Ventilation device

Abstract

A ventilation device 10 is provided with: a casing 11; an exhaust fan 13; an air supply fan 14; a heat exchange element 12 of a prism shape, which has a laminated structure, in which an exhaust air passage 12c for passing exhaust air EA and a supply air passage 12d for passing supply air SA are laminated, and exchanges heat between the exhaust air EA and the supply air SA; a first side plate 15a covering an end face on one side in the lamination direction of the heat exchange element 12 and a second side plate 15b covering an end face on the other side in the lamination direction of the heat exchange element 12; an element frame 40 disposed at each corner part 12e of the heat exchange element 12, and extending in the lamination direction between the first side plate 15a and the second side plate 15b; and a holding part 30 provided in the casing 11 and holding the element frame 40. The element frame 40 has a frame body 41. The frame body 41, in a direction T of a diagonal line of the heat exchange element 12 when viewed from the lamination direction, is disposed on the corresponding holding part 30 side relative to the heat exchange element 12.

Description

ventilation equipment

[0001] The present disclosure relates to ventilation devices.

[0002] A ventilation device that performs ventilation while exchanging heat between outdoor air (intake air) and indoor air (exhaust air) using a heat exchange element is known (see Patent Document 1). The ventilation device has an element frame that covers the ridges (corners) of a rectangular prism-shaped heat exchange element.

[0003] Patent No. 6479217

[0004] The corners of the heat exchange element are covered by an element frame. The areas of the side surfaces of the heat exchange element covered by the element frame are blocked by outdoor air and indoor air. Therefore, these areas do not contribute to heat exchange between the air. This results in a loss of heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchange element in conventional ventilation devices.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce areas of a heat exchange element that do not contribute to heat exchange in a ventilation device equipped with a heat exchange element.

[0006] (1) The ventilation device of the present disclosure comprises: a casing having an exhaust passage and an air supply passage; an exhaust fan installed in the exhaust passage and generating an exhaust flow in the exhaust passage; an air supply fan installed in the air supply passage and generating an air supply flow in the air supply passage; a prismatic heat exchange element having a stacked structure in which an exhaust ventilation passage for passing the exhaust air and an air supply ventilation passage for passing the air supply, and exchanging heat between the exhaust air and the air supply; a first side plate covering one end face in the stacking direction of the heat exchange element and a second side plate covering the other end face; element frames arranged at each corner of the heat exchange element and extending in the stacking direction between the first side plate and the second side plate; and a holding portion provided on the casing and holding the element frame, wherein the element frame has a frame main body, and the frame main body is arranged on the corresponding holding portion side of the heat exchange element in the diagonal direction of the heat exchange element when viewed from the stacking direction.

[0007] In the ventilation device of the present disclosure, the element frame can reduce the area covering the corners of the heat exchange element compared to conventional devices. Therefore, the ventilation device of the present disclosure can reduce the proportion of areas on the side of the heat exchange element through which supply air and exhaust air cannot pass, among areas through which supply air and exhaust air can pass. This makes it possible to reduce areas that do not contribute to heat exchange in the heat exchange element in a ventilation device having a heat exchange element.

[0008] (2) Preferably, the ventilation device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure further includes a first seal member disposed between the heat exchange element and the element frame, which can prevent air from passing between the heat exchange element and the element frame without passing through the heat exchange element.

[0009] (3) Preferably, the ventilation device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure further includes a second seal member disposed between the element frame and the holder. This configuration can prevent air from passing between the element frame and the holder without passing through the heat exchange element.

[0010] (4) In the ventilation device according to any one of the embodiments (1) to (3) of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the length of the frame body in the extension direction of one side of the heat exchange element when viewed from the stacking direction is 10% or less of the length of one side of the heat exchange element when viewed from the stacking direction. This configuration can reduce the ventilation resistance experienced by the element frame on the exhaust and supply air. This can prevent a decrease in the flow rate of the supply air and exhaust air passing through the heat exchange element, and prevent a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency of the ventilation device.

[0011] (5) In the ventilation device according to any one of the aspects (1) to (4) of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the length of the heat exchange element in the stacking direction is shorter than the length of the holding portion. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress air that bypasses and flows between the exhaust passage and the intake passage without passing through the heat exchange element.

[0012] (6) In the ventilation device according to any one of the aspects (1) to (5) of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the holding portion holds the element frame so as to be displaceable in the stacking direction of the heat exchange element. With this configuration, when inserting or removing the heat exchange element from the casing, the element frame and the heat exchange element can slide along the holding portion. This makes it easy to insert or remove the heat exchange element from the casing in the ventilation device of the present disclosure.

[0013] (7) In the ventilation device according to any one of the embodiments (2) to (6) of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the heat exchange element has a recess formed in the corner along the stacking direction, and the element frame has a protrusion protruding from the frame body in the diagonal direction toward the heat exchange element, the protrusion being inserted into the recess. With this configuration, by inserting the protrusion into the recess, the heat exchange element can be easily held by the element frame and a gap between the heat exchange element and the element frame can be closed.

[0014] (8) In the ventilation device according to the embodiment (7) of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the protrusion protrudes from the frame body by a height smaller than the height of the frame body in the protruding direction of the protrusion. When the protrusion is inserted into the recess, an area is created in the recess through which the supply air and exhaust air do not pass. The ventilation device of the present disclosure, with the above configuration, can reduce the protruding height of the protrusion, thereby reducing the proportion of the area in the recess through which the supply air and exhaust air do not pass.

[0015] (9) In the ventilation device according to the above-described embodiments (7) or (8) of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the protrusion protrudes from the frame body by a greater amount than the depth of the recess in the diagonal direction. With this configuration, the frame body can be reliably spaced apart from the corners of the heat exchange element when the protrusion is inserted into the recess. With the above configuration, the ventilation device of the present disclosure can reduce the proportion of the area on the side of the heat exchange element through which the supply air and exhaust air cannot pass, among the areas through which the supply air and exhaust air can pass.

[0016] (10) In the ventilation device according to any one of the aspects (7) to (9) of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the recess is a V-shaped groove. With this configuration, the recess can be easily formed in the heat exchange element.

[0017] (11) In the ventilation device according to any one of the embodiments (7) to (10) of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the protrusions have ventilation holes that penetrate in a direction perpendicular to the direction of protrusion from the frame body and the direction in which the protrusions extend. With this configuration, a portion of the recess into which the protrusions are inserted can be made into an area through which supply air and exhaust air can pass. With this configuration, the ventilation device of the present disclosure can reduce the proportion of areas on the side of the heat exchange element through which supply air and exhaust air cannot pass.

[0018] (12) In the ventilation device according to any one of the embodiments (7) to (11) of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the first seal member be disposed between the recess and the protrusion. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the supply air and the exhaust air from mixing in the space formed between the recess and the protrusion.

[0019] (13) In the ventilation device according to any one of the embodiments (7) to (12) of the present disclosure, the protrusion is preferably made of an elastic material that can be press-fitted into the recess. By configuring the protrusion from an elastic material, the protrusion itself can close the gap between the recess and the protrusion. This configuration of the ventilation device according to the present disclosure can suppress air passing between the heat exchange element and the element frame without passing through the heat exchange element.

[0020] (14) In the ventilation device according to any one of the aspects (3) to (13) of the present disclosure, the second seal member is preferably made of an elastic material. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably seal the gap between the holding portion and the element frame.

[0021] (15) In the ventilation device according to the aspect (14) of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the element frame is made of resin. With this configuration, wear of the second seal member due to contact with the element frame can be suppressed.

[0022] (16) In the ventilation device according to any one of the aspects (3) to (15) of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the second seal member is integrally formed with the holding portion. With this configuration, the second seal member can be easily provided between the element frame and the holding portion.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory diagram of a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory diagram of the ventilation device taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional explanatory diagram of the ventilation device taken along line B-B in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a heat exchange element. FIG. 6 is a schematic schematic diagram of the arrangement of a heat exchange element, an element frame, and a holding member, as viewed from above. FIG. 7 is a schematic schematic diagram showing the arrangement of heat exchange elements in a ventilation device. FIG. 8 is a schematic schematic diagram showing a heat exchange element and an element frame according to a first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of a heat exchange element and an element frame according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic schematic diagram showing a heat exchange element and an element frame according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a partial enlarged schematic diagram of a heat exchange element and an element frame according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of an element frame according to a third embodiment.

[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation device taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation device taken along line B-B in FIG. 1. In the following description, terms such as "up," "down," "front," "rear," "left," and "right" refer to the arrows shown with these terms in FIGS. 1 to 3. In particular, the first direction indicated by arrow X in FIG. 1 is the left-right direction, the second direction indicated by arrow Y in FIGS. 1 to 3 is the front-rear direction, and the third direction Z indicated by arrow Z in FIGS. 2 and 3 is the up-down direction. However, these descriptions are merely examples. For example, the first direction X may be interpreted as the front-rear direction, and the second direction Y may be interpreted as the left-right direction. Regarding the third direction Z indicated by arrow Z, the up direction may be interpreted as the down direction and the down direction may be interpreted as the up direction.

[0025] (Overall Configuration of Ventilation Device) The ventilation device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 ventilates indoors by exchanging outdoor air with indoor air. The ventilation device 10 is installed indoors. The ventilation device 10 is connected to the indoors via ducts D1 and D4 and to the outdoors via ducts D2 and D3.

[0026] 1 to 3, the ventilation device 10 has a casing 11 having a substantially rectangular box shape. A heat exchange element 12, an exhaust fan 13, and a supply fan 14 are housed inside the casing 11. The casing 11 is provided with a return air intake 21, an exhaust air outlet 22, an outside air intake 23, and a supply air outlet 24.

[0027] (Configuration of Air Supply Passage and Exhaust Passage) As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the return air intake 21 is used to take air (return air) RA from indoors into the casing 11. The exhaust air outlet 22 is used to discharge the return air RA taken into the casing 11 to the outdoors as exhaust air EA. The outside air intake 23 is used to take air (outside air) OA from the outdoors into the casing 11. The supply air outlet 24 is used to supply the outside air OA taken into the casing 11 to the indoors as supply air SA.

[0028] 1 and 2, the return air intake 21 is connected to the indoors via a duct D1. The exhaust air outlet 22 is connected to the outdoors via a duct D2. In the following description, the air passage connecting the indoors and outdoors via the casing 11 by these ducts D1 and D2 is also referred to as an exhaust passage (an exhaust passage 16 described later).

[0029] 1 and 3, the outside air intake 23 is connected to the outdoors via a duct D3. The supply air outlet 24 is connected to the indoors via a duct D4. In the following description, the air passage connecting the indoors and outdoors via the casing 11 by these ducts D3 and D4 is also referred to as an air supply passage (an air supply passage 17 described later).

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, inside the casing 11, return air RA taken in through a return air intake 21 passes through the heat exchange element 12 and is exhausted to the outdoors through an exhaust air outlet 22 as exhaust air EA. Hereinafter, this air flow will also be referred to as the "first air flow F1." Outside air OA taken in through an outside air intake 23 passes through the heat exchange element 12 and is supplied indoors through an intake air outlet 24 as supply air SA. Hereinafter, this air flow will also be referred to as the "second air flow F2."

[0031] (Configuration of Heat Exchange Element 12) FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the heat exchange element. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of the heat exchange element, element frame, and holding member when viewed from above. The ventilation device 10 of this embodiment has the heat exchange element 12 shown in FIG. 4. The heat exchange element 12 is an orthogonal total heat exchanger configured so that the first air flow F1 and the second air flow F2 are substantially perpendicular to each other. The heat exchange element 12 has partition plates 12a and partition plates 12b. The partition plates 12a and the partition plates 12b are alternately stacked with an appropriate adhesive. The heat exchange element 12 is formed into a substantially rectangular prism shape as a whole. In the following description, the stacking direction of the partition plates 12a and the partition plates 12b is also referred to as the stacking direction of the heat exchange element 12. In the heat exchange element 12 of the present disclosure, the longitudinal direction coincides with the stacking direction.

[0032] The partition plates 12a are heat-conductive and moisture-permeable and are formed in a flat plate shape. The partition plates 12b are corrugated plates with a series of approximately triangular cross sections. The partition plates 12b form air passages between two adjacent partition plates 12a. The partition plates 12b are stacked at 90-degree angles in the stacking direction (the longitudinal direction shown in FIG. 4 ) of the partition plates 12a and 12b. As a result, an exhaust ventilation passage 12c for passing the first air flow F1 and an intake ventilation passage 12d for passing the second air flow F2 are formed on both sides of each partition plate 12a, intersecting each other at right angles. Air flowing through the exhaust ventilation passage 12c and air flowing through the intake ventilation passage 12d exchanges sensible heat and latent heat (total heat exchange) via the heat-conductive and moisture-permeable partition plates 12a. The heat exchange element 12 is installed inside the casing 11 (see FIGS. 1 to 3) with the stacking direction (longitudinal direction) parallel to the left-right direction. That is, the first direction X and the left-right direction refer to the stacking direction (longitudinal direction) of the heat exchange element 12.

[0033] 4 and 5 , the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure includes side plates 15 that cover the end faces of the heat exchange elements 12 in the stacking direction. The side plates 15 include a first side plate 15 (hereinafter also referred to as first side plate 15a) that covers one end face in the stacking direction, and a second side plate 15 (hereinafter also referred to as second side plate 15b) that covers the other end face. In the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure, the heat exchange elements 12 are configured separately from the side plates 15. Note that in the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure, the side plates 15 and the heat exchange elements 12 may be configured as a single unit.

[0034] 1 to 3, the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure includes a plurality of holding parts 30 for holding the heat exchange element 12. In the ventilation device 10, the heat exchange element 12 is held in the casing 11 by a total of four holding parts 30 arranged above and below and in the front and rear.

[0035] 1 to 3, the interior of the casing 11 is divided into two areas, an indoor side and an outdoor side, by the heat exchange element 12. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an upstream exhaust passage 16a is formed within the casing 11 upstream of the heat exchange element 12 in the direction of the first air flow F1, and a downstream exhaust passage 16b is formed downstream of the heat exchange element 12 in the direction of the first air flow F1. The upstream exhaust passage 16a, the downstream exhaust passage 16b, and the exhaust ventilation passage 12c constitute an exhaust passage 16 that connects the indoor and outdoor areas via the heat exchange element 12.

[0036] 1 and 3, an upstream air supply passage 17a is formed within the casing 11 upstream of the heat exchange element 12 in the direction of the second air flow F2, and a downstream air supply passage 17b is formed downstream of the heat exchange element 12 in the direction of the second air flow F2. The upstream air supply passage 17a, the downstream air supply passage 17b, and the air supply-ventilation passage 12d constitute an air supply passage 17 that connects the indoors and outdoors via the heat exchange element 12. In addition to the exhaust passage 16 and the air supply passage 17 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure may have a bypass passage that connects the indoors and outdoors without passing through the heat exchange element 12.

[0037] 2 and 3, a partition wall 18 is provided between the upstream exhaust passage 16a and the downstream air supply passage 17b. A partition wall 19 is provided between the downstream exhaust passage 16b and the upstream air supply passage 17a.

[0038] 1 and 2, in the downstream exhaust passage 16b, an exhaust fan 13 is disposed near the exhaust outlet 22. When the exhaust fan 13 is operated, a first air flow F1 is generated, and return air RA from indoors passes through the exhaust passage 16 and is discharged to the outdoors as exhaust air EA.

[0039] 1 and 3, in the downstream air supply passage 17b, a supply air fan 14 is disposed near the supply air outlet 24. When the supply air fan 14 is operated, a second air flow F2 is generated, and outside air OA passes through the air supply passage 17 and is supplied indoors as supply air SA.

[0040] (Detailed Configuration of Heat Exchange Element) FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of heat exchange elements in a ventilation device. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a heat exchange element and an element frame according to a first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of a heat exchange element and an element frame according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 6 to 8 show a first embodiment of a heat exchange element 12 and an element frame 40 constituting the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure. In the following description, the heat exchange element 12 according to the first embodiment will also be referred to as a first heat exchange element 12A. Note that in the following description, when simply referring to a "heat exchange element 12," a configuration common to the first heat exchange element 12A and a heat exchange element 12 according to another embodiment (a second heat exchange element 12B described later, see FIG. 9 ) will be described. In the following description, the element frame 40 according to the first embodiment will also be referred to as a first element frame 40A. In the following description, when simply referring to the "element frame 40," the description will be directed to the common configuration between the first element frame 40A and the element frame 40 according to another embodiment (the second element frame 40B described later, see FIG. 9).

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 , the heat exchange element 12 has a substantially square shape when viewed from the stacking direction. The heat exchange element 12 has corner portions 12e at each vertex (four in total) of the square when viewed from the stacking direction. The corner portions 12e are provided along the entire length of the heat exchange element 12 in the stacking direction. In the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure, the heat exchange element 12 has a shape in which the four sides are connected by arcs when viewed from the stacking direction. In other words, the heat exchange element 12 has a shape in which four flat surfaces (also referred to as ventilation surfaces 12f) extending in the stacking direction are connected by curved corner portions 12e. Note that the shape of the corner portions 12e in the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the heat exchange element 12 may have a square shape when viewed from the stacking direction (a shape in which each side intersects at a right angle). Furthermore, in the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure, the heat exchange element 12 may have a substantially hexagonal shape when viewed from the stacking direction.

[0042] (Regarding the Element Frame) As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 , the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure includes an element frame 40. The element frame 40 is a rod-shaped member extending in the stacking direction between the first side plate 15a and the second side plate 15b. The element frame 40 is disposed at each corner 12e of the heat exchange element 12. One longitudinal end of the element frame 40 is connected to the first side plate 15a, and the other longitudinal end is connected to the second side plate 15b. Note that the element frame 40 does not necessarily have to be connected to the first side plate 15a and the second side plate 15b. In this embodiment, the element frame 40 is made of resin. The element frame 40 holds the corners 12e of the heat exchange element 12. The ventilation device 10 of this embodiment includes a total of four element frames 40, one for each of the four corners 12e of the heat exchange element 12. The element frame 40 includes a frame main body 41. The frame body 41 has a side surface 42 that faces the corner portion 12e. The side surface 42 is spaced apart from the corner portion 12e.

[0043] In the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure, the length Q of the frame body 41 in the extension direction of one side of the heat exchange element 12 when viewed from the stacking direction is preferably 10% or less of the length P of one side of the heat exchange element 12 when viewed from the stacking direction (see FIG. 7 ). A ventilation device 10 configured in this manner can reduce the proportion of the portion of the ventilation surface 12f of the heat exchange element 12 that is blocked by the element frame 40 and does not function as the ventilation surface 12f. This makes it possible to reduce the area of ​​the heat exchange element 12 that does not contribute to heat exchange in the ventilation device 10 equipped with the heat exchange element 12.

[0044] (Regarding the holding portion) As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 , the holding portion 30 includes a main body portion 31, and a first recess 32 and a second recess 33 formed in the main body portion 31. The first recess 32 and the second recess 33 are recesses that extend parallel to the left-right direction (X direction). In this embodiment, the first recess 32 and the second recess 33 are grooves with open left and right ends. The first recess 32 holds the element frame 40. The second recess 33 holds a filter 37 that filters air passing through the heat exchange element 12. Note that the first recess 32 and the second recess 33 may have a configuration in which the ends in the length direction (left-right direction) are not open.

[0045] 6, the ventilator 10 of the present disclosure includes a water tray 34. The water tray 34 is a dish-shaped member that receives condensation water generated on the heat exchange element 12, and is disposed below the heat exchange element 12.

[0046] (Regarding the Holding Member) As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 , in the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure, the holding unit 30 includes a holding member 35. The holding member 35 is disposed between the first recess 32 of the holding unit 30 and the frame main body 41. The holding member 35 is a rail-shaped member having a substantially U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The holding member 35 of this embodiment is made of resin and has a hardness similar to that of the element frame 40. While the holding member 35 of this embodiment is made of resin, it may also be made of metal, for example. Although the holding unit 30 of this embodiment illustrates a case in which the holding member 35 is a separate member, the holding member 35 may be integrally formed with the holding unit 30.

[0047] The holding member 35 has a groove 36 into which the frame body 41 can be inserted. The holding member 35 is fitted into the first recess 32 and is provided along the stacking direction of the heat exchange element 12. The holding member 35 prevents direct contact between the heat exchange element 12 and the first recess 32, thereby preventing damage and wear to the first recess 32.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5 , in the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment, the length L1 of the heat exchange element 12 in the stacking direction is smaller than the length L2 of the holding portion 30 (holding member 35). If the length L1 of the heat exchange element 12 were larger than the length L2 of the holding portion 30, a gap would be formed between the heat exchange element 12 and the holding portion 30 on the left-right outer side. In this case, air may leak from the gap. By making the length L1 of the heat exchange element 12 smaller than the length L2 of the holding portion 30, the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment can suppress air from bypassing the heat exchange element 12 and flowing between the exhaust passage 16 and the supply passage 17.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 , in the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment, the holding member 35 is a rail-shaped member, and both ends in the longitudinal direction of the groove 36 are open. Therefore, the holding member 35 allows the frame main body 41 (element frame 40) fitted in the groove 36 to slide along the longitudinal direction of the groove 36. In other words, the holding unit 30 holds the element frame 40 so that it can be displaced in the stacking direction of the heat exchange element 12. Therefore, in the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment, when inserting or removing the heat exchange element 12 from the casing 11, the element frame 40 and the heat exchange element 12 can slide along the holding member 35. This allows the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment to easily insert or remove the heat exchange element 12 from the casing 11. Note that in the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure, the holding member 35 may have a configuration in which the longitudinal ends of the groove 36 are not open.

[0050] (Regarding the heat exchange element and element frame according to the first embodiment) When the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure employs the first heat exchange element 12A shown in Figures 7 and 8, it employs a first element frame 40A. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first element frame 40A includes a frame main body 41. The frame main body 41 extends between the first side plate 15a and the second side plate 15b. The frame main body 41 includes a side surface 42 that faces the corner portion 12e.

[0051] When the ventilation device 10 employs the first heat exchange element 12A and the first element frame 40A, a first seal member 51 is disposed between the corner portion 12e and the side surface 42. The first seal member 51 is an elastic body made of an elastic material. For example, an adhesive such as silicone caulking may be used as the material for the first seal member 51. By providing the first seal member 51 between the first heat exchange element 12A and the first element frame 40A, the ventilation device 10 can suppress air passing between the first heat exchange element 12A and the first element frame 40A without passing through the first heat exchange element 12A. The ventilation device 10 may omit the first seal member 51 disposed between the first heat exchange element 12A and the first element frame 40A. The first seal member 51 may also be made of a non-elastic material.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , when the ventilation device 10 employs the first heat exchange element 12A and the first element frame 40A, a second seal member 52 is disposed between the frame body 41 and the holding member 35. The second seal member 52 is an elastic body made of an elastic material. Examples of materials that can be used for the second seal member 52 include elastomer and foam rubber. By providing the second seal member 52 between the first element frame 40A and the holding member 35, the ventilation device 10 can prevent air from passing between the first element frame 40A and the holding unit 30 without passing through the first heat exchange element 12A. The ventilation device 10 may omit the second seal member 52 disposed between the first element frame 40A and the holding unit 30 (holding member 35). The second seal member 52 may be made of an inelastic material.

[0053] In the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment, the second sealing member 52 is made of an elastic material. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably seal the gap between the holding portion 30 and the first element frame 40A.

[0054] In the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment, the second seal member 52 is integrally formed with the holding portion 30. The second seal member 52 is integrally formed with the holding member 35. The second seal member 52 is formed using a common method of integrally forming different types of resin when forming the resin holding member 35. With a ventilation device 10 configured in this manner, the second seal member 52 can be easily provided between the first element frame 40A and the holding portion 30. Note that the material forming the second seal member 52 preferably has approximately the same hardness as the material forming the holding member 35, and more preferably has a lower hardness (softer) than the material forming the holding member 35. Note that in the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure, the holding member 35 and the second seal member 52 may be separate bodies.

[0055] In the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment, the first element frame 40A is made of resin. This configuration can prevent the second seal member 52, which is an elastic body, from wearing down due to contact with the first element frame 40A. It is more preferable that the material constituting the second seal member 52 and the material constituting the first element frame 40A have similar hardness. By minimizing the difference in hardness between the two materials, one material is less likely to damage the other, which reliably prevents wear of the second seal member 52.

[0056] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in a ventilation device 10 including a first heat exchange element 12A and a first element frame 40A, the frame body 41 is positioned closer to the holding portion 30 (holding member 35) than the corner portion 12e in the diagonal direction T (first diagonal direction T1 and second diagonal direction T2) of the heat exchange element 12 when viewed from the stacking direction. Therefore, in the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment, the first element frame 40A can reduce the area covering the corner portion 12e of the first heat exchange element 12A compared to conventional ventilation devices. A ventilation device 10 configured in this manner can reduce the proportion of the area of ​​the first heat exchange element 12A through which the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA pass that is not passed through. Furthermore, the ventilation device 10 including the first heat exchange element 12A of this embodiment can reduce the area of ​​the first heat exchange element 12A that does not contribute to heat exchange.

[0057] (Regarding the heat exchange element and element frame according to the second embodiment) Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a heat exchange element and element frame according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the heat exchange element and element frame according to the second embodiment. Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the element frame according to the second embodiment. Figs. 9 to 11 show a second embodiment of the heat exchange element 12 and element frame 40 constituting the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure. In the following description, the heat exchange element 12 according to the second embodiment will be referred to as the second heat exchange element 12B, and the element frame 40 according to the second embodiment will be referred to as the second element frame 40B.

[0058] 9 to 11, the second heat exchange element 12B differs from the first heat exchange element 12A described above in that it has recesses 12g formed in the corner portions 12e, but the other configuration is common to the first heat exchange element 12A. The second element frame 40B differs from the first element frame 40A described above in that it has protrusions 43, but the other configuration is common to the first element frame 40A.

[0059] The second heat exchange element 12B has recesses 12g in the corner portions 12e. The recesses 12g are formed to extend along the diagonal of the second heat exchange element 12B when viewed from the stacking direction. The recesses 12g are provided over the entire length of the corner portions 12e in the stacking direction. Note that the recesses 12g may be provided in only a portion of the corner portions 12e in the stacking direction. The second heat exchange element 12B of this embodiment has recesses 12g that are slit-shaped. Note that, although the recesses 12g in the second heat exchange element 12B of this embodiment are slit-shaped, the shape of the recesses 12g is not limited thereto and may be V-groove-shaped. When the recesses 12g are V-grooves, it is easier to process the recesses 12g in the corner portions 12e than when the recesses 12g are slit-shaped.

[0060] The second element frame 40B includes a protrusion 43. The protrusion 43 is a portion that protrudes from the side surface 42 of the frame main body 41 in a direction perpendicular to the side surface 42. The protrusion 43 extends in the longitudinal direction of the second element frame 40B. The protrusion 43 is provided over the entire length of the second element frame 40B. The length of the second element frame 40B (protrusion 43) is length L2 (see FIG. 11 ). Note that when the recess 12g is provided in a part of the corner portion 12e in the stacking direction, the protrusion 43 may be provided partially in the longitudinal direction of the second element frame 40B.

[0061] The second heat exchange element 12B has the protrusions 43 inserted into the recesses 12g. By inserting the protrusions 43 into the recesses 12g, the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment can easily hold the second heat exchange element 12B with the second element frame 40B and can close the gap between the second heat exchange element 12B and the second element frame 40B.

[0062] When the protrusion 43 is inserted into the recess 12g, a region in the recess 12g through which the supply air and the exhaust air do not pass is created. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10 , in the second element frame 40B of this embodiment, the protrusion height H1 of the protrusion 43 from the side surface 42 is smaller than the height H2 of the frame body 41 in the protruding direction of the protrusion 43 (H1<H2). This configuration allows the protrusion 43 inserted into the recess 12g to be kept small, thereby reducing the proportion of the region in the recess 12g through which the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA do not pass. Note that in the second element frame 40B of the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure, the protrusion height H1 of the protrusion 43 from the side surface 42 may be equal to or greater than the height H2 of the frame body 41 in the protruding direction of the protrusion 43.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 10 , in the second element frame 40B of this embodiment, the protrusion height H1 of the protrusion 43 from the side surface 42 is greater than the depth D of the recess 12g in the diagonal directions T1 and T2 (H1 > D). With this configuration, when the protrusion 43 is inserted into the recess 12g, the side surface 42 of the frame body 41 can be spaced apart from the corner portion 12e. This reduces the proportion of the area of ​​the second heat exchange element 12B through which the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA pass that is impervious to them. Note that in the second element frame 40B of the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure, the protrusion height H1 of the protrusion 43 from the side surface 42 may be less than the depth D of the recess 12g in the diagonal directions T1 and T2.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 10 , when the second heat exchange element 12B and the second element frame 40B are employed in the ventilation device 10, a first seal member 51 is disposed between the bottom 12h of the recess 12g formed in the corner portion 12e and the tip 44 of the protrusion 43. In this case, a first seal member 51 may also be disposed between the corner portion 12e and the side surface 42. By providing the first seal member 51 between the second heat exchange element 12B and the second element frame 40B, the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment can prevent the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA from mixing in the space formed between the recess 12g and the protrusion 43. Note that the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure may omit the first seal member 51 disposed between the second heat exchange element 12B and the second element frame 40B.

[0065] In the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment, the protrusion 43 may be formed of an elastic material that can be press-fitted into the recess 12g. In this case, by press-fitting the elastic protrusion 43 into the recess 12g, the gap between the recess 12g and the protrusion 43 can be sealed by the protrusion 43 itself, without relying on the first seal member 51. In this case, the first seal member 51 disposed between the second heat exchange element 12B and the second element frame 40B can be omitted. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress air passing between the heat exchange element 12 and the element frame 40 without passing through the heat exchange element 12.

[0066] 9 , when the second heat exchange element 12B and the second element frame 40B are employed in the ventilation device 10, a second seal member 52 is disposed between the frame main body 41 and the holding portion 30 (holding member 35). By providing the second seal member 52 between the second element frame 40B and the holding portion 30, the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment can suppress air passing between the second element frame 40B and the holding portion 30 without passing through the second heat exchange element 12B. Note that the ventilation device 10 of the present disclosure may omit the second seal member 52 provided between the second element frame 40B and the holding portion 30.

[0067] In the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment, the second sealing member 52 is made of an elastic material. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably seal the gap between the holding portion 30 and the second element frame 40B.

[0068] In the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment, the second seal member 52 is integrally formed with the holding portion 30. The second seal member 52 is integrally formed with the holding member 35. The second seal member 52 is formed when the resin holding member 35 is formed using a common method of integrally forming different types of resin together. The material forming the second seal member 52 is preferably softer (less rigid) than the material forming the holding member 35. With the ventilation device 10 configured in this way, the second seal member 52 can be easily provided between the second element frame 40B and the holding portion 30.

[0069] In the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment, the second element frame 40B is made of resin. This configuration can prevent wear of the second seal member 52, which is an elastic body, due to contact with the second element frame 40B. It is more preferable that the material constituting the second seal member 52 and the material constituting the second element frame 40B have similar hardness. By minimizing the difference in hardness between the two materials, one material is less likely to damage the other, which reliably prevents wear of the second seal member 52.

[0070] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in a ventilation device 10 including a second heat exchange element 12B and a second element frame 40B, the frame body 41 is positioned closer to the holding portion 30 (holding member 35) than the corner portion 12e in the diagonal direction T (first diagonal direction T1 and second diagonal direction T2) of the heat exchange element 12 when viewed from the stacking direction. Therefore, in the ventilation device 10 of this embodiment, the second element frame 40B does not cover the corner portion 12e of the second heat exchange element 12B. A ventilation device 10 configured in this manner can reduce the proportion of the area of ​​the second heat exchange element 12B through which the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA pass that is not passed through. Furthermore, the ventilation device 10 including the second heat exchange element 12B of this embodiment can reduce the area of ​​the second heat exchange element 12B that does not contribute to heat exchange.

[0071] (Regarding the Third Embodiment of the Element Frame) FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a modified example of the element frame. When the second heat exchange element 12B is employed, the element frame 40 may have the configuration shown in FIG. 12. The element frame 40 shown in FIG. 12 is a modified example of the second element frame 40B (see FIG. 11) described above, and is also referred to as a third element frame 40C. As shown in FIG. 12, the third element frame 40C includes a frame main body 41 and protrusions 43 protruding from side surfaces 42. The length of the third element frame 40C (protrusions 43) is length L2 (see FIG. 12). The third element frame 40C differs from the second element frame 40B in that the protrusions 43 include ventilation holes 45 that penetrate the protrusions 43 in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the protrusions and the extending direction of the protrusions 43.

[0072] When the protrusions 43 are inserted into the recesses 12g, they are blocked by the protrusions 43, creating areas in the recesses 12g that the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA do not pass through. For this reason, the third element frame 40C according to the modified example has ventilation holes 45 that penetrate the protrusions 43 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of protrusion from the side surface 42 and the direction in which the protrusions 43 extend. In the ventilation device 10 equipped with the third element frame 40C, the ventilation holes 45 allow a portion of the recesses 12g into which the protrusions 43 are inserted to be an area through which the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA can pass. This reduces the proportion of areas of the second heat exchange element 12B through which the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA do not pass.

[0073] [Operation and Effects of the Embodiments] (1) The ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment includes a casing 11 having an exhaust passage 16 and an intake passage 17, an exhaust fan 13 installed in the exhaust passage 16 and generating a flow of exhaust air EA (first air flow F1) in the exhaust passage 16, an intake fan 14 installed in the intake passage 17 and generating a flow of intake air SA (second air flow F2) in the intake passage 17, an exhaust ventilation passage 12c through which the exhaust air EA passes and an intake ventilation passage 12d through which the intake air SA passes. The ventilation device 10 according to the above embodiment includes a rectangular columnar heat exchange element 12 having a stacked structure and exchanging heat between exhaust air EA and supply air SA, a first side plate 15a covering one end face of the heat exchange element 12 in the stacking direction and a second side plate 15b covering the other end face, element frames 40 arranged at each corner 12e of the heat exchange element 12 and extending in the stacking direction between the first side plate 15a and the second side plate 15b, and a holding portion 30 provided in the casing 11 to hold the element frame 40. In the above embodiment, the element frame 40 includes a frame main body 41. The frame main body 41 is arranged closer to the corresponding holding portion 30 than the heat exchange element 12 in the diagonal direction T (first diagonal direction T1 and second diagonal direction T2) of the heat exchange element 12 when viewed from the stacking direction.

[0074] In the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, the element frame 40 can reduce the area covering the corners 12e of the heat exchange element 12 compared to conventional cases. Therefore, the ventilation device 10 can reduce the proportion of areas of the heat exchange element 12 through which the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA do not pass, among areas through which the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA can pass. According to the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, in the ventilation device 10 having the heat exchange element 12, it is possible to reduce areas that do not contribute to heat exchange in the heat exchange element 12.

[0075] (2) The ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment further includes a first seal member 51 provided between the heat exchange element 12 and the element frame 40. According to the ventilation device 10 configured as described above, it is possible to suppress air passing between the heat exchange element 12 and the element frame 40 without passing through the heat exchange element 12.

[0076] (3) The ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment further includes a second seal member 52 provided between the element frame 40 and the holding portion 30. The ventilation device 10 configured as described above can suppress air passing between the element frame 40 and the holding portion 30 without passing through the heat exchange element 12.

[0077] (4) In the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, the length Q of the frame body in the extension direction of one side of the heat exchange element 12 when viewed from the stacking direction is 10% or less of the length P of one side of the heat exchange element 12 when viewed from the stacking direction. The ventilation device 10 configured as described above can reduce the ventilation resistance experienced by the element frame 40 on the exhaust air EA and the supply air SA. This can reduce a decrease in the flow rate of the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA passing through the heat exchange element 12, and can reduce a decrease in the heat exchange efficiency of the ventilation device 10.

[0078] (5) In the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, the length L1 of the heat exchange element 12 in the stacking direction is smaller than the length L2 of the holding portion 30 (holding member 35). The ventilation device 10 configured as described above can suppress air from bypassing and flowing between the exhaust passage 16 and the supply passage 17 without passing through the heat exchange element 12.

[0079] (6) In the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, the holding portion 30 holds the element frame 40 so as to be displaceable in the stacking direction of the heat exchange element 12. According to the ventilation device 10 configured as described above, when inserting or removing the heat exchange element 12 into or from the casing 11, the element frame 40 and the heat exchange element 12 can be slid along the holding portion 30 (holding member 35). This makes it easy to insert or remove the heat exchange element 12 into or from the casing 11 in the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment.

[0080] (7) In the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, the second heat exchange element 12B has recesses 12g formed in the corner portions 12e along the stacking direction, and the second element frame 40B has protrusions 43 that protrude from the frame body 41 in the diagonal direction T toward the heat exchange element 12. In the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, the protrusions 43 are inserted into the recesses 12g. By inserting the protrusions 43 into the recesses 12g, the ventilation device 10 of the above configuration can easily hold the second heat exchange element 12B with the second element frame 40B and can close the gap between the second heat exchange element 12B and the second element frame 40B.

[0081] (8) In the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, the protrusion height H1 of the protrusion 43 from the frame body 41 is smaller than the height H2 of the frame body 41 in the protruding direction of the protrusion 43. When the protrusion 43 is inserted into the recess 12g, the protrusion 43 blocks the passage of the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA, creating an area in the recess 12g through which the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA do not pass. With the ventilation device 10 configured as described above, the protrusion height H1 of the protrusion 43 can be reduced, thereby reducing the proportion of the area through which the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA do not pass, among the areas through which the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA can pass in the recess 12g.

[0082] (9) In the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, the protrusion height H1 of the protrusion 43 from the frame body 41 is greater than the depth D of the recess 12g in the diagonal directions T1 and T2. With the ventilation device 10 configured as described above, when the protrusion 43 is inserted into the recess 12g, the side surface 42 of the frame body 41 can be reliably separated from the corner portion 12e of the heat exchange element 12. As a result, with the ventilation device 10 configured as described above, the proportion of the area of ​​the heat exchange element 12 through which the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA can pass that is not passed through can be reduced.

[0083] (10) In the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, the recess 12g may be a V-shaped groove. In this case, the recess 12g can be easily formed in the second heat exchange element 12B.

[0084] (11) In the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, the protrusion 43 has ventilation holes 45 that penetrate in a direction perpendicular to the direction of protrusion from the frame body 41 and the direction in which the protrusion 43 extends. According to the ventilation device 10 configured as described above, the ventilation holes 45 can make a portion of the recess 12g into which the protrusion 43 is inserted into an area through which the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA can pass. This reduces the proportion of the area of ​​the second heat exchange element 12B through which the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA can pass that is not through the recess 12g.

[0085] (12) In the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, when the second heat exchange element 12B is employed, the first sealing member 51 is disposed between the recess 12g and the protrusion 43. According to the ventilation device 10 configured as described above, it is possible to prevent the supply air SA and the exhaust air EA from mixing in the space generated between the recess 12g and the protrusion 43.

[0086] (13) In the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, the protrusion 43 is made of an elastic material that can be press-fitted into the recess 12g. If the protrusion 43 is made of an elastic material as in the ventilation device 10 configured as described above, the protrusion 43 itself can close the gap between the recess 12g and the protrusion 43. The ventilation device 10 configured as described above can suppress air passing between the heat exchange element 12 and the element frame 40 without passing through the heat exchange element 12.

[0087] (14) In the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, the second seal member 52 is made of an elastic material. According to the ventilation device 10 configured as described above, the gap between the holding portion 30 and the element frame 40 can be reliably sealed.

[0088] (15) In the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, the element frame 40 is made of resin. With the ventilation device 10 configured as described above, wear of the second seal member 52 due to contact with the element frame 40 can be suppressed.

[0089] (16) In the ventilation device 10 of the above embodiment, the second seal member 52 is integrally formed with the holding member 35 that constitutes the holding portion 30. According to the ventilation device 10 configured as described above, the second seal member 52 can be easily provided between the element frame 40 and the holding portion 30.

[0090] It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples, but is defined by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0091] 10: Ventilation device 11: Casing 12: Heat exchange element 12A: First heat exchange element 12B: Second heat exchange element 12c: Exhaust ventilation passage 12d: Air supply ventilation passage 12e: Corner portion 12g: Recess 13: Exhaust fan 14: Air supply fan 15a: First side plate 15b: Second side plate 16: Exhaust passage 17: Air supply passage 30: Holding portion 40: Element frame 40A: First element frame 40B: Second element frame 40C: Third element frame 41: Frame body 43: Protrusion 45: Ventilation hole 51: First seal member 52: Second seal member EA: Exhaust air SA: Air supply F1: First air flow F2 : Second air flow P: Length of one side of the heat exchange element Q: Length of the frame body in the extension direction of one side of the heat exchange element L1: Length of the heat exchange element L2: Length of the holding member H1: Protruding height of the protrusion from the side surface H2: Height of the frame body in the protruding direction of the protrusion D: Depth of the recess T: Diagonal direction

Claims

1. A casing (11) having an exhaust passage (16) and an air intake passage (17); an exhaust fan (13) installed in the exhaust passage (16) for generating an exhaust flow (F1) in the exhaust passage (16); an air intake fan (14) installed in the air intake passage (17) for generating an air intake flow (F2) in the air intake passage (17); a rectangular column-shaped heat exchange element (12) having a stacked structure in which an exhaust ventilation passage (12c) through which the exhaust passes and an air intake ventilation passage (12d) through which the air intake passes are stacked, and which exchanges heat between the exhaust and the air intake; a first side plate (15a) covering one end face in the stacking direction of the heat exchange element (12) and a second side plate (15b) covering the other end face; a ventilation device (10) including: an element frame (40) arranged at each corner portion (12e) of the heat exchange element (12) and extending in the stacking direction between the first side plate (15a) and the second side plate (15b); and a holding portion (30) provided in the casing (11) and holding the element frame (40), wherein the element frame (40) has a frame main body (41), and the frame main body (41) is arranged closer to the corresponding holding portion (30) than the heat exchange element (12) in a diagonal direction (T) of the heat exchange element (12) when viewed from the stacking direction.

2. The ventilation device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a first seal member (51) provided between the heat exchange element (12) and the element frame (40).

3. The ventilation device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second seal member (52) provided between the element frame (40) and the holding portion (30).

4. A ventilation device (10) as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the length (Q) of the frame body (41) in the extension direction of one side of the heat exchange element (12) when viewed from the stacking direction is 10% or less of the length (P) of one side of the heat exchange element (12) when viewed from the stacking direction.

5. The ventilation device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the heat exchange element (12) in the stacking direction is smaller than the length of the holding portion (30).

6. The ventilation device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holding portion (30) holds the element frame (40) so as to be displaceable in the stacking direction of the heat exchange elements (12).

7. A ventilation device (10) as described in claim 2, wherein the heat exchange element (12B) has a recess (12g) formed in the corner portion (12e) along the stacking direction, the element frame (40B) has a protrusion (43) protruding from the frame body (41) in the diagonal direction (T) toward the heat exchange element (12), and the protrusion (43) is inserted into the recess (12g).

8. A ventilation device (10) as described in claim 7, wherein the protruding height (H1) of the protrusion (43) from the frame body (41) is smaller than the height (H2) of the frame body (41) in the protruding direction of the protrusion (43).

9. A ventilation device (10) as described in claim 7, wherein the protruding height (H1) of the protrusion (43) from the frame body (41) is greater than the depth of the recess (12g) in the diagonal direction (T).

10. The ventilation device (10) according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the recess (12g) is a V-groove.

11. A ventilation device (10) as described in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the protrusion (43) has a ventilation hole (45) that penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the direction of protrusion from the side surface (42) and the direction in which the protrusion (43) extends.

12. The ventilation device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first seal member (51) is disposed between the recess (12g) and the protrusion (43).

13. The ventilation device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the protrusion (43) is made of an elastic material that can be press-fitted into the recess (12g).

14. The ventilation device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the second seal member (52) is made of an elastic material.

15. The ventilation device (10) according to claim 14, wherein the element frame (40) is made of resin.

16. The ventilation device (10) of claim 3, wherein the second seal member (52) is integrally formed with the retaining portion (30).

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