air conditioner

Abstract

To reduce noise level while improving intake efficiency of a Sirocco fan.SOLUTION: An air conditioner includes: a Sirocco fan 70; and a duct including an internal space communicating with an air suction port 106a of the Sirocco fan 70 and guiding air in a direction crossing an extending direction of a rotation center line C3 of the Sirocco fan 70. The duct includes first, second, and third inner side surfaces 106a, 106b, 106c surrounding three sides of the air suction port 106a at intervals when observed from the extending direction. The first and second inner side surfaces 106b, 106c are opposed to each other across the air suction port 106a. A guide portion 106g is configured to: be disposed at least partially between the air suction port 106a and the inner side surface closest to an air blowout port 102c of the Sirocco fan 70 and crossing an opening direction of the air blowout port 102c among the first, second, and third inner side surfaces 106a, 106b, 106c; and project from the inner side surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, an air conditioner including an indoor unit disposed in a room to be air-conditioned and an outdoor unit disposed outdoors is known. This air conditioner is configured to perform a humidifying operation or a dehumidifying operation in which the indoor unit supplies humidified or dehumidified outdoor air sent from the outdoor unit into the room. In addition, the outdoor unit includes a sirocco fan to perform the humidifying operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the noise level derived from a sirocco fan while improving the intake efficiency of the sirocco fan in an air conditioner in which the outdoor unit includes the sirocco fan to perform a humidifying operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, a sirocco fan having an impeller, a fan chamber that houses the impeller, an air intake port that opens in a direction in which the rotation center line of the impeller extends and communicates with the fan chamber, and an air outlet port that opens in a tangential direction of the impeller and communicates with the fan chamber, and The duct has an internal space that communicates with the air intake of the sirocco fan and guides the air in a direction intersecting the direction of extension of the rotational centerline, The duct includes first, second, and third inner surfaces that surround the air intake on three sides at a distance from each other in the view in the extending direction, In the view in the extending direction, the first and second inner surfaces face each other with the air intake port in between, In the view in the extending direction, an air conditioner is provided in which, among the first, second, and third inner surfaces, at least a portion is disposed between the inner surface closest to the air outlet and intersecting the opening direction of the air outlet and the air intake, and a guide portion is provided protruding from the inner surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to this disclosure, in an air conditioner in which the outdoor unit is equipped with a sirocco fan for humidification operation, it is possible to improve the intake efficiency of the sirocco fan while reducing the noise level originating from the sirocco fan. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during supply air ventilation operation. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during exhaust ventilation operation. [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during humidification operation. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during dehumidification operation. [Figure 7] Front perspective view of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. [Figure 8] Rear perspective view of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. [Figure 9] Front perspective view of the ventilation system [Figure 10] Disassembled perspective view of the ventilation unit with the top cover removed. [Figure 11] Top view of the ventilation device showing the internal structure [Figure 12] Schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation device [Figure 13] Top view of a part of the ventilation device showing the second space [Figure 14A] Perspective view showing the state of a plurality of damper devices provided in the second space during the execution of the supply ventilation operation, the humidification operation, or the dehumidification operation [Figure 14B] Perspective view showing the state of a plurality of damper devices provided in the second space during the execution of the exhaust ventilation operation [Figure 15A] Top view showing the state of the damper device provided in the fan during the execution of the adsorption operation in the supply ventilation operation, the humidification operation, and the dehumidification operation [Figure 15B] Figure 15B is a top view showing the state of the damper device provided in the fan during the execution of the regeneration operation in the exhaust ventilation operation and the dehumidification operation [Figure 16] Perspective view of a part of the outdoor unit with the protective cover removed [Figure 17] Front exploded perspective view showing the duct which is a part of the second flow path between the absorbent and the fan [Figure 18] Rear exploded perspective view showing the duct which is a part of the second flow path between the absorbent and the fan [Figure 19] Top view showing the internal space of the duct which is a part of the second flow path between the absorbent and the fan [Figure 20] Top view showing the inside of the fan casing of the fan provided in the second flow path [Figure 21] Top view schematically showing the internal space of the duct which is a part of the second flow path between the absorbent and the fan [Figure 22] Diagram schematically showing the air flow in the internal space of the duct in the ventilation device of the comparative example [Figure 23] Diagram schematically showing the air flow in the internal space of the duct in the ventilation device according to Example 1 having the first feature [Figure 24] Diagram schematically showing the flow in the internal space of the duct in the ventilation device according to Example 2 having the second feature [Figure 25] Graph showing reduction of noise level in the ventilation device according to Embodiment 1 having the first feature [Figure 26] Graph showing reduction of noise level in the ventilation device according to Embodiment 2 having the second feature [Figure 27] Top view schematically showing the internal space of a duct, which is a part of the second flow path between the absorber and the fan, in a ventilation device according to another embodiment in which the air outlet of the fan opens backward [Figure 28] Top view schematically showing the internal space of a duct, which is a part of the second flow path between the absorber and the fan, in a ventilation device according to yet another embodiment in which the air outlet of the fan opens leftward [Figure 29] Perspective view showing the fan chamber with the impeller removed in a fan provided in the second flow path [Figure 30] Cross-sectional view of the motor cover and its surroundings in a fan provided in the second flow path [Figure 31] Cross-sectional view of the air inlet of the ventilation device communicating with the second flow path

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present invention includes a sirocco fan having an impeller, a fan chamber housing the impeller, an air intake opening in the direction in which the rotational centerline of the impeller extends and communicating with the fan chamber, and an air outlet opening tangentially to the impeller and communicating with the fan chamber, and a duct communicating with the air intake of the sirocco fan and having an internal space that guides air in a direction intersecting the direction in which the rotational centerline extends, wherein the duct is In a view in the extending direction, the air intake port is surrounded on three sides by a distance between the first, second, and third inner surfaces, and in a view in the extending direction, the first and second inner surfaces each face the air intake port on either side, and in a view in the extending direction, at least a portion of the first, second, and third inner surfaces is positioned between the inner surface closest to the air outlet and intersecting the opening direction of the air outlet and the air intake port, and a guide portion is provided protruding from the inner surface.

[0009] According to one such embodiment, in an air conditioner in which the outdoor unit is equipped with a sirocco fan for humidification operation, it is possible to improve the intake efficiency of the sirocco fan while reducing the noise level originating from the sirocco fan.

[0010] For example, the guide portion may include a first guide surface that, in a view in the extending direction, extends from the downstream side to the upstream side in the rotational direction of the impeller, while moving away from the inner surface on which the guide portion is provided.

[0011] For example, the first guide surface may extend toward a circular region centered on a partition point, which is the point on the scroll wall of the fan casing closest to the impeller in the extension direction view, with a radius equal to the shortest distance between the partition point and the impeller.

[0012] For example, the guide portion may include a second guide surface that extends from the downstream side to the upstream side in the rotational direction of the impeller when viewed in the direction of extension, and which is separated from the inner surface on which the guide portion is provided.

[0013] For example, a portion of the duct and a portion of the fan casing of the sirocco fan may be common to each other.

[0014] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] In addition to air conditioning operation using a refrigeration cycle, the air conditioner 10 also performs air conditioning operation that supplies outdoor air A3 to indoor Rin and air conditioning operation that discharges indoor air A1 to outdoor Rout. For this purpose, the air conditioner 10 has a ventilation device 50. The ventilation device 50 is installed on the outdoor unit 30.

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Inside the ventilation device 50, there are a first flow path P1 and a second flow path P2 through which outdoor air A3 and A4 flow, respectively, passing through the absorbent material 52. That is, the absorbent material 52 is positioned such that a portion is located in the first flow path P1 and the other portion is located in the second flow path P2. Furthermore, when the absorbent material 52 is rotated by the motor 54, the portion of the absorbent material 53 located in one of the first and second flow paths P1 and P2 moves to the other. In addition, inside the ventilation device 50, there is a third flow path P3 whose ends are connected to different portions of the first flow path P1.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Multiple branch channels P1a and P2a merge upstream of the absorbent material 52. Heaters 58 and 60 for heating the outdoor air A3 are provided in each of the branch channels P1a and P1b.

[0029] Heaters 58 and 60 may have the same heating capacity or they may have different heating capacities. Furthermore, it is preferable that heaters 58 and 60 be PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters, which increase electrical resistance as current flows and the temperature rises, that is, which can suppress an excessive rise in heating temperature. In the case of heaters using nichrome wire or carbon fiber, the heating temperature (surface temperature) continues to rise as the current continues to flow, so it is necessary to monitor the temperature. In the case of PTC heaters, the heater itself regulates the heating temperature within a certain temperature range, so it is not necessary to monitor the heating temperature.

[0030] The first flow path P1 is equipped with a fan 62 that generates a flow of outdoor air A3 toward the indoor unit 20. In this embodiment, the fan 62 is positioned downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the fan 62 operates, outdoor air A3 flows from the outdoor Rout into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52.

[0031] Furthermore, the first flow path P1 is provided with a damper device 64 for distributing the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to either the indoor Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20) or the outdoor Rout. That is, the first flow path P1 branches toward the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout, and the damper device 64 is positioned at the branching point. In this embodiment, the damper device 64 is positioned downstream of the fan 62. The outdoor air A3 distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64 enters the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 and is blown out to the indoor Rin by the fan 24.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first flow path P1 is provided with a damper device 66 that is different from the damper device 64. In this embodiment, the damper device 66 is positioned between the absorbent material 52 and the fan 62. As will be described in detail later, the damper device 66 is provided for exhaust ventilation and selectively opens and closes the first flow path P1.

[0033] Furthermore, a third flow path P3 is connected to the first flow path P1. The third flow path P3, as will be described in detail later, is a flow path for exhaust ventilation and connects the portion of the first flow path P1 between the fan 62 and the damper device 66 with the portion of the first flow path P1 downstream of the damper device 64. A damper device 68 is provided in the third flow path P3. As will be described in detail later, the damper device 68 is provided for exhaust ventilation and selectively opens and closes the third flow path P3.

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

[0035] The second flow path P2 is equipped with a fan 70 that generates a flow of outdoor air A4. In this embodiment, the fan 70 is positioned downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the fan 70 operates, outdoor air A4 flows from the outdoor Rout into the second flow path P2, passes through the absorbent material 52, and then flows out to the outdoor Rout.

[0036] The ventilation system 50 selectively uses the absorbent material 52 (motor 54), heaters 58 and 60, fan 62, damper devices 64, 66 and 68, and fan 70 to selectively perform ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification operations. Ventilation operations include supply air ventilation and exhaust air ventilation.

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

[0038] The supply air ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation that supplies outdoor air A3 to indoor Rin (i.e., indoor unit 20). As shown in Figure 3, during the supply air ventilation operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The heaters 58 and 60 are in the OFF state and are not heating the outdoor air A3. The fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby allowing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The damper device 66 is in the open state, thereby allowing the outdoor air A3 to flow from the absorbent material 52 towards the fan 62. The damper device 68 is in the closed state, thereby preventing the outdoor air A3 from flowing through the third flow path P3. The fan 70 is in the OFF state, thereby preventing the flow of outdoor air A4 into the second flow path P2.

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

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

[0041] Exhaust ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation that discharges indoor air A1 to the outdoor Rout. As shown in Figure 4, during exhaust ventilation operation, the motor 54 is in the OFF state and the absorbent material 52 is not rotating. Heaters 58 and 60 are in the OFF state. Fan 62 is in the ON state, so that indoor air A1 flows through the ventilation conduit 56 and the third flow path P3 toward fan 62. Damper device 64 distributes indoor air A1 in the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout. Damper device 66 is in the closed state, so that indoor air A1 does not flow toward absorbent material 52. Damper device 68 is in the open state, so that indoor air A1 flows toward fan 62 via the third flow path P3. Fan 70 is in the OFF state, so that no flow of outdoor air A4 is generated in the second flow path P2.

[0042] In this type of exhaust ventilation operation, when the fan 62 is ON, indoor air A1 flows into the first flow path P1 between the absorbent material 52 and the fan 62 via the ventilation conduit 56 and the third flow path P3. At this time, since the damper device 66 is closed, the indoor air A1 does not flow toward the absorbent material 52. The indoor air A1 that has passed through the fan 62 is diverted to the outdoor Rout by the damper device 64 and discharged to the outdoor Rout. As a result, indoor Rin is exhaust-ventilated.

[0043] Furthermore, due to the third flow path P3, the fan 62 can rotate in the same direction during exhaust ventilation as it does during supply ventilation. As a result, a sirocco fan can be used as the fan 62.

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during humidification operation.

[0045] Humidification operation is an air conditioning operation in which outdoor air A3 is humidified and the humidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to indoor Rin (i.e., indoor unit 20). As shown in Figure 5, during humidification operation, motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. Heaters 58 and 60 are ON and heating the outdoor air A3. Fan 62 is ON, causing outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. Damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. Damper device 66 is open, causing outdoor air A3 to flow from the absorbent material 52 towards fan 62. Damper device 68 is closed, preventing outdoor air A3 from flowing through the third flow path P3. Fan 70 is ON, causing outdoor air A4 to flow through the second flow path P2.

[0046] In this humidification operation, outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent material 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 can absorb more moisture from the absorbent material 52 than if it were unheated. As a result, the outdoor air A3 carries a large amount of moisture. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 and carries a large amount of moisture is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 is blown into the indoor Rin by the fan 24. Through this humidification operation, outdoor air A3 that carries a large amount of moisture is supplied to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is humidified.

[0047] Furthermore, by turning off either heater 58 or 60, the amount of moisture absorbed by the outdoor air A3 from the absorbent material 52 can be reduced, meaning that a weak humidification operation with less humidification of indoor Rin can be performed.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during dehumidification operation.

[0050] Dehumidification operation is an air conditioning operation that dehumidifies the outdoor air A3 and supplies the dehumidified outdoor air A3 to the indoor Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in Figure 6, in dehumidification operation, adsorption operation and regeneration operation are performed alternately.

[0051] The adsorption operation is an operation that dehumidifies the outdoor air A3 by adsorbing moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 onto the absorbent material 52. As shown in Figure 6, during the adsorption operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The heaters 58 and 60 are in the OFF state and are not heating the outdoor air A3. The fan 62 is in the ON state, so that the outdoor air A3 flows through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The damper device 66 is in the open state, so that the outdoor air A3 flows from the absorbent material 52 towards the fan 62. The damper device 68 is in the closed state, so that the outdoor air A3 does not flow through the third flow path P3. The fan 70 is in the OFF state, so that no flow of outdoor air A4 is generated in the second flow path P2.

[0052] In this adsorption operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52 without being heated by the heaters 58 and 60. At this time, the moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 is adsorbed by the absorbent material 52. As a result, the amount of moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 decreases, i.e., the outdoor air A3 is dried. The dried outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 is blown into the indoor Rin by the fan 24. Through this adsorption operation, dried outdoor air A3 is supplied to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is dehumidified.

[0053] 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.

[0054] During regeneration, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. Heaters 58 and 60 are ON and heating the outdoor air A3. Fan 62 is ON, causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. Damper device 64 redirects the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout instead of the indoor unit 20. Damper device 66 is open, allowing the outdoor air A3 to flow from the absorbent material 52 towards fan 62. Damper device 68 is closed, preventing the outdoor air A3 from flowing through the third flow path P3. Fan 70 is OFF, preventing the flow of outdoor air A4 through the second flow path P2.

[0055] In this regeneration operation, outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent material 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 removes a large amount of moisture from the absorbent material 52. As a result, a large amount of moisture is carried on the outdoor air A3. At the same time, the amount of moisture that the absorbent material 52 can hold decreases, that is, the absorbent material 52 dries out and its adsorption capacity is regenerated. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 and is carried on a large amount of moisture is distributed to the outdoor Rout by the damper device 64 and discharged to the outdoor Rout. As a result, during the regeneration operation in dehumidification, outdoor air A3 that is carried on a large amount of moisture due to the regeneration of the absorbent material 52 is not supplied to the indoor Rin.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The above-mentioned air conditioning operations using the refrigeration cycle (cooling operation, dehumidification operation (weak cooling operation), heating operation) and air conditioning operations using the ventilation device 50 (ventilation operation (supply air ventilation operation, exhaust ventilation operation), humidification operation, dehumidification operation) can be performed separately or simultaneously. For example, by performing dehumidification operation using the refrigeration cycle and dehumidification operation using the ventilation device 50 simultaneously, it is possible to dehumidify the indoor Rin while maintaining a constant room temperature.

[0058] The air conditioning operation performed by the air conditioner 10 is selected by the user. For example, based on the user's selection operation on the remote controller 72 shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner 10 performs the corresponding air conditioning operation.

[0059] Up to this point, we have provided a general overview of the configuration and operation of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment. From here on, we will describe the details of the configuration of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment.

[0060] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Furthermore, Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the ventilation device. Furthermore, Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation device with the top cover removed. In addition, Figure 11 is a top view of the ventilation device showing its internal structure. And Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation device. Note that the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system shown in the drawings is for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the embodiment and does not limit the embodiment. The X axis direction indicates the front-to-back direction of the outdoor unit 30, the Y axis direction indicates the left-to-right direction, and the Z axis direction indicates the height direction. Also, in Figure 11, the top cover, inner cover, and heater cover are omitted. And Figure 12 shows the state in which the adsorption operation in the supply air ventilation operation shown in Figure 3, the humidification operation shown in Figure 5, and the dehumidification operation shown in Figure 6 is being performed.

[0061] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in this embodiment, the ventilation device 50 constitutes the upper part of the outdoor unit 30. Specifically, the ventilation device 50 is installed on the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30, which houses the outdoor heat exchanger 32, fan 34, compressor 36, expansion valve 38, and four-way valve 40.

[0062] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the ventilation device 50 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the outdoor unit 30 and comprises a box-shaped housing 102 that is open at the top and a top cover 104 that is attached to the top of the housing 102 and covers it. Components of the ventilation device 50, such as absorbent material 52, are stored inside the housing 102.

[0063] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, in this embodiment, the absorbent material 52 is positioned in the center of the ventilation device 50 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). Components related to the first flow path P1 are arranged on one side (right side) in the longitudinal direction relative to the absorbent material 52, and components related to the second flow path P2 are arranged on the other side (left side).

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, multiple spaces S1 to S4 are substantially formed within the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50.

[0065] The first space S1 is part of the first flow path P1 and is the space into which the outdoor air A3 first flows. Furthermore, the first space S1 is substantially formed in the right and upper portions of the housing 102.

[0066] The second space S2 is part of the first flow path P1 and is the space through which the outdoor air A3 in the first space S1 flows in after passing through the absorbent material 52. Furthermore, the second space S2 is substantially formed in the right and lower portions of the housing 102.

[0067] The third space S3 is part of the second flow path P2 and is the space into which the outdoor air A4 first flows. Furthermore, the third space S3 is substantially formed in the left and lower portions of the housing 102.

[0068] The fourth space S4 is part of the second flow path P2 and is the space through which the outdoor air A4 in the third space S3 flows in after passing through the absorbent material 52. Furthermore, the fourth space S4 is substantially formed in the left and upper portions of the housing 102.

[0069] 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).

[0070] First, we will describe the components of the ventilation device 50 related to the second flow path P2, which has a simple configuration.

[0071] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 is provided with an intake port 102a, an intake port 102b, and an exhaust port 102c in relation to the second flow path P2 through which the outdoor air A4 flows. That is, the second flow path P2 connects the intake ports 102a, 102b and the exhaust port 102c. The intake port 102a is formed in the center of the front wall 102d of the housing 102 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The intake port 102b is formed in the center of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102 in the left-right direction. The exhaust port 102c is formed on the left side of the front wall 102d.

[0072] When the fan 70 is activated, the outdoor air A4 flows into the third space S3 inside the housing 102 through the intake ports 102a and 102b. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, the outdoor air A4 flows into the third space S3 between the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 and the lower end surface 52a of the absorbent material 52.

[0073] The outdoor air A4 in the third space S3 flows into the absorbent material 52 via the lower end surface 52a and flows out of the absorbent material 52 into the fourth space S4 via the upper end surface 52b. The fourth space S4 is defined by a partition plate 106 that separates the third space S3 and the fourth space S4, and an inner cover 108 that covers the partition plate 106.

[0074] The outdoor air A4 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 and flowed into the fourth space S4 is drawn into the fan 70. In this embodiment, the fan 70 is a sirocco fan and includes an impeller 70a housed in the fan chamber F1 that rotates around a rotation centerline extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and a motor 70b that rotates the impeller 70a. The motor 70b is located below the impeller 70a.

[0075] The fan chamber F1 of the fan 70 is defined by the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102, a scroll wall 102g that extends from the bottom plate 102f toward the partition plate 106 so as to surround the impeller 70a of the fan 70 and directs the air that has passed through the impeller 70a toward the exhaust port 102c, and the partition plate 106. In other words, these components that define the fan chamber F1 constitute the fan casing 70c of the fan 70, which is a sirocco fan. Furthermore, the fan chamber F1 communicates with the fourth space S4 through a through hole 106a formed in the partition plate 106. That is, the through hole 106a is the air intake port of the fan 70, which is a sirocco fan, and the exhaust port 102c is the air outlet port.

[0076] The outdoor air A4 in the fourth space S4 is drawn into the fan chamber F1 through the through-hole (air intake) 106a of the partition plate 106 by the rotation of the impeller 70a, and discharged to the outside Rout through the exhaust port (air outlet) 102c which is connected to the fan chamber F1.

[0077] The motor 70b of the fan 70 is housed in a recess formed in the bottom surface of the fan chamber F1, specifically in a recess 102h formed in the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102. This recess 102h is covered by the motor cover 110.

[0078] Next, the components of the ventilation device 50 related to the first flow path P1 will be described.

[0079] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 is provided with an intake port 102i, an exhaust port 102j, and a connection port 102m that connects to a ventilation conduit 56, in relation to the first flow path P1 through which the outdoor air A3 flows. That is, the first flow path P1 extends from the intake port 102i and branches toward the exhaust port 102j and the connection port 102m. The intake port 102i is formed on the right side of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102. The exhaust port 102j is provided on the right side wall 102k of the housing 102. The connection port 102m is formed on the right side wall 102k so as to be located behind the exhaust port 102j.

[0080] When the fan 62 is activated, the outdoor air A3 flows through the intake port 102i into the first space S1 within the housing 102, which is part of the first flow path P1. The outdoor air A3 that has flowed into the first space S1 passes through the heaters 58 and 60 and heads upward towards the upper end face 52b of the absorbent material 52.

[0081] Specifically, the heaters 58 and 60 are supported by the heater base member 112. The heater base member 112 comprises a heater mounting section 112a on which the heaters 58 and 60 are placed, and a cylindrical absorbent material housing section 112b that rotatably houses the absorbent material 52.

[0082] As shown in Figure 11, the heaters 58 and 60 are arranged in a "V" shape on the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the heaters 58 and 60 (i.e., the outdoor air A3 that has flowed through the branch channels P1a and P2b) merges on the upper end face 52b of the absorbent material 52 housed in the absorbent material housing portion 112b of the heater base member 112. The heaters 58 and 60 are fin heaters equipped with multiple heating fins that transfer heat to the outdoor air A3 flowing through the branch channels P1a and P2a.

[0083] In this embodiment, the disc-shaped absorbent material 52 is supported by a cylindrical absorbent material holder 114. The absorbent material holder 114 is supported by the housing 102 so as to be rotatable about a rotational centerline C1 that extends in the height direction (Z-axis direction). External teeth 114a are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the absorbent material holder 114, which engage with a pinion gear 116 attached to the motor 54. The motor 54 rotates the absorbent material 52 via this absorbent material holder 114.

[0084] In this embodiment, the heaters 58 and 60 and a portion of the upper end face 52b of the absorbent material 52 are covered by the heater cover 118 shown in Figure 10. As a result, all of the outdoor air A3 that passes through the heaters 58 and 60 passes through the portion of the upper end face 52b of the absorbent material 52 that is covered by the heater cover 118. The outdoor air A3 also passes through the gap between the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112 and the heater cover 118, as shown in Figure 13, and then passes through the heaters 58 and 60.

[0085] The outdoor air A3 heated by heaters 58 and 60 passes downward through the absorbent material 52 from the upper end face 52b to the lower end face 52a, as shown in Figure 13, and enters the second space S2, which is part of the first flow path P1.

[0086] Figure 13 is a top view of a portion of the ventilation system representing the second space. Figure 13 shows the state during the adsorption operation in the supply air ventilation operation shown in Figure 3, the humidification operation shown in Figure 5, and the dehumidification operation shown in Figure 6.

[0087] As shown in Figure 13, a guide wall 102n extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction) is provided on the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102. As shown in Figure 12, a partition plate 120 is positioned at the top of this guide wall 102n, separating the first space S1 and the second space S2. That is, the second space S2 is defined by the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102, the guide wall 102n, and the partition plate 120. A sealing member 122 is provided on the portion of the guide wall 102n located below the absorbent material 52, sealing the space between the lower end surface 52a of the absorbent material 52 and the guide wall 102n. This sealing member 122 restricts the movement of air from the second space S2 to the third space S3 or vice versa.

[0088] The second space S2, which is part of the first flow path P1, is connected to a connection port 102m to which the ventilation conduit 56 is connected. Damper devices 66 and 68 are also provided in the second space S2.

[0089] The damper devices 66 and 68 consist of dampers 66a and 68a arranged within the second space S2 and dividing the second space S2, shafts 66b and 68b provided on the dampers 66a and 68a, and motors 66c and 68c arranged outside the second space S2 and rotating the shafts 66b and 68b. In this embodiment, each of the dampers 66a and 68a is mounted on the housing 102 so as to be rotatable about a rotation centerline extending in a direction perpendicular to the height direction (Z-axis direction). The motors 66c and 68c are housed and protected in motor boxes 66d and 68d provided outside the second space S2.

[0090] The dampers 66a and 68a of the damper devices 66 and 68 divide the second space S2 into three areas: the region S2a on the absorbent material 52 side, the central region S2b, and the region S2c on the connection port 102m side. Region S2c corresponds to a part of the third flow path P3 shown in Figures 2 to 6.

[0091] When the damper device 66 is open, that is, when the damper 66a does not divide the second space S2, air can move between regions S2a and S2b. On the other hand, when the damper device 66 is closed, that is, when the damper 66a divides the second space S2 between region S2a and region S2b, the movement of air between regions S2a and S2b is restricted.

[0092] When the damper device 68 is open, that is, when the damper 68a does not divide the second space S2, air can move between regions S2b and S2c. On the other hand, when the damper device 68 is closed, that is, when the damper 68a divides the second space S2 between region S2b and region S2c, the movement of air between regions S2b and S2c is restricted.

[0093] The central region S2b is in communication with the fan chamber F2 of the fan 62. Specifically, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, the fan 62 in this embodiment is a sirocco fan and includes an impeller 62a housed in the fan chamber F2 and rotating around a rotation centerline extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and a motor 62b that rotates the impeller 62a.

[0094] The fan chamber F2 of fan 62 is defined by a partition plate 120, a scroll wall 120a that rises upward from the partition plate 106 so as to surround the impeller 62a and directs the air that has passed through the impeller 62a toward the connection port 102m, and a fan cover 124 that is placed on top of the scroll wall 120a and covers the impeller 62a. In other words, these components that define the fan chamber F2 constitute the fan casing 62c of fan 62, which is a sirocco fan. Furthermore, the fan chamber F2 communicates with the central region S2b of the second space S2 through a through hole 120b formed in the partition plate 120. That is, the through hole 106a is the air intake port of fan 62, which is a sirocco fan, and the connection port 102m is the air outlet port. The motor 62b is placed on the fan cover 124 and is protected by a motor cover 126 that covers the motor 62b.

[0095] Outdoor air A3 or indoor air A1 enters the fan room F2. Specifically, when the air conditioner 10 is performing the supply air ventilation operation shown in Figure 3, the humidification operation shown in Figure 5, or the dehumidification operation shown in Figure 6, outdoor air A3 enters. When the air conditioner 10 is performing the exhaust ventilation operation shown in Figure 4, indoor air A1 enters.

[0096] Figure 14A is a perspective view showing the state of multiple damper devices installed in the second space during supply air ventilation, humidification, or dehumidification operation. Figure 14B is a perspective view showing the state of multiple damper devices installed in the second space during exhaust ventilation operation. Figures 14A and 14B are perspective views taken from diagonally above and in front.

[0097] As shown in Figure 14A, during air supply ventilation, humidification, or dehumidification operation, the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the lower end face 52a of the absorbent material 52 flows through region S2a of the second space S2 and passes through the damper 66a of the damper device 66, which is in an open state. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper 66a and flowed into region S2b is sucked into the fan room F2 through the through hole (air intake) 120b located above region S2b by the rotation of the impeller 62a of the fan 62. At this time, since the damper 68a of the damper device 68 is in a closed state, the outdoor air A3 in region S2b cannot enter region S2c.

[0098] As shown in Figure 14B, during exhaust ventilation operation, the rotation of the impeller 62a of the fan 62 causes indoor air A1 to flow into region S2c of the second space S2 via the ventilation conduit 56 and connection port 102m. The indoor air A1 that has flowed into region S2c passes through the damper 68a of the damper device 68, which is in an open state, and flows into region S2b. The indoor air A1 that has flowed into region S2b is drawn into the fan room F2 via the through hole (air intake port) 120b located above region S2b, due to the rotation of the impeller 62a of the fan 62. At this time, since the damper 66a of the damper device 66 is in a closed state, the outdoor air A2 in region S2b cannot enter region S2a.

[0099] Furthermore, the fan 62 is made smaller by a damper device 66 that divides the second space S2 between regions S2a and S2b during exhaust ventilation operation. If the damper device 66 were not present, during exhaust ventilation operation, the fan 62 would draw in indoor air A1 through the ventilation conduit 56 and connection port 102m while simultaneously drawing in outdoor air A3 through the intake port 102i and absorbent material 52. In this case, to obtain sufficient exhaust ventilation capacity, it would be necessary to enlarge the fan 62 to increase its suction capacity.

[0100] The outdoor air A3 or indoor air A1 drawn into the fan chamber F2 of fan 62 is distributed by the damper device 64 to the connection port 102m (i.e., indoor unit 20) or the exhaust port 102j (i.e., outdoor Rout). Specifically, when the air conditioner 10 is performing the adsorption operation in the supply air ventilation operation shown in Figure 3, the humidification operation shown in Figure 5, or the dehumidification operation shown in Figure 6, the outdoor air A3 is distributed to the connection port 102m. Also, when the air conditioner 10 is performing the exhaust ventilation operation shown in Figure 4, the indoor air A1 is distributed to the exhaust port 102j. And when the air conditioner 10 is performing the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation shown in Figure 6, the outdoor air A3 is distributed to the exhaust port 102j.

[0101] Figure 15A is a top view showing the state of the damper device installed on the fan during adsorption operation in supply air ventilation operation, humidification operation, and dehumidification operation. Figure 15B is a top view showing the state of the damper device installed on the fan during regeneration operation in exhaust ventilation operation and dehumidification operation.

[0102] As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the damper device 64 includes a damper 64a that rotates around a rotation centerline C2 extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and a motor 64b (see Figure 11) that rotates the damper 64a. The motor 64b is mounted on the fan cover 124, as shown in Figure 11.

[0103] As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, in this embodiment, the fan 62 includes a linear duct section 62d that connects the fan chamber F2 and the connection port 102m. In this embodiment, the duct section 62d is composed of a partition plate 120, a guide wall 120c that extends in the height direction (Z-axis direction) from the partition plate 120 toward the fan cover 124, and the fan cover 124. The internal flow path of the duct section 62d is included in the first flow path P1. Within this duct section 62d, the damper 64a of the damper device 64 rotates.

[0104] In this embodiment, the duct section 62d extends linearly toward the connection port 102m in the tangential direction DT of the impeller 62a of the fan 62. Here, the tangential direction refers to the tangential direction of the circle centered on the rotational centerline of the impeller 62a. As a result, the outdoor air A3 moving from the fan room F2 toward the connection port 102m can pass through the connection port 102m and flow into the ventilation conduit 56 without suppressing pressure loss or generating significant noise.

[0105] Furthermore, a guide wall 120c, which is part of the duct section 62d and extends from the tongue portion 120d of the scroll wall 120a toward the connection port 102m, has an outlet 120e that communicates with the exhaust port 102j.

[0106] As shown in Figure 15A, during adsorption operation in supply air ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification, the damper 64a of the damper device 64 blocks the outlet 120e. As a result, the outdoor air A3 in the fan room F2 flows through the duct section 62d toward the connection port 102m. In other words, the damper 64a functions as part of the guide wall 120c extending from the tongue section 120d to the connection port 102m. For this purpose, the outlet 120e is located between the tongue section 120d and the rotational centerline C2 of the damper 64a.

[0107] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15B, during exhaust ventilation operation and regeneration operation in dehumidification operation, the damper 64a of the damper device 64 closes the internal flow path of the duct section 62d by intersecting the extending direction of the duct section 62d (i.e., the tangential direction DT) at a non-perpendicular angle and facing the outlet 120e. As a result, the indoor air A1 (during exhaust ventilation operation) and outdoor air A3 (during regeneration operation) in the fan room F2 flow along the damper 64a, pass through the outlet 120e, and then flow toward the exhaust port 102j. In other words, the damper 64a functions as a guide plate that guides the air toward the outlet 120e. As a result, compared to the case where the damper 64a closes the internal flow path of the duct section 62d at a perpendicular angle to the extending direction of the duct section 62d, pressure loss and turbulence generation are suppressed, and the generation of large noises as a result is suppressed.

[0108] Furthermore, during exhaust ventilation operation, that is, when the damper device 68 is open, as shown in Figure 15B, the damper 64a of the damper device 64 closes the internal flow path of the duct section 62d, causing the impeller 62a of the fan 62 to rotate, and indoor air A1 flows into the fan chamber F2 of the fan 62 via the ventilation conduit 56 and the second space S2 (see Figure 14B).

[0109] In this embodiment, the outdoor air A3 or indoor air A1 discharged from the exhaust port 102j flows into the protective cover 128 shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0110] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the outdoor unit with the protective cover removed.

[0111] As shown in Figure 16, and also in Figures 1 and 2, the protective cover 128 is a cover that covers and protects the ventilation conduit 56. The ventilation conduit 56 extends downward from the connection port 102m of the ventilation device 50, and then extends diagonally upward and backward toward the indoor unit 20. The protective cover 128 covers and protects the portion of the ventilation conduit 56 that extends downward from the connection port 102m. To this end, as shown in Figure 8, the protective cover 128 has an opening 128a at its lower part that opens backward, through which the ventilation conduit 56 passes. In this embodiment, the opening 128a is notched. In this embodiment, the protective cover 128 also covers and protects the connector 130 to which the refrigerant piping is connected.

[0112] The protective cover 128 is attached to the right wall 102k of the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 and the right wall 100a of the housing 100 of the outdoor unit 30, since the ventilation conduit 56 is connected to the connection port 102m formed in the right wall 102k of the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50. As a result, the exhaust port 102j of the ventilation device 50 is covered by the protective cover 128 and communicates with its internal space.

[0113] The protective cover 128 covering the exhaust port 102j functions as a "muffler" that reduces the level of noise leaking from the exhaust port 102j to the outside of the ventilation device 50. For example, the protective cover 128 reduces noise generated from the fan 62 that leaks from the ventilation device 50 through the exhaust port 102j. Alternatively, for example, the protective cover 128 reduces the level of wind noise generated when indoor air A1 or outdoor air A3 passes through the exhaust port 102j during exhaust ventilation operation or regeneration operation in dehumidification operation.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the exhaust port 102j is located on the upper part of the outdoor unit 30 (more precisely, on the ventilation device 50 mounted on the housing 100 of the outdoor unit 30). The opening 128a of the protective cover 128 that covers the exhaust port 102j is located at its lower part. As a result, the exhaust port 102j and the opening 128a are as far apart as possible in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the outdoor unit 30. Consequently, the level of noise leaking to the outside of the ventilation device 50 from the exhaust port 102j is further reduced.

[0115] Regarding noise levels, the second flow path P2 between the absorbent material 52 and the fan 70 is composed of a duct structure that can improve the intake efficiency of the fan 70 and reduce the noise level originating from the fan 70.

[0116] Figures 17 and 18 are exploded front and rear perspective views, respectively, showing the duct, which is the second flow path between the absorbent material and the fan. Figure 19 is a top view showing the internal space of the duct, which is the second flow path between the absorbent material and the fan. Figure 20 is a top view showing the inside of the fan casing of the fan installed in the second flow path. Note that Figure 20 corresponds to Figure 19 with the partition plate 106 omitted.

[0117] As shown in Figures 17 to 19, and as described above, the fan 70 is a sirocco fan, and outdoor air A4 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 flows into its air intake port 106a. In this embodiment, the duct (the second flow path P2 between the absorbent material 52 and the fan 70) is configured to reduce the noise level generated by the fan 70.

[0118] The duct is connected to the air intake port 106a of the fan 70 and consists of a partition plate 106 and an inner cover 108. The partition plate 106 is part of the fan casing 70c of the fan 70.

[0119] The internal space of the duct is the fourth space S4. Specifically, the partition plate 106 extends from the partition plate 106 toward the inner cover 108 to define the internal space of the duct, i.e., the fourth space S4, and includes first, second, and third inner surfaces 106b, 106c, and 106d that surround three sides of the air intake port 106a of the fan 70 at a distance from each other when viewed in the direction of extension of the rotation centerline C3 of the fan 70 impeller 70a (in this embodiment, the height direction (Z-axis direction)). The air intake port 106a is circular in shape with a center through which the rotation centerline C3 passes.

[0120] The first inner surface 106b and the second inner surface 106c are linear in the direction of extension of the rotation centerline C3 of the fan 70 (Z-axis direction) and face each other with the air intake port 106a in between. In this embodiment, the first inner surface 106b and the second inner surface 106c face each other in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) and are parallel to each other. Also in this embodiment, in the direction of extension of the rotation centerline C3, the third inner surface 106d is linear and extends in a direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the extension direction (Y-axis direction) of the first and second inner surfaces 106b and 106c.

[0121] Furthermore, the first inner surface 106b and the third inner surface 106d are connected via the first corner surface 106e. The second inner surface 106c and the third inner surface 106d are connected via the second corner surface 106f. In this embodiment, the first and second corner surfaces 106e and 106f are arc-shaped when viewed in the direction of extension (Z-axis direction) of the rotation centerline C3 of the fan 70.

[0122] With this duct structure, when viewed in the direction of extension (Z-axis direction) of the rotational centerline C3 of the fan 70, the outdoor air A4 is drawn into the air intake port 106a from all directions.

[0123] However, although the air intake port 106a of the fan 70, or sirocco fan, can draw in air from any direction, the suction force differs depending on the direction. As a result, the intake efficiency of the fan 70 decreases, and it may generate a high level of noise.

[0124] Figure 21 is a schematic top view showing the internal space of the duct, which is the second flow path between the absorbent material and the fan.

[0125] As shown in Figure 21, the fan casing 70c of the sirocco fan fan 70 includes a scroll wall 102g that extends from the tongue portion 102p along the outer circumference of the impeller 70a. Specifically, the scroll wall 102g extends along the outer circumference of the circular impeller 70a in the rotational direction (Z-axis direction) such that the distance from a first point T1 (partition point) near the tongue portion 102p to the impeller 70a gradually increases. That is, the scroll wall 102g extends such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow path of the air flowing out of the impeller 70a and along the scroll wall 102g gradually increases. The first point T1 is the point on the scroll wall 102g where the distance from the impeller 70a is minimum.

[0126] The velocity of the air (outdoor air A4) flowing out from the impeller 70a and along the scroll wall 102g is relatively high from the first point T1 to the second point T2. The second point T2 is the point where the direction of airflow passing between the second point T2 and the impeller 70a is directed towards the air outlet 102c (exhaust port).

[0127] In the angular range θ1 from the first point T1 to the second point T2 with respect to the rotation centerline C3, the air flowing along the scroll wall 102g is relatively fast, so the pressure in the fan chamber F1 through which this air flows is relatively low. On the other hand, in the angular range θ2 from the second point T2 to the first point T1, the air is in communication with the atmosphere via the air outlet 102c, and the flow path cross-sectional area expands rapidly, so the air flows at a relatively low speed, and as a result, the pressure in the fan chamber F1 through which this air flows is relatively high.

[0128] Therefore, when air approaches the air intake port 106a from the direction of angular range θ1, it is drawn into the relatively lower-pressure part of the fan chamber F1, resulting in a relatively large amount of air intake. Conversely, when air approaches the air intake port 106a from the direction of angular range θ2, it is drawn into the relatively higher-pressure part of the fan chamber F1, resulting in a relatively small amount of air intake. In other words, the sirocco fan 70 has a relatively large suction force in the direction of angular range θ1 relative to the air intake port 106a, but a relatively small suction force in the direction of angular range θ2. This bias in suction force due to the difference in suction direction can cause a bias in the amount of air drawn in due to the difference in suction direction, which can lead to a decrease in the intake efficiency of the fan 70 and the generation of noise.

[0129] To suppress the unevenness in the amount of air intake due to differences in the direction of air intake, the duct (the second flow path P2 between the absorbent material 52 and the fan 70) has two features.

[0130] First, as shown in Figures 19 to 21, the first corner surface 106e, which is closer to the air outlet 106a, is positioned closer to the second corner surface 106f when viewed in the direction of extension (Z-axis direction) of the rotation centerline C2 of the fan 70. That is, the first corner surface 106e, which is in the direction of angular range θ2 with respect to the air outlet 106a, is closer to the air outlet 106a than the second corner surface 106f.

[0131] Furthermore, as a second feature, as shown in Figures 19 to 21, a guide portion 106g is provided between the first inner surface 106b and the air intake port 106a, which is closest to the air outlet port 102c and intersects with the opening direction of the air outlet port 102c (in this embodiment, the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction)) when viewed in the direction of extension of the rotation center line C2 of the fan 70 (Z-axis direction), and which protrudes from the first inner surface 106b.

[0132] These first and second features make it possible to suppress the stagnation of air at positions away from the air intake port 106a in the direction of an angular range θ2. In other words, air flowing toward positions in the direction of an angular range θ2 relative to the air intake port 106a can be directed toward the air intake port 106a. This will be explained with reference to a comparative example.

[0133] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing the airflow within the duct space of a comparative example ventilation device. Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing the airflow within the duct space of a ventilation device according to Example 1, which has the first feature. Figure 24 is a schematic diagram showing the airflow within the duct space of a ventilation device according to Example 2, which has the second feature. In Figures 22 to 24, the airflow is indicated by arrows DA, and the thicker the arrow DA, the greater the flow rate.

[0134] In the comparative ventilation device shown in Figure 22, the first corner surface 206d, located in the direction of angular range θ2 with respect to the air intake port 106a, is farther from the air intake port 106a of the fan 70 than the first corner surface 206e. Furthermore, because there is no guide portion protruding from the first inner surface 202b, air flows along the first inner surface 202b toward the first corner surface 206e. As a result, air stagnation occurs near the first corner surface 206e. This is because the first corner surface 206e is located away from the air intake port 106a in the direction of angular range θ2 with respect to the air intake port 106a, i.e., in the direction of weaker suction force. Similar air stagnation also occurs near the second corner surface 206f. As a result, there is a large bias in the amount of air intake due to the difference in air intake direction.

[0135] In contrast, as shown in Figure 23, the first characteristic is that when the first corner surface 106e is closer to the air intake port 106a of the fan 70 than the second corner surface 106f, the air flowing along the first inner surface 106b toward the first corner surface 106e is moved toward the intake port 106a by the first corner surface 106e and flows into the space located in the direction of an angular range θ1 relative to the intake port 106a. Furthermore, the high-flow air directed toward the second corner surface 106f by the first corner surface 106e attracts air near the second corner surface 106f and together flows toward the air intake port 106a. As a result, the bias in the amount of air intake due to differences in the direction of air intake is suppressed. In other words, the air intake port 106a of the fan 70 can draw in air with high intake efficiency.

[0136] In this embodiment, the first corner surface 106e is arc-shaped when viewed in the direction of extension of the rotation centerline C3 of the fan 70 (Z-axis direction), but it may be straight instead. However, in that case, it is preferable that the angle between the straight first corner surface 106e and the first inner surface 106b is equal to the angle between the first corner surface 106e and the third inner surface 106d.

[0137] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24, a second feature is that when a guide portion 106g protruding from the first inner surface 106b is provided, the generation of airflow along the first inner surface 106b toward the first corner surface 106e is suppressed. The air flowing along the first corner surface 106e comes into contact with the guide portion 106g and is drawn into the air intake port 106a. As a result, the amount of air reaching the vicinity of the first corner surface 106e is reduced. In other words, the air intake port 106a of the fan 70 can draw in air with high intake efficiency.

[0138] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 18, 19, and 21, the guide portion 106g includes a first guide surface 106h that extends from the downstream to the upstream side in the rotation direction DR of the impeller 70a of the fan 70, while moving away from the first inner surface 106b, when viewed in the direction of extension of the rotation centerline C3 of the fan 70 (Z-axis direction). It also includes a second guide surface 106i that extends from the upstream to the downstream side in the rotation direction DR of the impeller 70a of the fan 70, while moving away from the first inner surface 106b, when viewed in the direction of extension of the rotation centerline C3 of the fan 70. In this embodiment, the first and second guide surfaces 106h and 106i are planar.

[0139] With this first guide surface 106h, as shown in Figure 24, the air flowing along the first inner surface 106b toward the first corner surface 106e is guided toward the air intake port 106a. As a result, the air intake port 106a of the fan 70 can draw in air with higher intake efficiency.

[0140] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24, the second guide surface 106i can guide the air that has flowed along the third inner surface 106d and reached the vicinity of the first corner surface 106e toward or near the air intake port 106a of the fan 70. As a result, the air intake port 106a of the fan 70 can draw in air with higher intake efficiency.

[0141] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, the first guide surface 106h extends toward a circular region AC (cross-hatching region) with a radius equal to the shortest distance between the first point T1 and the impeller 70a, centered on the first point (partition point) T1, which is the point on the scroll wall 102g closest to the impeller 70a when viewed in the direction of extension of the rotation centerline C3 of the fan 70 (Z-axis direction). As a result, air flowing along the first guide surface 106h can be drawn into the air intake port 106a from the direction of the angular range θ1 where the suction force is relatively large. Consequently, the air intake port 106a of the fan 70 can draw in air with even higher intake efficiency.

[0142] As described above, the first and second features improve the intake efficiency of the fan 70 and reduce the noise level originating from the fan 70.

[0143] Figure 25 is a graph showing the reduction in noise level in the ventilation system according to Example 1, which has the first feature. Figure 26 is a graph showing the reduction in noise level in the ventilation system according to Example 2, which has the second feature. Note that the comparative example graphs shown in Figures 25 and 26 correspond to the comparative example duct structure shown in Figure 22. The graph of Example 1 shown in Figure 25 corresponds to the duct structure of Example 1 shown in Figure 23. The graph of Example 2 shown in Figure 26 corresponds to the duct structure of Example 2 shown in Figure 24.

[0144] As shown in Figures 25 and 26, it can be seen that the noise level is reduced in a portion of the frequency band above 200 Hz, which humans perceive as noise, in the embodiment compared to the comparative example.

[0145] In this embodiment, the air outlet (exhaust port) 102c of the fan 70 opens towards the front of the ventilation device 50. Alternatively, the air outlet may open in a different direction.

[0146] Figure 27 is a schematic top view showing the internal space of the duct, which is the second flow path between the absorbent material and the fan, in a ventilation device according to another embodiment in which the fan's air outlet opens toward the rear. Figure 28 is a schematic top view showing the internal space of the duct, which is the second flow path between the absorbent material and the fan, in a ventilation device according to yet another embodiment in which the fan's air outlet opens toward the left.

[0147] In the ventilation device according to another embodiment shown in Figure 27, the air outlet 102c of the fan 70 is provided on the rear wall 102e of the housing 102 and faces the rear of the ventilation device. In this case, the second corner surface 106f, which is close to the air outlet 102c, is provided closer to the air intake 106a than the first corner surface 106e. In addition, the guide portion 106g is positioned between the intake 106a and the second inner surface 106c and protrudes from the second inner surface 106c.

[0148] Furthermore, in the ventilation device according to yet another embodiment shown in Figure 28, the air outlet 102c of the fan 70 is provided on the left side wall 102q of the housing 102 and faces to the left of the ventilation device. In this case, the second corner surface 106f, which is close to the air outlet 102c, is provided closer to the air intake 106a than the first corner surface 106e. Also, the guide portion 106g is positioned between the intake 10a and the third inner surface 106d and protrudes from the third inner surface 106d.

[0149] Regarding the air outlet (exhaust port) 102c of the fan 70, the motor 70b of the fan 70 is drip-proofed against liquids such as rain that enter the fan chamber F1 through the air outlet 102c.

[0150] Figure 29 is a perspective view showing the fan chamber of a fan installed in the second flow path with the impeller removed. Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of the motor cover and its surroundings in the fan installed in the second flow path.

[0151] As shown in Figures 29 and 30, the motor 70b of the fan 70 is housed in a recess 102h of the housing 102 and covered by a motor cover 110. The motor cover 110 is provided with a through hole 110a for the drive shaft 70d of the motor 70b, which is connected to the impeller 70a, to pass through. Liquids such as rain that enter the fan chamber F1 through the air outlet 102c may reach the motor 70b through the through hole 110a of the motor cover 110.

[0152] To address this, the motor cover 110 is provided with an annular inner wall 110b that protrudes upward and surrounds the drive shaft 70d that passes through the through hole 110a. The motor cover 110 is also provided with a C-shaped outer wall 110c that protrudes upward and surrounds the inner wall 110b. The inner wall 110b and the outer wall 110c prevent liquids such as rain from reaching the through hole 110a through which the drive shaft 70d passes. The reason the outer wall 110c is C-shaped is to prevent liquid from accumulating between the inner wall 110b and the outer wall 110c. If the possibility of liquid accumulating between the inner wall 110b and the outer wall 110c is low, the outer wall 110c may be annular.

[0153] Furthermore, the housing 102 is provided with an annular groove 102r surrounding the motor cover 110. The annular groove P102r also has a through hole 102s that penetrates in the height direction (Z-axis direction). As a result, any liquid such as rain that enters the fan chamber F1 accumulates in the annular groove 102r and is then discharged to the outside of the fan chamber F1 through the through hole 102s.

[0154] Furthermore, in order to collect liquids such as rain that enter the fan chamber F1 into the annular groove 102r, the housing 102 is provided with an annular slope surface 102t that slopes toward the annular groove 102r. In addition, the motor cover 110 slopes toward the outer circumference from the central part in which the through hole 110a is formed.

[0155] Furthermore, the motor cover 110 has counterbore holes 110d for screws that fix the motor cover 110 to the housing 102. To prevent liquids such as rain from accumulating in these counterbore holes 110d, the counterbore holes 110d are connected to the annular groove 102r of the housing 102 via a connecting groove 110e.

[0156] Regarding the intrusion of liquids such as rain into the ventilation device 50 through the exhaust port 102c, liquids may enter the third space S3 of the ventilation device 50 through the intake port 102a. If liquids enter the third space S3, the absorbent material 52 located above it may become wet.

[0157] Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of the intake port of the ventilation device that communicates with the second flow path.

[0158] As shown in Figure 31, in order to prevent the absorbent material 52 from getting wet with liquids such as rain, the air intake port 102a is provided with multiple slats 102u, 102v, and 102w that extend in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and are spaced apart in the height direction (Z-axis direction). The air (outdoor air A3) passes through the space between slats 102u and 102v, the space between slats 102v and 102w, and the space between slat 102w and the bottom plate 102f.

[0159] Each of the crossbars 102u, 102v, and 102w is inclined diagonally downward toward the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102. The inclination of crossbar 102u is the greatest. As a result, liquids such as rain that enter the space between crossbars 102u and 102v, which are closest to the absorbent material 52, hit the underside of crossbar 102u and have difficulty reaching the absorbent material 52.

[0160] The distance between the bars 102u and 102v decreases as you move further back. Also, the length of bar 102u in the depth direction (X-axis direction) is shorter than the length of bar 102v in the depth direction. As a result, the space between bars 102u and 102v becomes a flow path where air can flow at high speed and with low ventilation resistance. Consequently, a sufficient amount of outdoor air can flow between bars 102u and 102v.

[0161] The crossbar 102u is steeper than the crossbar 102v. Also, the depth of the crossbar 102u is shorter than the depth of the crossbar 102v. Therefore, when the underside of the crossbar 102u gets wet, the liquid drips from its underside onto the crossbar 102v below. As a result, liquid accumulates on the crossbar 102v. To address this, the crossbar 102v is formed so that the slope increases as it goes further back. This causes the liquid on the crossbar 102v to flow towards the back and fall onto the bottom plate 102f.

[0162] The liquid that accumulates on the bottom plate 102f of the absorbent material 52 is discharged to the outside through the space between the crossbar 102w and the bottom plate 102f. For this purpose, the bottom plate 102f, located below the absorbent material 52, is inclined diagonally downward toward the air intake port 102a.

[0163] According to this embodiment, in an air conditioner equipped with a sirocco fan in the outdoor unit for humidification operation, it is possible to improve the intake efficiency of the sirocco fan while reducing the noise level originating from the sirocco fan.

[0164] 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.

[0165] For example, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in Figures 18, 19, and 21, in the duct (the portion of the second flow path P2 between the absorbent material 52 and the fan 70), a first feature is that the first corner surface 106e is closer to the air intake port 106a of the fan 70 than the second corner surface 106f. A second feature is that a guide portion 106g is provided protruding from the first inner surface 106b. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, even with only the second feature, it is possible to improve the intake efficiency of the sirocco fan while reducing the noise level originating from the sirocco fan, albeit to a lesser degree.

[0166] In other words, the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure broadly includes a sirocco fan having an impeller, a fan chamber housing the impeller, an air intake opening in the direction in which the rotational centerline of the impeller extends and communicating with the fan chamber, and an air outlet opening tangentially to the impeller and communicating with the fan chamber, and a duct having an internal space that communicates with the air intake of the sirocco fan and guides air in a direction intersecting the direction in which the rotational centerline extends, The duct includes first, second, and third inner surfaces that surround the air intake port on three sides at a distance from each other in the direction of extension, and in the direction of extension, the first and second inner surfaces each face each other across the air intake port, and in the direction of extension, at least a portion of the first, second, and third inner surfaces is positioned between the inner surface closest to the air outlet and intersecting the opening direction of the air outlet and the air intake port, and a guide portion is provided protruding from the inner surface. [Industrial applicability]

[0167] This disclosure is applicable to any air conditioner equipped with a sirocco fan. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0168] 70 Sirocco fan (fan) 102c Air outlet 106a Air intake 106b First inner surface 106c Second inner surface 106d Third inner surface 106g Guide section C3 Rotation centerline

Claims

1. A sirocco fan having an impeller, a fan chamber housing the impeller, an air intake opening in the direction in which the rotational centerline of the impeller extends and communicating with the fan chamber, and a fan casing having one air outlet opening tangentially to the impeller and communicating with the fan chamber, and The duct has an internal space that communicates with the air intake of the sirocco fan and guides the air in a direction intersecting the direction of extension of the rotational centerline, The duct includes first, second, and third inner surfaces that surround the air intake on three sides at a distance from each other in the direction of extension, In the view in the extending direction, the first and second inner surfaces face each other with the air intake port in between. In the view in the extending direction, the first inner surface is closest to the air outlet and intersects with the opening direction of the air outlet. An air conditioner in which, in the view in the extending direction, at least a portion is disposed between the first inner surface and the air intake port, and a guide portion is provided that protrudes from the first inner surface.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion comprises a first guide surface that, in view in the direction of extension, extends from the downstream side to the upstream side in the rotational direction of the impeller and moves away from the inner surface on which the guide portion is provided.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein, in the view in the extending direction, the first guide surface extends toward a circular region centered on a partition point, which is a point on the scroll wall of the fan casing closest to the impeller, and having a radius equal to the shortest distance between the partition point and the impeller.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion has a second guide surface that extends from the downstream side to the upstream side in the rotational direction of the impeller when viewed in the extending direction, and separates from the inner surface on which the guide portion is provided.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the duct and a portion of the fan casing of the sirocco fan are common.

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