbent material holder 114 also has an annular flange 114e provided on the end face of the external teeth 114d on the side farther from the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52. The end face 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130 forms a radial channel PLa between itself and the flange 114e.

[0118] The labyrinth channel PL, which includes such a radial channel PLa, makes it difficult for the outdoor air A3 to flow outside the cylindrical portion 114a and bypass the absorbent material 52, and instead causes it to pass through the absorbent material 52. As a result, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the efficiency of humidification operation (humidification efficiency of indoor Rin) or the efficiency of regeneration operation in dehumidification operation (regeneration efficiency of absorbent material 52) that would occur if the outdoor air A3 were to bypass the absorbent material 52.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end face 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130 is provided with a protruding ridge 130b that projects toward the flange 114e of the absorbent material holder 114. This further increases the flow resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the partition plate 124 is provided with ribs 124a that extend radially (Y-axis direction) of the absorbent material 52 so as to be spaced apart from and facing the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52. These ribs 124a make it more difficult for the outdoor air A3 to flow out of the labyrinth flow path PL, and as a result, the flow resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL increases further.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a protruding portion 124b is provided at the tip of the rib 124a of the partition plate 124, projecting toward the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52. This protruding portion 124b makes it more difficult for the outdoor air A3 to flow out of the labyrinth flow path PL, and as a result, the flow resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL increases further.

[0122] The labyrinth channel PL may be formed over the entire outer surface of the cylindrical portion 114a of the absorbent material holder 114, or it may not be formed over the entire surface. The main purpose of the labyrinth channel PL is to suppress bypass of the absorbent material 52 by the outdoor air A3, so that much of the outdoor air A3 heated by at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 passes through the absorbent material 52. Therefore, it is sufficient for the labyrinth channel PL to be present at least outside the portion of the cylindrical portion 114a of the absorbent material holder 114 that corresponds to the portion of the absorbent material 52 through which the heated outdoor air A3 passes. If the labyrinth channel PL is formed over the entire outer surface of the cylindrical portion 114a, bypass of the absorbent material 52 can also be suppressed for outdoor air A4 passing through the absorbent material 52 from the second end face 52b toward the first end face 52a.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end face 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130 forms a radial flow path PLa between it and the flange 114e of the absorbent material holder 114. The portion of the absorbent material holder 114 that cooperates with the end face 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130 to form the radial flow path PLa is not limited to the flange 114e. If the absorbent material holder 114 has an enlarged diameter portion that protrudes radially outward, the end face 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130 forms a radial flow path PLa between it and the enlarged diameter portion. It is possible to form a radial flow path PLa. However, the flange 114e obstructs the outdoor air A3 flowing between the teeth of the external teeth 114d, which also increases the flow resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL.

[0124] The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 flows into the second space S2.

[0125] Figure 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the components around the first fan.

[0126] As shown in Figure 20, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, specifically into the second space S2, is drawn into the first fan 62. In this embodiment, the first fan 62 is a sirocco fan and consists of an impeller 62a that rotates around a rotation center line extending vertically (Z-axis direction) located in the fan chamber F2, and a motor 62b that rotates the impeller 62a. The outdoor air A3 is drawn into the fan chamber F2 by the rotation of the impeller 66a. The fan chamber F1 is defined by an annular wall 124c provided on a partition plate 124 and a fan cover member 132 attached to the annular wall 124c. The partition plate 124 has an air intake port 124d that communicates with the fan chamber F2 and through which the outdoor air A3 passes.

[0127] In this embodiment, the motor 62b of the first fan 62 is mounted on the fan cover member 132 and covered by the motor cover member 134. That is, the motor 62b is housed in the motor chamber M1 defined by the fan cover member 132 and the motor cover member 134.

[0128] In this embodiment, the fan cover member 132 and the motor cover member 134 are configured so that outside air A3 flows into the motor chamber M1.

[0129] To explain in more detail, when the first fan 62 rotates, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, outdoor air A3 flows into the first space S1 through the third air intake 102g and the fourth air intake 102h. A portion of the outdoor air A3 that flows into space S1 passes directly through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. The remainder flows into the motor chamber M1, as shown in Figure 20, cools the motor 62b, flows out of the motor chamber M1, and then passes through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60.

[0130] To ensure that the outdoor air A3 entering the motor chamber M1 flows locally in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), the fan cover member 132 and the motor cover member 134 are each provided with multiple obstruction walls 132a and 134a that extend in the vertical direction. These obstruction walls 132a and 134b cause the outdoor air A3 to flow vertically, and any foreign matter accompanying the outdoor air A3 is removed by gravity. As a result, the entry of foreign matter into the motor chamber M1 is suppressed.

[0131] Furthermore, the fourth air intake port 102h, which communicates with the first space S1, is provided with multiple slats 102m to suppress the intrusion of foreign matter. In addition, at least one slat 102n has an inclined surface 102o that is higher on the side facing the first space S1. This inclined surface 102o suppresses the intrusion of rainwater falling diagonally downward into the first space S1. Similar slats 102m are also provided at the first air intake port 102a, the second air intake port 102b, and the third air intake port 102g.

[0132] Furthermore, the means of suppressing rainwater intrusion are not limited to the inclined surface 102o.

[0133] Figure 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the air intake port of the housing in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment.

[0134] As shown in Figure 21, in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment, the fourth air intake port 202h of the housing 202 is provided with a plurality of rails 202m. Each rail 202m is provided with a hanging portion 202p that extends toward the other rails 202m located below it. Such hanging portions 202p can also suppress the intrusion of rainwater into the first space S1.

[0135] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 and 15, an orifice member 136 is provided in the portion of the first flow path P1 between the absorbent material 52 and the air intake port 124d, i.e., within the second space S2. The orifice member 136 is an obstacle that locally reduces the flow path cross-sectional area in the portion of the first flow path P1 between the absorbent material 52 and the air intake port 124d. By providing the orifice member 136, the temperature distribution within the second space S2 becomes more uniform compared to when the orifice member 136 is not provided.

[0136] To explain in more detail, in the second space S2, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the second heater 60 flow together as they mix. When both the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are ON, and when both are OFF, the temperature distribution in the second space S2 is substantially uniform.

[0137] In contrast, the temperature distribution when only the first heater 58 is ON and the temperature distribution when only the second heater 60 is ON are not uniform and differ significantly from each other. Specifically, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 located at the rear of the heating device 50 flows through the rear portion of the second space S2, and the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the second heater 60 located at the front flows through the front portion of the second space S2. The outdoor air A3 flowing through the second space S2 begins to swirl near the air intake port 124d of the first fan 62, and in that state flows into the fan chamber F2 through the air intake port 124d. At this time, for example, when only the first heater 58 at the rear is ON, the hotter outdoor air A3 flows through the rear portion of the second space S2, and the colder (unheated) outdoor air A3 flows through the front portion. In this state, if the outdoor air A3 swirls near the air intake 124d, the detection accuracy of the temperature sensor 138, which measures the temperature of the outdoor air A3 in the second space S2, decreases. The temperature sensor 138 is installed on the partition plate 124, as shown in Figure 9.

[0138] As shown in Figure 15, the orifice member 136 is positioned upstream of the temperature sensor 138 in the portion of the first flow path P1 (second space S2) from the first and second heaters 58 and 60 to the air intake port 124d. The orifice member 136 is also provided so as to traverse the second space S2. Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the second heater 60 pass through the narrow gap between the orifice member 136 and the partition plate 124 and head towards the air intake port 124d. Due to the gap and the vortex caused by the separation flow generated after passing through the gap, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the second heater 60 mix appropriately. As a result, the temperature distribution around the temperature sensor 138 located downstream of the orifice member 136 becomes approximately equal when only the first heater 58 is ON compared to when only the second heater 60 is ON. Additionally, the orifice member 136 has the secondary effect of reducing the noise level generated by the first fan 62 that leaks outside the room.

[0139] The orifice member 136 can also have other shapes.

[0140] Figure 22 is a top view of a portion of the housing of a ventilation device showing a second space in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment.

[0141] As shown in Figure 22, in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment, the orifice member 236 is not provided so as to cross the second space S2, but is provided only on the front side of the ventilation device. In this case, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the outdoor air A4 that has passed through the second heater 60 flow in a way that bypasses the orifice member 236 when viewed from above (viewed in the Z-axis direction). When bypassing, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the second heater 60 mix appropriately. In this case, the outdoor air A3 flows gently near the temperature sensor 138, and the measurement environment of the temperature sensor 138 is stabilized.

[0142] As shown in Figure 20, the outdoor air A3 that flows from the second space S2 into the fan chamber F1 of the first fan 62 is sent to the damper device 64 by the rotation of the impeller 62a.

[0143] Figure 23A is a cross-sectional view showing the damper device connected to an indoor environment. Figure 23B is a cross-sectional view showing the damper device connected to an outdoor environment.

[0144] As shown in Figures 23A and 23B, and also in Figure 9, in this embodiment, the damper device 64 includes a portion of the partition plate 124 and a portion of the fan cover member 132 as components of its housing. The damper device 64 also includes an inlet 64a into which outdoor air A3 flows in, a first outlet 64b communicating with the indoor unit 20 and through which outdoor air A3 flows out, a second outlet 64c communicating with the outside and through which outdoor air A3 flows out, and a closing door 64d that selectively closes either the first outlet 64b or the second outlet 64c. The damper device 64 also includes a power source (not shown) such as a motor controlled by the control device of the air conditioner 10, which rotates the closing door 64e around a rotation centerline extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction).

[0145] The inlet 64a of the damper device 64 is in communication with the fan chamber F2 of the first fan 62. As a result, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58, the second heater 60, and the absorbent material 52 and has been blown out from the impeller 62a of the first fan 62 flows into the damper device 64 through the inlet 64a.

[0146] A ventilation conduit 56 is connected to the first outlet 64b of the damper device 64. As a result, the first outlet 64b communicates with the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56. Consequently, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the inlet 64a flows into the indoor unit 20. In this embodiment, the first outlet 64b opens to the right.

[0147] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the opening direction of the first outlet 64b of the damper device 64 is to the right, while the opening direction of the inlet 64a is to the left. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 that flows into the inlet 64a flows out from the first outlet 64b without changing its flow direction. As a result, the outdoor air A3 can flow into the ventilation conduit 56 without decelerating while maintaining the blowing speed of the first fan 62.

[0148] The second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 communicates with the outside indirectly, rather than directly. Specifically, the second outlet 64c opens horizontally, particularly toward the rear wall 102e, within an isolation chamber S6 provided within the housing 102. The isolation chamber S6 is defined by the housing 102 and the fan cover member 132 and is independent of the other spaces S1 to S4. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the second outlet 64c flows into the isolation chamber S6.

[0149] The bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 that defines the isolation chamber S6 is provided with a connection port 102q that communicates with the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30.

[0150] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the ventilation system showing the flow of outdoor air flowing out from the damper device. Figure 25 is a schematic front view of the outdoor unit, showing the inside of the outdoor unit body.

[0151] As shown in Figure 24, the outdoor air A3 that flows backward from the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 changes its flow direction downward in the isolation chamber S6 and passes through the connection port 102q provided in the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102.

[0152] As shown in Figure 25, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the connection port 102q of the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 flows into the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30.

[0153] In this embodiment, the main body housing 100 is roughly divided into a heat exchange chamber R1 that houses the outdoor heat exchanger 32 and fan 34, and a machine chamber R2 that houses the compressor 36, four-way valve 40, control board, etc. Outdoor air A3 flows into the machine chamber R2.

[0154] In this way, the reason why the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 is discharged to the outdoor Rout via the housing 100 of the outdoor unit 30 will be explained.

[0155] As shown in Figure 23B, when the outdoor air A3 flows out from the second outlet 64c, it collides with the closed door 64d and substantially changes its flow direction by 90 degrees. At this time, turbulence is generated within the damper device 64, resulting in noise.

[0156] Here, if an exhaust port with multiple slats is provided in the rear wall 102e of the housing 102 facing the second outlet 64c, noise originating from turbulence will leak to the outside Rout through that exhaust port. In addition, the operating noise of the closing door 64e will also leak to the outside Rout through that exhaust port. Furthermore, wind noise may be generated by the slats.

[0157] As in this embodiment, when the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the second outlet 64c flows into the housing 100 via the isolation chamber S6, noise originating from turbulence and the operating sound of the closing door 64e are suppressed from leaking to the outdoor Rout. In other words, the internal space of the housing 100 functions as a "muffler" that reduces the level of noise generated by the outdoor air A3 flowing through the damper device 64 and leaking to the outdoor Rout.

[0158] In particular, when outdoor air A3 flows into the machine room R2, the level of noise leaking to the outdoor Rout can be further reduced. The machine room R2 is a nearly sealed space, and is connected to the outdoor Rout through gaps large enough to allow heat generated from the compressor 36 and other equipment housed inside to escape to the outdoor Rout. On the other hand, the heat exchange chamber R1 is connected to the outdoor Rout through an intake port through which outdoor air A2 drawn in by the fan 34 passes, and an exhaust port through which the heat-exchanged outdoor air A2 flows out. Therefore, when outdoor air A3 that has flowed out from the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 flows into the machine room R2, the level of noise leaking to the outdoor Rout can be reduced compared to when it flows into the heat exchange chamber R1.

[0159] In this way, the damper device 64 discharges the outdoor air A3 to the outside Aout through the space inside the housing 100 of the outdoor unit 30, thereby reducing the noise level generated from the outdoor unit 30.

[0160] Furthermore, a duct connecting the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 and the connection port 102q may be provided inside the housing 102 so that the outdoor air A3 flows smoothly from the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 towards the connection port 102q that communicates with the housing 100, that is, so that turbulence does not occur between them and noise is not generated.

[0161] Furthermore, the damper device 64 may be configured such that the second outlet 64c faces downwards, so that the second outlet 64c faces the connection port 102q within the isolation chamber S6. In addition, the damper device 64 may be configured so that the second outlet 64c is directly connected to the connection port 102q.

[0162] The outdoor air A3 that flows out from the first outlet 64b of the damper device 64 flows into the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56.

[0163] Figure 26 is a perspective view showing the indoor heat exchanger and nozzle installed in the indoor unit. Figure 27 is a side view of the indoor unit showing its internal structure. The UVW Cartesian coordinate system shown in the figures is for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the embodiment and does not limit the embodiment. The U-axis direction indicates the left-right direction of the indoor unit 20, the V-axis direction indicates the front-back direction, and the W-axis direction indicates the height direction.

[0164] As shown in Figure 26, the indoor unit 20 comprises an indoor heat exchanger 22 and a nozzle 140. The nozzle 140 includes a connection part 140a that connects to a ventilation conduit 56 and an outlet 140b that blows out outdoor air A3 supplied from the ventilation conduit 56.

[0165] As shown in Figure 27, the nozzle 140 is installed inside the housing 142 of the indoor unit 20 to blow out outdoor air A3 supplied from the ventilation device 50 via the ventilation conduit 56 into the housing 142 of the indoor unit 20. Specifically, the nozzle 140 is positioned inside the indoor unit 20 so that the blown-out outdoor air A3 passes through a dry region inside the indoor unit 20 and heads towards the fan 24. The fan 24 is, for example, a cross-flow fan. The "dry region" referred to here is a region that is drier than other regions. Such a "dry region" can be identified experimentally or by simulation.

[0166] In this embodiment, the direction in which the outdoor air A3 is blown out of the nozzle 140 is directed such that the outdoor air A3 blown out from the outlet 140b passes through the drying portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22, which is the "drying region" inside the indoor unit 20.

[0167] To explain in more detail, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 27, the indoor heat exchanger 22 is installed inside the housing 142 of the indoor unit 20 so as to partially surround the fan 24 (in this embodiment, surround it except for the area below the fan 24) when viewed in the direction extending from the rotation centerline of the fan 24 (viewed in the U-axis direction). The indoor heat exchanger 22 is also composed of a first part 22a located behind the fan 24 and a second part 22b located in front of the fan 24. The refrigerant supplied from the compressor 36 flows through this indoor heat exchanger 22. In this embodiment, when the air conditioner 10 is in cooling operation or weak cooling operation (dehumidification operation), when viewed in the direction extending from the rotation centerline of the fan 24, the refrigerant flows from the top to the bottom of the first part 22a and then from the bottom to the top of the second part 22b. That is, the refrigerant flows counterclockwise through the indoor heat exchanger 22 in Figure 27.

[0168] As a result of this refrigerant flow, a dry area DP is generated at the top of the second section 22b of the indoor heat exchanger 22. The dry area DP is located downstream in the direction of refrigerant flow in the indoor heat exchanger 22. As the refrigerant's temperature rises while flowing through the other parts of the indoor heat exchanger 22, condensation is less likely to occur in the dry area DP (less condensation water adheres) compared to other parts.

[0169] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the dry portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22 is located away from the drain pans 144 and 146 provided below the indoor heat exchanger 22, so there is less condensation water adhering to it. In other words, since the condensation water flows downwards across the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 22 towards the drain pans 144 and 146, there is less condensation water in the dry portion DP located at the top of the indoor heat exchanger 22.

[0170] The reason why the outdoor air A3 blown out from the nozzle 140 passes through the drying area inside the indoor unit 20 (in this embodiment, the drying portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22) before heading towards the fan 24 will now be explained.

[0171] The air conditioner 10 is configured to simultaneously perform dehumidification operation using a refrigeration cycle (weak cooling operation) and dehumidification operation using a ventilation device 50 as one operating mode.

[0172] In dehumidification operation using a refrigeration cycle, when the fan 24 rotates, indoor air A1 is drawn into the housing 142 of the indoor unit 20 through the air intake port 142a located at the top of the housing 142 and passes through the indoor heat exchanger 22. At this time, the indoor air A1 is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 22 and its moisture is removed, causing it to dry. The removed moisture condenses on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 22. The dried indoor air A1 is then blown out into the room Rin through the air outlet port 142b by the fan 24.

[0173] During dehumidification operation by the ventilation device 50 (see Figure 5), outdoor air A3, which has been heated during the adsorption operation in dehumidification, is supplied from the ventilation device 50 to the nozzle 140. The outdoor air A3 is blown out from the nozzle 140 and is drawn by the fan 24 to pass through the dry section DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22. At this time, since the outdoor air A3 passes through the dry section DP, that is, it does not pass through other parts of the indoor heat exchanger 22 where a lot of condensation water adheres, the dry state is maintained. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 22 while maintaining a dry state is blown out into the indoor Rin via the air outlet 142b by the fan 24.

[0174] By simultaneously performing dehumidification using this refrigeration cycle (weak cooling operation) and dehumidification using the ventilation device 50, indoor Rin can be dehumidified without significantly lowering the indoor temperature.

[0175] Here, if the outdoor air A3 blown out from nozzle 140 passes through parts of the indoor heat exchanger 22 other than the drying section DP, the outdoor air A3 is humidified by the evaporation of condensation water. Since this humidified outdoor air A3 is blown into indoor Rin, some of the moisture that was originally present in indoor Rin returns to indoor Rin, thus reducing the dehumidification efficiency of indoor Rin.

[0176] Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 is configured to simultaneously perform dehumidification operation (weak cooling operation) using a refrigeration cycle and ventilation operation using the ventilation device 50 as a single operating mode.

[0177] In this case, the undehumidified outdoor air A3 is supplied from the ventilation device 50 to the nozzle 140. The outdoor air A3 blown out from the nozzle 140 then passes through the dry section DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22. In this case, ventilation of the indoor Rin can be performed without returning some of the condensation water that has accumulated on the indoor heat exchanger 22 due to the dehumidification operation back to the indoor Rin.

[0178] Furthermore, the nozzle 140 may blow at least a portion of the outdoor air A3 into the space between the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the fan 24, serving as a "drying area" within the indoor unit 20.

[0179] In this embodiment, the nozzle 140 is configured to be non-destructively divided into multiple parts.

[0180] Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle. Figure 29 is a perspective view showing the nozzle separated into two parts. And Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle.

[0181] As shown in Figure 28, the nozzle 140 is composed of four parts 148 to 154. Specifically, as shown in Figure 29, in this embodiment, the nozzle 140 is detachably configured to consist of a rear portion 140c having a connecting portion 140a and a front portion 140d having a blowing port 140b. The rear portion 140c has a connecting port 140e for connecting to the front portion 140d, and the tip portion 140f of the front portion 140d is removably inserted into the connecting port 140e.

[0182] As shown in Figure 29, in this embodiment, the rear portion 140c is attached to the base member 156 of the indoor unit 20, and the front portion 140d is attached to the filter frame 158. The base member 156 functions as a bracket when the indoor unit 20 is mounted on a wall, and also holds components of the indoor unit 20 such as the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the fan 24. The filter frame 158 is a member that holds a filter (not shown) through which the indoor air A1 heading toward the indoor heat exchanger 22 passes, and is configured to be removable from the base member 156. When the filter frame 158 is removed from the base member 156, the front portion 140d of the nozzle 140 separates from the rear portion 140c.

[0183] As shown in Figure 30, when the tip 140f of the front portion 140d is inserted into the connection port 140e of the rear portion 140c of the nozzle 140, the inner circumferential surface 140g of the rear portion 140c and the inner circumferential surface 140h of the front portion 140d are connected seamlessly without any steps. This suppresses the pressure loss of the outdoor air A3 flowing from the rear portion 140c to the front portion 140d.

[0184] As shown in Figure 28, the rear portion 140c of the nozzle 140 is configured to be separable into two parts 148 and 150 along its internal flow path. Similarly, the front portion 140d is also configured to be separable into two parts 152 and 154 along its internal flow path. The parts 148 and 150 are configured to be joined together, for example by snap engagement, without the use of fastening parts such as screws. Likewise, the parts 152 and 154 are configured to be joined together without the use of fastening parts.

[0185] As shown in Figure 30, in this embodiment, the rear portion 140c of the nozzle 140 is provided with a flow-constricting section 140i that reduces the flow path cross-sectional area compared to other locations. This reflects noise from the outdoor unit 30 and reduces the level of noise transmitted into the indoor unit 20.

[0186] With a nozzle 140 configured in this way, it is easy to check and clean the inside. Specifically, the nozzle 140 can be divided into four parts 148 to 154, and each part can be checked and cleaned.

[0187] According to this embodiment, in an air conditioner that supplies outdoor air from an outdoor unit to an indoor unit, the level of noise generated from the outdoor unit when the outdoor air is discharged to the outside can be reduced.

[0188] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0189] For example, in the embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 24, the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 of the ventilation device 50 flows into the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this. If the outdoor air A3 discharged to the outside from the damper device 64 passes through a wide internal space before being discharged to the outside, a muffler effect (sound-reducing effect) can be obtained, so the housing through which the outdoor air A3 passes is not limited.

[0190] In other words, the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is, in a broad sense, an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit comprises a first housing, a second housing, an absorbent material disposed in the second housing through which outdoor air passes, a damper device disposed in the second housing for distributing the outdoor air that has passed through the absorbent material into the indoor unit or the first housing, and a fan for generating a flow of outdoor air that has passed through the absorbent material toward the damper device, wherein the damper device includes an inlet through which outdoor air that has passed through the absorbent material flows in, a first outlet communicating with the indoor unit through which outdoor air flows out, a second outlet communicating with the first housing through which outdoor air flows out, and a closing door that selectively closes either the first outlet or the second outlet. [Industrial applicability]

[0191] This disclosure is applicable to any air conditioner that includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0192] 64 Damper device 64a Inlet 64b First outlet 64c Second outlet 64d Closed door 102 Second enclosure (enclosure) A3 Outdoor air

Claims

1. An air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, The aforementioned outdoor unit, The first enclosure and, The second enclosure, An absorbent material is placed inside the second enclosure through which outside air passes, A damper device is placed inside the second housing and distributes the outdoor air that has passed through the absorbent material into the indoor unit or the first housing. The system includes a fan that generates a flow of outdoor air that passes through the absorbent material and is directed toward the damper device, The damper device includes an inlet through which outdoor air that has passed through the absorbent material flows in, a first outlet communicating with the indoor unit through which outdoor air flows out, a second outlet communicating with the first housing through which outdoor air flows out, and a closing door that selectively closes either the first outlet or the second outlet. The fan is positioned upstream of the damper device in the direction of the flow of outdoor air passing through the absorbent material toward the damper device. The first housing comprises a machine room for housing the compressor that constitutes the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner, The second outlet of the damper device communicates with an isolation chamber provided within the second housing, A connection port is provided in the bottom plate of the isolation chamber, which communicates with the machine room of the first enclosure. An air conditioner in which outdoor air flowing out from the second outlet changes its flow direction downward within the isolation chamber and flows into the machine chamber through the connection port.

2. The second outlet of the damper device opens horizontally and communicates with the isolation chamber. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening direction of the first outlet is opposite to the opening direction of the inlet.

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