CN117940710A

CN117940710A - Air conditioner

Info

Publication number: CN117940710A
Application number: CN202280061454.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 森川智贵; 大西优生; 名越健二; 渡边悠二
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-09-17
Filing date: 2022-08-25
Publication date: 2024-04-26
Also published as: JP2023043936A; WO2023042633A1

Abstract

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner according to the embodiment includes the 1 st and 2 nd branch flow paths (P1 a, P1 b) through which the outdoor air (A3) flows, and a main flow path connected to the indoor unit. In addition, the outdoor unit includes: 1 st and 2 nd heaters (58, 60) provided in the 1 st and 2 nd branch passages (P1 a, P1 b), and outdoor air (A3) passes through the 1 st and 2 nd heaters (58, 60); and an absorbing material provided in the main flow path, and through which the outdoor air (A3) passes. The outdoor unit further includes a fan provided in a portion of the main flow path on the downstream side of the absorbing material and generating an airflow of outdoor air (A3) to the indoor unit. The outdoor unit further includes a communication path (P1 d) that communicates an upstream portion of the 1 st path (P1 a) with respect to the 1 st heater (58) and an upstream portion of the 2 nd path (P1 b) with respect to the 2 nd heater (60) and that passes through the vicinity of the 1 st heater (58) and the 2 nd heater (60).

Description

Air conditioner

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an air conditioner.

Background

Conventionally, as described in patent document 1, for example, an air conditioner is known, which is configured from an indoor unit disposed in an air-conditioning target room and an outdoor unit disposed outdoors. The air conditioner is configured to supply humidified outdoor air from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. The outdoor air is humidified by passing through an absorbent material that retains moisture.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 2003-314858

Disclosure of Invention

However, in the case of the air conditioner described in patent document 1, in order to increase the amount of humidification (water retention) of the outdoor air, the outdoor air before passing through the absorbent is heated by a heater. However, a part of the heat of the heater (heat release) is not used for heating the outdoor air, and the heating efficiency of the outdoor air by the heater may be low.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an air conditioner in which the amount of humidification of the outdoor air heated by a heater is increased by passing the outdoor air through an absorbent that retains moisture, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the outdoor air by the heater.

One embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit includes: the 1 st branch flow path through which the outdoor air flows, the 2 nd branch flow path through which the outdoor air flows, and the main flow path connected to the indoor unit are merged, and the 1 st branch flow path and the 2 nd branch flow path are merged in the main flow path. In addition, the outdoor unit includes: a1 st heater provided in the 1 st flow path, through which the outdoor air passes; and a2 nd heater provided in the 2 nd flow path, through which the outdoor air passes. The outdoor unit includes a fan provided in a portion of the main flow path on a downstream side of the absorbing material, and generates an airflow of outdoor air to the indoor unit. The outdoor unit further includes a communication path that communicates an upstream portion of the 1 st branch flow path with respect to the 1 st heater and an upstream portion of the 2 nd branch flow path with respect to the 2 nd heater, and that passes near the 1 st heater and the 2 nd heater.

In the air conditioner according to the aspect of the present invention, the outdoor air heated by the heater is passed through the moisture-retaining absorbent, so that the amount of humidification of the outdoor air is increased, and the heating efficiency of the outdoor air by the heater can be improved.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the ventilator.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing an operation state of the ventilator during ventilation operation.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an operation state of the ventilator during the humidification operation.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an operation state of the ventilator during the dehumidification operation.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an outdoor unit of the air conditioner.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the structure of the ventilator with the cover removed.

Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the structure of the ventilator with the cover removed.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the ventilator with the cover removed.

Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the ventilator.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the structure of the heater unit.

Fig. 12 is a bottom view showing the structure of the heater unit.

Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the heater unit.

Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the heater unit along the line A-A of fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is a plan view of a part of a housing of the ventilator in the 2 nd space.

Fig. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a peripheral structure of a part of the absorbent material orthogonal to the radial direction of the absorbent material.

Fig. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a peripheral structure of a part of an absorbent material orthogonal to the radial direction of the absorbent material in the ventilation device of the comparative example.

Fig. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a peripheral structure of a part of an absorbent material orthogonal to a radial direction of the absorbent material in the ventilator according to the different embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent holder showing a labyrinth (labyrinth, meandering structure) flow path formed outside the absorbent holder.

Fig. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the components around the 1 st fan.

Fig. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the 4 th air inlet of the housing in the ventilator according to the different embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a plan view showing a part of a housing of the ventilation device in the 2 nd space in the ventilation device according to the different embodiment.

Fig. 23A is a sectional view showing the damper device connected to the chamber.

Fig. 23B is a sectional view showing the damper device in a state of being connected to the outside.

Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the ventilator showing the flow of outdoor air flowing out from the damper device.

Fig. 25 is a front view schematically showing an outdoor unit in the main body of the outdoor unit.

Fig. 26 is a perspective view showing an indoor heat exchanger and a nozzle provided in an indoor unit.

Fig. 27 is a side view of the indoor unit showing the internal structure.

Fig. 28 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the nozzle.

Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing the nozzle in a state of being separated into two.

Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the nozzle.

Detailed Description

One embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit includes: the 1 st branch flow path through which the outdoor air flows, the 2 nd branch flow path through which the outdoor air flows, and the main flow path connected to the indoor unit are joined together. In addition, the outdoor unit includes: a 1 st heater provided in the 1 st flow path, through which the outdoor air passes; and a 2 nd heater provided in the 2 nd flow path, through which the outdoor air passes. The outdoor unit includes a fan provided in a portion of the main flow path on a downstream side of the absorbing material, and generates an airflow of outdoor air to the indoor unit. The outdoor unit further includes a communication path that communicates an upstream portion of the 1 st branch flow path with respect to the 1 st heater and an upstream portion of the 2 nd branch flow path with respect to the 2 nd heater, and that passes near the 1 st heater and the 2 nd heater.

In the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention, the outdoor air heated by the heater is passed through the moisture-retaining absorbent, so that the amount of humidification of the outdoor air is increased, and the heating efficiency of the heater for the outdoor air can be improved.

For example, the flow path length from the 1 st heater to the fan and the flow path length from the 2 nd heater to the fan may be different from each other.

For example, the communication path may pass above the 1 st heater and the 2 nd heater.

For example, the air conditioner further includes a1 st cover member covering portions of the 1 st heater, the 2 nd heater, and the absorbing material through which the outdoor air passes, and a2 nd cover member covering the 1 st cover member. The gap between the 1 st cover member and the 2 nd cover member may also function as a communication path.

For example, the 1 st heater and the 2 nd heater may be disposed in the outdoor unit so that the outdoor air passes through the same in the horizontal direction, and the 2 nd cover member may include wall portions extending downward and facing the 1 st heater and the 2 nd heater at a distance from each other in the horizontal direction.

For example, the air conditioner further includes a heater base member including a heater mounting portion on which the 1 st heater and the 2 nd heater are mounted, and a cylindrical absorbent material housing portion that houses the absorbent material. The 1 st and 2 nd cover members may also be provided on the heater base member to cover a portion of the absorbent material, the 1 st and 2 nd heaters.

(Embodiment)

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an air conditioner 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in fig. 1, the air conditioner 10 of the present embodiment includes an indoor unit 20 disposed in an indoor Rin of an air-conditioning target, and an outdoor unit 30 disposed in an outdoor Rout.

The indoor unit 20 is provided with: an indoor heat exchanger 22 that exchanges heat with indoor air A1; and a fan 24 that sucks the indoor air A1 into the indoor unit 20 and blows out the indoor air A1, which has exchanged heat with the indoor heat exchanger 22, to the indoor Rin.

The outdoor unit 30 is provided with: an outdoor heat exchanger 32 that exchanges heat with the outdoor air A2; and a fan 34 that sucks the outdoor air A2 into the outdoor unit 30 and blows out the outdoor air A2, which has exchanged heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 32, to the outdoor Rout. The outdoor unit 30 is provided with a compressor 36, an expansion valve 38, and a four-way valve 40 that perform a refrigeration cycle with the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the outdoor heat exchanger 32.

The indoor heat exchanger 22, the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the compressor 36, the expansion valve 38, and the four-way valve 40 are connected by refrigerant pipes through which the refrigerant flows. In the case of the cooling operation and the dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation), the air conditioner 10 performs a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the expansion valve 38, the indoor heat exchanger 22 in this order, and returns to the compressor 36. In the heating operation, the air conditioner 10 executes a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, the indoor heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve 38, and the outdoor heat exchanger 32 in this order, and returns to the compressor 36.

The air conditioner 10 performs an air conditioning operation of introducing the outdoor air A3 into the indoor Rin in addition to an air conditioning operation based on the refrigeration cycle. Accordingly, the air conditioner 10 has the ventilation device 50. The ventilator 50 is provided in the outdoor unit 30. That is, the outdoor unit 30 includes the ventilator 50.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the ventilator 50.

As shown in fig. 2, the ventilation device 50 is provided with an absorbing material 52 for passing the outdoor air A3, A4 therein.

The absorbing material 52 is a member through which air can pass, and is a member that captures moisture from or imparts moisture to the passing air. In the present embodiment, the absorbing material 52 has a disk shape and rotates around a rotation center line C1 passing through the center thereof. The absorbing material 52 is driven to rotate by a motor 54.

The absorbent 52 is preferably formed of a polymer absorbent that absorbs moisture in the air. The polymer adsorbent is composed of, for example, crosslinked sodium polyacrylate. The polymer adsorbent has a larger moisture absorption amount per volume than that of an adsorbent such as silica gel or zeolite, and can release the retained moisture at a lower heating temperature and retain the moisture for a long period of time.

Inside the ventilator 50, a1 st flow path P1 and a2 nd flow path P2 are provided through which the absorbent 52 passes, and outdoor air A3, A4 flows through the 1 st flow path P1 and the 2 nd flow path P2, respectively. The 1 st flow path P1 and the 2 nd flow path P2 pass through the absorbent 52 at different positions.

The 1 st flow path P1 is a flow path through which the outdoor air A3 flowing into the indoor unit 20 flows. The outdoor air A3 flowing through the 1 st flow path P1 is supplied into the indoor unit 20 through the ventilation duct 56.

In the present embodiment, the 1 st flow path P1 includes a plurality of branch flow paths P1a, P1b on the upstream side of the absorbent 52. In addition, in this specification, "upstream" and "downstream" are used for the flow of air.

The plurality of branch flow paths P1a, P2a join on the upstream side of the absorbent 52. The 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60 for heating the outdoor air A3 are provided in the respective branches of the plurality of branch flow paths P1a and P1 b.

The 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60 may be heaters having the same heating capacity or heaters having different heating capacities. The 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60 are preferably PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient ) heaters which increase in resistance when a current flows and the temperature increases, that is, which can suppress an excessive (excessive) increase in heating temperature. A heater using nichrome wire, carbon fiber, or the like may be used, but in this case, when current continues to flow, the heating temperature (surface temperature) continues to rise, so that it is necessary to monitor the temperature. On the other hand, in the case of the PTC heater, since the heater itself adjusts the heating temperature within a certain temperature range, it is not necessary to monitor the heating temperature. In this regard, PTC heaters are more preferable.

The 1 st flow path P1 is provided with a 1 st fan 62 that generates an airflow to the outdoor air A3 in the indoor unit 20. In the present embodiment, the 1 st fan 62 is disposed downstream of the absorbent 52. The 1 st fan 62 is operated (operated), and the outdoor air A3 flows from the outdoor Rout into the 1 st flow path P1, and passes through the absorbent 52.

The 1 st flow path P1 is provided with a damper device 64 for distributing the outdoor air A3 flowing through the 1 st flow path P1 to the indoor Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20) or the outdoor Rout. In the case of the present embodiment, the damper device 64 is disposed on the downstream side of the 1 st fan 62. Outdoor air A3 distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64 enters the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56, and is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24.

The 2 nd flow path P2 is a flow path through which the outdoor air A4 flows. Unlike the outdoor air A3 flowing through the 1 st flow path P1, the outdoor air A4 flowing through the 2 nd flow path P2 is not directed to the indoor unit 20. The outdoor air A4 flowing through the 2 nd flow path P2 passes through the absorbing material 52 and then flows out to the outside Rout.

The 2 nd fan 66 that generates the airflow of the outdoor air A4 is provided in the 2 nd flow path P2. In the present embodiment, the 2 nd fan 66 is disposed on the downstream side of the absorbent 52. The 2 nd fan 66 is operated, and the outdoor air A4 flows into the 2 nd flow path P2 from the outdoor Rout, passes through the absorbing material 52, and then flows out to the outdoor Rout.

The ventilator 50 selectively performs ventilation operation, humidification operation, and dehumidification operation using the absorbent 52 (motor 54), the 1 st heater 58, the 2 nd heater 60, the 1 st fan 62, the damper device 64, and the 2 nd fan 66.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an operation state of the ventilator 50 during ventilation operation.

The ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is directly supplied to the indoor Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20) via the ventilation duct 56. As shown in fig. 3, during the ventilation operation, the motor 54 continuously rotates the absorbent member 52. The 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 are in an OFF state, and do not heat the outdoor air A3. The 1 st fan 62 is turned ON, and thereby the outdoor air A3 flows in the 1 st flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the 1 st flow path P1 to the indoor units 20. The 2 nd fan 66 is in an OFF state, and thus, no flow of the outdoor air A4 is generated in the 2 nd flow path P2.

In this ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the 1 st flow path P1, and passes through the absorbent 52 without being heated by the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60. The outdoor air A3 having passed through the absorbing material 52 is distributed to the indoor units 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24. By such ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 is directly supplied to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is ventilated.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an operation state of the ventilator 50 during the humidification operation.

The humidification operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is humidified and the humidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to the indoor Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in fig. 4, during the humidification operation, the motor 54 continuously rotates the absorbent material 52. The 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 are turned ON to heat the outdoor air A3. The 1 st fan 62 is turned ON, and thereby the outdoor air A3 flows in the 1 st flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the 1 st flow path P1 to the indoor units 20. The 2 nd fan 66 is turned ON, and thus, the outdoor air A4 flows in the 2 nd flow path P2.

In this humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the 1 st flow path P1, is heated by the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 can acquire a larger amount of moisture from the absorbent 52 than in the case of no heating. Thereby, the outdoor air A3 retains a large amount of moisture. The outdoor air A3 passing through the absorbing material 52 and retaining a large amount of moisture is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24. By such a humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 having a large amount of moisture is supplied to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is humidified.

Furthermore, it is also possible to perform: by turning OFF either the 1 st heater 58 or the 2 nd heater 60, the weak humidifying operation in which the amount of moisture that the outdoor air A3 acquires from the absorbent 52, that is, the amount of humidification of the indoor Rin is small, is reduced.

Since the moisture is taken in by the heated outdoor air A3, the water retention amount of the absorbent 52 is reduced, that is, the absorbent 52 is dried. When the absorbent 52 is dried, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the 1 st flow path P1 cannot acquire moisture from the absorbent 52. As a countermeasure, the absorbing material 52 acquires moisture from the outdoor air A4 flowing through the 2 nd flow path P2. Accordingly, the water retention amount of the absorbent 52 is maintained substantially constant, and the humidification operation can be continuously performed.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an operation state of the ventilator 50 during the dehumidification operation.

The dehumidifying operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is dehumidified and the dehumidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to the indoor Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in fig. 5, in the dehumidifying operation, the adsorption operation and the regeneration operation are alternately performed.

The adsorption operation is an operation of causing the absorbent 52 to adsorb moisture held in the outdoor air A3, thereby dehumidifying the outdoor air A3. As shown in fig. 5, during the adsorption operation, the motor 54 continuously rotates the absorbent 52. The 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 are in an OFF state, and do not heat the outdoor air A3. The 1 st fan 62 is turned ON, and thereby the outdoor air A3 flows in the 1 st flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the 1 st flow path P1 to the indoor units 20. The 2 nd fan 66 is in an OFF state, and thus, no flow of the outdoor air A4 is generated in the 2 nd flow path P2.

In this adsorption operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the 1 st flow path P1, and passes through the absorbent 52 without being heated by the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60. At this time, the moisture held in the outdoor air A3 is adsorbed to the absorbent 52. Thereby, the moisture retention amount of the outdoor air A3 is reduced, that is, the outdoor air A3 is dried. The outdoor air A3 dried by the absorbing material 52 is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24. By such adsorption operation, the dried outdoor air A3 is supplied to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is dehumidified.

As the adsorption operation is continued, the water retention amount of the absorbent 52 continues to increase, and as a result, the adsorption capacity of the absorbent 52 for moisture held in the outdoor air A3 decreases. In order to restore the adsorption capacity, a regenerating operation for regenerating the absorbent 52 is performed.

During the regenerating operation, the motor 54 continuously rotates the absorbent 52. The 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 are turned ON to heat the outdoor air A3. The 1 st fan 62 is turned ON, and thereby the outdoor air A3 flows in the 1 st flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the 1 st flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout and does not distribute the outdoor air to the indoor units 20. The 2 nd fan 66 is in an OFF state, and thus, no flow of the outdoor air A4 is generated in the 2 nd flow path P2.

In this regenerating operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the 1 st flow path P1, is heated by the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 acquires a large amount of moisture from the absorbent 52. Thereby, a large amount of moisture is held in the outdoor air A3. At the same time, the water retention of the absorbent 52 is reduced, that is, the absorbent 52 dries, and the adsorption capacity thereof is regenerated. The outdoor air A3 having a large amount of moisture retained by the absorbing material 52 is distributed to the outdoor Rout by the damper device 64 and discharged to the outdoor Rout. Thus, in the regenerating operation during the dehumidifying operation, the outdoor air A3 that retains a large amount of moisture due to the regeneration of the absorbent 52 is not supplied to the indoor Rin.

By alternately performing such adsorption operation and regeneration operation, the adsorption capacity of the absorbent 52 can be maintained, and the dehumidification operation can be continued.

The air conditioning operation (cooling operation, dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation), and heating operation) by the refrigeration cycle and the air conditioning operation (ventilating operation, humidifying operation, and dehumidifying operation) by the ventilator 50 may be separately executed, or may be simultaneously executed. For example, if the dehumidification operation by the refrigeration cycle and the dehumidification operation by the ventilator 50 are simultaneously performed, the indoor Rin can be dehumidified while maintaining the room temperature at a constant state.

The air conditioning operation performed by the air conditioner 10 is selected by the user. For example, by a selection operation performed by the user on the remote controller 70 shown in fig. 1, the air conditioner 10 performs an air conditioning operation corresponding to the operation. The air conditioner 10 further includes a control device (not shown) that controls the air conditioning operation by the refrigeration cycle and the air conditioning operation by the ventilator 50. The control device has a computer system with a processor and a memory. The computer system functions as a control device by executing the program stored in the memory by the processor. The program executed by the processor is recorded in advance in the memory of the computer system, but may be provided by being recorded in a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided by an electric communication line such as the internet.

The structure and operation of the air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment will be described briefly. Further features of the air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment will be described below.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the outdoor unit 30 of the air conditioner 10. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ventilator 50 in a state where the cover 104 is removed. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the structure of the ventilator 50 with the cover 104 removed. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the ventilator 50 with the cover 104 removed. Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the ventilator 50. The X-Y-Z orthogonal coordinate system shown in the drawings is a coordinate system for easy understanding of the embodiments, and is not limited to the embodiments. The X-axis direction indicates the front-rear direction of the outdoor unit 30, the Y-axis direction indicates the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction indicates the height direction (up-down direction).

As shown in fig. 6, in the present embodiment, the ventilator 50 is provided at the upper portion of the outdoor unit 30. Specifically, the ventilator 50 is provided in a casing 100 that houses the main body of the outdoor unit 30 of the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the fan 34, the compressor 36, the expansion valve 38, and the four-way valve 40.

As shown in fig. 6 to 8, the ventilator 50 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape elongated in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) of the outdoor unit 30, and includes a box-shaped casing 102 that is opened upward, and a cover 104 that is attached to the upper portion of the casing 102. The housing 102 stores therein components of the ventilator 50 such as the absorbent 52. Fig. 7 and 8 show the ventilator 50 with the cover 104 removed.

As shown in fig. 7 to 9, in the present embodiment, the absorbing material 52 is disposed at the center in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the ventilator 50. The component related to the 1 st flow path P1 is disposed on one side (right side) in the longitudinal direction (i.e., longitudinal direction) with respect to the absorbent member 52, and the component related to the 2 nd flow path P2 is disposed on the other side (left side).

As shown in fig. 10, a plurality of spaces S1 to S4 are actually formed in the housing 102 of the ventilator 50.

The 1 st space S1 is a space into which the outdoor air A3 first flows. In addition, the 1 st space S1 is actually formed at right and upper portions inside the housing 102.

The 2 nd space S2 is a space communicating with the 1 st space S1 via the absorbing material 52, and is a space into which the outdoor air A3 in the 1 st space S1 flows through the absorbing material 52. In addition, the 2 nd space S2 is actually formed at right and lower portions inside the housing 102.

The 3 rd space S3 is a space into which the outdoor air A4 first flows. In addition, the 3 rd space S3 is actually formed at left and lower portions inside the housing 102.

The 4 th space S4 is a space communicating with the 3 rd space S3 via the absorbing material 52, and is a space into which the outdoor air A4 in the 3 rd space S3 flows through the absorbing material 52. In addition, a4 th space S4 is actually formed at left and upper portions inside the housing 102.

The case 102 is configured such that the outdoor air A3 in the 1 st and 2 nd spaces S1 and S2 does not move into the 3 rd and 4 th spaces S3 and S4. In contrast, the outdoor air A4 in the 3 rd and 4 th spaces S3 and S4 is not moved to the 1 st and 2 nd spaces S1 and S2 in the housing 102. That is, the 3 rd and 4 th spaces S3 and S4 are independently constituted from the 1 st and 2 nd spaces S1 and S2 (i.e., the 3 rd and 4 th spaces S3 and S4 are sealed with the 1 st and 2 nd spaces S1 and S2).

First, the constituent elements of the ventilator 50 related to the 2 nd flow path P2 having a simple structure will be described.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 8 and 9, the 1 st air inlet 102a, the 2 nd air inlet 102b, and the air outlet 102c are provided in the housing 102 of the ventilator 50 with respect to the 2 nd flow path P2 through which the outdoor air A4 flows. The 1 st air inlet 102a is formed in the center of the front wall 102d of the housing 102 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The 2 nd air inlet 102b is formed in the center of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102 in the lateral direction. Further, an exhaust port 102c is formed on the left side of the front wall 102 d.

When the 2 nd fan 66 is operated, the outdoor air A4 flows into the 3 rd space S3 inside the casing 102 through the 1 st suction port 102a and the 2 nd suction port 102 b. Specifically, as shown in fig. 10, the outdoor air A4 flows into the 3 rd space S3 between the bottom plate 102f of the casing 102 and the 2 nd end surface 52b of the absorbent 52.

The outdoor air A4 in the 3 rd space S3 flows into the absorbent 52 through the 2 nd end surface 52b, and flows out from the absorbent 52 to the 4 th space S4 through the 1 st end surface 52 a. The outdoor air A4 flowing into the 4 th space S4 through the absorbing material 52 is sucked by the 2 nd fan 66. In the case of the present embodiment, the 2 nd fan 66 is a sirocco fan, and is configured by an impeller 66a disposed in the fan chamber F1 and rotated about a rotation center line extending in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction), and a motor 66b for rotating the impeller 66 a. The outdoor air A4 is sucked into the fan chamber F1 by the rotation of the impeller 66a, and is discharged to the outdoor Rout through the exhaust port 102c communicating with the fan chamber F1. Further, the fan chamber F1 is defined by the housing 102 and a partition 106 that partitions the 3 rd space S3 and the 4 th space S4. The partition 106 has an air intake port 106a that communicates with the fan chamber F1 and through which the outdoor air A4 passes.

Next, the components of the ventilator 50 related to the 1 st flow path P1 will be described.

In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 8 and 9, the 3 rd air inlet 102g and the 4 th air inlet 102h are provided in the housing 102 of the ventilator 50 with respect to the 1 st flow path P1 through which the outdoor air A3 flows. The 3 rd suction port 102g is formed in the right wall 102i of the housing 102. In addition, the 4 th suction port 102h is formed on the right side of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102.

When the 1 st fan 62 is operated, the outdoor air A3 flows into the 1 st space S1 inside the casing 102 via the 3 rd and 4 th suction ports 102g and 102 h. The outdoor air A3 flowing into the 1 st space S1 passes through the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60 and flows above the 1 st end surface 52a of the absorbent 52.

In the present embodiment, the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60 are incorporated in a heater unit 110 disposed in the center of the ventilator 50.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the structure of the heater unit 110. Fig. 12 is a bottom view showing the structure of the heater unit 110. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the heater unit 110. Further, fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the heater unit 110 along the line A-A of fig. 12.

As shown in fig. 11-14, the heater unit 110 includes a heater base member 112 that holds the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58, 60. The heater base member 112 includes: a substantially triangular heater mounting portion 112a for mounting the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60, and a cylindrical absorbent material housing portion 112b for rotatably housing the absorbent material 52. The heater mounting portion 112a and the absorbent material housing portion 112b of the heater base member 112 may be configured as separate members.

The 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60 are arranged in a "cross" shape on the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112. The outdoor air A3 (i.e., the branch flow paths P1a, P2 b) passing through the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 respectively merges with the 1 st end surface 52a of the absorbent 52 accommodated in the absorbent accommodating portion 112b of the heater base member 112. That is, the branch passages P1a, P1b merge with the main passage P1c in the 1 st passage P1. The 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60 are fin-type heaters having a plurality of heat radiating fins for transmitting heat to the outdoor air A3 flowing through the branch flow paths P1a and P2 a.

In the case of the present embodiment, the ventilator 50 includes an absorbent holder 114, and the absorbent holder 114 holds a disk-shaped absorbent 52 having a1 st end surface 52a and a2 nd end surface 52b. The absorbent holder 114 includes: a cylindrical portion 114a for holding the outer peripheral surface 52c of the absorbent member 52; and a boss portion 114b rotatably supported by the support shaft 102j (see fig. 10), wherein the support shaft 102j is provided to stand on the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 of the ventilator 50. The absorbent holder 114 includes a plurality of spoke portions 114c that connect the cylindrical portion 114a and the boss portion 114 b. The plurality of spoke portions 114c support the 2 nd end surface 52b of the absorbent material 52.

The absorbent material holder 114 holding the absorbent material 52 is accommodated in the absorbent material accommodation portion 112b of the heater base member 112. Further, an engaging portion 112c that engages with the support shaft 102j of the housing 102 penetrating the boss portion 114b of the absorbent holder 114 is provided in the center of the absorbent receiving portion 112b of the heater base member 112. A plurality of beam portions 112d connecting the cylindrical absorbent material accommodating portion 112b and the engaging portion 112c located at the center thereof are provided in the heater base member 112.

As shown in fig. 9, external teeth 114d that engage with a pinion 116 attached to the motor 54 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 114a of the absorbent holder 114. Through such an absorbent holder 114, the motor 54 drives the absorbent 52 to rotate.

As shown in fig. 13, the heater unit 110 includes a1 st cover member 118 and a 2 nd cover member 120 that cover a part of the 1 st end surface 52a of the absorbent 52 through which the outdoor air A3 passes, and the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60. The 1 st cover member 118 and the 2 nd cover member 120 are supported by the heater mounting portion 112a and the plurality of beam portions 112d of the heater base member 112. As a result, the 1 st cover member 118 covers the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60, and also covers the 1 st end surface 52a of the absorber 52 surrounded by the heater mounting portion 112a and the beam portion 112d when viewed upward (viewed in the Z-axis direction). The 2 nd cover member 120 covers the 1 st cover member 118 in a state where a gap is provided between the 2 nd cover member and the 1 st cover member 118. In the present embodiment, the 1 st cover member 118 is made of a resin material, and the 2 nd cover member 120 is made of a metal material. With the 1 st cover member 118 and the 2 nd cover member 120, the outdoor air A3 passing through the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 passes through the 1 st end surface 52a of the absorbent member 52 covered by the 1 st cover member 118 and the 2 nd cover member 120, respectively.

As shown in fig. 14, the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 are placed on the heater placement portion 112a such that the passing direction of the outdoor air A3 is a horizontal direction (X-axis direction). The 1 st cover member 118 covers upper portions of the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 so that the outdoor air A3 can pass through the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 in the horizontal direction.

The 2 nd cover member 120 includes: a top plate 120a covering the 1 st cover member 118, and a wall 120b extending downward from the outer periphery of the top plate 120 a. The top plate 120a faces the 1 st cover member 118 with a gap therebetween in the height direction (Z-axis direction). In addition, the wall portion 120b horizontally faces the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 with a space therebetween.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 14, a bottom cover member 122 is attached to a lower portion of the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112. The bottom cover member 122 includes: a bottom plate portion 122a attached to the heater mounting portion 112a, and a wall portion 122b extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction) from the bottom plate portion 122 a. The wall portion 122b extends between the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 and the wall portion 120b of the 2 nd cover member 120.

With such a2 nd cover member 120 and bottom cover member 122, the outdoor air A3 flows upward in the gap between the wall portion 120b of the 2 nd cover member 120 and the wall portion 122b of the bottom cover member 122. Next, the outdoor air A3 flows over the wall portion 122b of the bottom cover member 122 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) over the bottom plate portion 122a, and then reaches the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60. By the flow of the outdoor air A3 (i.e., the branch flow paths P1a and P1 b), the foreign matter such as dust accompanying the outdoor air A3 can be removed by gravity before the outdoor air A3 reaches the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60. The distance D between the wall 120b of the 2 nd cover member 120 and the wall 122b of the bottom cover member 122 is, for example, 8mm or less, which is a dimension in which no living organism such as insects can enter. This can suppress invasion of living things into the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60.

As shown in fig. 14, the outdoor air A3 flows through the gap between the 1 st cover member 118 and the top plate 120a of the 2 nd cover member 120. That is, the gap between the 1 st cover member 118 and the 2 nd cover member 120 functions as a communication path P1d that communicates between the portion of the branch path P1a located upstream of the 1 st heater 58 and the portion of the branch path P1b located upstream of the 2 nd heater 60. In the case of the present embodiment, the flow path length from the 1 st heater 58 to the 1 st fan 62 is shorter than the flow path length from the 2 nd heater 60 to the 1 st fan 62. Therefore, the flow rate of the outdoor air A3 at the 1 st heater 58 is faster than the flow rate at the 2 nd heater 60. As a result, as shown in fig. 14, a part of the outdoor air A3 flowing through the branch flow path P1b located upstream of the 2 nd heater 60 flows through the communication path P1d into the branch flow path P1a, and then passes through the 1 st heater 58.

The reason why such a communication path P1d is provided is to effectively use the exhaust heat H of the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60. Specifically, portions of the heat generated by the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60 serve to heat the outdoor air A3 passing through them. However, a part of the generated heat is transferred to the surroundings of the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60, particularly, to the upper sides of the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60, and is not transferred to the outdoor air A3 passing through the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60.

In the case of the present embodiment, the exhaust heat (waste heat) H of the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 is transmitted to the outdoor air A3 flowing through the communication path P1 d. The outdoor air A3 heated by the exhaust heat H passes through the 1 st heater 58 or the 2 nd heater 60, and then passes through the absorbing material 52. In this way, the exhaust heat H of the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 is recovered by the outdoor air A3 flowing through the communication path P1d, and the efficiency of heating the outdoor air A3 by the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58, 60 is improved. As a result, the humidification amount of the outdoor air A3 (the amount of moisture acquired from the absorbent 52) increases, and the efficiency of the humidification operation (the humidification efficiency of the indoor Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation (the regeneration efficiency of the absorbent 52) increases.

The communication path P1d for recovering the exhaust heat is not limited to the upper part of the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60, and may be provided below. The communication path P1d may pass through the vicinity of the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60, that is, the region where the exhaust heat H from the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 is transmitted.

As shown in fig. 10, the outdoor air A3 heated by at least one of the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 passes through the absorbing material 52 downward from the 1 st end surface 52a to the 2 nd end surface 52b, and enters the 2 nd space S2.

Fig. 15 is a plan view showing a peripheral structure of a part of the housing 102 of the ventilator 50 in the 2 nd space S2.

As shown in fig. 15, an annular wall 102k extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction) is formed on the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102. A partition 124 (see fig. 10) that partitions the 1 st space S1 and the 2 nd space S2 is disposed on top of the annular wall 102k. The 2 nd space S2 is defined by the annular wall portion 102k of the housing 102 and the partition plate 124. A sealing means, which will be described later, for sealing between the annular wall 102k and the absorbent 52 is attached to the portion 102l of the annular wall 102k located below the absorbent 52.

Fig. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a peripheral structure of a part of the absorbent 52 orthogonal to the radial direction of the absorbent 52.

As shown in fig. 16, the ventilation device 50 is provided with a plurality of 1 st seal units 126 for the 1 st end face 52a of the absorbent 52 and a plurality of 2 nd seal units 128 for the 2 nd end face 52b of the absorbent 52. In the case of the present embodiment, the 1 st seal unit 126 is provided to the plurality of beam portions 112d of the heater base member 112 facing the 1 st end surface 52a of the absorbent material 52. The 2 nd seal unit 128 is provided at a portion 102l of the annular wall portion 102k of the housing 102 facing the 2 nd end surface 52b of the absorbent material 52.

The plurality of 1 st sealing units 126 include: a seal member 126a that contacts the 1 st end surface 52a of the absorbent member 52 in the height direction (Z-axis direction); and a seal member holder 126b that holds the seal member 126a and is attached to the heater base member 112. The seal member 126a extends in the radial direction of the disc-shaped absorbent member 52, and contacts the 1 st end surface 52a of the absorbent member 52. In the present embodiment, the sealing member 126a is a brush. The sealing member 126a is not limited to a brush as long as it can slide on the 1 st end surface 52a of the rotary absorbing material 52. The sealing member 126a may be an elastic member such as a flexible silicone rubber.

With such 1 st sealing means 126, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the 1 st flow path P1, specifically, a part of the outdoor air A3 flowing through the 1 st cover member 118 can be prevented from entering the 2 nd flow path P2 (i.e., the 4 th space S4). In contrast, the outdoor air A4 flowing through the 2 nd flow path P2 can be prevented from entering the 1 st flow path P1.

The plurality of 2 nd sealing units 128 include: a seal member 128a in contact with the 2 nd end surface 52b of the absorbent material 52 in the height direction (Z-axis direction); and a seal member holder 128b that holds the seal member 128a and is attached to the housing 102. The seal member 128a extends in the radial direction of the disc-shaped absorbent material 52 in practice, and extends in parallel with the seal member 126a of the 1 st seal unit 126 and contacts the 2 nd end surface 52b of the absorbent material 52. In the present embodiment, the sealing member 128a is a brush. The sealing member 128a is not limited to a brush as long as it can slide with respect to the 2 nd end surface 52b of the rotary absorbing material 52. The sealing member 128a may be an elastic member such as a flexible silicone rubber, for example. The sealing member 128a may be different from the sealing member 126a of the 1 st sealing unit 126, or may be the same.

With such a2 nd sealing means 128, it is possible to suppress intrusion of the outdoor air A3 flowing through the 1 st flow path P1, specifically, a part of the outdoor air A3 flowing from the 2 nd end surface 52b of the absorbent 52 into the 2 nd space S2 into the 2 nd flow path P2 (i.e., the 3 rd space S3).

In contrast, the outdoor air A4 flowing through the 2 nd flow path P2 can be prevented from entering the 1 st flow path P1.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 12, a plurality of spoke portions 114c of the absorbent material holder 114 are present on the 2 nd end surface 52b of the absorbent material 52 with which the 2 nd seal unit 128 (its seal member 128 a) is in contact. Thus, the sealing member 128a needs to pass over the plurality of spoke portions 114c during rotation of the absorbent holder 114.

At this time, when the sealing members 128a all pass over the spoke portions 114c at the same time, the rotational resistance of the absorbent material holder 114 increases at that time. As a result, a torque load intermittently acts on the motor 54 that rotates the absorbent holder 114.

Thus, the spoke 114c extends in such a way that all of the sealing members 128a do not cross the spoke 114c at the same time. Specifically, the sealing member 128a extends substantially in the radial direction of the absorbent material 52, and the spoke portions 114c do not extend substantially in the radial direction of the absorbent material 52. As a result, for example, when the end of the sealing member 128a on the center side of the absorbent material 52 is located on the spoke 114c, the end of the sealing member 128a on the outer side is not located on the spoke 114c. By such a difference in extending direction, all of the seal members 128a do not pass over the spoke 114c at the same time, and each time, a part passes over the spoke 114c. As a result, the load on the motor 54 can be reduced.

As shown in fig. 16, a beam portion 112d of the heater base member 112 provided with the 1 st seal unit 126 is provided with a collision plate 112e extending in a direction away from the 1 st seal unit 126. The collision plate 112e extends above the portion of the 1 st end surface 52a of the absorbent 52 from which the outdoor air A4 flows out. As a result, the outdoor air A4 passing through the absorbent 52 near the 1 st seal unit 126 collides with the collision plate 112e. The "crash plate" will be described with reference to comparative examples.

Fig. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a peripheral structure of a part of the absorbing material 52 orthogonal to the radial direction of the absorbing material 52 in the ventilation device of the comparative example.

As shown in fig. 17, in the ventilator of the comparative example, the collision plate 112e protruding in the 2 nd flow path P2 so as to be away from the 1 st seal unit 126 is not provided. In this case, a part of the outdoor air A3 before flowing into the absorbent 52 after passing through the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 may intrude into the 2 nd flow path P2. Specifically, a part of the outdoor air A3 may intrude into the 2 nd flow path P2 through a space between the sealing member 126a and the absorbent 52.

The passage of the outdoor air A3 between the sealing member 126a and the absorbent 52 occurs due to the ventilation resistance of the absorbent 52, that is, due to the pressure loss caused by the passage of the absorbent 52. Specifically, the pressure in the portion (i.e., the space S5) of the 1 st flow path P1 located upstream of the absorbent 52 is the pressure before the pressure loss occurs due to the absorbent 52. In contrast, the pressure in the portion of the 2 nd flow path P2 (i.e., the 4 th space S4) located downstream of the absorbent 52 is the pressure after the pressure loss by the absorbent 52. That is, the pressure in the space S5 is higher than the pressure in the space S4 by an amount corresponding to the failure of passing through the absorbent 52. Due to the difference between the two pressures, the passage of the outdoor air A3 between the sealing member 126a and the absorbent 52 may be caused. As a result, the outdoor air A3 heated by the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60, which has a relatively high pressure, may intrude into the 2 nd flow path P2 having a relatively low pressure through between the sealing member 126a and the absorbent 52.

In this way, if a part of the outdoor air A3 heated to be high temperature enters the 2 nd flow path P2 without passing through the absorbent 52, the amount of moisture that the outdoor air A3 acquires from the absorbent 52 decreases. I.e., the efficiency of the humidification operation (humidification efficiency of the indoor Rin) decreases. As a countermeasure for this, in the case of the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 16, there is a collision plate 112e protruding from the 1 st seal unit 126 into the 2 nd flow path P2.

As shown in fig. 16, the outdoor air A4 flowing near the 1 st seal unit 126 flows out from the 1 st end surface 52a of the absorbent 52 and collides with the collision plate 112 e. Thereby, a high-pressure region AP in a turbulent state is generated between the 1 st end surface 52a of the absorbent 52 and the collision plate 112 e. Due to the high pressure region AP, the pressure difference between both sides of the sealing member 126a becomes small. As a result, the outdoor air A3 can be prevented from entering the 2 nd flow path P2 via the space between the sealing member 126a and the absorbent 52.

In the case of the present embodiment, a throttle wall 112f extending toward the 1 st end surface 52a of the absorbent 52 is provided at the front end (end away from the 1 st seal unit 126) of the collision plate 112 e. This forms a substantially closed space surrounded by the seal member 126a, the collision plate 112e, the 1 st end surface 52a of the absorber 52, and the throttle wall 112f, and a high-pressure region AP having a higher pressure is generated in the space. As a result, the invasion of the outdoor air A3 into the 2 nd flow path P2 via the gap between the sealing member 126a and the absorbent 52 can be further suppressed than in the case where the throttle wall 112f is not provided.

As shown in fig. 16, the seal member 126a of the 1 st seal unit 126 and the seal member 128a of the 2 nd seal unit 128 are in contact with the absorbent material 52 in directions orthogonal to the 1 st end surface 52a and the 2 nd end surface 52b of the absorbent material 52, respectively. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

Fig. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a peripheral structure of a part of the absorbing material 52 orthogonal to the radial direction of the absorbing material 52 in the ventilator according to the different embodiment.

As shown in fig. 18, in the ventilator according to the different embodiment, the sealing members 126a and 128a are in contact with the absorbent 52 in a state of being inclined with respect to the 1 st end surface 52a and the 2 nd end surface 52b, respectively. Specifically, the seal members 126a and 128a are held by the seal member holders 226b and 228b in a state of being inclined so as to approach the absorbent 52 from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotation direction DR of the absorbent 52. In this case, the sliding resistance between the sealing members 126a and 128a and the absorbent material 52 is smaller than that of the embodiment shown in fig. 16, and the load on the motor 54 is reduced.

In addition, when the rotation direction of the absorbent member 52 is switched, the seal members 126a and 128a may be held by the seal member holders so as to be capable of rocking about a rotation center line extending in the radial direction of the absorbent member 52.

In addition, the rotation speeds of the 1 st fan 62 and the 2 nd fan 66 may be adjusted so that the outdoor air A3 or the outdoor air A4 does not pass between the seal member 126a and the 1 st end surface 52a and between the seal member 128a and the 2 nd end surface 52 b. For example, when the rotational speeds of the 1 st fan 62 and the 2 nd fan 66 are increased, the pressures in the 1 st flow path P1 and the 2 nd flow path P2 are decreased. In contrast, when the rotation speed becomes low, the pressure rises.

For example, when at least one of the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 is ON, the rotation speed of the 1 st fan 62 is increased to decrease the pressure in the 1 st flow path P1 and/or the rotation speed of the 2 nd fan 66 is decreased to increase the pressure in the 2 nd flow path P2. This can further suppress the passage of the heated outdoor air A3 between the sealing member 126a of the 1 st sealing unit 126 and the absorbent 52.

As the seal member associated with the absorbent material 52, the ventilator 50 includes a labyrinth seal member 130 as shown in fig. 13, in addition to the 1 st seal unit 126 and the 2 nd seal unit 128.

Fig. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent holder 114 showing the labyrinth flow path PL formed outside the absorbent holder 114.

As shown in fig. 19, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 114a of the absorber holder 114 faces the absorber receiving portion 112b of the heater base member 112 and the partition plate 124 with a gap therebetween for rotation. Therefore, a part of the outdoor air A3 that should pass through the absorbent 52 may flow outside the cylindrical portion 114a to bypass the absorbent 52. In the case where the outdoor air A3 is heated by at least one of the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60, when such bypassing occurs, the amount of moisture taken by the outdoor air A3 from the absorbent 52 decreases. That is, the efficiency of the humidification operation (humidification efficiency of the indoor Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation (regeneration efficiency of the absorbent 52) decreases. In the case of the present embodiment, the labyrinth seal member 130 forms a labyrinth flow path PL between the absorbent holder 114 and the members (the heater base member 112 and the partition plate 124) facing the absorbent holder. The labyrinth flow path PL is a flow path having a high flow path resistance by having a flow path shape in which the flow direction of the fluid is changed a plurality of times.

The labyrinth seal member 130 has an end surface 130a that forms a radial flow path PLa extending in the radial direction (Y-axis direction) of the absorbent 52 as a part of the labyrinth flow path PL. Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, the absorbent holder 114 has external teeth 114d on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 114a thereof. The absorbent holder 114 has an annular flange 114e provided on an end surface of the external teeth 114d on the side away from the 1 st end surface 52a of the absorbent 52. The end surface 130a of the labyrinth seal 130 forms a radial flow path PLa between it and the flange 114e.

With the labyrinth passage PL including such a radial passage PLa, the outdoor air A3 passes through the absorbent 52, and it is difficult to flow through the outside of the cylindrical portion 114a to bypass the absorbent 52. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the efficiency of the humidification operation (humidification efficiency of the indoor Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation (regeneration efficiency of the absorbent 52) in the dehumidification operation, which occurs due to the outdoor air A3 bypassing the absorbent 52.

In the case of the present embodiment, the end surface 130a of the labyrinth seal 130 is provided with a projection 130b projecting toward the flange 114e of the absorbent retainer 114. Thereby, the flow path resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL further increases.

Further, in the case of the present embodiment, the rib 124a is provided in the separator 124, and the rib 124a extends in the radial direction (Y-axis direction) of the absorbent 52 so as to face the 2 nd end surface 52b of the absorbent 52 with a gap therebetween. With this rib 124a, the outdoor air A3 is less likely to flow out of the labyrinth flow path PL, and as a result, the flow path resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL is further increased.

Further, in the case of the present embodiment, a ridge portion 124b protruding toward the 2 nd end surface 52b of the absorbent 52 is provided at the tip end of the rib 124a of the separator 124. With this ridge portion 124b, the outdoor air A3 is less likely to flow out of the labyrinth flow path PL, and as a result, the flow path resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL is further increased.

The labyrinth flow path PL may be formed over the entire outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 114a of the absorbent holder 114, or may be formed without being formed over the entire outer peripheral surface. The main purpose of the labyrinth flow path PL is to prevent the outdoor air A3 heated by at least one of the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 from bypassing the absorbent 52, so that most of the outdoor air A3 passes through the absorbent 52. Therefore, at least the labyrinth flow path PL may be provided outside the portion of the cylindrical portion 114a of the absorber holder 114 corresponding to the portion of the absorber 52 through which the heated outdoor air A3 passes. In addition, when the labyrinth flow path PL is formed throughout the entire outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 114a, the outdoor air A4 passing through the absorbent 52 from the 2 nd end surface 52b to the 1 st end surface 52a can be prevented from bypassing the absorbent 52.

In the case of the present embodiment, the end surface 130a of the labyrinth seal 130 forms a radial flow path PLa between the end surface and the flange 114e of the absorbent holder 114. The portion of the absorbent holder 114 that forms the radial flow path PLa in cooperation with the end face 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130 is not limited to the flange 114e. If the absorbent holder 114 has an enlarged diameter portion protruding radially outward, the end surface 130a of the labyrinth seal 130 can form a radial flow path PLa between it and the enlarged diameter portion. Further, the flange 114e blocks the outdoor air A3 flowing between the teeth of the external teeth 114d, and thus the flow path resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL increases.

The outdoor air A3 having passed through the absorbing material 52 flows into the 2 nd space S2.

Fig. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the components around the 1 st fan 62.

As shown in fig. 20, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the 1 st flow path P1, specifically, into the 2 nd space S2 is sucked by the 1 st fan 62. In the case of the present embodiment, the 1 st fan 62 is a sirocco fan, and includes an impeller 62a and a motor 62b for rotating the impeller 62a, wherein the impeller 62a is disposed in the fan chamber F2 and rotates about a rotation center line extending in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). The outdoor air A3 is sucked into the fan chamber F2 by the rotation of the impeller 66 a. Wherein the fan chamber F2 is defined by an annular wall 124c provided on the partition 124 and a fan housing member 132 mounted on the annular wall 124 c. The partition plate 124 has an air intake 124d that communicates with the fan chamber F2 and through which the outdoor air A3 passes.

In the case of the present embodiment, the motor 62b of the 1 st fan 62 is provided to the fan cover member 132, and is covered with the motor cover member 134. That is, the motor 62b is housed in the motor chamber M1 defined by the fan cover member 132 and the motor cover member 134.

In the case of the present embodiment, the fan cover member 132 and the motor cover member 134 are configured such that the outdoor air A3 flows into the motor chamber M1.

Specifically, when the 1 st fan 62 rotates, as shown in fig. 8 and 9, the outdoor air A3 flows into the 1 st space S1 through the 3 rd suction port 102g and the 4 th suction port 102 h. A part of the outdoor air A3 flowing into the 1 st space S1 directly passes through the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60. As shown in fig. 20, the remaining air flows into the motor chamber M1, cools the motor 62b, flows out of the motor chamber M1, and passes through the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60.

The fan cover member 132 and the motor cover member 134 are provided with a plurality of barrier walls 132a and 134a extending in the up-down direction, respectively, so that the outdoor air A3 entering the motor chamber M1 flows in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) locally. The outdoor air A3 flows in the up-down direction by the barrier walls 132a and 134a, and foreign matter accompanying the outdoor air A3 is removed by gravity. As a result, intrusion of foreign matter into the motor chamber M1 can be suppressed.

Further, a plurality of bars 102m for suppressing intrusion of foreign matter are provided in the 4 th air inlet 102h communicating with the 1 st space S1. Further, an inclined surface 102o having a high 1 st space S1 side is formed on the upper surface 102n of at least one of the bars 102m. With this inclined surface 102o, intrusion of rainwater descending in the obliquely downward direction into the 1 st space S1 can be suppressed. The same bars 102m are also provided in the 1 st air inlet 102a, the 2 nd air inlet 102b, and the 3 rd air inlet 102 g.

Further, the structure for suppressing intrusion of rainwater is not limited to the inclined surface 102o.

Fig. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the 4 th inlet 202h of the housing 202 in the ventilator according to the different embodiment.

As shown in fig. 21, in the ventilator according to the different embodiment, a plurality of bars 202m are provided in the 4 th air inlet 202h of the housing 202. Each bar 202m is provided with a sagging portion 202p extending toward the other bar 202m located below. With such a sagging portion 202p, intrusion of rainwater into the 1 st space S1 can also be suppressed.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 10 and 15, the orifice member 136 is provided in the 2 nd space S2, which is the portion of the 1 st flow path P1 from the absorbent 52 to the air intake port 124 d. The orifice member 136 is an obstacle for locally reducing the flow path cross-sectional area in the portion of the 1 st flow path P1 from the absorbent 52 to the air intake port 124 d. By providing the orifice member 136, the temperature distribution in the 2 nd space S2 is uniform as compared with the case where the orifice member 136 is not provided.

Specifically, in the space S2, the outdoor air A3 passing through the 1 st heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 passing through the 2 nd heater 60 flow while being mixed. In the case where both the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60 are ON and in the case where both are OFF, the temperature distribution in the 2 nd space S2 is substantially the same.

In contrast, the temperature distribution when only the 1 st heater 58 is ON and the temperature distribution when only the 2 nd heater 60 is ON are different from each other, and the difference therebetween is large. Specifically, the outdoor air A3 passing through the 1 st heater 58 disposed on the rear side of the ventilator 50 flows through the rear side portion in the 2 nd space S2, and the outdoor air A3 passing through the 2 nd heater 60 disposed on the front side flows through the front side portion in the 2 nd space S2. The outdoor air A3 flowing through the 2 nd space S2 starts to swirl (rotate) in the vicinity of the air intake port 124d of the 1 st fan 62, and in this state flows into the fan chamber F2 through the air intake port 124 d. At this time, for example, when only the 1 st heater 58 ON the rear side is ON, the outdoor air A3 having a high temperature flows through the rear side portion in the 2 nd space S2, and the outdoor air A3 having a low temperature (which is not heated) flows through the front side portion. When the outdoor air A3 swirls around the air intake 124d in this state, the detection accuracy of the temperature sensor 138 that measures the temperature of the outdoor air A3 in the 2 nd space S2 is lowered. As shown in fig. 9, the temperature sensor 138 is disposed on the partition 124.

As shown in fig. 15, the orifice (orifice) 136 is disposed upstream of the temperature sensor 138 in a portion (the 2 nd space S2) of the 1 st flow path P1 from the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60 to the air intake port 124d. In addition, the orifice member 136 is provided so as to intersect the 2 nd space S2. Accordingly, as shown in fig. 10, the outdoor air A3 passing through the 1 st heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 passing through the 2 nd heater 60 pass through the narrow gap between the orifice member 136 and the partition 124 and are directed to the air suction port 124d. The outdoor air A3 after passing through the 1 st heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 after passing through the 2 nd heater 60 are properly mixed due to the gap and the vortex caused by the peeling flow generated after passing through the gap. As a result, the temperature distribution around the temperature sensor 138 located ON the downstream side of the orifice member 136 when only the 1 st heater 58 is ON is substantially the same as the temperature distribution when only the 2 nd heater 60 is ON. Further, as for the orifice member 136, there is also an effect of reducing the noise level of the leakage to the outside Rout generated by the 1 st fan 62 as a secondary effect.

In addition, orifice member 136 can be other shapes.

Fig. 22 is a plan view showing a part of the housing 102 of the ventilator in the 2 nd space S2 in the ventilator according to the different embodiment.

As shown in fig. 22, in the ventilator according to the different embodiment, the orifice member 236 is provided only on the front side of the ventilator, and is not provided so as to intersect the 2 nd space S2. In this case, the outdoor air A3 passing through the 1 st heater 58 and the outdoor air A4 passing through the 2 nd heater 60 flow so as to bypass the orifice member 236 when viewed upward (viewed in the Z-axis direction). Upon bypassing, the outdoor air A3 after passing through the 1 st heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 after passing through the 2 nd heater 60 are appropriately mixed with each other. In this case, the outdoor air A3 slowly flows near the temperature sensor 138, and the measurement environment of the temperature sensor 138 is stable.

As shown in fig. 20, the outdoor air A3 flowing from the 2 nd space S2 into the fan chamber F2 of the 1 st fan 62 is sent to the damper device 64 by the rotation of the impeller 62 a.

Fig. 23A is a sectional view of the damper device 64 showing a state of being connected to the indoor Rin. Fig. 23B is a sectional view of the damper device 64 connected to the outdoor Rout.

As shown in fig. 23A and 23B, as well as in fig. 9, in the case of the present embodiment, the damper device 64 includes a part of the partition 124 and a part of the fan cover member 132 as the constituent elements of the housing thereof. In addition, the damper device 64 includes: an inlet 64a through which the outdoor air A3 flows in, and a1 st outlet 64b which communicates with the indoor unit 20 and through which the outdoor air A3 flows out. In addition, the damper device 64 includes: a 2 nd outflow port 64c communicating with the outdoor Rout for outflow of the outdoor air A3, and a closing door 64d selectively closing one of the 1 st outflow port 64b and the 2 nd outflow port 64 c. In addition, the damper device 64 further includes: a power source (not shown) such as a motor that drives the closing door 64d to rotate about a rotation center line extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction) and is controlled by the control device of the air conditioner 10.

The inflow port 64a of the damper device 64 communicates with the fan chamber F2 of the 1 st fan 62. Thus, the outdoor air A3 blown out from the impeller 62a of the 1 st fan 62 flows into the damper device 64 through the inflow port 64a by the 1 st heater 58, the 2 nd heater 60, and the absorbent 52.

The ventilation duct 56 is connected to the 1 st outflow port 64b of the damper device 64. Thus, the 1 st outflow port 64b communicates with the inside of the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56. As a result, the outdoor air A3 having passed through the inlet 64a flows into the indoor unit 20. In the present embodiment, the 1 st outflow port 64b opens rightward.

In the present embodiment, the opening direction of the 1 st outlet 64b of the damper device 64 is right, and the opening direction of the inlet 64a is left opposite thereto. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 flowing into the inflow port 64a flows out from the 1 st outflow port 64b without changing the flow direction thereof. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 can flow into the ventilation duct 56 without being decelerated while maintaining the blowing speed of the 1 st fan 62.

The 2 nd outflow port 64c of the damper device 64 communicates indirectly with the outdoor Rout, rather than directly. Specifically, the 2 nd outflow port 64c opens in the isolation chamber S6 provided in the housing 102 so as to face in the horizontal direction, particularly toward the rear wall 102 e. The isolation chamber S6 is defined by the housing 102 and the fan housing member 132, independent of the other spaces S1 to S4. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the 2 nd outflow port 64c flows out into the isolation chamber S6.

A connection port 102q that communicates with the inside of the casing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30 is provided in the bottom plate 102f of the casing 102 defining the isolation chamber S6.

Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the ventilator 50 showing the flow of the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the damper device 64. Fig. 25 is a front view schematically showing the outdoor unit 30 inside the main body of the outdoor unit 30.

As shown in fig. 24, the outdoor air A3 flowing backward from the 2 nd outflow port 64c of the damper device 64 changes the flow direction to the downward direction in the isolation chamber S6, and passes through the connection port 102q provided in the bottom plate 102f of the casing 102.

As shown in fig. 25, the outdoor air A3 having passed through the connection port 102q of the bottom plate 102f of the casing 102 flows into the casing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30.

In the case of the present embodiment, the inside of the housing 100 of the main body is roughly divided into: a heat exchange chamber R1 accommodating the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the fan 34, and the like; and a machine room R2 housing the compressor 36, the four-way valve 40, the control circuit board, and the like. The outdoor air A3 flows into the machine room R2.

In this way, the reason why the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the 2 nd outflow port 64c of the damper device 64 is discharged to the outdoor Rout through the casing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30 will be described.

As shown in fig. 23B, in the case of flowing out from the 2 nd outflow port 64c, the outdoor air A3 collides with the closing door 64d, and the flow direction thereof is changed by substantially 90 degrees. At this time, turbulence is generated in the damper device 64, and as a result, noise is generated.

Here, if an exhaust port having a plurality of bars is provided at a portion of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102 facing the 2 nd outflow port 64c, noise from turbulence leaks to the outdoor Rout through the exhaust port. The operating sound of the closing door 64d also leaks to the outside Rout through the exhaust port. Further, wind noise may be generated due to the bars.

As in the present embodiment, when the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the 2 nd outflow port 64c flows into the casing 100 through the isolation chamber S6, noise from turbulence and leakage of the operation sound of the closing door 64d to the outside Rout can be suppressed. That is, the inner space of the casing 100 functions as a "muffler" that reduces the level of noise generated by the outdoor air A3 flowing through the damper device 64 and leaking to the outdoor Rout.

In particular, when the outdoor air A3 flows into the machine room R2, the noise level leaked to the outdoor Rout can be further reduced. The machine room R2 is a substantially closed space, and communicates with the outdoor Rout through a gap at which heat generated from the compressor 36 or the like accommodated in the closed space flows out to the outdoor Rout. On the other hand, the heat exchange chamber R1 communicates with the outdoor Rout via the intake port through which the outdoor air A2 sucked by the fan 34 passes and the discharge port through which the heat exchanged outdoor air A2 flows out. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the 2 nd outflow port 64c of the damper device 64 flows into the machine room R2, and the noise level leaking out to the outdoor Rout can be reduced as compared with the case of flowing into the heat exchange room R1.

In this way, the damper device 64 discharges the outdoor air A3 to the outdoor Rout through the space in the casing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30, and thus the noise level generated by the outdoor unit 30 can be reduced.

Further, it is also possible to configure as follows so that the outdoor air A3 flows smoothly from the 2 nd outflow port 64c of the damper device 64 to the connection port 102q communicating with the casing 100, that is, so that no turbulence is generated therebetween to generate noise. That is, a duct may be provided in the housing 102 to connect the 2 nd outlet 64c and the connection port 102 q.

In addition, the damper device 64 may be configured such that the 2 nd outlet 64c of the damper device 64 faces the connection port 102q in the isolation chamber S6, and the 2 nd outlet 64c may be directed downward. Further, the damper device 64 may be configured such that the 2 nd outflow port 64c of the damper device 64 is directly connected to the connection port 102 q.

The outdoor air A3 flowing out of the 1 st outflow port 64b of the damper device 64 flows into the indoor unit 20 through the ventilation duct 56.

Fig. 26 is a perspective view showing the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the nozzle 140 provided in the indoor unit 20. Fig. 27 is a side view of the indoor unit 20 showing the internal structure. The U-V-W orthogonal coordinate system shown in the drawings is a coordinate system for easy understanding of the embodiment, and is not limited to the embodiment. The U-axis direction indicates the left-right direction of the indoor unit 20, the V-axis direction indicates the front-back direction, and the W-axis direction indicates the height direction (up-down direction).

As shown in fig. 26, the indoor unit 20 includes an indoor heat exchanger 22 and a nozzle 140. The nozzle 140 includes: a connection portion 140a connected to the ventilation duct 56, and a blowout port 140b for blowing out the outdoor air A3 supplied from the ventilation duct 56.

As shown in fig. 27, the nozzle 140 is provided in the casing 142 of the indoor unit 20 to blow out the outdoor air A3 supplied from the ventilator 50 through the ventilation duct 56 into the casing 142 of the indoor unit 20. Specifically, the nozzle 140 is disposed in the indoor unit 20 so that the blown outdoor air A3 passes through a drying area in the indoor unit 20 and then goes to the fan 24. The fan 24 is, for example, a cross flow fan. In addition, the "dry region" herein is a region that is drier than other regions. Such "dry areas" can be determined by experimentation or simulation.

In the case of the present embodiment, the blowing direction of the outdoor air A3 by the nozzle 140 is oriented (determined) such that the outdoor air A3 blown out from the blowing port 140b passes through the drying portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22 as a "drying area" in the indoor unit 20.

Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 27, the indoor heat exchanger 22 is provided as follows when viewed in the extending direction (in the U-axis direction) of the rotation center line of the fan 24. That is, the indoor heat exchanger 22 is disposed in the casing 142 of the indoor unit 20 so as to partially (partially) surround the fan 24 (in the case of the present embodiment, surround the fan 24 so as not to surround the lower side of the fan 24). The indoor heat exchanger 22 is composed of a1 st portion 22a located at the rear of the fan 24 and a 2 nd portion 22b located at the front side of the fan 24. The refrigerant supplied from the compressor 36 flows through the indoor heat exchanger 22. In the case of the present embodiment, in the cooling operation or the weak cooling operation (dehumidifying operation) of the air conditioner 10, the refrigerant flows from the upper portion to the lower portion of the 1 st portion 22a and then flows from the lower portion to the upper portion of the 2 nd portion 22b, as viewed in the extending direction of the rotation center line of the fan 24. That is, the refrigerant flows in the indoor heat exchanger 22 in the counterclockwise direction in fig. 27.

As a result of such a flow of the refrigerant, a dry portion DP is generated at an upper portion of the 2 nd portion 22b of the indoor heat exchanger 22. The drying portion DP is located on the downstream side in the refrigerant flow direction in the indoor heat exchanger 22. Since the temperature of the refrigerant increases while flowing through the other portions of the indoor heat exchanger 22, condensation is less likely to occur in the dry portion DP than in the other portions (less condensation water adheres).

In the present embodiment, the drying portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22 is a portion distant from the drain pan 144, 146 provided below the indoor heat exchanger 22, so that dew condensation water adhering thereto is small. That is, since dew condensation water flows downward toward the drain pan 144, 146 on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 22, dew condensation water is less in the drying portion DP located at the upper portion of the indoor heat exchanger 22.

The reason why the outdoor air A3 blown out from the nozzle 140 passes through the drying area (in the case of the present embodiment, the drying portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22) in the indoor unit 20 and is directed to the fan 24 will be described.

The air conditioner 10 is configured to be capable of simultaneously performing a dehumidification operation (weak cooling operation) by a refrigeration cycle and a dehumidification operation by the ventilator 50 as one operation mode.

In the dehumidification operation by the refrigeration cycle, when the fan 24 rotates, the indoor air A1 is sucked (taken in) into the casing 142 through the air suction port 142a provided in the upper portion of the casing 142 of the indoor unit 20, and passes through the indoor heat exchanger 22. At this time, the indoor air A1 is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 22, and moisture is taken out to be dried. The acquired moisture is condensed on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 22. The dried indoor air A1 is blown out to the indoor Rin by the fan 24 through the air outlet 142 b.

In the dehumidifying operation (see fig. 5) performed by the ventilator 50, the outdoor air A3 heated during the adsorption operation in the dehumidifying operation is supplied from the ventilator 50 to the nozzle 140. The outdoor air A3 is blown out from the nozzle 140, is sucked by the fan 24, and passes through the drying portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22. At this time, the outdoor air A3 can maintain a dry state because it passes through the drying portion DP, that is, because it does not pass through other portions of the indoor heat exchanger 22 where a large amount of dew condensation water adheres. The outdoor air A3 having passed through the indoor heat exchanger 22 while maintaining the dry state is blown out to the indoor Rin by the fan 24 via the air outlet 142 b.

When such a dehumidification operation by the refrigeration cycle (weak cooling operation) and a dehumidification operation by the ventilator 50 are simultaneously performed, the indoor Rin can be dehumidified without greatly lowering the indoor temperature.

Here, it is assumed that when the outdoor air A3 blown out from the nozzle 140 passes through the other portions of the indoor heat exchanger 22 than the drying portion DP, the outdoor air A3 is humidified by evaporation of dew condensation water. Since the humidified outdoor air A3 is blown out to the indoor Rin, that is, a part of the moisture originally existing in the indoor Rin is returned to the indoor Rin, the dehumidification efficiency of the indoor Rin is lowered.

The air conditioner 10 is configured to be capable of simultaneously executing a dehumidification operation (weak cooling operation) by the refrigeration cycle and a ventilation operation by the ventilator 50 as one operation mode.

In this case, the outdoor air A3 in an undenatured state is supplied from the ventilator 50 to the nozzle 140. Then, the outdoor air A3 blown out from the nozzle 140 passes through the drying portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22. In this case, the ventilation of the indoor Rin can be performed without returning a part of the dew condensation water adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 22 to the indoor Rin by the dehumidifying operation.

The nozzle 140 may blow out at least a part of the outdoor air A3 toward a space between the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the fan 24, which is a "dry area" in the indoor unit 20.

In the present embodiment, the nozzle 140 is configured to be divided into a plurality of nozzles by a nondestructive method.

Fig. 28 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the nozzle 140. Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing the nozzle 140 in a state of being separated into two. Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the nozzle 140.

As shown in fig. 28, the nozzle 140 is constructed of 4 parts 148, 150, 152 and 154. Specifically, as shown in fig. 29, in the case of the present embodiment, the nozzle 140 is configured to be separable into a rear portion 140c having a connection portion 140a and a front portion 140d having a blowout port 140 b. The rear portion 140c has a connection port 140e for connection with the front portion 140d, and a front end 140f of the front portion 140d is inserted into the connection port 140e so as to be able to be inserted and removed.

As shown in fig. 29, in the present embodiment, the rear portion 140c is attached to the base member 156 of the indoor unit 20, and the front portion 140d is attached to the filter frame 158. The base member 156 functions as a bracket when the indoor unit 20 is mounted on a wall surface, and holds the components of the indoor unit 20 such as the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the fan 24.

The filter frame 158 is a member for holding a filter (not shown) through which the indoor air A1 passing through the indoor heat exchanger 22 passes, and is detachable from the base member 156. When the filter frame 158 is detached from the base member 156, the front side portion 140d of the nozzle 140 is separated from the rear side portion 140 c.

As shown in fig. 30, when the front end 140f of the front portion 140d of the nozzle 140 is inserted into the connection port 140e of the rear portion 140c, the inner peripheral surface 140g of the rear portion 140c and the inner peripheral surface 140h of the front portion 140d are connected in a continuous manner without steps. Thereby, the pressure loss of the outdoor air A3 flowing from the rear side portion 140c to the front side portion 140d can be suppressed.

As shown in fig. 28, the rear portion 140c of the nozzle 140 is configured to be separable into two pieces 148, 150 along the internal flow path thereof. The front portion 140d is also configured to be separable into two members 152 and 154 along the inner flow path thereof. The members 148 and 150 can be engaged by, for example, a snap-fit engagement, and a fixing member such as a screw is not used. Similarly, the members 152 and 154 can be combined without using a fixing member.

As shown in fig. 30, in the present embodiment, a flow constriction 140i having a smaller flow path cross-sectional area than that of other places is provided in the rear portion 140c of the nozzle 140. This can reflect noise from the outdoor unit 30 and reduce the level of noise propagating into the indoor unit 20.

According to the nozzle 140 having such a structure, the inside thereof can be easily inspected and cleaned. That is, the nozzle 140 can be divided into 4 parts 148, 150, 152, and 154, and each part can be inspected and cleaned.

According to the present embodiment described above, in the air conditioner 10 in which the amount of humidification of the outdoor air A3 is increased by passing the outdoor air A3 heated by the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60 through the moisture-retaining absorbent 52, the heating efficiency of the outdoor air A3 by the 1 st and 2 nd heaters 58 and 60 can be improved.

The present invention has been described above by way of the above embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

For example, in the case of the above embodiment, as shown in fig. 14, the communication path P1d communicates an upstream side portion of the 1 st branch flow path P1a with respect to the 1 st heater 58 and an upstream side portion of the 2 nd branch flow path P1b with respect to the 2 nd heater 60. The communication path P1d passes near the 1 st heater 58 and the 2 nd heater 60. The communication path P1d is a gap between the 1 st cover member 118 and the 2 nd cover member 120. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The communication path is not limited to any form as long as it is a communication path in which the outdoor air is branched from the upstream side of one heater to the upstream side of the other heater.

That is, the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention is broadly an air conditioner including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. Also, the outdoor unit includes: a1 st flow path for outdoor air to flow; a 2 nd flow path for outdoor air to flow; the main flow path connected to the indoor unit is joined to the 1 st branch flow path and the 2 nd branch flow path. In addition, the outdoor unit includes: a1 st heater provided in the 1 st flow path, through which the outdoor air passes; and a 2 nd heater provided in the 2 nd flow path, through which the outdoor air passes. The outdoor unit includes a fan provided in a portion of the main flow path on a downstream side of the absorbing material, and generates an airflow of outdoor air to the indoor unit. The outdoor unit further includes a communication path that communicates an upstream portion of the 1 st branch flow path with respect to the 1 st heater and an upstream portion of the 2 nd branch flow path with respect to the 2 nd heater, and that passes near the 1 st heater and the 2 nd heater.

Industrial applicability

The present invention is applicable to any air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

Description of the reference numerals

10 Air conditioner

20 Indoor unit

22 Indoor heat exchanger

22A part 1

22B part 2

24 Fan

30 Outdoor unit

32 Outdoor heat exchanger

34 Fan

36 Compressor

38 Expansion valve

40 Four-way valve

50 Air interchanger

52 Absorber (absorber)

52A 1 st end face

52B end face 2

52C outer peripheral surface

54 Motor

56 Ventilation catheter

58 St heater 1

60 No. 2 heater

62 Fan (No. 1 fan)

62A impeller

62B motor

64 Air door device

64A inflow port

64B stream outlet 1 st

64C No. 2 outflow port

64D closed door

66 No. 2 fan

66A impeller

66B motor

70 Remote controller

100 Shell

102 Shell

102A 1 st suction port

102B No. 2 suction port

102C exhaust port

102D front wall

102E rear wall

102F bottom plate

102G 3 rd suction port

102H 4 th suction port

102I right wall

102J support shaft

102K annular wall portion

102L part

102M lattice bar

102N upper surface

102O inclined plane

102Q connector

104 Cover body

106 Partition board

106A air suction inlet

110 Heater unit

112 Heater base member

112A heater mounting portion

112B absorbing material storage section

112C engagement portion

112D beam portion

112E crash panel

112F throttling wall

114 Absorbent holder

114A cylindrical portion

114B hub portion

114C spoke portion

114D external teeth

114E flange

116 Pinion gear

118 1 St cover part

120 Nd cover part

120A roof portion

120B wall portion

122 Bottom cover part

122A bottom plate portion

122B wall portion

124 Separator

124A rib

124B tab

124C annular wall

124D air suction inlet

126 St sealing unit 1

126A sealing member

126B seal member holder

128 Nd sealing unit

128A sealing member

128B seal member holder

130 Labyrinth seal component

130A end face

130B tab

132 Fan cover component

132A barrier wall

134 Motor cover assembly

134A barrier wall

136 Orifice member

138 Temperature sensor

140 Nozzles

140A connecting part

140B outlet

140C rear portion

140D front side portion

140E connector

140F front end

140G inner peripheral surface

140H inner peripheral surface

140I flow shrinking part

142 Casing

142A air intake port

142B air outlet

144 Drain pan

146 Drain pan

148 Parts

150 Parts

152 Parts

154 Parts

156 Base component

158 Filter frame

202 Shell

202H 4 th air suction port

202M lattice bar

202P sagging portion

226B seal holder

228B seal holder

236 Orifice member

A1 indoor air

A2 outdoor air

A3 outdoor air

A4 outdoor air

AP high voltage region

C1 center line of rotation

Distance D

DP drying section

DR direction of rotation

F1 fan chamber

F2 fan chamber

H heat removal

M1 motor chamber

P1 st flow path

P1a No. 1 branch flow path

P1b No. 2 branch flow path

P1c main flow path

P1d communication path

P2 nd flow path

PL labyrinth flow path

PLa radial flow path

R1 heat exchange chamber

R2 mechanical chamber

Rin indoor

Rout outdoor

S1 st space 1

S2 space 2

S3 rd space 3

S4 th space 4

S5 space

S6, isolating the chamber.

Claims

1. An air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, the air conditioner characterized by:

the outdoor unit includes:

a1 st flow path for outdoor air to flow;

a2 nd flow path for outdoor air to flow;

A main flow path connected to the indoor unit, wherein the 1 st branch flow path and the 2 nd branch flow path are merged with the main flow path;

A1 st heater provided in the 1 st flow path, the 1 st heater being configured to pass outdoor air therethrough;

A2 nd heater provided in the 2 nd branch passage, the 2 nd heater passing outdoor air therethrough;

An absorbing material provided in the main flow path, through which the outdoor air passes;

A fan provided in a portion of the main flow path on a downstream side of the absorbing material, the fan generating an airflow of outdoor air to the indoor unit;

And a communication path that communicates an upstream side portion of the 1 st branch flow path with respect to the 1 st heater and an upstream side portion of the 2 nd branch flow path with respect to the 2 nd heater, and that passes near the 1 st heater and the 2 nd heater.

2. An air conditioner as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

the length of the flow path from the 1 st heater to the fan is different from the length of the flow path from the 2 nd heater to the fan.

3. An air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

the communication path passes above the 1 st heater and the 2 nd heater.

4. An air conditioner according to claim 3, further comprising:

A1 st cover member that covers the 1 st heater, the 2 nd heater, and a portion of the absorbing material through which the outdoor air passes; and

A2 nd cover member covering the 1 st cover member,

The gap between the 1 st cover member and the 2 nd cover member functions as the communication path.

5. An air conditioner as defined in claim 4, wherein:

the 1 st heater and the 2 nd heater are disposed at the outdoor unit in such a manner that outdoor air passes through in a horizontal direction,

The 2 nd cover member includes a wall portion extending in a downward direction and opposed to the 1 st heater and the 2 nd heater with a space therebetween in the horizontal direction.

6. An air conditioner according to claim 4 or 5, wherein:

Further comprises a heater base member including a heater mounting portion for mounting the 1 st heater and the 2 nd heater, and a cylindrical absorbent material housing portion for housing the absorbent material,

The 1 st cover member and the 2 nd cover member are provided on the heater base member so as to cover a part of the absorbent material, the 1 st heater, and the 2 nd heater.