Heat exchange element and method for manufacturing heat exchange element

Abstract

In this heat exchange element, a chemical solution supply member is in contact with an element body. In the element body, a first layer in which the first air flow path is formed and a second layer in which the second air flow path is formed are alternately laminated in the lamination setting direction. The chemical solution supply member can hold chemical solution to be added to the element body. The element body has a liquid absorption part capable of being impregnated with the chemical solution. The chemical solution supply member is in contact with the liquid absorption part. The chemical solution can be diffused from the chemical solution supply member to the liquid absorption part.

Description

Heat exchange element and method for manufacturing heat exchange element

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchange element and a method for manufacturing a heat exchange element.

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a heat exchange element in which layers of a first air flow path and layers of a second air flow path are alternately stacked, and sensible heat and latent heat are exchanged between a first air flowing through the first air flow path and a second air flowing through the second air flow path. The layers of the first air flow path and the layers of the second air flow path are separated by a partition member. The spacing between adjacent partition members is maintained by a spacing member. The spacing member is bonded to the partition member with an adhesive.

[0003] A water-soluble moisture absorbent or water-soluble flame retardant is added to the adhesive. The materials of the partition members and the spacing members are each liquid-absorbent, absorbing the moisture in the adhesive and the water-soluble moisture absorbent or water-soluble flame retardant in the adhesive. The moisture in the adhesive, together with the water-soluble moisture absorbent or water-soluble flame retardant, penetrates and diffuses from the adhesive into the partition members and spacing members, thereby imparting moisture absorption or flame retardant properties to the partition members and spacing members.

[0004] Patent No. 4855386 Patent No. 5036813

[0005] In the conventional heat exchange elements disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in order to impart moisture absorption or flame retardancy to the partition members and spacing members, the amount of adhesive used when manufacturing the heat exchange element must be greater than the amount required for adhesive function. This increases the moisture content of the adhesive used when manufacturing the heat exchange element, and a large amount of moisture penetrates from the adhesive into the partition members and spacing members during manufacturing of the heat exchange element. This severely softens the partition members and spacing members due to the moisture in the adhesive. This makes handling the partition members and spacing members difficult, making the process of manufacturing the heat exchange element more time-consuming.

[0006] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a heat exchange element that can be easily manufactured, and a method for manufacturing a heat exchange element.

[0007] A heat exchange element according to the present disclosure includes an element body in which first layers having first airflow paths and second layers having second airflow paths are alternately stacked in a stacking direction, and a chemical supply member in contact with the element body, the chemical supply member being capable of holding a chemical solution to be added to the element body, the element body having a liquid absorption portion capable of impregnating the chemical solution, the chemical supply member being in contact with the liquid absorption portion, and the chemical solution being capable of diffusing from the chemical supply member to the liquid absorption portion. A method for manufacturing a heat exchange element according to the present disclosure also includes an element body process for fabricating an element body in which first layers having first airflow paths and second layers having second airflow paths are alternately stacked in a stacking direction, a chemical solution injection process for injecting the chemical solution to be added to the element body into the chemical supply member, and a contact process for contacting the chemical supply member with the element body after the element body process, the element body having a liquid absorption portion capable of impregnating the chemical solution, and the chemical supply member being contacted with the liquid absorption portion in the contact process.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a heat exchange element can be easily manufactured.

[0009] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a heat exchange element according to embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the heat exchange element of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a main part of the element body of Fig. 2. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the heat exchange element of Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a main part of the heat exchange element according to embodiment 2. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the injection hole of Fig. 5 is closed by a lid. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the heat exchange element of Fig. 5. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a heat exchange element according to embodiment 3. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a heat exchange element according to embodiment 4.

[0010] The following describes embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any component of the embodiments may be modified or omitted within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0011] Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, a ventilation system is described that supplies fresh outdoor air into a room as intake air and discharges dirty indoor air to the outdoors as exhaust air. The ventilation system is equipped with a total heat exchanger that exchanges sensible heat and latent heat between the intake air and the exhaust air. The total heat exchanger has a heat exchange element. In the total heat exchanger, the intake air and the exhaust air pass through the heat exchange element, thereby exchanging sensible heat and latent heat between the intake air and the exhaust air. This makes it possible to replace indoor air with outdoor air while suppressing changes in the temperature and humidity of the indoor air.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a heat exchange element according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the heat exchange element of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a main part of the element body of Fig. 2. The heat exchange element 1 has an element body 2, a chemical solution supply member 3, and a frame body 4.

[0013] 3, in the element body 2, first layers 5 each having a plurality of first airflow paths 51 and second layers 6 each having a plurality of second airflow paths 61 are alternately stacked in the stacking direction. In this embodiment, when the element body 2 is viewed along the stacking direction, the element body 2 has a rectangular shape. In addition, in this embodiment, when the element body 2 is viewed along the stacking direction, the first airflow paths 51 and the second airflow paths 61 intersect with each other.

[0014] In the element body 2, supply air from the outdoors to the indoors flows through each of the first airflow paths 51 as a first airflow 10. In addition, in the element body 2, exhaust air from the indoors to the outdoors flows through each of the second airflow paths 61 as a second airflow 20.

[0015] The element body 2 has a plurality of partition members 21, a plurality of spacing members 22, and a plurality of joints 23. The element body 2 is structured such that the partition members 21 and the spacing members 22 are alternately stacked in the stacking direction. The spacing members 22 are joined to the partition members 21 via the joints 23.

[0016] Each partition member 21 is a flat plate perpendicular to the stacking direction. The partition members 21 are arranged at intervals in the stacking direction. Each of the first layer 5 and the second layer 6 is formed between two adjacent partition members 21. Therefore, the partition member 21 arranged between the first layer 5 and the second layer 6 separates the first layer 5 from the second layer 6.

[0017] Each spacing member 22 is disposed between two adjacent partition members 21. As a result, a spacing member 22 is disposed on each of the first layer 5 and the second layer 6. Each spacing member 22 maintains the distance between the two adjacent partition members 21.

[0018] Each spacing member 22 has a corrugated sheet shape with alternating peaks and valleys. The cross-sectional shape of each spacing member 22 may be a curved wave, rectangular wave, triangular wave, or other shape. The peaks and valleys of each spacing member 22 are joined to the partition members 21 on both sides via joints 23. An adhesive is used for each joint 23.

[0019] The direction along the peaks and valleys of the spacing members 22 arranged on the first layer 5 and the direction along the peaks and valleys of the spacing members 22 arranged on the second layer 6 intersect with each other when the element body 2 is viewed along the stacking setting direction.

[0020] In each first layer 5, a space surrounded by the partition members 21 and the spacing members 22 is formed as a first airflow path 51. Each first airflow path 51 is formed along the peaks and valleys of the spacing members 22 arranged in the first layer 5.

[0021] In each second layer 6, a space surrounded by the partition members 21 and the spacing members 22 is formed as a second airflow path 61. Each second airflow path 61 is formed along the peaks and valleys of the spacing members 22 arranged in the second layer 6.

[0022] The partition member 21 separating the adjacent first layer 5 and second layer 6 is exposed to a first air flow path 51 formed in the first layer 5 and a second air flow path 61 formed in the second layer 6.

[0023] A chemical solution is added to the element body 2. Each partition member 21 and each spacing member 22 serves as a liquid absorbing portion that can be impregnated with the chemical solution. The chemical solution contains a chemical that imparts a specific function of the heat exchange element 1 to the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2. By impregnating the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 with the chemical solution, the specific function of the chemical is imparted to the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2.

[0024] When the drug is liquid, the drug is used as is as the drug solution. When the drug is solid, the drug is dissolved in a solvent and used as the drug solution. The solvent can be water, an organic solvent, or the like.

[0025] In this embodiment, a water-soluble moisture absorbent that absorbs moisture in the air is used as the chemical. The moisture absorbent absorbs moisture in the air, for example, by deliquescence. In this embodiment, an aqueous solution containing the moisture absorbent is added to the element body 2 as a chemical solution. In this embodiment, at least one of alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts, urea, alginic acid, alginate salts, thickening polysaccharides, and guanidine salts is used as the moisture absorbent. An example of an alkali metal salt used as the moisture absorbent is lithium chloride. An example of an alkaline earth metal salt used as the moisture absorbent is calcium chloride. An example of a thickening polysaccharide used as the moisture absorbent is carrageenan.

[0026] In this embodiment, each of the partition members 21 and each of the spacing members 22 is made of a porous material. This allows the chemical solution to be impregnated into each of the partition members 21 and each of the spacing members 22 by capillary action. Paper, for example, is used as the material for each of the partition members 21 and the spacing members 22. The material for each of the partition members 21 and the spacing members 22 may contain an acrylic acid copolymer, which is a highly water-absorbent polymer compound.

[0027] Each partition member 21 and each spacing member 22 is impregnated with a chemical solution, thereby retaining a moisture absorbent. This gives each partition member 21 and each spacing member 22 a specific function of absorbing moisture from the air. That is, in this embodiment, a moisture absorbent is added to the element body 2 as a chemical that gives each partition member 21 and each spacing member 22 a moisture absorption function.

[0028] In the element body 2, the first airflow 10 flows through each of the first airflow paths 51, and the second airflow 20 flows through each of the second airflow paths 61, thereby exchanging sensible heat and latent heat between the first airflow 10 and the second airflow 20 via the partition member 21. Latent heat is exchanged between the first airflow 10 and the second airflow 20 as moisture moves between the first airflow 10 and the second airflow 20 via the partition member 21. In the element body 2, the partition member 21 is provided with a moisture absorption function, thereby improving the efficiency of latent heat exchange between the first airflow 10 and the second airflow 20.

[0029] 1 and 2, the frame 4 is disposed outside the element body 2. The frame 4 also surrounds the element body 2. This protects the element body 2 from the frame 4. The heat exchange element 1 is provided in the total heat exchanger by attaching the frame 4 to a mounting portion of the total heat exchanger.

[0030] The frame 4 is made of a material such as a thermoplastic resin or metal that can maintain the shape of the frame 4. Examples of thermoplastic resins that can be used for the frame 4 include polystyrene resin (PS: polystyrene), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (ABS: Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene), polyethylene resin (PE: Polyethylene), polypropylene resin (PP: Polypropylene), and alloy resins thereof. Thermoplastic resins containing added talc, fibrous materials, etc. may also be used for the frame 4. Examples of metals that can be used for the frame 4 include iron and aluminum. The metals used for the frame 4 may be painted, plated, or the like. A material that is resistant to chemicals is selected for the frame 4.

[0031] The frame body 4 has a first end frame 41 , a second end frame 42 , and a plurality of connecting frames 43 .

[0032] The first end frame 41 and the second end frame 42 face each other in the stacking direction via the element body 2. That is, the element body 2 is disposed between the first end frame 41 and the second end frame 42 in the stacking direction. Each of the first end frame 41 and the second end frame 42 is a plate-shaped member that is perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0033] The first end frame 41 and the second end frame 42 each have a rectangular shape that matches the shape of the element body 2. The first end frame 41 and the second end frame 42 each have a size that allows the element body 2 to be hidden by the first end frame 41 and the second end frame 42 when the heat exchange element 1 is viewed along the stacking direction.

[0034] The multiple connecting frames 43 are arranged along the stacking direction. One end of each connecting frame 43 is fixed to the first end frame 41. The other end of each connecting frame 43 is fixed to the second end frame 42. In this way, each connecting frame 43 connects the first end frame 41 and the second end frame 42.

[0035] In this embodiment, the frame body 4 has four connecting frames 43. The four connecting frames 43 are fixed to the four corners of each of the first end frame 41 and the second end frame 42 by screws, rivets, snap fits, or the like. In this embodiment, a sealing material (not shown) is interposed between each connecting frame 43 and the element body 2. As the sealing material, a flexible resin packing, sealing material, or the like is used. The sealing material seals the gap between each connecting frame 43 and the element body 2. This prevents air from leaking from the element body 2 to the outside of the frame body 4.

[0036] The chemical solution supplying member 3 is a separate member from the element body 2 and the frame body 4. The chemical solution supplying member 3 is held between the element body 2 and the frame body 4. As a result, the chemical solution supplying member 3 is in contact with the element body 2 and the frame body 4.

[0037] In this embodiment, the chemical solution supplying members 3 are held between the element body 2 and the first end frame 41, and between the element body 2 and the second end frame 42. As a result, in this embodiment, the chemical solution supplying members 3 are arranged on the outer side of the element body 2 in the stacking direction. In addition, the chemical solution supplying members 3 are in contact with the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2. In this embodiment, the chemical solution supplying members 3 are in contact with the partition members 21 located at both ends of the element body 2 in the stacking direction.

[0038] The size of each chemical solution supply member 3 is smaller than the size of each of the first end frame 41 and the second end frame 42. As a result, the first end frame 41 and the second end frame 42 cover the chemical solution supply member 3 from outside the chemical solution supply member 3 when viewed from the element body 2. Each chemical solution supply member 3 functions as a sealant that seals the gap between the element body 2 and the first end frame 41 or the second end frame 42, respectively.

[0039] The chemical solution supplying member 3 is made of a flexible material that can be deformed between the element body 2 and the frame body 4. Therefore, the chemical solution supplying member 3 is held between the element body 2 and the frame body 4 in a state in which it is deformed to fit the shapes of the element body 2 and the frame body 4, respectively.

[0040] The chemical solution supplying member 3 is capable of holding the chemical solution to be added to the element body 2. In this embodiment, the chemical solution supplying member 3 is a porous member. Therefore, in this embodiment, the chemical solution supplying member 3 can be impregnated with the chemical solution by capillary action. The chemical solution is held in the chemical solution supplying member 3 by being impregnated into the chemical solution supplying member 3.

[0041] The material for the chemical solution supplying member 3 may be a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a pulp material, a foamed resin material, or the like. When a foamed resin material is used as the material for the chemical solution supplying member 3, the foamed resin material has an open-cell structure in which multiple bubbles are connected to each other. The material for the chemical solution supplying member 3 is a material that is not easily dissolved by the chemical solution.

[0042] The chemical solution held in the chemical solution supply member 3 can diffuse from the chemical solution supply member 3 to the liquid absorbing portions of the element body 2, i.e., to each partition member 21 and each spacing member 22. Diffusion of the chemical solution from the chemical solution supply member 3 to each partition member 21 and each spacing member 22 is achieved by capillary action. Diffusion of the chemical solution between the partition member 21 and the spacing member 22 is possible through the joint portion 23.

[0043] Next, a method for manufacturing the heat exchange element 1 will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the heat exchange element 1 of Fig. 1. The method for manufacturing the heat exchange element 1 includes an element body process S1, a chemical solution injection process S2, and a contacting process S3. When manufacturing the heat exchange element 1, the element body process S1 is followed by the contacting process S3. The timing of performing the chemical solution injection process S2 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the steps are performed in the order of the element body process S1, the chemical solution injection process S2, and the contacting process S3.

[0044] <Element Body Step S1> In the element body step S1, the element body 2 is produced. When producing the element body 2, the steps of the one-side corrugated body step and the lamination step are carried out in this order.

[0045] In the one-sided corrugated body forming process, a plurality of one-sided corrugated bodies are produced. Each one-sided corrugated body is a component in which one spacing member 22 is bonded to one surface of one partition member 21 with an adhesive.

[0046] When producing multiple one-sided corrugated bodies in the one-sided corrugated body process, first, a material for the spacing member 22 is corrugated to produce a long corrugated body. Then, uncured adhesive is applied to the valleys of the corrugated body. Then, before the adhesive hardens, the valleys of the corrugated body are brought into contact with one side of a long flat body formed from the material for the partition member 21. The amount of adhesive applied is limited to the amount necessary to ensure adhesive function. This prevents excessive softening of the corrugated body and the flat body due to moisture in the adhesive, and prevents the corrugated body and the flat body from losing their shape. The adhesive is then dried and hardened to produce a long product in which the corrugated body and the flat body are bonded together. The long product is then cut to the same size as the partition member 21 and the spacing member 22 of the element body 2. This results in multiple one-sided corrugated bodies being obtained from the long product.

[0047] In the stacking process, multiple one-sided corrugated bodies are stacked in a stacking direction. At this time, uncured adhesive is applied to the peaks of the spacing member 22 of one of the two overlapping one-sided corrugated bodies. Before the adhesive cures, the peaks coated with the uncured adhesive are brought into contact with the partition member 21 of the other one-sided corrugated body. The multiple one-sided corrugated bodies are stacked in the stacking direction while alternately crossing the direction along the peaks of the one-sided corrugated bodies as viewed along the stacking direction. Again, the amount of adhesive applied is limited to the amount necessary to ensure adhesive performance. This prevents the shape of each one-sided corrugated body from being lost due to moisture in the adhesive. The adhesive is then dried and cured to obtain the element body 2.

[0048] <Chemical Solution Injection Step S2> After the element body step S1, the chemical solution injection step S2 is carried out. In the chemical solution injection step S2, the chemical solution to be added to the element body 2 is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3. In this embodiment, a chemical solution containing a moisture absorbent is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3. In the chemical solution injection step S2, the chemical solution is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 while the chemical solution supply member 3 is separated from the element body 2.

[0049] In this embodiment, the entire planned amount of the chemical solution to be added to the element body 2 is injected into the chemical solution supplying member 3 in the chemical solution injection step S2. As a result, in this embodiment, the entire planned amount of the chemical solution to be added to the element body 2 is impregnated into the chemical solution supplying member 3 and held by the chemical solution supplying member 3.

[0050] <Contacting Step S3> After the element body step S1 and the chemical solution injection step S2, the contacting step S3 is carried out. In the contacting step S3, the chemical solution supplying member 3 is brought into contact with the element body 2. As a result, the chemical solution supplying member 3 comes into contact with the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2. In this embodiment, the chemical solution supplying member 3 is brought into contact with each of the partition members 21 located at both ends of the element body 2 in the stacking direction.

[0051] In the contact step S3, the frame 4 is placed on the outside of the element body 2, and the chemical solution supplying member 3 is interposed between the element body 2 and the frame 4. As a result, the chemical solution supplying member 3 is held between the element body 2 and the frame 4 while being pressed against the element body 2 by the frame 4. The chemical solution supplying member 3 comes into contact with the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 by being held between the element body 2 and the frame 4.

[0052] In this embodiment, in the contact step S3, the chemical solution supplying member 3 is held between the element body 2 and the first end frame 41 and between the element body 2 and the second end frame 42. At this time, the chemical solution supplying member 3 held between the element body 2 and the first end frame 41 is covered by the first end frame 41 from outside the chemical solution supplying member 3 as viewed from the element body 2. Furthermore, the chemical solution supplying member 3 held between the element body 2 and the second end frame 42 is covered by the second end frame 42 from outside the chemical solution supplying member 3 as viewed from the element body 2. This prevents the chemical solution from leaking out of the frame 4 from each chemical solution supplying member 3.

[0053] When the chemical solution supplying member 3 comes into contact with the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2, the chemical solution diffuses from the chemical solution supplying member 3 to the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 by capillary action. In this embodiment, the chemical solution diffuses toward the inside of the element body 2 in the stacking direction while being alternately impregnated with the partition members 21 and the spacing members 22 from the chemical solution supplying member 3 by capillary action. As a result, in this embodiment, the entire liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2, i.e., each partition member 21 and each spacing member 22, is impregnated with the chemical solution. In this embodiment, the chemical solution containing a moisture absorbent is impregnated into each partition member 21 and each spacing member 22, thereby imparting a moisture absorbing function to each partition member 21 and each spacing member 22.

[0054] When the chemical solution is impregnated into the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2, the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 becomes soft due to the chemical solution. Therefore, if the shape of the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 cannot be maintained, the heat exchange element 1 is dried as necessary. Methods for drying the heat exchange element 1 include natural drying, drying in the sun, drying with hot air, and drying by heating. Examples of drying by heating include drying by dielectric heating and drying by high-frequency heating. The heat exchange element 1 is manufactured in this manner. Even after the heat exchange element 1 has been dried once, the moisture absorbent remains in the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2, so when the heat exchange element 1 is used, the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 maintains its moisture absorbing function of absorbing moisture in the air.

[0055] In this heat exchange element 1, the chemical solution supplying member 3 can hold the chemical solution to be added to the element body 2. The chemical solution supplying member 3 is in contact with the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2. The chemical solution held in the chemical solution supplying member 3 can diffuse from the chemical solution supplying member 3 to the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2. Therefore, after the element body 2 is fabricated, the chemical solution can be impregnated into the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 from the chemical solution supplying member 3. This prevents the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 from becoming softened by the chemical solution during fabrication. Furthermore, the amount of adhesive used when fabricating the element body 2 can be limited to the amount necessary to ensure adhesive function. This prevents the amount of moisture diffusing from the adhesive to the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2, preventing severe softening of the element body 2 due to moisture in the adhesive during fabrication. Therefore, the element body 2 can be easily assembled while maintaining the shape of the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2, and the element body 2 can be easily fabricated. This makes it easy to manufacture the heat exchange element 1.

[0056] In addition, a frame 4 is disposed on the outside of the element body 2. The chemical solution supplying member 3 is held between the element body 2 and the frame 4. Therefore, the frame 4 can easily keep the chemical solution supplying member 3 in contact with the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2. In addition, the element body 2 can be protected by the frame 4, and damage to the element body 2 can be prevented.

[0057] Furthermore, the chemical solution supplying member 3 is covered by the first end frame 41 and the second end frame 42 from the outside of the chemical solution supplying member 3 when viewed from the element body 2. This makes it possible to prevent the chemical solution from leaking from the chemical solution supplying member 3 to the outside of the frame body 4. This allows the chemical solution to be efficiently impregnated into the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2.

[0058] Furthermore, the chemical solution added to the element body 2 contains a moisture absorbent that absorbs moisture in the air. Therefore, after the element body 2 is manufactured, the moisture absorption function of the moisture absorbent can be imparted to the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2. This makes it possible to prevent moisture in the air from being absorbed by the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 during the manufacturing process of the element body 2, and to prevent the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 from becoming soft. Therefore, even when a chemical solution containing a moisture absorbent is added to the element body 2, the element body 2 can be easily manufactured, and the heat exchange element 1 can be easily produced.

[0059] Furthermore, the partition member 21 separating the first layer 5 and the second layer 6 is impregnated with a chemical solution containing a moisture absorbent. This allows the partition member 21 to have a moisture absorbing function. As a result, in the heat exchange element 1 that exchanges sensible heat and latent heat between the first airflow 10 and the second airflow 20 via the partition member 21, the partition member 21 can efficiently absorb moisture in the air, thereby improving the latent heat exchange efficiency.

[0060] The chemical solution is an aqueous solution containing at least one of alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts, urea, alginic acid, alginate salts, thickening polysaccharides, and guanidine salts as a moisture absorbent, which can more reliably enhance the moisture absorption function imparted to the partition member 21 by the chemical solution. Furthermore, since the solvent can be water, concerns about odors due to solvent volatilization, which may occur when an organic solvent is used, can be avoided.

[0061] Furthermore, the chemical solution supplying member 3 is disposed on the outer side of the element body 2 in the stacking direction. This allows the chemical solution supplying member 3 to be overlapped on the end face of the element body 2 in the stacking direction. This makes it easier to arrange the chemical solution supplying member 3. Furthermore, since the chemical solution supplying member 3 can be arranged along the first layer 5 or the second layer 6 of the element body 2, the contact area of ​​the chemical solution supplying member 3 with the element body 2 can be increased.

[0062] Furthermore, the chemical solution supplying member 3 is a porous member. Therefore, the chemical solution can be impregnated into the chemical solution supplying member 3 by utilizing capillary action. This allows the chemical solution to be physically held in the chemical solution supplying member 3. Therefore, the chemical solution can be easily diffused from the chemical solution supplying member 3 to the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2.

[0063] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of such a heat exchange element 1 includes an element body process S1, a chemical solution injection process S2, and a contact process S3. In the element body process S1, the element body 2 is manufactured. In the chemical solution injection process S2, the chemical solution is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3. In the contact process S3, the chemical solution supply member 3 is brought into contact with the element body 2. The contact process S3 is performed after the element body process S1. This prevents the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 from becoming softened by the chemical solution during the manufacturing process of the element body 2. This makes it easier to assemble the element body 2, and the element body 2 can be manufactured easily. Therefore, the heat exchange element 1 can be manufactured easily. Furthermore, even if the chemical solution is corrosive to metals, there is no need to take corrosion prevention measures such as painting, plating, or using corrosion-resistant stainless steel in the equipment used to manufacture the element body 2.

[0064] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the heat exchange element 1, the chemical solution injection step S2 is followed by the contact step S3. Therefore, the chemical solution can be injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 while the chemical solution supply member 3 is separated from the element body 2. This makes it easier to inject the chemical solution into the chemical solution supply member 3, further facilitating the manufacturing of the heat exchange element 1.

[0065] In the contact step S3, the frame 4 is disposed on the outside of the element body 2, and the chemical solution supply member 3 is interposed between the element body 2 and the frame 4. Therefore, in the contact step S3, the state in which the chemical solution supply member 3 is in contact with the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 can be easily maintained by the frame 4.

[0066] Embodiment 2. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the main parts of a heat exchange element according to embodiment 2. The first end frame 41 is provided with an injection hole 44 for injecting a chemical solution into the chemical solution supply member 3. The injection hole 44 is located at a position overlapping the chemical solution supply member 3 held between the element body 2 and the first end frame 41. In this embodiment, the injection hole 44 is a circular hole.

[0067] A lid 45 that opens and closes the injection hole 44 is disposed on the first end frame 41. In this embodiment, a sliding lid 45 is disposed on the first end frame 41. Figure 5 shows the injection hole 44 in an open state.

[0068] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the state in which the injection hole 44 in Figure 5 is closed by the lid 45. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a pair of parallel grooves 46 are formed along the first end frame 41 as guide portions. The lid 45 is provided with a pair of protrusions 451 inserted into the pair of grooves 46. With the pair of protrusions 451 inserted into the pair of grooves 46, the lid 45 is slidable along the pair of grooves 46 relative to the first end frame 41. The lid 45 opens and closes the injection hole 44 by sliding relative to the first end frame 41. The other configurations of the heat exchange element 1 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0069] Next, a method for manufacturing the heat exchange element 1 will be described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the method for manufacturing the heat exchange element 1 of Fig. 5. In this embodiment, when manufacturing the heat exchange element 1, the steps are performed in the order of the element body step S1, the contact step S3, and the chemical solution injection step S2. That is, in this embodiment, the order of the chemical solution injection step S2 and the contact step S3 is reversed compared to the first embodiment.

[0070] In the element body step S1, the element body 2 is fabricated in the same manner as in embodiment 1. The contact step S3 is performed after the element body step S1 and before the chemical solution injection step S2. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the contact step S3, the chemical solution supply member 3 that does not hold a chemical solution is brought into contact with the element body 2. At this time, the chemical solution supply member 3 is held between the frame 4 and the element body 2 in the same manner as in the contact step S3 in embodiment 1.

[0071] The chemical solution injection step S2 is performed after the contact step S3. In the chemical solution injection step S2, a chemical solution is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 held between the frame 4 and the element body 2. That is, in this embodiment, in the chemical solution injection step S2, a chemical solution is injected into each of the chemical solution supply member 3 held between the first end frame 41 and the element body 2 and the chemical solution supply member 3 held between the second end frame 42 and the element body 2.

[0072] In the present embodiment, in the chemical solution injection step S2, as shown in FIG. 5 , the chemical solution is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 by the injector 7. At this time, for the chemical solution supply member 3 held between the first end frame 41 and the element body 2, the injection hole 44 is opened and the chemical solution is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 through the injection hole 44. On the other hand, for the chemical solution supply member 3 held between the second end frame 42 and the element body 2, the chemical solution is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 through the gap between the second end frame 42 and the element body 2. In the chemical solution injection step S2, the chemical solution is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 with the frame 4 positioned with the injection hole 44 facing upward. This makes it easier to inject the chemical solution into the chemical solution supply member 3 through the injection hole 44. In the chemical solution injection step S2, after the chemical solution is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3, the lid 45 is slid open to close the injection hole 44.

[0073] When the chemical solution is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 in the chemical solution injection step S2, the chemical solution is held in the chemical solution supply member 3 by capillary action. After this, the chemical solution diffuses from the chemical solution supply member 3 to the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 by capillary action. The procedure thereafter is the same as in embodiment 1. In this manner, the heat exchange element 1 is manufactured.

[0074] In such a heat exchange element 1, an injection hole 44 for injecting a chemical solution into the chemical solution supply member 3 is provided in the frame 4. Therefore, even when the chemical solution supply member 3 is held between the frame 4 and the element body 2, the chemical solution can be easily injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 through the injection hole 44 without the frame 4 getting in the way.

[0075] Furthermore, in this manufacturing method of the heat exchange element 1, the chemical solution injection step S2 is performed after the contact step S3. Therefore, the chemical solution supplying member 3 can be brought into contact with the liquid suction portion of the element body 2 in a state where the chemical solution supplying member 3 does not retain the chemical solution. This eliminates the burden of monitoring to prevent leakage of the chemical solution from the chemical solution supplying member 3 when bringing the chemical solution supplying member 3 into contact with the liquid suction portion of the element body 2. This facilitates the operation of bringing the chemical solution supplying member 3 into contact with the liquid suction portion of the element body 2, and makes it possible to easily manufacture the heat exchange element 1.

[0076] Embodiment 3 The configuration of the heat exchange element 1 in embodiment 3 is the same as that in embodiment 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the injection hole 44 is provided in the first end frame 41, and the lid 45 for opening and closing the injection hole 44 is disposed on the first end frame 41. In this embodiment, the manufacturing method of the heat exchange element 1 is different from that in embodiment 2.

[0077] 8 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing method of a heat exchange element according to embodiment 3. The manufacturing method of the heat exchange element 1 includes an element body process S1, a chemical solution injection process S2, and a contacting process S3. In this embodiment, the chemical solution injection process S2 includes a first injection process S21 and a second injection process S22. The second injection process S22 is performed after the first injection process S21. When manufacturing the heat exchange element 1, the steps are performed in the order of the element body process S1, the first injection process S21, the contacting process S3, and the second injection process S22.

[0078] In the element body step S1, the element body 2 is fabricated in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

[0079] The first injection step S21 is performed after the element body step S1 and before the contact step S3. In the first injection step S21, a part of the planned amount of chemical solution to be injected into the chemical solution supplying member 3 is injected into the chemical solution supplying member 3.

[0080] The contact step S3 is performed after the first injection step S21 and before the second injection step S22. In the contact step S3, the chemical solution supply member 3 is brought into contact with the element body 2 in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

[0081] The second injection step S22 is performed after the contact step S3. In the second injection step S22, the amount of chemical liquid remaining after the first injection step S21, out of the planned injection amount of chemical liquid to be injected into the chemical liquid supplying member 3, is injected into the chemical liquid supplying member 3. In this embodiment, the amount of chemical liquid injected into the chemical liquid supplying member 3 in the second injection step S22 is set to be greater than the amount of chemical liquid injected into the chemical liquid supplying member 3 in the first injection step S21.

[0082] In the second injection step S22, the chemical solution is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 in the same manner as in the chemical solution injection step S2 in embodiment 2. Therefore, in the second injection step S22, the chemical solution is injected through the injection hole 44 into the chemical solution supply member 3 held between the first end frame 41 and the element body 2. Furthermore, the chemical solution is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 held between the second end frame 42 and the element body 2 through the gap between the second end frame 42 and the element body 2. In the second injection step S22, after the chemical solution is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3, the lid 45 is slid open to close the injection hole 44.

[0083] In the chemical solution injection step S2, the first injection step S21 and the second injection step S22 are performed, so that the entire planned amount of chemical solution to be injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3. The subsequent procedures are the same as those in the second embodiment. In this manner, the heat exchange element 1 is manufactured.

[0084] In this manufacturing method of the heat exchange element 1, the contact step S3 is performed after the first injection step S21, and the second injection step S22 is performed after the contact step S3. In the first injection step S21, a portion of the planned amount of chemical liquid to be injected into the chemical liquid supply member 3 is injected into the chemical liquid supply member 3. In the second injection step S22, the amount of chemical liquid remaining after the first injection step S21 is injected into the chemical liquid supply member 3 from the planned amount of chemical liquid to be injected into the chemical liquid supply member 3. Therefore, before contacting the chemical liquid supply member 3 with the element body 2, the chemical liquid supply member 3 can be easily wetted with the chemical liquid while the chemical liquid supply member 3 is separated from the element body 2. Furthermore, in the second injection step S22, the chemical liquid can be injected into the chemical liquid supply member 3 while the chemical liquid supply member 3 is wet with the chemical liquid. This allows the injection rate of the chemical liquid into the chemical liquid supply member 3 to be increased in the second injection step S22. Therefore, the chemical liquid can be easily injected into the chemical liquid supply member 3.

[0085] In the second and third embodiments, the chemical solution is injected into the chemical solution supplying member 3 by the injector 7. However, the chemical solution does not have to be injected into the chemical solution supplying member 3 by using the injector 7. For example, the chemical solution may be injected into the chemical solution supplying member 3 by pouring the chemical solution from a container storing the chemical solution into the chemical solution supplying member 3 through the injection hole 44.

[0086] Furthermore, in the second and third embodiments, the injection hole 44 is provided in the first end frame 41. However, the injection hole 44 may be provided in any position on the frame 4 as long as it overlaps with the chemical solution supply member 3. Therefore, for example, the injection hole 44 may be provided in the second end frame 42. However, when injecting the chemical solution into the chemical solution supply member 3 through the injection hole 44, it is desirable to position the heat exchange element 1 with the injection hole 44 facing upward in order to prevent the chemical solution from leaking out of the frame 4.

[0087] Furthermore, in the second and third embodiments, only one injection hole 44 is provided in the frame body 4. However, the frame body 4 may have a plurality of injection holes 44. For example, two injection holes 44 may be provided in the frame body 4 by providing an injection hole 44 in each of the first end frame 41 and the second end frame 42. Furthermore, multiple injection holes 44 may be provided in the first end frame 41, or multiple injection holes 44 may be provided in the second end frame 42.

[0088] In addition, in the second and third embodiments, the injection hole 44 is a circular hole. However, the shape of the injection hole 44 is not limited to this. For example, the injection hole 44 may be a rectangular hole, an oval hole, an elongated hole, or the like.

[0089] In addition, in the second and third embodiments, the injection hole 44 provided in the frame 4 is closed by the lid 45. However, the method for closing the injection hole 44 is not limited to this. For example, the injection hole 44 may be closed by softening a portion of the first end frame 41 by heat or a chemical method and filling the injection hole 44 with the softened portion.

[0090] Furthermore, even if the chemical solution leaks from the chemical solution supply member 3 to the outside of the frame 4 through the injection hole 44, if the amount of leakage of the chemical solution is expected to be within an acceptable range, there is no need to provide the lid 45 for opening and closing the injection hole 44. Furthermore, the size of the injection hole 44 may be any size as long as it is large enough to overlap the chemical solution supply member 3 and large enough to inject the chemical solution into the chemical solution supply member 3.

[0091] In addition, in the second and third embodiments, the injection hole 44 is provided in the frame 4. However, if the chemical solution can be injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 through the gap between the element body 2 and the frame 4, the injection hole 44 may be omitted.

[0092] 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a heat exchange element according to embodiment 4. In this embodiment, a chemical solution supply member 3 is held between each connecting frame 43 and the element body 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, four chemical solution supply members 3 corresponding to each connecting frame 43 are held between the frame body 4 and the element body 2.

[0093] Each chemical solution supplying member 3 is arranged along the stacking direction. In this embodiment, each chemical solution supplying member 3 extends from one end of the element body 2 to the other end in the stacking direction. As a result, each chemical solution supplying member 3 is in contact with all of the partition members 21. That is, the liquid absorbing portions of the element body 2 that each chemical solution supplying member 3 is in contact with are all of the partition members 21. Each of the partition members 21 is individually in contact with the four corners of the partition member 21.

[0094] The size of each chemical solution supply member 3 is smaller than the size of each connecting frame 43. As a result, each connecting frame 43 covers the chemical solution supply member 3 from outside the chemical solution supply member 3 when viewed from the element body 2. Each chemical solution supply member 3 functions as a sealant that seals the gap between each connecting frame 43 and the element body 2. Other configurations of each chemical solution supply member 3 are similar to the configuration of the chemical solution supply member 3 in embodiment 1.

[0095] In this embodiment, a sealing material (not shown) is interposed between each of the first end frame 41 and the second end frame 42 and the element body 2. The sealing material may be a flexible resin packing or sealing material. The sealing material fills the gap between each of the first end frame 41 and the second end frame 42 and the element body 2.

[0096] The chemical solution held in each chemical solution supply member 3 can diffuse from the chemical solution supply member 3 to each partition member 21 and each spacing member 22. Diffusion of the chemical solution from the chemical solution supply member 3 to each partition member 21 and each spacing member 22 is achieved by capillary action. In this embodiment, the chemical solution diffuses directly from the chemical solution supply member 3 to the four corners of each partition member 21, and then diffuses from each partition member 21 to each spacing member 22. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0097] Next, a description will be given of a manufacturing method of the heat exchange element 1. The manufacturing method of the heat exchange element 1 in this embodiment includes an element body step S1, a chemical solution injection step S2, and a contact step S3, similar to the first embodiment. When manufacturing the heat exchange element 1, as shown in Fig. 4, the respective steps are carried out in the order of the element body step S1, the chemical solution injection step S2, and the contact step S3.

[0098] In the element body step S1, the element body 2 is fabricated in the same manner as in embodiment 1. In the chemical solution injection step S2, a chemical solution containing a moisture absorbent is injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 in a state in which the chemical solution supply member 3 is separated from the element body 2, in the same manner as in embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the chemical solution is injected into four chemical solution supply members 3 arranged along the stacking setting direction in the chemical solution injection step S2.

[0099] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the entire planned amount of the chemical solution to be added to the element body 2 is injected into the chemical solution supplying member 3 in the chemical solution injection step S2. As a result, in this embodiment as well, the entire planned amount of the chemical solution to be added to the element body 2 is impregnated into the chemical solution supplying member 3 and held by the chemical solution supplying member 3.

[0100] In the contact step S3, the chemical solution supplying members 3 are brought into contact with the liquid absorbing portions of the element body 2. In this embodiment, the four chemical solution supplying members 3 are arranged along the stacking setting direction, so that each chemical solution supplying member 3 comes into contact with the four corners of all the partition members 21.

[0101] In the contact step S3, the frame 4 is disposed outside the element body 2, and the chemical solution supplying member 3 is held between the element body 2 and the frame 4. In this embodiment, the chemical solution supplying member 3 is individually held between each of the four connecting frames 43 of the frame 4 and the element body 2. At this time, each chemical solution supplying member 3 is covered by the connecting frame 43 from the outside of the chemical solution supplying member 3 when viewed from the element body 2. This prevents the chemical solution from leaking out of the frame 4 from each chemical solution supplying member 3.

[0102] When the chemical solution supply member 3 comes into contact with the liquid absorption portion of the element body 2, the chemical solution diffuses from the chemical solution supply member 3 to the liquid absorption portion of the element body 2 by capillary action. In this embodiment, the chemical solution diffuses directly from each chemical solution supply member 3 to each partition member 21 by capillary action, and then from each partition member 21 to each spacing member 22. As a result, each partition member 21 and each spacing member 22 is impregnated with the chemical solution and is given a moisture absorption function. In this manner, the heat exchange element 1 is manufactured. The heat exchange element 1 is dried as necessary, as in embodiment 1.

[0103] In this heat exchange element 1, the chemical solution supplying member 3 is arranged along the stacking direction. Therefore, the chemical solution supplying member 3 can be brought into direct contact with the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 across the stacking direction. This allows the chemical solution to be more reliably diffused into the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 across the stacking direction, and the function of the chemical solution can be more reliably imparted to the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2.

[0104] Therefore, by using a chemical solution containing a moisture absorbent as the chemical solution added to the element body 2, it is possible to more reliably impart a moisture absorption function to each partition member 21. This makes it possible to more reliably improve the latent heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchange element 1, which exchanges sensible heat and latent heat between the first airflow 10 and the second airflow 20 via the partition member 21.

[0105] In the fourth embodiment, when manufacturing the heat exchange element 1, the steps are performed in the order of the element body process S1, the chemical solution injection process S2, and the contact process S3. However, as in the second embodiment, the steps may be performed in the order of the element body process S1, the contact process S3, and the chemical solution injection process S2. In this case, an injection hole for injecting the chemical solution into the chemical solution supply member 3 is provided in each connecting frame 43. Then, in the chemical solution injection process S2, the chemical solution is injected through the injection hole provided in the connecting frame 43. In this case, the number of injection holes provided in each connecting frame 43 may be one or more. When multiple injection holes are provided in one connecting frame 43, the multiple injection holes are provided at intervals from each other in the stacking direction. In this case, the shape of the injection hole is not limited, and the size of the injection hole is not limited as long as the amount of leakage of the chemical solution is expected to be within an acceptable range. Furthermore, in this case, the injection hole may be closed with a lid, or the injection hole may be filled by softening the connecting frame 43.

[0106] Furthermore, in embodiment 4, when each process is performed in the order of element body process S1, contact process S3, and chemical solution injection process S2, if the chemical solution can be injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 through the gap between each connecting frame 43 and the element body 2, it is not necessary to provide an injection hole in each connecting frame 43.

[0107] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, when manufacturing the heat exchange element 1, the steps may be performed in the order of the element body step S1, the first injection step S21, the contact step S3, and the second injection step S22, as in the third embodiment. In this case, an injection hole for injecting the chemical solution into the chemical solution supply member 3 is provided in each connecting frame 43. Then, in the second injection step S22, the chemical solution is injected through the injection hole provided in the connecting frame 43. In this case, the number of injection holes provided in each connecting frame 43 may be one or more. When multiple injection holes are provided in one connecting frame 43, the multiple injection holes are provided at intervals from each other in the stacking direction. In this case, the shape of the injection hole is not limited, and the size of the injection hole is not limited as long as the amount of leakage of the chemical solution is expected to be within an acceptable range. Furthermore, in this case, the injection hole may be closed with a lid, or the injection hole may be filled by softening the connecting frame 43.

[0108] Furthermore, in embodiment 4, when each process is performed in the order of element body process S1, first injection process S21, contact process S3, and second injection process S22, it is not necessary to provide an injection hole in each connecting frame 43 as long as the chemical solution can be injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 through the gap between each connecting frame 43 and the element body 2.

[0109] In addition, in the first and fourth embodiments, the chemical solution injection step S2 is performed after the element body step S1. However, the chemical solution injection step S2 may be performed before the element body step S1. Furthermore, the chemical solution injection step S2 may be performed in parallel with the element body step S1.

[0110] Furthermore, in the first and fourth embodiments, no injection hole is provided in the frame 4 for injecting the chemical solution into the chemical solution supply member 3. However, an injection hole may be provided in the frame 4. In this case, the injection hole is provided at a position overlapping the chemical solution supply member 3. In this way, for example, if the chemical solution is insufficient after manufacturing the heat exchange element 1, additional chemical solution can be easily injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 through the injection hole.

[0111] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 is not impregnated with the chemical solution in the element body process S1. However, in the element body process S1, only a portion of the planned amount of chemical solution to be added to the element body 2 may be impregnated into the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2. In this case, the planned amount of chemical solution to be injected into the chemical solution supply member 3 is the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the amount of chemical solution impregnated into the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 in the element body process S1 from the planned amount of chemical solution to be added to the element body 2. In this case, the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 is pre-impregnated with the chemical solution before fabricating the element body 2. Furthermore, in this case, the amount of chemical solution pre-impregnated into the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 is adjusted so that the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 does not become too soft due to the chemical solution. In this way, the chemical solution can be more reliably impregnated even in portions of the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2 that are distant from the chemical solution supply member 3 and where the chemical solution is difficult to diffuse. This reduces the uneven amount of chemical solution in the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the amount of chemical solution held in the chemical solution supplying member 3. This makes it possible to prevent the chemical solution from leaking from the chemical solution supplying member 3 in excess of the allowable amount of chemical solution that the chemical solution supplying member 3 can hold.

[0112] In each of the above-described embodiments, in the contact step S3, the chemical solution supplying member 3 is held between the element body 2 and the frame 4, thereby bringing the chemical solution supplying member 3 into contact with the element body 2. However, in the contact step S3, the chemical solution supplying member 3 may be brought into contact with the element body 2 without using the frame 4. Therefore, in the contact step S3, the chemical solution supplying member 3 may be brought into contact with the element body 2 by partially holding the chemical solution supplying member 3 on the element body 2 with adhesive tape, adhesive, or the like. In this case, the frame 4 is disposed outside the element body 2 after the contact step S3.

[0113] When the chemical solution supplying member 3 is brought into contact with the element body 2 without using the frame 4 in the contacting step S3, the chemical solution injection step S2 may be performed after the contacting step S3 and before the frame 4 is arranged outside the element body 2, and the frame 4 may be arranged outside the element body 2 after the chemical solution injection step S2. In this case, in the chemical solution injection step S2, the element body 2 and the chemical solution supplying member 3 may be immersed together in the chemical solution, and the chemical solution may be injected into each of the element body 2 and the chemical solution supplying member 3.

[0114] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the partition members 21 and the spacing members 22 each serve as a liquid-absorbing portion capable of being impregnated with a chemical solution. However, when a chemical solution containing a moisture-absorbing agent is added to the element body 2, only the partition members 21 may serve as the liquid-absorbing portion of the element body 2. That is, when a chemical solution containing a moisture-absorbing agent is added to the element body 2, the spacing members 22 may serve as non-liquid-absorbing portions that are difficult to impregnate with the chemical solution. This configuration can also impart moisture absorption functionality to the partition members 21, thereby improving the efficiency of latent heat exchange between the first airflow 10 and the second airflow 20. This configuration can also eliminate the need for chemical solution impregnated in the spacing members 22, thereby reducing the amount of chemical solution added to the element body 2. In this case, for example, a resin sheet is used as the non-liquid-absorbing portion of the spacing members 22. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the chemical solution supply members 3 along the stacking direction, as in the fourth embodiment. In this way, the chemical solution supplying member 3 can be brought into contact with the partition members 21 at any position on the element body 2 in the stacking direction, and the chemical solution can be more reliably diffused into each partition member 21.

[0115] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, an aqueous solution containing a moisture absorbent is used as the chemical solution added to the element body 2. However, the chemical solution added to the element body 2 is not limited to this. For example, a solution containing a flame retardant may be used as the chemical solution added to the element body 2. In this way, the chemical solution is impregnated into the liquid absorption portion of the element body 2, thereby imparting a flame retardant function, which is a function of preventing fire, to the liquid absorption portion of the element body 2. This makes the element body 2 less flammable. In this case, a guanidine-based flame retardant, a phosphorus-based flame retardant, a halogen-based flame retardant, or the like is used as the flame retardant. In this case, water, an organic solvent, or the like is used as the solvent.

[0116] When a chemical solution containing a flame retardant is added to the element body 2, one of the partition member 21 and the spacing member 22 may be a liquid-absorbing portion capable of being impregnated with the chemical, while the other may be a non-liquid-absorbing portion that is difficult to impregnate with the chemical. This configuration also provides a flame-retardant function to the liquid-absorbing portion of the element body 2, making the element body 2 less flammable. It also reduces the amount of chemical solution added to the element body 2. In this case, a resin sheet, for example, is used as the non-liquid-absorbing portion. Furthermore, in this case, as in embodiment 4, it is desirable to arrange the chemical solution supply member 3 along the stacking direction. This allows the chemical solution supply member 3 to come into contact with the liquid-absorbing portion of the element body 2 at any position on the element body 2 in the stacking direction, thereby more reliably diffusing the chemical solution into the liquid-absorbing portion of the element body 2.

[0117] In each of the above-described embodiments, a chemical solution containing both a moisture absorbent and a flame retardant may be used as the chemical solution added to the element body 2. In this way, the chemical solution is impregnated into the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2, thereby imparting both a moisture absorption function and a flame retardant function to the liquid absorbing portion of the element body 2.

[0118] In each of the above-described embodiments, the material of the partition member 21 may be selected to be a material other than paper that has a moisture absorbing function.

[0119] In each of the above-described embodiments, the corrugated spacing members 22 are disposed on the first layer 5, thereby forming the plurality of first airflow paths 51 in the first layer 5. However, the plurality of first airflow paths 51 may be formed on the first layer 5 by disposing a plurality of plate pieces as the spacing members 22 on the first layer 5.

[0120] In each of the above-described embodiments, the corrugated spacing members 22 are disposed on the second layer 6, thereby forming the plurality of second airflow paths 61 in the second layer 6. However, the plurality of second airflow paths 61 may be formed on the second layer 6 by disposing a plurality of plate pieces as the spacing members 22 on the second layer 6.

[0121] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, when the element body 2 is viewed along the stacking direction, the first airflow path 51 and the second airflow path 61 intersect with each other. However, when the element body 2 is viewed along the stacking direction, the first airflow path 51 may be disposed along the second airflow path 61. In this case, the direction in which the first airflow 10 flows through the first airflow path 51 and the direction in which the second airflow 20 flows through the second airflow path 61 are opposite to each other. Even in this case, sensible heat and latent heat can be exchanged between the first airflow 10 and the second airflow 20.

[0122] In each of the above-described embodiments, the heat exchange element 1 is applied to a ventilation system. However, the heat exchange element 1 may also be applied to, for example, an air conditioner.

[0123] The configurations described in the above embodiments are merely examples of the contents of the present disclosure. The embodiments can be combined with other known technologies. Part of the configuration of the embodiments can be omitted or modified without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0124] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 heat exchange element, 2 element body, 3 chemical solution supply member, 4 frame body, 5 first layer, 6 second layer, 21 partition member (liquid absorption section), 22 spacing member (liquid absorption section), 44 injection hole, 51 first air flow path, 61 second air flow path.

Claims

1. The element body consists of a first layer in which a first airflow channel is formed and a second layer in which a second airflow channel is formed, which are alternately stacked in the stacking direction, A chemical solution supply member is disposed on the outside of the element body and is in contact with the element body. Equipped with, The aforementioned chemical solution supply member is capable of holding the chemical solution to be added to the element body, The element body has a liquid-absorbing portion that can be impregnated with the chemical solution, The aforementioned drug supply member is in contact with the liquid absorption portion. A heat exchange element in which the chemical solution can be diffused from the chemical solution supply member to the liquid absorption section.

2. The element body comprises a frame positioned on the outside of the element body, The heat exchange element according to claim 1, wherein the chemical supply member is held between the element body and the frame.

3. The heat exchange element according to claim 2, wherein the frame covers the chemical solution supply member from outside the chemical solution supply member as viewed from the element body.

4. The heat exchange element according to claim 2, wherein the frame is provided with an injection hole for injecting the chemical solution into the chemical solution supply member.

5. The heat exchange element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the chemical solution contains a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the air.

6. The heat exchange element according to claim 5, wherein the chemical solution is an aqueous solution containing at least one of alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts, urea, alginic acid, alginate, thickening polysaccharides, and guanidine salts as the desiccant.

7. The element body has a partition member that separates the first layer and the second layer. The heat exchange element according to claim 5, wherein the partition member is the liquid absorption portion.

8. A device body manufacturing process in which a first layer with a first airflow channel formed and a second layer with a second airflow channel formed are alternately stacked in the stacking direction, A chemical solution injection step in which the chemical solution to be added to the element body is injected into a chemical solution supply member, After the element body process, a contact process is performed in which the chemical solution supply member is brought into contact with the element body. Equipped with, The element body has a liquid-absorbing portion that can be impregnated with the chemical solution, A method for manufacturing a heat exchange element, wherein the contact step involves bringing the chemical supply member into contact with the liquid absorption portion.

9. A method for manufacturing a heat exchange element according to claim 8, wherein the contact step is performed after the chemical injection step.

10. A method for manufacturing a heat exchange element according to claim 8, wherein the chemical injection step is performed after the contact step.

11. The aforementioned drug solution injection process includes a first injection step of injecting a portion of the planned amount of drug solution to be injected into the drug solution supply member into the drug solution supply member, and a second injection step of injecting the remaining amount of drug solution after the first injection step into the drug solution supply member. After the first injection step, the contact step is performed. A method for manufacturing a heat exchange element according to claim 8, wherein the second injection step is performed after the contact step.