JP2003139348A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To sufficiently secure water content absorbed by an adsorption device by shortening a time required for cooling the adsorption device completing the regeneration in an air conditioner having the adsorption device. SOLUTION: This air conditioner is provided with the two adsorption devices 81 and 82. The air conditioner alternately repeats a first operation for regenerating the second adsorption device 82 while reducing the humidity of an air by the first adsorption device 81 and a second operation regenerating the first adsorption device 81 while reducing the humidity of the air by the second adsorption device 82. In this case, the air flowing direction flowing a humidity control side passage 85 of the first adsorption device 81 in the first operation and the air flowing direction flowing the humidity control side passage 85 of the first adsorption device 81 in the second operation is reversed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to an air conditioner for adjusting humidity.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,341,539, an air conditioner for adjusting the humidity of air is known. This air conditioner includes two adsorption elements. A large number of air passages are defined in each adsorption element, and the air flowing through the air passages contacts the adsorbent.

The air conditioner performs a so-called batch type operation. Specifically, the water vapor in the air is adsorbed on the adsorbent by the first adsorption element, and the heated air is supplied to the second adsorption element to regenerate the adsorbent. After continuing this operation for a while, conversely, this time, on the contrary, while adsorbing the water vapor in the air with the second adsorbing element, the heated air is supplied to the first adsorbing element to regenerate the adsorbent. . The air conditioner alternately repeats these two operations to supply the air deprived of water vapor and dried. Further, in the adsorbing element of the air conditioner, the air that is dehumidified and supplied to the room and the air that is supplied to regenerate the adsorbent flow in the same direction.

[0004]

As described above, in the adsorption element provided in the conventional air conditioner, the air flows in the same direction when the air is dehumidified and when the adsorbent is regenerated. Therefore, the above air conditioner has a problem that it is not possible to sufficiently secure the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorbing element.

This problem will be described. When regenerating the adsorbent, high temperature regeneration air is introduced into the adsorbing element, so that the temperature of the adsorbent rises. At that time, the temperature of the adsorption element does not rise on average over the entire adsorption element,
The inlet side of the air for regeneration becomes the highest, and the rising width gradually decreases as it goes downstream in the air flow.

On the other hand, when the regeneration of the adsorbent is completed, the dehumidified air to be dehumidified is introduced into the adsorption element. At that time, since the temperature of the adsorption element is high immediately after the regeneration is completed, even if the introduction of the dehumidified air into the adsorption element is started, the dehumidification of the dehumidified air does not start immediately. That is, unless the temperature of the adsorbing element is cooled to some extent by being cooled by the dehumidified air, the water vapor in the dehumidified air does not start to be adsorbed by the adsorbent.

When regenerating air and dehumidified air are made to flow in the same direction in the adsorbing element as in the above-mentioned air conditioner, the dehumidifying air flows in the adsorbing element from the higher temperature side to the lower temperature side. The temperature of the dehumidified air rises while flowing through the adsorption element. Therefore, the temperature difference between the adsorption element and the dehumidified air decreases as it goes downstream in the air flow. Therefore, the temperature difference between the adsorption element and the air to be dehumidified cannot be secured evenly over the entire adsorption element, and the time required to lower the temperature of the adsorption element becomes long.

As described above, if it takes a long time to cool the adsorbing element, the dehumidifying air is not dehumidified for a long time. Therefore, in the above-mentioned conventional air conditioner, it takes a long time to start the adsorption of the water vapor on the adsorbent, and it is difficult to sufficiently secure the amount of the water vapor adsorbed by the adsorption element.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to shorten the time required to cool an adsorbing element after regeneration and to sufficiently increase the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorbing element. To secure.

[0010]

A first solution provided by the present invention is intended for an air conditioner that humidifies or dehumidifies the taken air and supplies the humidified air to a room. And, an adsorption element (81, 82, ...) In which a humidity adjusting side passageway (85) for contacting the flowing air with the adsorbent is formed, and an adsorption element (81, 82, 82) for regenerating the adsorbent. The heater (92) for heating the air supplied to the humidity-control-side passage (85).
The air is introduced into the humidity-control-side passage (85) of the adsorption element (81, 82, ...) And the moisture in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and the air is heated by the heater (92). The second air is introduced into the humidity control side passageway (85) of the adsorption element (81, 82, ...) And the regeneration operation of desorbing water from the adsorbent is performed, while the adsorption element (81, 82 ,. In the humidity adjusting side passageway (85), the flow direction of the first air during the adsorption operation is opposite to the flow direction of the second air during the regeneration operation.

A second solving means devised by the present invention is the same as the first solving means, wherein the adsorption elements (81, 82, ...) Deprive the heat of adsorption generated in the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) during the adsorption operation. The cooling side passage (86) through which the cooling fluid flows.

A third solving means devised by the present invention is the above first or second solving means, wherein a plurality of adsorbing elements (81, 82) are provided, and the humidity adjusting side passage of the first adsorbing element (81). A first operation in which the first air is circulated in (85) to perform an adsorption operation, and at the same time a second air is circulated in the humidity adjustment side passageway (85) of the second adsorption element (82) to perform a regeneration operation; The first air is circulated in the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorbing element (82) to perform the adsorbing operation, and at the same time, the second air is passed through the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first adsorbing element (81). And the second operation of performing the reproducing operation by circulating the.

A fourth solution means provided by the present invention is, in the third solution means, provided with a switching mechanism for switching the flow paths of the first air and the second air, and the operation of the switching mechanism and the adsorption element. The first operation and the second operation are switched by the operation of rotating (81, 82) by a predetermined angle.

A fifth solving means taken by the present invention is, in the above-mentioned third solving means, provided with a switching mechanism for switching the flow paths of the first air and the second air, and the adsorption element (81, 8).
In 2), the first operation and the second operation are switched only by the operation of the switching mechanism while being fixed.

A sixth solving means of the present invention is the adsorption element (20) according to the first or second solving means.
0) is divided into the first portion (201) and the remaining second portion (202), and when the first air is introduced into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first portion (201) as the adsorption operation. At the same time, a first operation for introducing the second air into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second portion (202) as a regenerating operation and a first operation for the regenerating operation.
A second operation of introducing the second air into the humidity-control-side passage (85) of the portion (201) and at the same time introducing the first air into the humidity-control-side passage (85) of the second portion (202) as an adsorption operation. , The adsorption element (200) is slid to alternately switch.

A seventh solving means devised by the present invention is the above first or second solving means, wherein the adsorption element (250) is
The humidity-control-side passage (85) is formed in a disk shape that penetrates in the thickness direction, and is installed in a posture that traverses both the first air passage and the second air passage. Adsorption element (25
0) is rotated around its central axis, and the humidity control side passageway (8) formed in a part of the adsorption element (250) as an adsorption operation.
At the same time that the first air is introduced into 5), the second air is introduced into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) formed in the remaining portion of the adsorption element (250) as a regeneration operation.

-Operation- In the first solving means, the adsorbing operation and the regenerating operation are performed in the air conditioner. During the adsorption operation, the first air is introduced into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the adsorption element (81, 82, ...). The first air comes into contact with the adsorbent while flowing through the humidity-control-side passage (85), and the water vapor in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. On the other hand, during the regenerating operation, the second air heated by the heater (92) is introduced into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the adsorption element (81, 82, ...). When the hot second air comes into contact with the adsorbent, the temperature of the adsorbent rises and water vapor is desorbed from the adsorbent. The water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent is added to the second air.

At the time when the regeneration operation is completed, the adsorption elements (81, 82, ...) Have a temperature distribution. Specifically, the temperature of the adsorption element is higher on the upstream side in the flow direction of the second air. The first air is introduced into the adsorption elements (81, 82, ...) Of the present solution from the side opposite to the second air. That is,
The first air flows from the lower temperature side to the higher temperature side of the adsorption elements (81, 82, ...). After the adsorption operation is started, the adsorption element (8
Water vapor in the first air begins to be adsorbed by the adsorbent after the temperature of (1, 82, ...) Has dropped to some extent.

The air conditioner of the present solving means dehumidifies or humidifies the air supplied to the room. In other words, this air conditioner is operated to supply the first air dehumidified by the adsorption elements (81, 82, ...) Depriving the adsorption elements (81, 82, ...) To the room. The operation of supplying the humidified second air to which the above-mentioned steam is added to the room is performed. The air conditioner may switch between the operation of supplying the dehumidified first air into the room and the operation of supplying the humidified second air into the room. Only one of the two operations may be performed.

In the second solution, the adsorption element (81,8
2, ...) is provided with a cooling side passageway (86). In the cooling side passageway (86), the cooling fluid flows during the adsorption operation. That is, when water vapor in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, heat of adsorption is generated. When the heat of adsorption raises the temperature of the first air and lowers the relative humidity of the first air,
Water vapor in the air is less likely to be adsorbed by the adsorbent. Therefore, the cooling fluid is caused to flow through the cooling-side passage (86) of the adsorption element (81, 82, ...) And the generated adsorption heat is absorbed by the cooling fluid. Then, the temperature rise of the first air is suppressed, the decrease of the relative humidity is suppressed, and the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorbent is secured.

In the third solution, at least two adsorption elements (81, 82) are provided in the air conditioner. Further, the air conditioner of the present solving means alternately performs the first operation and the second operation. In the first operation, the adsorption operation is performed on the first adsorption element (81) and the regeneration operation is performed on the second adsorption element (82). On the other hand, in the second operation, contrary to the first operation, the adsorption operation is performed on the second adsorption element (82) and the regeneration operation is performed on the first adsorption element (81).

In the fourth solving means, the switching mechanism is provided in the air conditioner. By the operation of this switching mechanism, the flow paths of the first air and the second air in the air conditioner are switched. In the air conditioner of the present solution, when the first operation and the second operation are switched to each other, the switching mechanism operates and the operation of rotating the adsorption element (81, 82) by a predetermined angle is performed.

In the fifth solving means, the switching mechanism is provided in the air conditioner. By the operation of this switching mechanism, the flow paths of the first air and the second air in the air conditioner are switched. In the air conditioner of the present solution, the switching mechanism operates when switching between the first operation and the second operation. At that time, the adsorption elements (81, 82) are fixed and do not rotate.

In the sixth solution means, one adsorption element (200) is divided into two parts. Further, in the air conditioner of the present solving means, the first operation and the second operation are alternately performed. In the first operation, the first part (20
The adsorption operation is performed for 1) and the regeneration operation is performed for the second portion (202). On the other hand, in the second operation, contrary to the first operation, the adsorption operation is performed on the second portion (202) of the adsorption element (200) and the regeneration operation is performed on the first portion (201).

In the air conditioner of the present solving means, the adsorption element (200) is linearly moved in the lateral direction to switch between the first operation and the second operation. For example, this air conditioner is configured such that the first portion (201) of the adsorption element (200) crosses the first air flow path and the second portion (202) crosses the second air flow path. 1 operation is continued for a while. Then, the adsorption element (20
0) is moved so that the first portion (201) thereof crosses the second air flow path and the second portion (202) crosses the first air flow path, and the second operation is started. And this second
After continuing the operation for a while, the adsorption element (200) is moved again to perform the first operation.

In the seventh means, the adsorption element (25
0) is formed into a disc shape. A humidity adjusting side passageway (85) is formed in the adsorption element (250) so as to penetrate therethrough in the thickness direction. The adsorption element (250) includes a first air flow path and a second air flow path.
It is installed so as to cross the air flow path and is driven to rotate about its central axis. In the adsorbing element (250), the first air flows through the humidity-control-side passage (85) in the portion that crosses the flow path of the first air, and the adsorbing operation is performed. Also,
In the portion that crosses the flow path of the second air, the humidity-control-side passage (85)
Then, the second air flows and the regeneration operation is performed. Then, by rotating the adsorption element (250), the adsorption operation and the regeneration operation are simultaneously performed in parallel.

[0027]

According to the present invention, in the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the adsorbing element (81, 82, ...), the first air during the adsorbing operation is made to flow in the direction opposite to the second air during the regenerating operation. There is. That is, when starting the adsorption operation, the first air is introduced from the side of the adsorption element (81, 82, ...) With the lower temperature.

Therefore, according to the present invention, when the adsorption elements (81, 82, ...) Are cooled with the first air immediately after the start of the adsorption operation, the adsorption elements (81, 82, ...) And the first air are cooled. The temperature difference between the adsorbing elements (81, 82, ...) Can be promptly lowered. As a result, the time required to cool the adsorption element (81, 82, ...) After regeneration can be shortened, and the time until water vapor starts to be adsorbed by the adsorbent can be shortened. It is possible to secure a sufficient amount of water vapor adsorbed by (...).

Particularly, in the second solving means, the cooling side passage (86) is formed in the adsorption element (81, 82, ...) And the heat of adsorption generated during the adsorption operation is taken away by the cooling fluid. Therefore, according to the present solving means, the first
It is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the air. As a result, the relative humidity of the first air flowing through the humidity control side passageway (85) of the adsorption element (81, 82, ...) Can be kept high, and the water vapor adsorbed by the adsorption element (81, 82, ...) The amount can be increased even further.

[0030]

Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following explanation,
“Upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “front”, and “back” all refer to those in the referenced drawings.

The air conditioner according to the present embodiment is configured to switch between a dehumidifying operation for supplying dehumidified and cooled outside air to the room and a humidifying operation for supplying heated and humidified outside air to the room. Has been done. Further, this air conditioner is provided with two adsorption elements (81, 82) and is configured to perform a so-called batch type operation. Here, the configuration of the air conditioning apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
Will be described with reference to.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the air conditioner includes a slightly flat rectangular parallelepiped casing (10). The casing (10) accommodates four rotary dampers (71, 72, 73, 74), two adsorption elements (81, 82), and one refrigerant circuit. In addition, in FIG.
Illustration of the rotary dampers (71 to 74) is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rotary dampers (71 ...
74) includes a disk-shaped end surface portion (75) and a peripheral side portion (76) extending vertically from the outer circumference of the end surface portion (75). A part of the end surface portion (75) is cut out in a fan shape having a central angle of 90 °. Further, the peripheral side portion (76) is also cut out at a portion corresponding to the cutout of the end face portion (75).
The cutout portions of the end surface portion (75) and the peripheral side portion (76) form cutout openings (77) of the rotary dampers (71 to 74).
The rotary dampers (71 to 74) are configured to be rotatable about an axis passing through the center of the end face portion (75). The rotary dampers (71 to 74) form a switching mechanism for switching the air circulation path.

As shown in FIG. 3, the adsorption element (81, 8
2) is configured by alternately laminating square flat plate members (83) and corrugated plate members (84). The corrugated plate member (84) is
The corrugated plate members (84) adjacent to each other are stacked in such a manner that the directions of the ridge lines thereof are offset from each other by 90 °. And adsorption element (81, 82)
Are formed in a rectangular column shape. That is, the end surface of each of the suction elements (81, 82) is formed in the same square shape as the flat plate member (83).

The adsorption element (81, 82) has a flat plate member (8
In the stacking direction of 3) and the corrugated plate member (84), the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) and the cooling side passageway (86) are alternately partitioned and formed with the flat plate member (83) interposed therebetween. In the adsorption element (81, 82), the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) is opened at a pair of opposing side surfaces, and the cooling side passageway (8) is provided at a pair of opposing side surfaces.
6) is open. In addition, the surface of the flat plate member (83) facing the humidity control side passageway (85) and the surface of the corrugated plate member (84) provided in the humidity control side passageway (85) adsorbent for adsorbing water vapor. Has been applied. Examples of this type of adsorbent include silica gel, zeolite, and ion exchange resins.

The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor (91), a regenerative heat exchanger (92) which is a condenser, an expansion valve which is an expansion mechanism, and first and second cooling heat exchangers (which are evaporators). 93,94)
It is a closed circuit formed by connecting and by piping. this house,
The regenerative heat exchanger (92) constitutes a heater. The overall structure of the refrigerant circuit and the expansion valve are not shown.

This refrigerant circuit is configured to circulate the filled refrigerant to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. In the refrigerant circuit, the first cooling heat exchanger (93)
And the second cooling heat exchanger (94) are connected in parallel.
The refrigerant circuit uses only the first cooling heat exchanger (93) as an evaporator and does not introduce the refrigerant into the second cooling heat exchanger (94), and only the second cooling heat exchanger (94) is evaporator. Is configured to be switched between the operation of not introducing the refrigerant into the first cooling heat exchanger (93).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, in the casing (10), the outdoor side panel (11) is provided on the most front side, and the indoor side panel (12) is provided on the most back side. There is. An air supply side inlet (13) is formed in the upper right corner of the outdoor side panel (11), and an exhaust side outlet (16) is formed on the lower left side thereof. Meanwhile, indoor side panel (12)
Has an air supply side outlet (14) formed in its lower right corner and an exhaust side inlet (15) formed in its upper left corner.

The casing (10) accommodates four partition plates (21, 24, 34, 31). These partition plates (21,
24, ...) are erected in order from the front to the back, and partition the inner space of the casing (10) into front and rear. Also,
The inner space of the casing (10) partitioned by these partition plates (21, 24, ...) Is further partitioned into upper and lower parts.

An upper first upper flow path (41) and a lower first lower flow path (42) are defined between the outdoor side panel (11) and the first partition plate (21). There is. First upper flow path (41)
Is communicated with the outdoor space by the air supply side inlet (13). The first lower flow path (42) communicates with the outdoor space through the exhaust side outlet (16). A first cooling heat exchanger (93) is installed in the first lower flow path (42). Also,
A compressor (91) is installed on the left side between the outdoor side panel (11) and the first partition plate (21).

Two rotary dampers (71, 72) are arranged side by side between the first partition plate (21) and the second partition plate (24). Specifically, the first rotary damper (7
1) is provided, and the second rotary damper (72) is provided on the left side. These rotary dampers (71, 72) are installed such that the end face portion (75) faces the second partition plate (24). Further, these rotary dampers (71, 72) are arranged so as to rotate while being in contact with both the first partition plate (21) and the second partition plate (24).

The space between the first partition plate (21) and the second partition plate (24) is vertically divided, and at the same time, the upper and lower spaces are further separated by the first and second rotary dampers (71, 72). It is divided into two. On the right side of the first rotary damper (71), an upper second upper right channel (43) and a lower second lower right channel (44) are defined. Between the first rotary damper (71) and the second rotary damper (72), the upper second central upper flow path (45) is provided.
And the lower second central lower flow path (46) are defined. On the left side of the second rotary damper (72), an upper second upper left channel (47) and a lower second left lower channel (48) are formed.

Two openings are formed in the first partition plate (21). First right side opening (22) that opens to the right
Is a circular opening and is formed at a position corresponding to the first rotary damper (71). The first left side opening (23) opening to the left side is a circular opening, and the second rotary damper (7
It is formed at the position corresponding to 2). 1st right side opening (2
An opening / closing shutter is provided in each of 2) and the first left side opening (23). By operating this opening / closing shutter, the first right side opening (22) and the first left side opening (23)
Switches between a state in which only its upper half is open and a state in which only its lower half is open. This open / close shutter
It constitutes a switching mechanism.

Between the second partition plate (24) and the third partition plate (34), two adsorption elements (81, 82) are installed side by side. Specifically, the first adsorption element (81) is provided on the right side, and the second adsorption element (82) is provided on the left side. The adsorption elements (81, 82) are arranged in parallel with each other in a posture in which the longitudinal direction thereof coincides with the longitudinal direction of the casing (10). Also, as shown in FIG. 4, these adsorption elements (81, 82) are installed in a posture in which their end faces form a rhombus obtained by rotating a square by 45 °. That is, the adsorption elements (81, 82) are installed in such a posture that one diagonal line on the end face thereof is aligned with each other. Furthermore, each adsorption element (81, 82) is configured to be rotatable about an axis passing through the center of the end face thereof.

The space between the second partition plate (24) and the third partition plate (34) is vertically divided, and at the same time, the upper and lower spaces are further separated by the first and second adsorption elements (81, 82). It is divided into two. That is, on the right side of the first adsorption element (81), the upper third upper right channel (51) and the lower third lower right channel (52).
And are sectioned. Between the first adsorption element (81) and the second adsorption element (82), the upper third central upper flow path (53) is provided.
And a lower third central lower flow path (54) are defined. On the left side of the second adsorption element (82), an upper third upper left channel (55) and a lower third left lower channel (56) are formed. The third central lower flow path (54) constitutes an air flow path for regeneration. The regenerative heat exchanger (92) of the refrigerant circuit is installed so as to cross the third central lower flow path (54).

Five openings are formed in the second partition plate (24). The second upper right opening (2
5) is the second upper right channel (43) and the third upper right channel (51)
And communicate with. The second lower right opening (26) opening at the lower right corner is provided with a second lower right flow path (44) and a third lower right flow path (5).
2) is in communication with. The second central opening (27) that opens at the upper center connects the second central upper channel (45) and the third central upper channel (53). The second upper left opening (28) opening at the upper left corner connects the second upper left passage (47) and the third upper left passage (55). The second lower left opening (29) opening at the lower left corner connects the second lower left flow path (48) and the third lower left flow path (56).

Second upper right opening (25), second lower right opening (2
6), the second central opening (27), the second upper left opening (28), and the second lower left opening (29) are respectively provided with open / close shutters. By operating this open / close shutter,
The second upper right opening (25), the second lower right opening (26), the second central opening (27), the second upper left opening (28), and the second lower left opening (2
In 9), the communication state and the disconnection state are switched. The open / close shutter constitutes a switching mechanism.

Two rotary dampers (73, 74) are installed side by side between the third partition plate (34) and the fourth partition plate (31). Specifically, the third rotary damper (7
3) is provided, and the fourth rotary damper (74) is provided on the left side. These rotary dampers (73, 74) are installed such that the end surface portion (75) faces the third partition plate (34). Further, these rotary dampers (73, 74) are arranged so as to rotate while being in contact with both the third partition plate (34) and the fourth partition plate (31).

The space between the third partition plate (34) and the fourth partition plate (31) is divided into upper and lower parts, and the upper and lower spaces are further separated by the third and fourth rotary dampers (73, 74). It is divided into two. That is, on the right side of the third rotary damper (73),
An upper fourth upper right channel (63) and a lower fourth lower right channel (64) are defined. Third rotation damper (73)
An upper fourth central upper flow path (65) and a lower fourth central lower flow path (66) are defined between the second rotary damper (74) and the fourth rotary damper (74). On the left side of the fourth rotary damper (74), there is an upper left upper flow path (67) and a lower fourth left lower flow path (68).
And are sectioned.

Five openings are formed in the third partition plate (34). The third upper right opening (3
5) is the third upper right channel (51) and the fourth upper right channel (63)
And communicate with. The third lower right opening (36) opening at the lower right corner is provided with a third lower right channel (52) and a fourth lower right channel (6).
4) is in communication with. The third central opening (37) opening at the center of the upper part communicates the third central upper channel (53) with the fourth central upper channel (65). The third upper left channel (55) and the fourth upper left channel (67) communicate with each other through the third upper left channel (38) opening at the upper left corner. The third lower left opening (39) that opens at the lower left corner connects the third lower left flow path (56) and the fourth lower left flow path (68).

Third upper right opening (35), third lower right opening (3
6), the third central opening (37), the third upper left opening (38), and the third lower left opening (39) are respectively provided with open / close shutters. By operating this open / close shutter,
Third upper right opening (35), third lower right opening (36), third central opening (37), third upper left opening (38), and third lower left opening (3
In 9), the communication state and the disconnection state are switched. The open / close shutter constitutes a switching mechanism.

Two openings are formed in the fourth partition plate (31). Fourth right side opening (32) that opens to the right
Is a circular opening and is formed at a position corresponding to the third rotary damper (73). The fourth left side opening (33) that opens to the left side is a circular opening, and the fourth rotary damper (7
It is formed at the position corresponding to 4). 4th right side opening (3
An opening / closing shutter is provided in each of the 2) and the fourth left side opening (33). By operating this opening / closing shutter, the fourth right side opening (32) and the fourth left side opening (33)
Switches between a state in which only its upper half is open and a state in which only its lower half is open. This open / close shutter
It constitutes a switching mechanism.

An upper fifth upper flow path (61) and a lower fifth lower flow path (62) are formed between the fourth partition plate (31) and the indoor side panel (12). There is. Fifth upper channel (61)
Are communicated with the indoor space by the exhaust side inlet (15). An exhaust fan (96) is installed in the fifth upper flow path (61). On the other hand, the fifth lower flow path (62) communicates with the indoor space through the air supply side outlet (14). An air supply fan (95) and a second cooling heat exchanger (94) are installed in the fifth lower flow path (62).

-Driving Operation-Driving operation of the air conditioner will be described with reference to FIGS. Incidentally, FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a portion between the second partition plate (24) and the third partition plate (34) in the casing (10).

<Dehumidification Operation> As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the air supply fan (95) is driven during the dehumidification operation, outdoor air is taken into the casing (10) through the air supply side inlet (13). Be done. This outdoor air is the first air
It flows into the upper channel (41). On the other hand, when the exhaust fan (96) is driven, room air is taken into the casing (10) through the exhaust side inlet (15). This room air is
It flows into the fifth upper flow path (61) as air.

In the dehumidifying operation, in the refrigerant circuit,
A refrigeration cycle is performed using the regenerative heat exchanger (92) as a condenser and the second cooling heat exchanger (94) as an evaporator. That is, in the dehumidifying operation, the refrigerant does not flow in the first cooling heat exchanger (93). Then, the air conditioner performs the dehumidifying operation by alternately repeating the first operation and the second operation.

The first operation of the dehumidifying operation will be described with reference to FIG. In this first operation, the adsorption operation for the first adsorption element (81) and the regeneration operation for the second adsorption element (82) are performed. That is, during the first operation, the air is dehumidified by the first adsorption element (81) and at the same time,
The adsorbent of the second adsorption element (82) is regenerated.

During the first operation, the second partition plate (24) has the second upper right opening (25) and the second central opening (2).
7) and the second lower left opening (29) are closed. In the third partition plate (34), the third lower right opening (36), the third
The upper left opening (38) and the third lower left opening (39) are closed.

The upper half of the first right side opening (22) is open. The cutout opening (77) of the first rotary damper (71) is positioned in the lower right, and opens into the second lower right channel (44). The second lower right opening (26) of the second partition plate (24) is
It is in communication. In this state, the first upper channel (4
The first air that has flowed into the 1) is the first right side opening (22),
Inside the first rotary damper (71), the second lower right channel (44),
It passes through the second lower right opening (26) and flows into the third lower right channel (52).

The upper right half of the fourth right side opening (32) is open. The notch opening (77) of the third rotary damper (73) is positioned in the upper right and opens in the fourth upper right channel (63). The third upper right opening (35) of the third partition plate (34) is
It is in communication. In this state, the fifth upper channel (6
The second air that has flowed into the 1) is the fourth right opening (32),
Inside the third rotary damper (73), the fourth upper right channel (63),
It passes through the third upper right opening (35) and flows into the third upper right channel (51).

In the first adsorption element (81), the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) communicates with the third lower right passage (52) and the third central upper passageway (53), and its cooling side passageway (86). ) Communicates with the third upper right channel (51) and the third lower central channel (54).
The humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorption element (82) communicates with the third central lower passageway (54) and the third upper left passageway (55), and its cooling side passageway (86). Is the third central upper flow path (53)
And the third lower left channel (56).

As shown in FIG. 4 (a), in this state, the first air flows from the third lower right channel (52) into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first adsorption element (81). To do. While flowing through the humidity-control-side passage (85), the water vapor contained in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. First dehumidified in humidity control side passage (85)
Air flows into the third central upper flow path (53).

On the other hand, the second air flows through the third upper right channel (51).
Flows into the cooling side passageway (86) of the first adsorption element (81). While flowing through the cooling side passageway (86), the second air is
It absorbs the heat of adsorption generated when water vapor is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the humidity control side passageway (85). That is, the second air flows as the cooling fluid in the cooling side passageway (86). The second air that has deprived of the heat of adsorption flows into the third lower central flow path (54). The second air passes through the regenerative heat exchanger (92) while flowing through the third central lower flow path (54). In the regenerative heat exchanger (92), the second air exchanges heat with the refrigerant and absorbs the heat of condensation of the refrigerant.

The first adsorption element (81) and the regenerative heat exchanger (9
The second air heated in 2) is introduced into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorption element (82). In the humidity control side passageway (85), the adsorbent is heated by the second air, and water vapor is desorbed from the adsorbent. That is, the adsorbent is regenerated. The water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent flows into the third upper left channel (55) together with the second air.

Third central opening (37) of the third partition plate (34)
Are in communication. The notch opening (77) of the fourth rotary damper (74) is positioned in the upper right and opens to the fourth central upper flow path (65). Fourth left side opening (33)
Has an open bottom half. In this state, the first air dehumidified by the first adsorbing element (81) has the third central upper channel (53), the third central opening (37), and the fourth central upper channel (6) in order.
5), inside the 4th rotary damper (74), 4th left side opening (3
Passes through 3) and flows into the fifth lower flow path (62).

While flowing through the fifth lower flow path (62), the first air passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94). In the second cooling heat exchanger (94), the first air exchanges heat with the refrigerant and radiates heat to the refrigerant. Then, the dehumidified and cooled first air is supplied to the room through the air supply side outlet (14).

Second upper left opening (28) of the second partition plate (24)
Are in communication. The cutout opening (77) of the second rotary damper (72) is positioned in the upper left and opens in the second upper left channel (47). First left side opening (23)
Has an open bottom half. In this state, the second air flowing out from the second adsorbing element (82) has the third upper left channel (55), the second upper left opening (28), the second upper left channel (47),
It passes through the inside of the second rotary damper (72), the first left side opening (23), and flows into the first lower flow path (42).

While flowing through the first lower flow path (42), the second air passes through the first cooling heat exchanger (93). At this time, the refrigerant is not flowing in the first cooling heat exchanger (93).
Therefore, the second air simply passes through the first cooling heat exchanger (93) and does not absorb or release heat. Then, the second air is discharged to the outside of the room through the exhaust side outlet (16).

The second operation of the dehumidifying operation will be described with reference to FIG. In this second operation, the adsorption operation for the second adsorption element (82) and the regeneration operation for the first adsorption element (81) are performed. That is, during the second operation, the air is dehumidified by the second adsorption element (82) and at the same time,
The adsorbent of the first adsorption element (81) is regenerated.

In the second operation, the second partition plate (24) has the second lower right opening (26) and the second central opening (2).
7) and the second upper left opening (28) are closed. In the third partition plate (34), the third upper right opening (35), the third
The lower right opening (36) and the third lower left opening (39) are closed.

The upper half of the first left side opening (23) is open. The notch opening (77) of the second rotary damper (72) is in the posture of being located at the lower left, and opens into the second lower left flow path (48). The second lower left opening (29) of the second partition plate (24) is
It is in communication. In this state, the first upper channel (4
1st air which flowed into 1) is the 1st left side opening (23),
Inside the second rotary damper (72), the second lower left channel (48),
It passes through the second lower left opening (29) and flows into the third lower left flow path (56).

The upper left half of the fourth left side opening (33) is open. The notch opening (77) of the fourth rotary damper (74) is positioned in the upper left and opens in the fourth upper left channel (67). The third upper left opening (38) of the third partition plate (34) is
It is in communication. In this state, the fifth upper channel (6
The second air that has flowed into the 1) is the fourth left opening (33),
Inside the fourth rotary damper (74), the fourth upper left channel (67),
It passes through the third upper left opening (38) and flows into the third upper left channel (55).

When switching from the first operation to the second operation, the first adsorption element (81) and the second adsorption element (82) are moved to 90
Rotate by ° (see Fig. 4 (b)). The humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorption element (82) communicates with the third lower left passage (56) and the third central upper passageway (53), and the cooling side passageway (86). Communicate with the third upper left channel (55) and the third central lower channel (54). Also, the first adsorption element (81)
The humidity-control-side passage (85) communicates with the third central lower flow passage (54) and the third upper-right flow passage (51), and the cooling-side passage (8
6) is the third central upper flow path (53) and the third right lower flow path (5
2) communicating with.

As shown in FIG. 4C, in this state, the first air flows into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorbing element (82) from the third lower left passageway (56). To do. While flowing through the humidity-control-side passage (85), the water vapor contained in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. First dehumidified in humidity control side passage (85)
Air flows into the third central upper flow path (53).

On the other hand, the second air flows through the third upper left channel (55).
Flows into the cooling side passageway (86) of the second adsorption element (82). While flowing through the cooling side passageway (86), the second air is
It absorbs the heat of adsorption generated when water vapor is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the humidity control side passageway (85). That is, the second air flows as the cooling fluid in the cooling side passageway (86). The second air that has deprived of the heat of adsorption flows into the third lower central flow path (54). The second air passes through the regenerative heat exchanger (92) while flowing through the third central lower flow path (54). In the regenerative heat exchanger (92), the second air exchanges heat with the refrigerant and absorbs the heat of condensation of the refrigerant.

The second adsorption element (82) and the regenerative heat exchanger (9
The second air heated in 2) is introduced into the humidity adjustment side passageway (85) of the first adsorption element (81). In the humidity control side passageway (85), the adsorbent is heated by the second air, and water vapor is desorbed from the adsorbent. That is, the adsorbent is regenerated. The water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent flows into the third upper right channel (51) together with the second air.

Third central opening (37) of the third partition plate (34)
Are in communication. The cutout opening (77) of the third rotary damper (73) is positioned in the upper left and opens to the fourth central upper flow path (65). 4th right side opening (32)
Has an open bottom half. In this state, the first air dehumidified by the second adsorbing element (82) has the third central upper channel (53), the third central opening (37), and the fourth central upper channel (6) in order.
5), inside the third rotary damper (73), the fourth right side opening (3
Passes through 2) and flows into the fifth lower flow path (62).

While flowing through the fifth lower flow path (62), the first air passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94). In the second cooling heat exchanger (94), the first air exchanges heat with the refrigerant and radiates heat to the refrigerant. Then, the dehumidified and cooled first air is supplied to the room through the air supply side outlet (14).

Second upper right opening (25) of the second partition plate (24)
Are in communication. The cutout opening (77) of the first rotary damper (71) is positioned in the upper right and opens into the second upper right channel (43). 1st right side opening (22)
Has an open bottom half. In this state, the second air flowing out from the first adsorbing element (81) has a third upper right channel (51), a second upper right opening (25), a second upper right channel (43),
It passes through the inside of the first rotary damper (71), the first right side opening (22), and flows into the first lower flow path (42).

While flowing through the first lower flow path (42), the second air passes through the first cooling heat exchanger (93). At this time, the refrigerant is not flowing in the first cooling heat exchanger (93).
Therefore, the second air simply passes through the first cooling heat exchanger (93) and does not absorb or release heat. Then, the second air is discharged to the outside of the room through the exhaust side outlet (16).

As described above, the adsorption operation for the first adsorption element (81) and the regeneration operation for the second adsorption element (82) are performed during the first operation, and the first adsorption element during the second operation. The regeneration operation for (81) and the adsorption operation for the second adsorption element (82) are performed. At that time, each adsorption element (81,8
In the humidity control side passageway (85) of 2), the flow direction of the first air and the flow direction of the second air are reversed.

This point will be described with reference to FIG. 4 by taking the first adsorption element (81) as an example. First adsorption element (81)
During the regeneration operation at, the humidity control side passage (85)
The second air flows from the lower left to the upper right (see FIG. 4 (c)). Therefore, at the end of the regenerating operation, the temperature of the first adsorption element (81) is highest in the lower left portion and gradually decreases as it goes to the upper right.

When the reproducing operation for the first adsorption element (81) is completed, the first adsorption element (81) rotates clockwise by 90 ° (see FIG. 4B), and then the first adsorption element (81). ) Is started. Therefore, at the start of the adsorption operation, the temperature of the first adsorption element (81) is highest in the upper left portion, and the temperature gradually decreases as it advances to the lower right.

The humidity adjusting side passageway (8) of the first adsorption element (81)
In 5), the first air flows from the lower right to the upper left (see FIG. 4A). That is, the first air flows from the low temperature side to the high temperature side of the first adsorption element (81). For a while after the start of the adsorption operation, the first adsorption element (81) is cooled by the first air flowing through the humidity adjustment side passageway (85). Then, when the temperature of the first adsorption element (81) decreases to some extent, the water vapor in the first air starts to be adsorbed by the adsorbent.

<Humidification Operation> As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when the air supply fan (95) is driven during the humidification operation, outdoor air is taken into the casing (10) through the air supply side inlet (13). Be done. This outdoor air is the first as the second air.
It flows into the upper channel (41). On the other hand, when the exhaust fan (96) is driven, room air is taken into the casing (10) through the exhaust side inlet (15). This room air is
It flows into the fifth upper flow path (61) as air.

In the humidifying operation, in the refrigerant circuit,
A refrigeration cycle is performed using the regenerative heat exchanger (92) as a condenser and the first cooling heat exchanger (93) as an evaporator. That is, in the dehumidifying operation, the refrigerant does not flow in the second cooling heat exchanger (94). Then, the air conditioner performs the humidifying operation by alternately repeating the first operation and the second operation.

The first operation of the humidifying operation will be described with reference to FIG. In this first operation, the adsorption operation for the first adsorption element (81) and the regeneration operation for the second adsorption element (82) are performed. That is, during the first operation, the air is humidified by the second adsorption element (82), and the adsorbent of the first adsorption element (81) adsorbs water vapor.

In the first operation, the second partition plate (24) has a second lower right opening (26) and a second upper left opening (2).
8) and the second lower left opening (29) are closed. In the third partition plate (34), the third upper right opening (35), the third
The central opening (37) and the third lower left opening (39) are closed.

The upper half of the first right side opening (22) is open. The cutout opening (77) of the first rotary damper (71) is positioned in the upper right and opens into the second upper right channel (43). The second upper right opening (25) of the second partition plate (24) is
It is in communication. In this state, the first upper channel (4
The second air that has flowed into the 1) is the first right opening (22),
Inside the first rotary damper (71), the second upper right channel (43),
It passes through the second upper right opening (25) and flows into the third upper right channel (51).

The upper right half of the fourth right side opening (32) is open. The cutout opening (77) of the third rotary damper (73) is in the posture located at the lower right, and opens to the fourth lower right channel (64). The third lower right opening (36) of the third partition plate (34) is
It is in communication. In this state, the fifth upper channel (6
1st air which flowed into 1) is the 4th right side opening (32), in order.
Inside the third rotary damper (73), the fourth lower right channel (64),
It passes through the third lower right opening (36) and flows into the third lower right channel (52).

As shown in FIG. 4A, in the first adsorption element (81), the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) has the third lower right passageway (5).
2) and the third central upper flow path (53), and the cooling side passage (86) communicates with the third upper right flow path (51) and the third central lower flow path (54). Also, the second adsorption element (82)
The humidity control side passageway (85) communicates with the third central lower passageway (54) and the third upper left passageway (55), and the cooling side passageway (8)
6) is the third central upper flow path (53) and the third left lower flow path (5
6) communicating with.

In this state, the first air flows from the third lower right channel (52) to the humidity adjusting side passageway (8) of the first adsorption element (81).
Inflow to 5). While flowing through this humidity control side passage (85),
The water vapor contained in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The first air deprived of water in the humidity-control-side passage (85) flows into the third central upper flow path (53).

On the other hand, the second air flows through the third upper right channel (51).
Flows into the cooling side passageway (86) of the first adsorption element (81). While flowing through the cooling side passageway (86), the second air is
It absorbs the heat of adsorption generated when water vapor is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the humidity control side passageway (85). That is, the second air flows as the cooling fluid in the cooling side passageway (86). The second air that has deprived of the heat of adsorption flows into the third lower central flow path (54). The second air passes through the regenerative heat exchanger (92) while flowing through the third central lower flow path (54). In the regenerative heat exchanger (92), the second air exchanges heat with the refrigerant and absorbs the heat of condensation of the refrigerant.

The first adsorption element (81) and the regenerative heat exchanger (9
The second air heated in 2) is introduced into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorption element (82). In the humidity control side passageway (85), the adsorbent is heated by the second air, and water vapor is desorbed from the adsorbent. That is, the adsorbent is regenerated. Then, the water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent is applied to the second air to humidify the second air. The second air humidified in the second adsorption element (82) flows into the third upper left channel (55).

Third upper left opening (38) of the third partition plate (34)
Are in communication. The notch opening (77) of the fourth rotary damper (74) is positioned in the upper left and opens in the fourth upper left channel (67). Fourth left side opening (33)
Has an open bottom half. In this state, the second air humidified by the second adsorbing element (82) has the third upper left channel (55), the third upper left opening (38), the fourth upper left channel (67),
It passes through the inside of the fourth rotary damper (74), the fourth left side opening (33), and flows into the fifth lower flow path (62).

While flowing through the fifth lower flow path (62), the second air passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94). At this time, the refrigerant is not flowing in the second cooling heat exchanger (94).
Therefore, the second air simply passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94) and neither absorbs heat nor radiates heat. Then, the heated and humidified second air is supplied to the room through the air supply side outlet (14).

Second central opening (27) of the second partition plate (24)
Are in communication. The cutout opening (77) of the second rotary damper (72) is positioned in the upper right and opens into the second central upper flow path (45). First left side opening (23)
Has an open bottom half. In this state, the first air deprived of water vapor by the first adsorption element (81) has the third central upper channel (53), the second central opening (27), and the second central upper channel (45) in that order. , Passes through the inside of the second rotary damper (72), the first left side opening (23), and flows into the first lower flow path (42).

While flowing through the first lower flow path (42), the first air passes through the first cooling heat exchanger (93). In the first cooling heat exchanger (93), the first air exchanges heat with the refrigerant, and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit absorbs heat from the first air and evaporates. afterwards,
The first air is discharged to the outside of the room through the exhaust side outlet (16).

The second operation of the humidifying operation will be described with reference to FIG. In this second operation, the adsorption operation for the second adsorption element (82) and the regeneration operation for the first adsorption element (81) are performed. That is, during the second operation, the first adsorption element (81) humidifies the air and the adsorbent of the second adsorption element (82) adsorbs water vapor.

In the second operation, the second partition plate (24) has the second upper right opening (25) and the second lower right opening (2).
6) and the second lower left opening (29) are closed. In the third partition plate (34), the third lower right opening (36), the third
The central opening (37) and the third upper left opening (38) are closed.

The upper half of the first left side opening (23) is open. The cutout opening (77) of the second rotary damper (72) is positioned in the upper left and opens in the second upper left channel (47). The second upper left opening (28) of the second partition plate (24) is
It is in communication. In this state, the first upper channel (4
The second air that has flowed into the 1) is the first left opening (23),
Inside the second rotary damper (72), the second upper left channel (47),
It passes through the second upper left opening (28) and flows into the third upper left channel (55).

The upper half of the fourth left side opening (33) is open. The notch opening (77) of the fourth rotary damper (74) is in the posture of being located at the lower left, and opens into the fourth lower left flow path (68). The third lower left opening (39) of the third partition plate (34) is
It is in communication. In this state, the fifth upper channel (6
1st air which flowed into 1) is the 4th left side opening (33), in order.
Inside the fourth rotary damper (74), the fourth lower left flow path (68),
It passes through the third lower left opening (39) and flows into the third lower left flow path (56).

When switching from the first operation to the second operation, the first adsorption element (81) and the second adsorption element (82) are moved to 90
Rotate by ° (see Fig. 4 (b)). And FIG. 4 (c)
As also shown, the second adsorption element (82) has its humidity control side passageway (85) communicating with the third left lower flow passage (56) and the third central upper flow passage (53), and its cooling side. The passage (86) is in communication with the third upper left channel (55) and the third central lower channel (54). Further, in the first adsorption element (81), the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) communicates with the third central lower passageway (54) and the third upper right passageway (51), and the cooling side passageway (86). Is in communication with the third central upper flow path (53) and the third lower right flow path (52).

In this state, the first air flows from the third lower left channel (56) to the humidity adjusting side passageway (8) of the second adsorption element (82).
Inflow to 5). While flowing through this humidity control side passage (85),
The water vapor contained in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The first air deprived of water in the humidity-control-side passage (85) flows into the third central upper flow path (53).

On the other hand, the second air flows through the third upper left channel (55).
Flows into the cooling side passageway (86) of the second adsorption element (82). While flowing through the cooling side passageway (86), the second air is
It absorbs the heat of adsorption generated when water vapor is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the humidity control side passageway (85). That is, the second air flows as the cooling fluid in the cooling side passageway (86). The second air that has deprived of the heat of adsorption flows into the third lower central flow path (54). The second air passes through the regenerative heat exchanger (92) while flowing through the third central lower flow path (54). In the regenerative heat exchanger (92), the second air exchanges heat with the refrigerant and absorbs the heat of condensation of the refrigerant.

The second adsorption element (82) and the regenerative heat exchanger (9
The second air heated in 2) is introduced into the humidity adjustment side passageway (85) of the first adsorption element (81). In the humidity control side passageway (85), the adsorbent is heated by the second air, and water vapor is desorbed from the adsorbent. That is, the adsorbent is regenerated. Then, the water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent is applied to the second air to humidify the second air. The second air humidified in the first adsorption element (81) flows into the third upper right channel (51).

Third upper right opening (35) of the third partition plate (34)
Are in communication. The notch opening (77) of the third rotary damper (73) is positioned in the upper right and opens in the fourth upper right channel (63). 4th right side opening (32)
Has an open bottom half. In this state, the second air that has been humidified by the first adsorption element (81) has the third upper right channel (51), the third upper right opening (35), the fourth upper right channel (63),
It passes through the inside of the third rotary damper (73), the fourth right side opening (32), and flows into the fifth lower flow path (62).

While flowing through the fifth lower flow path (62), the second air passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94). At this time, the refrigerant is not flowing in the second cooling heat exchanger (94).
Therefore, the second air simply passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94) and neither absorbs heat nor radiates heat. Then, the heated and humidified second air is supplied to the room through the air supply side outlet (14).

Second central opening (27) of the second partition plate (24)
Are in communication. The cutout opening (77) of the first rotary damper (71) is positioned in the upper left and opens to the second central upper flow path (45). 1st right side opening (22)
Has an open bottom half. In this state, the first air deprived of water vapor by the second adsorption element (82) sequentially has a third central upper flow path (53), a second central opening (27), and a second central upper flow path (45). , Passes through the inside of the first rotary damper (71), the first right side opening (22), and flows into the first lower flow path (42).

While flowing through the first lower flow path (42), the first air passes through the first cooling heat exchanger (93). In the first cooling heat exchanger (93), the first air exchanges heat with the refrigerant, and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit absorbs heat from the first air and evaporates. afterwards,
The first air is discharged to the outside of the room through the exhaust side outlet (16).

As described above, the adsorption operation for the first adsorption element (81) and the regeneration operation for the second adsorption element (82) are performed during the first operation, and the first adsorption element during the second operation. The regeneration operation for (81) and the adsorption operation for the second adsorption element (82) are performed. At that time, each adsorption element (81,8
In the humidity control side passageway (85) of 2), the flow direction of the first air and the flow direction of the second air are reversed. This point is the same as in the dehumidifying operation.

-Effect of Embodiment 1-In the present embodiment, in the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first and second adsorbing elements (81, 82), adsorption is carried out in the direction opposite to the second air during regeneration operation. The first air during operation is flowing. That is, when starting the adsorption operation, the first air is introduced from the side of the adsorption element (81, 82) having a higher temperature.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, when the adsorption element (81, 82) is cooled with the first air immediately after the adsorption operation is started, the temperature difference between the adsorption element (81, 82) and the first air is increased. Can be sufficiently secured, and the temperature of the adsorption element (81, 82) can be promptly lowered. As a result, the time required to cool the adsorption element (81, 82) after regeneration can be shortened, and the time until water vapor starts to be adsorbed by the adsorbent can be shortened. A sufficient amount of water vapor to be adsorbed can be secured.

Particularly, in the present embodiment, the adsorption element (81, 8
A cooling side passage (86) is formed in 2), and the heat of adsorption generated during the adsorption operation is taken away by the second air. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the first air due to the generated heat of adsorption. As a result, the relative humidity of the first air flowing through the humidity control side passageway (85) of the adsorption element (81, 82) can be kept high, and the amount of water vapor adsorbed by the adsorption element (81, 82) can be further increased. Can be made.

[0115]

Embodiment 2 The air conditioner according to this embodiment is equipped with two adsorbing elements (81, 82) and performs a batch type operation. It is configured to switch between the dehumidifying operation and the humidifying operation. This point is the same as the first embodiment. However, in addition to the dehumidifying operation and the humidifying operation, the air conditioner of the present embodiment is also configured to be capable of performing the outside air cooling operation of supplying the taken outside air as it is into the room. In addition, the air conditioner of the present embodiment has the adsorption element (81, 82).
It is configured to switch between the first operation and the second operation while fixing the.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the air conditioner includes a rather flat casing (10) in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The casing (10) accommodates two adsorption elements (81, 82) and one refrigerant circuit. The adsorbing elements (81, 82) and the refrigerant circuit are configured similarly to those in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, in the casing (10), the outdoor side panel (11) is located closest to the front side.
Is provided, and the indoor side panel (12) is provided at the innermost side. An air supply side inlet (13) is formed near the right end of the outdoor side panel (11), and an exhaust side outlet (16) is formed near the left end thereof. On the other hand, in the indoor side panel (12), an air supply side outlet (14) is formed in the upper right corner thereof, and an exhaust side inlet (15) is formed in the lower left corner thereof.

Inside the casing (10), the first partition member (100), the second partition member (120), the third partition member (130), and the fourth partition member are arranged in this order from the front side to the back side. A member (140) is provided. The inner space of the casing (10) is divided into front and rear by these first to fourth partition members (100, ...).

The outdoor side panel (11) and the first partition member (10
The space between 0) is divided into an upper first upper flow path (171) and a lower first lower flow path (172). The first upper flow path (171) is communicated with the outdoor space by the exhaust side outlet (16). An exhaust fan (96) and a first cooling heat exchanger (93) are installed in the first upper flow path (171). The first lower flow path (172) is connected to the outdoor space by the air supply side inlet (13). This first lower channel (17
Air supply fan (95) is installed in 2).

However, of the space between the outdoor side panel (11) and the first partition member (100), the part from the left end is a closed mechanical room. The refrigerant circuit compressor (91)
It is installed in this machine room.

The first partition member (100) includes a first right front partition plate (101), a first left front partition plate (102), a first right partition plate (104), a first left partition plate (105), and It is composed of a first upper and lower partition plate (103).

The first right front partition plate (101) and the first left front partition plate (102) have a long side substantially equal to the height of the casing (10), and a short side of which is about 1/4 of the horizontal width of the casing (10). Are formed in a rectangular shape. The first right front partition plate (101) is erected on the right side of the casing (10) in a posture parallel to the outdoor side panel (11). The first left front partition plate (102) is erected on the left side of the casing (10) in a posture parallel to the outdoor side panel (11).

The first right partition plate (104) and the first left partition plate (105) are each formed in a vertically long rectangular shape whose long sides are substantially equal to the height of the casing (10). The first right partition plate (104) has a long side on the front side of the first right front partition plate (1).
01) Same as the left long side and the first right front partition plate (101)
It stands upright in a posture orthogonal to. The first right partition plate (104) has a first upper right opening (111) formed in an upper portion thereof and a first lower right opening (112) formed in a lower portion thereof. The first left side partition plate (105) has the long side on the front side as the first side.
The left front partition plate (102) is erected in a posture that coincides with the right long side and is orthogonal to the first left front partition plate (102). The first left partition plate (105) has a first upper left opening (114) formed in an upper portion thereof and a first lower left opening (115) formed in a lower portion thereof.

The first upper and lower partition plates (103) have long sides substantially equal to the lateral width of the casing (10) and short sides equal to the short sides of the first right partition plate (104) and the first left partition plate (105). It is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape. This first upper and lower partition plate (10
3) is the first right front partition (101) and the first left front partition (10
2), the first right partition plate (104), and the first left partition plate (10
It is installed in a posture orthogonal to each of 5). The first upper and lower partition plates (103) are arranged at the center of the height of the casing (10). Furthermore, the first upper and lower partition plates (10
In 3), a first right upper and lower opening (113) is formed in a portion on the right side of the first right partition plate (104), and the first left partition plate (10) is formed.
A first upper left lower opening (116) is formed in a portion on the left side of 5).

With the first partition member (100), the second upper right channel (173), the second lower right channel (174), and the second central upper channel (175) are provided in the casing (10). , A second lower central flow path (176), a second upper left flow path (177), and a second lower left flow path (178). Specifically, on the right side of the first right partition plate (104), the first upper and lower partition plates (10
A second upper right channel (173) is formed on the upper side of 3), and a second lower right channel (174) is formed on the lower side thereof. Between the first right partition plate (104) and the first left partition plate (105), the second central upper flow path (175) is provided above the first upper and lower partition plates (103).
Is formed, and the second central lower channel (176) is formed on the lower side thereof. On the left side of the first left partition plate (105), a second upper left channel (177) is formed on the upper side of the first upper and lower partition plate (103), and a second lower left channel (178) is formed on the lower side thereof. Has been formed.

The second upper right channel (173) and the second central upper channel (175) can communicate with each other through the first upper right opening (111). The second lower right flow path (174) and the second central lower flow path (176) can communicate with each other through the first lower right opening (112). The second upper right channel (173) and the second lower lower channel (174) can communicate with each other through the first right upper and lower openings (113). Each of these openings (111, 112, 113) is opened and closed by an opening / closing shutter that is a switching mechanism.

The second upper left channel (177) and the second central upper channel (175) can communicate with each other through the first upper left opening (114). The second lower left channel (178) and the second central lower channel (176) can communicate with each other through the first lower left opening (115). The second upper left channel (177) and the second lower left channel (178) can communicate with each other through the first upper left lower opening (116). Each of these openings (114, 115, 116) is opened / closed by an opening / closing shutter that is a switching mechanism.

Between the second central upper flow channel (175) and the first upper flow channel (171) and between the second central lower flow channel (176) and the first lower flow channel (172) are both It is not partitioned by the partition member (100). Therefore, the second central upper channel (17
5) is always in communication with the first upper channel (171),
The central lower channel (176) is always in communication with the first lower channel (172).

The second partition member (120) and the third partition member (13
Two adsorption elements (81, 82) are arranged side by side between 0). Specifically, the first adsorption element (81) is provided on the right side, and the second adsorption element (82) is provided on the left side. The adsorption elements (81, 82) are arranged in parallel with each other in a posture in which the longitudinal direction thereof coincides with the longitudinal direction of the casing (10). Further, as also shown in FIG. 10, these adsorption elements (81, 82) are installed in such a manner that their end faces form a rhombus obtained by rotating a square by 45 °. That is, each of the adsorption elements (81, 82) is installed in such a posture that one of the diagonal lines on the end face thereof is aligned with each other.

Further, between the second partition member (120) and the third partition member (130), the regenerative heat exchanger (92) of the refrigerant circuit is provided.
And a switching shutter (160) are installed. The regenerative heat exchanger (92) is formed in a flat plate shape. The front-rear length of the regenerative heat exchanger (92) is substantially equal to the front-rear length of the adsorption element (81, 82). This regenerative heat exchanger (92) is the first
It is installed in a substantially horizontal position between the adsorption element (81) and the second adsorption element (82). The regenerative heat exchanger (92) is arranged on a straight line connecting the centers of the end faces of the adsorption elements (81, 82) to each other. In this regenerative heat exchanger (92), air flows vertically.

The switching shutter (160) includes a shutter plate (16
2) and a pair of side plates (161) constitute a switching mechanism. Each side plate (161) is formed in a semicircular plate shape. The diameter of each side plate (161) is almost the same as the left-right width of the regenerative heat exchanger (92). This side plate (161)
The regeneration heat exchanger (92) is provided with one along the front and the other on the rear end surface. Meanwhile, shutter plate (162)
Is extended from one side plate (161) to the other side plate (161) and is formed into a curved plate shape that curves along the peripheral edge of each side plate (161). The central angle of the curved surface of the shutter plate (162) is 90 °, and covers half of the regenerative heat exchanger (92) in the left-right direction. The shutter plate (162) is configured to move along the peripheral edge of the side plate (161). And the switching shutter (160)
A state in which the shutter plate (162) covers the right half of the regenerative heat exchanger (92) (see FIG. 10A) and a state in which the shutter plate (162) covers the left half of the regenerative heat exchanger (92) ( (See FIG. 10B)).

The second partition member (120) and the third partition member (13
0) is divided into upper and lower parts, and at the same time, the upper and lower spaces are divided into the first and second adsorption elements (81, 82) and the switching shutter (160).
It is divided by the left and right. Specifically, on the right side of the first adsorption element (81), an upper third upper right channel (181) and a lower third lower right channel (182) are formed. On the upper side between the first adsorption element (81) and the second adsorption element (82), the third central upper right channel (183) on the right side of the switching shutter (160) and the left side of the switching shutter (160). 3 Central upper left flow path (184) is defined. At the lower side between the first adsorption element (81) and the second adsorption element (82), the third
The lower central flow path (185) is partitioned and formed. On the left side of the second adsorption element (82), the upper third upper left channel (186)
And the lower third lower left flow path (187) are defined.

As described above, the adsorption element (81, 82) is provided with the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) and the cooling side passageway (86). In the first adsorption element (81), the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) communicates with the third central upper right passage (183) and the third lower right passage (182), and the cooling side passageway (86). ) Is installed so as to communicate with the third upper right channel (181) and the third lower central channel (185). On the other hand, the second adsorption element (82)
The humidity control side passageway (85) is located at the third central upper left passage (18
4) and the third lower left flow passage (187), and the cooling side passage (86) is installed so as to communicate with the third upper left flow passage (186) and the third central lower flow passage (185). ing.

Six openings are formed in the second partition member (120). The second upper right opening (121) opening at the upper right corner connects the second upper right channel (173) and the third upper right channel (181). The second lower right opening (122) opening at the lower right corner connects the second lower right channel (174) and the third lower right channel (182). The second central right opening (123) that opens to the right above the center is the second
The upper right channel (173) and the third upper right channel (181) are in communication. A second central left opening (124) that opens to the left of the upper center portion communicates the second upper left channel (177) and the third upper left channel (186). A second upper left opening (125) that opens at the upper left corner connects the second upper left passage (177) and the third upper left passage (186). The second lower left opening (126) that opens at the lower left corner connects the second lower left flow path (178) and the third lower left flow path (187).
Each of these openings (121, ...) Is opened and closed by an opening / closing shutter that is a switching mechanism.

The fourth partition member (140) includes a fourth right rear partition plate (141), a fourth left rear partition plate (142), a fourth right partition plate (144), and a fourth left partition plate (145). , And a fourth upper and lower partition plate (143).

In the fourth right rear partition plate (141) and the fourth left rear partition plate (142), the long side is substantially equal to the height of the casing (10), and the short side is about 1/4 of the lateral width of the casing (10). Are formed in a vertically long rectangular shape. The fourth right rear partition plate (141) is erected on the right side of the casing (10) in a posture parallel to the indoor side panel (12). The fourth left rear partition plate (142) is erected on the left side of the casing (10) in a posture parallel to the indoor side panel (12).

The fourth right partition plate (144) and the fourth left partition plate (145) are each formed in a vertically long rectangular shape whose long sides are substantially equal to the height of the casing (10). The fourth right partition plate (144) has a long right side on the back side of the fourth right rear partition plate (14).
It is erected in a posture that coincides with the left long side of 1) and is orthogonal to the fourth right rear partition plate (141). A fourth upper right opening (151) is formed in the upper portion of the fourth right partition plate (144), and a fourth lower right opening (152) is formed in the lower portion thereof. The fourth left partition plate (145) is erected in such a manner that its back long side matches the right long side of the fourth left rear partition plate (142) and is orthogonal to the fourth left rear partition plate (142). Has been done. The fourth left partition plate (145) has a fourth upper left opening (1
54) is formed, and a fourth lower left opening (155) is formed in the lower part thereof.

The fourth upper and lower partition plates (143) have long sides substantially equal to the lateral width of the casing (10) and short sides equal to the short sides of the fourth right partition plate (144) and the fourth left partition plate (145). It is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape. This 4th upper and lower partition plate (14
3) is the fourth right rear partition plate (141) and the fourth left rear partition plate (14)
2), fourth right partition plate (144), and fourth left partition plate (14
It is installed in a posture orthogonal to each of 5). The fourth upper and lower partition plates (143) are arranged at the center of the height of the casing (10). Furthermore, the fourth upper and lower partition plates (14
3), a fourth right upper and lower opening (153) is formed in a portion on the right side of the fourth right partition plate (144), and the fourth left partition plate (14) is formed.
A fourth upper left lower opening (156) is formed on the left side of 5).

By the fourth partition member (140), the fourth upper right channel (193), the fourth lower right channel (194), and the fourth central upper channel (195) are provided in the casing (10). , A fourth central lower flow channel (196), a fourth upper left flow channel (197), and a fourth lower left flow channel (198). Specifically, on the right side of the fourth right partition plate (144), the fourth upper and lower partition plates (14
A fourth upper right channel (193) is formed on the upper side of 3) and a fourth lower right channel (194) is formed on the lower side thereof. Between the fourth right partition plate (144) and the fourth left partition plate (145), the fourth central upper flow path (195) is provided above the fourth upper and lower partition plates (143).
Is formed, and a fourth central lower channel (196) is formed on the lower side thereof. On the left side of the fourth left partition plate (145), the fourth upper left channel (197) is formed on the upper side of the fourth upper and lower partition plate (143), and the fourth lower left channel (198) is formed on the lower side thereof. Has been formed.

The fourth upper right channel (193) and the fourth central upper channel (195) can communicate with each other through the fourth upper right opening (151). The fourth lower right channel (194) and the fourth central lower channel (196) can communicate with each other through the fourth lower right opening (152). The fourth upper right channel (193) and the fourth lower lower channel (194) can communicate with each other through a fourth right upper and lower opening (153). Each of these openings (151, 152, 153) is opened / closed by an opening / closing shutter that is a switching mechanism.

The fourth upper left channel (197) and the fourth central upper channel (195) can communicate with each other through the fourth upper left opening (154). The fourth lower left flow path (198) and the fourth central lower flow path (196) can communicate with each other through the fourth lower left opening (155). The fourth upper left channel (197) and the fourth lower lower channel (198) can communicate with each other through the fourth upper left lower opening (156). Each of these openings (154, 155, 156) is opened and closed by an opening / closing shutter that is a switching mechanism.

Six openings are formed in the third partition plate. The third upper right opening (13
1) is the third upper right channel (181) and the fourth upper right channel (19)
3) is in communication with. Third opening in the lower right corner
The lower right opening (132) allows the third lower right channel (182) and the fourth lower right channel (194) to communicate with each other. A third central right opening (133) that opens to the right of the central upper part communicates the third central upper right channel (183) with the fourth central upper channel (195). The third central left opening (134) that opens to the left of the central upper part communicates the third central upper left channel (184) with the fourth central upper channel (195). The third upper left opening (135) that opens at the upper left corner is the third upper left channel (18
6) is in communication with the fourth upper left channel (197). The third lower left opening (136) opening at the lower left corner connects the third lower left flow path (187) and the fourth lower left flow path (198). Each of these openings (151, ...) Is opened and closed by an opening / closing shutter that is a switching mechanism.

The indoor side panel (12) and the fourth partition member (14
The space between 0) is divided into an upper fifth upper channel (191) and a lower fifth lower channel (192). The fifth upper flow path (191) is connected to the indoor space by the air supply side outlet (14). A second cooling heat exchanger (94) is installed in the fifth upper flow path (191). On the other hand, the fifth lower flow path (192) is connected to the indoor space by the exhaust side inlet (15).

-Operational Behavior-The operational behavior of the air conditioner will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, this air conditioner switches between the dehumidifying operation, the humidifying operation, and the outside air cooling operation. The outside air cooling operation is performed when the outside air temperature is lower than the inside air temperature as in the middle period.

<Dehumidification Operation> As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the air supply fan (95) is driven during the dehumidification operation, outdoor air is taken into the casing (10) through the air supply side inlet (13). Be done. The outdoor air flows into the first lower flow path (172) as the first air. On the other hand, when the exhaust fan (96) is driven, room air is taken into the casing (10) through the exhaust side inlet (15). This room air flows into the fifth lower flow path (192) as the second air.

In the dehumidifying operation, in the refrigerant circuit,
A refrigeration cycle is performed using the regenerative heat exchanger (92) as a condenser and the second cooling heat exchanger (94) as an evaporator. That is, in the dehumidifying operation, the refrigerant does not flow in the first cooling heat exchanger (93). Then, the air conditioner performs the dehumidifying operation by alternately repeating the first operation and the second operation.

The first operation of the dehumidifying operation will be described with reference to FIGS. In this first operation, the first
The adsorption operation for the adsorption element (81) and the regeneration operation for the second adsorption element (82) are performed. That is, the first
In operation, the air is dehumidified in the first adsorption element (81), and at the same time, the adsorbent in the second adsorption element (82) is regenerated.

As shown in FIG. 11, the first partition member (10
0), the first lower right opening (112) and the first upper left opening (114)
And the first lower left opening (116) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (111, 113, 115) are in a blocked state. In this state, the first lower right opening (112) communicates with the second lower central flow path (176) and the second lower right flow path (174), and the first upper left opening (114) causes the second upper left flow path. (177) communicates with the second central upper flow path (175), and the first upper left lower opening (116)
The second upper left channel (177) and the second lower left channel (17)
8) is communicated.

In the second partition member (120), the second lower right opening (122) and the second lower left opening (126) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (121, 123, 124, 125) are in closed state. In this state, the second lower right opening (122) allows the second
The lower right flow path (174) and the third lower right flow path (182) are communicated with each other, and the second lower left flow path (126) causes the second lower left flow path (17).
8) communicates with the third lower left channel (187).

In the switching shutter (160), the shutter plate (1
62) has moved to a position that covers the right half of the regenerative heat exchanger (92). In this state, the third central lower flow path (185) and the third central upper left flow path (184) are communicated with each other via the regenerative heat exchanger (92).

In the third partition member (130), the third upper right opening (131) and the third central right opening (133) are in communication with each other,
The remaining openings (132, 134, 135, 136) are blocked. In this state, the third upper right opening (131) causes the third
The upper right channel (181) and the fourth upper right channel (193) communicate with each other, and the third central right opening (133) causes the third central upper right channel (183) and the fourth central upper channel (195). Are communicated.

In the fourth partition member (140), the fourth lower right opening (152) and the fourth upper right upper opening (153) are in communication with each other,
The remaining openings (151, 154, 155, 156) are blocked. In this state, the fourth lower right opening (152) allows the fourth
The lower central flow path (196) and the fourth lower right flow path (194) communicate with each other, and the fourth lower right flow path (153) allows the fourth lower right flow path (1
94) communicates with the fourth upper right channel (193).

The first air taken into the casing (10) flows through the first lower flow path (172), the second central lower flow path (176),
Flowing through the second lower right channel (174) in order, the second lower right opening (12
It flows through 2) and flows into the third lower right channel (182). on the other hand,
The second air taken into the casing (10) has a fifth lower flow path (192), a fourth central lower flow path (196), a fourth right lower flow path (194), and a fourth upper right flow path (193). ), And flows into the third upper right channel (181) through the third upper right opening (131).

As also shown in FIG. 10A, the first air in the third lower right channel (182) flows into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first adsorbing element (81). While flowing through the humidity-control-side passage (85), the water vapor contained in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The first air dehumidified by the first adsorbing element (81) becomes the third air.
It flows into the central upper right channel (183).

On the other hand, the second air in the third upper right channel (181) flows into the cooling side passage (86) of the first adsorption element (81). While flowing through the cooling side passageway (86), the second air is
It absorbs the heat of adsorption generated when water vapor is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the humidity control side passageway (85). That is, the second air flows as the cooling fluid in the cooling side passageway (86). The second air that has absorbed the heat of adsorption flows into the third lower central flow path (185). Third
The second air in the central lower flow path (185) is regenerated by the heat exchanger (9
Passes through 2) and flows into the third central upper left channel (184).
At that time, in the regenerative heat exchanger (92), the second air exchanges heat with the refrigerant to absorb the heat of condensation of the refrigerant.

The first adsorption element (81) and the regenerative heat exchanger (9
The second air heated in 2) is introduced into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorption element (82). In the humidity control side passageway (85), the adsorbent is heated by the second air, and water vapor is desorbed from the adsorbent. That is, the regeneration of the second adsorption element (82) is performed. The water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent flows into the third lower left channel (187) together with the second air.

As shown in FIG. 11, the dehumidified first air flowing into the third central upper right channel (183) passes through the third central right opening (133) and the fourth central upper channel (183). 195),
Then, it is sent to the fifth upper channel (191). While flowing through the fifth lower flow path (192), the first air passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94). In the second cooling heat exchanger (94), the first air exchanges heat with the refrigerant and radiates heat to the refrigerant. Then, the dehumidified and cooled first air is
It is supplied indoors through the air supply side outlet (14).

On the other hand, the second air flowing into the third lower left flow passage (187) has a second left lower flow passage (178), a second upper left flow passage (177), and a second central upper flow passage (175). ), And then flows into the first upper flow path (171). First upper channel (17
While flowing through 1), the second air flows into the first cooling heat exchanger (93).
Pass through. At this time, the refrigerant is not flowing in the first cooling heat exchanger (93). Therefore, the second air simply passes through the first cooling heat exchanger (93) and does not absorb or release heat. Then, the second air used for cooling the first adsorption element (81) and for regenerating the second adsorption element (82) is discharged to the outside through the exhaust side outlet (16).

The second operation of the dehumidifying operation will be described with reference to FIGS. In this second operation, the first
Contrary to the operation, the air is dehumidified by the second adsorption element (82), and at the same time, the adsorbent of the first adsorption element (81) is regenerated.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first partition member (10
0), the first upper right opening (111) and the first upper right upper opening (11)
3) and the first lower left opening (115) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (112, 114, 116) are in a blocking state. In this state, the first upper right opening (111) communicates with the second central upper flow path (175) and the second upper right flow path (173), and the first right upper and lower opening (113) causes the second upper right flow path. (173) and the second
The lower right channel (174) is connected to the second lower lower channel (178) and the second central lower channel (17) through the first lower left opening (115).
6) is communicated.

In the second partition member (120), the second lower right opening (122) and the second lower left opening (126) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (121, 123, 124, 125) are in closed state. In this state, the second lower right opening (122) allows the second
The lower right flow path (174) and the third lower right flow path (182) are communicated with each other, and the second lower left flow path (126) causes the second lower left flow path (17).
8) communicates with the third lower left channel (187).

In the switching shutter (160), the shutter plate (1
62) has moved to a position that covers the left half of the regenerative heat exchanger (92). In this state, the third central lower flow passage (185) and the third central upper right flow passage (183) are communicated with each other via the regenerative heat exchanger (92).

In the third partition member (130), the third upper left opening (135) and the third central left opening (134) are in communication with each other,
The remaining openings (131, 132, 133, 136) are blocked. In this state, the third upper left channel (186) and the fourth upper left channel (197) communicate with each other through the third upper left opening (135),
The third central left opening (134) allows the third central upper left channel (1
84) communicates with the fourth central upper flow path (195).

In the fourth partition member (140), the fourth lower left opening (155) and the fourth upper left lower opening (156) are in communication with each other,
The remaining openings (151, 152, 153, 154) are blocked. In this state, the fourth lower left opening (155) causes the fourth
The lower central flow path (196) and the fourth lower left flow path (198) are communicated with each other, and the fourth lower left flow path (1) is formed by the fourth upper left lower opening (156).
98) communicates with the fourth upper left channel (197).

The first air taken into the casing (10) flows through the first lower flow path (172), the second central lower flow path (176),
Flowing through the second lower left channel (178) in order, the second lower left opening (12
It flows through 6) into the third lower left channel (187). on the other hand,
The second air taken into the casing (10) has a fifth lower flow path (192), a fourth central lower flow path (196), a fourth left lower flow path (198), and a fourth upper left flow path (197). ), And flows into the third upper left channel (186) through the third upper left opening (135).

As also shown in FIG. 10B, the first air in the third lower left channel (187) flows into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorbing element (82). While flowing through the humidity-control-side passage (85), the water vapor contained in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The first air dehumidified by the second adsorption element (82) becomes the third air.
It flows into the central upper left channel (184).

On the other hand, the second air in the third upper left channel (186) flows into the cooling side passage (86) of the second adsorption element (82). While flowing through the cooling side passageway (86), the second air is
It absorbs the heat of adsorption generated when water vapor is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the humidity control side passageway (85). That is, the second air flows as the cooling fluid in the cooling side passageway (86). The second air that has absorbed the heat of adsorption flows into the third lower central flow path (185). Third
The second air in the central lower flow path (185) is regenerated by the heat exchanger (9
Passes through 2) and flows into the third central upper right channel (183).
At that time, in the regenerative heat exchanger (92), the second air exchanges heat with the refrigerant to absorb the heat of condensation of the refrigerant.

The second adsorption element (82) and the regenerative heat exchanger (9
The second air heated in 2) is introduced into the humidity adjustment side passageway (85) of the first adsorption element (81). In the humidity control side passageway (85), the adsorbent is heated by the second air, and water vapor is desorbed from the adsorbent. That is, the regeneration of the first adsorption element (81) is performed. The water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent flows into the third lower right channel (182) together with the second air.

As shown in FIG. 12, the dehumidified first air flowing into the third central upper left channel (184) passes through the third central left opening (134) and the fourth central upper channel (). 195),
Then, it is sent to the fifth upper channel (191). While flowing through the fifth upper flow path (191), the first air passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94). In the second cooling heat exchanger (94), the first air exchanges heat with the refrigerant and radiates heat to the refrigerant. Then, the dehumidified and cooled first air is
It is supplied indoors through the air supply side outlet (14).

On the other hand, the second air flowing into the third lower right flow passage (182) has a second lower right flow passage (174), a second upper right flow passage (173) and a second central upper flow passage (175). ), And then flows into the first upper flow path (171). First upper channel (17
While flowing through 1), the second air flows into the first cooling heat exchanger (93).
Pass through. At this time, the refrigerant is not flowing in the first cooling heat exchanger (93). Therefore, the second air simply passes through the first cooling heat exchanger (93) and does not absorb or release heat. Then, the second air used for cooling the first adsorption element (81) and for regenerating the second adsorption element (82) is discharged to the outside through the exhaust side outlet (16).

As described above, the adsorption operation for the first adsorption element (81) and the regeneration operation for the second adsorption element (82) are performed during the first operation, and the first adsorption element during the second operation. The regeneration operation for (81) and the adsorption operation for the second adsorption element (82) are performed. At that time, each adsorption element (81,8
In the humidity control side passageway (85) of 2), the flow direction of the first air and the flow direction of the second air are reversed.

This point will be described with reference to FIG. 10 by taking the first adsorption element (81) as an example. First adsorption element (8
During the regeneration operation in 1), the second air flows from the upper left to the lower right in the humidity-control-side passage (85) (FIG. 10).
(See (b)). Therefore, at the end of the regenerating operation, the temperature of the first adsorption element (81) is highest in the upper left portion,
It decreases gradually as you progress to the lower right.

When the reproducing operation for the first adsorption element (81) is completed, the adsorption operation for the first adsorption element (81) is subsequently started. In the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first adsorption element (81), the first air flows from the lower right side to the upper left side (see FIG. 10 (a)). That is, the first air flows from the low temperature side to the high temperature side of the first adsorption element (81). For a while after the start of the adsorption operation, the first adsorption element (81) is cooled by the first air flowing through the humidity adjustment side passageway (85). Then, when the temperature of the first adsorption element (81) decreases to some extent, the water vapor in the first air starts to be adsorbed by the adsorbent.

<Humidification Operation> As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the air supply fan (95) is driven during the humidification operation, outdoor air is taken into the casing (10) through the air supply side inlet (13). Be done. The outdoor air flows into the first lower flow path (172) as second air. On the other hand, when the exhaust fan (96) is driven, room air is taken into the casing (10) through the exhaust side inlet (15). This room air flows into the fifth lower flow path (192) as the first air.

In the humidifying operation, in the refrigerant circuit,
A refrigeration cycle is performed using the regenerative heat exchanger (92) as a condenser and the first cooling heat exchanger (93) as an evaporator. That is, in the humidifying operation, the refrigerant does not flow in the second cooling heat exchanger (94). Then, the air conditioner performs the humidifying operation by alternately repeating the first operation and the second operation.

The first operation of the humidifying operation will be described with reference to FIGS. In this first operation, the first
The adsorption operation for the adsorption element (81) and the regeneration operation for the second adsorption element (82) are performed. That is, the first
In operation, the second adsorption element (82) humidifies the air,
The adsorbent of the adsorption element (81) adsorbs water vapor.

As shown in FIG. 13, the first partition member (10
0), the first lower right opening (112) and the first lower right opening (11)
3) is in communication with the other openings (111, 114, 115, 11
6) is shut off. In this state, the first lower right opening (112) communicates with the second central lower flow path (176) and the second lower right flow path (174), and the first right upper and lower opening (113) causes the second upper right flow. Road (173) and second lower right channel (174)
Are communicated.

In the second partition member (120), the second upper right opening (121) and the second central right opening (123) are in communication with each other,
The remaining openings (122, 124, 125, 126) are blocked. In this state, the second upper right opening (121) allows the second
The right upper flow path (173) and the third upper right flow path (181) communicate with each other, and the second central right opening (123) causes the second central upper flow path (175) and the third central right flow path (183). Are communicated.

In the switching shutter (160), the shutter plate (1
62) has moved to a position that covers the right half of the regenerative heat exchanger (92). In this state, the third central lower flow path (185) and the third central upper left flow path (184) are communicated with each other via the regenerative heat exchanger (92).

In the third partition member (130), the third lower right opening (132) and the third lower left opening (136) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (131, 133, 134, 135) are in a blocking state. In this state, the third lower right opening (132) allows the third
The lower right flow path (182) and the fourth lower right flow path (194) are communicated with each other, and the third lower left flow path (136) causes the third lower left flow path (18).
7) and the fourth lower left channel (198) are connected.

The fourth partition member (140) has a fourth lower right opening (152), a fourth upper left opening (154) and a fourth upper left lower opening (15).
6) is in communication with the rest of the openings (151, 153, 155). In this state, the fourth lower center flow passage (196) and the fourth lower right flow passage (194) communicate with each other through the fourth lower right opening (152), and the fourth upper central flow passage through the fourth upper left opening (154). (195) communicates with the fourth upper left channel (197), and the fourth lower left channel (198) communicates with the fourth lower left channel (198) and the fourth upper left channel (197).

The first air taken into the casing (10) flows through the fifth lower flow path (192), the fourth central lower flow path (196),
Flowing through the fourth lower right channel (194) in order, the third lower right opening (13
It flows through 2) and flows into the third lower right channel (182). on the other hand,
The second air taken into the casing (10) has a first lower flow path (172), a second central lower flow path (176), a second right lower flow path (174), and a second upper right flow path (173). ) Through the second upper right opening (121) and then into the third upper right channel (181).

As shown in FIG. 10 (a), the first air in the third lower right channel (182) flows into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first adsorbing element (81). While flowing through the humidity-control-side passage (85), the water vapor contained in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The first air dewatered by the first adsorption element (81) is
It flows into the third central upper right channel (183).

On the other hand, the second air in the third upper right channel (181) flows into the cooling side passage (86) of the first adsorption element (81). While flowing through the cooling side passageway (86), the second air is
It absorbs the heat of adsorption generated when water vapor is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the humidity control side passageway (85). That is, the second air flows as the cooling fluid in the cooling side passageway (86). The second air that has absorbed the heat of adsorption flows into the third lower central flow path (185). Third
The second air in the central lower flow path (185) is regenerated by the heat exchanger (9
Passes through 2) and flows into the third central upper left channel (184).
At that time, in the regenerative heat exchanger (92), the second air exchanges heat with the refrigerant to absorb the heat of condensation of the refrigerant.

The first adsorption element (81) and the regenerative heat exchanger (9
The second air heated in 2) is introduced into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorption element (82). In the humidity control side passageway (85), the adsorbent is heated by the second air, and water vapor is desorbed from the adsorbent. That is, the regeneration of the second adsorption element (82) is performed. Then, the water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent is applied to the second air to humidify the second air. The second air humidified by the second adsorption element (82) then flows into the third lower left flow path (187).

As shown in FIG. 13, the third lower left channel (18
The humidified second air flowing into 7) flows into the fourth lower left passage (1
98), the fourth upper left channel (197), the fourth central upper channel (19)
5) sequentially, and then flow into the fifth upper flow path (191). The second air passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94) while flowing through the fifth lower flow path (192). At this time, the refrigerant is not flowing in the second cooling heat exchanger (94). Therefore, the second air simply passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94) and neither absorbs heat nor radiates heat. Then, the heated and humidified second air is supplied to the room through the air supply side outlet (14).

On the other hand, the first air that has been deprived of water and has flowed into the third central upper right channel (183) flows into the second central upper channel (17).
It flows through 5) into the first upper flow path (171). While flowing through the first upper flow path (171), the first air passes through the first cooling heat exchanger (93). In the first cooling heat exchanger (93), the first air exchanges heat with the refrigerant and radiates heat to the refrigerant. Then, the first air deprived of moisture and heat is discharged to the outside through the exhaust side outlet (16).

The second operation of the humidifying operation will be described with reference to FIGS. In this second operation, the second
The adsorption operation for the adsorption element (82) and the regeneration operation for the first adsorption element (81) are performed. That is, the second
In operation, the first adsorption element (81) humidifies the air and the second adsorption element (81)
The adsorbent of the adsorption element (82) adsorbs water vapor.

As shown in FIG. 14, the first partition member (10
0), the first lower left opening (115) and the first upper left lower opening (11
6) is in communication with the rest of the openings (111,112,113,11
4) is shut off. In this state, the first lower left opening (115) communicates with the second central lower flow path (176) and the second lower left flow path (178), and the first upper left lower opening (116) causes the second upper left flow path. (177) and second lower left channel (178)
Are communicated.

In the second partition member (120), the second upper left opening (125) and the second central left opening (124) are in communication with each other,
The remaining openings (121, 122, 123, 126) are blocked. In this state, the second upper left opening (125) allows the second
The left upper flow path (177) and the third upper left flow path (186) are communicated with each other, and the second central upper opening (124) causes the second central upper flow path (175) and the third central upper left flow path (184). Are communicated.

In the switching shutter (160), the shutter plate (1
62) has moved to a position that covers the left half of the regenerative heat exchanger (92). In this state, the third central lower flow passage (185) and the third central upper right flow passage (183) are communicated with each other via the regenerative heat exchanger (92).

In the third partition member (130), the third lower right opening (132) and the third lower left opening (136) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (131, 133, 134, 135) are in closed state. In this state, the third lower right opening (132) allows the third
The lower right flow path (182) and the fourth lower right flow path (194) are communicated with each other, and the third lower left flow path (136) causes the third lower left flow path (18).
7) and the fourth lower left channel (198) are connected.

In the fourth partition member (140), the fourth upper right opening (151), the fourth right upper and lower opening (153) and the fourth lower left opening (15).
5) is in communication with and the remaining openings (152, 154, 156) are blocked. In this state, the fourth upper right opening (151) communicates with the fourth upper right passage (193) and the fourth central upper passage (195), and the fourth upper right opening (153) causes the fourth lower right passage. (194) communicates with the fourth upper right channel (193), and the fourth lower lower opening (155) communicates with the fourth central lower channel (196) and fourth lower left channel (198).

The first air taken into the casing (10) flows through the fifth lower flow path (192), the fourth central lower flow path (196),
Flowing through the fourth lower left channel (198) in order, the third lower left opening (13
It flows through 6) into the third lower left channel (187). on the other hand,
The second air taken into the casing (10) has a first lower flow path (172), a second central lower flow path (176), a second left lower flow path (178), and a second upper left flow path (177). ) Through the second upper left opening (125) and then into the third upper left channel (186).

As shown also in FIG. 10B, the first air in the third lower left channel (187) flows into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorption element (82). While flowing through the humidity-control-side passage (85), the water vapor contained in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The first air dewatered by the second adsorption element (82) is
It flows into the third central upper left channel (184).

On the other hand, the second air in the third upper left channel (186) flows into the cooling side passageway (86) of the second adsorption element (82). While flowing through the cooling side passageway (86), the second air is
It absorbs the heat of adsorption generated when water vapor is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the humidity control side passageway (85). That is, the second air flows as the cooling fluid in the cooling side passageway (86). The second air that has absorbed the heat of adsorption flows into the third lower central flow path (185). Third
The second air in the central lower flow path (185) is regenerated by the heat exchanger (9
Passes through 2) and flows into the third central upper right channel (183).
At that time, in the regenerative heat exchanger (92), the second air exchanges heat with the refrigerant to absorb the heat of condensation of the refrigerant.

The second adsorption element (82) and the regenerative heat exchanger (9
The second air heated in 2) is introduced into the humidity adjustment side passageway (85) of the first adsorption element (81). In the humidity control side passageway (85), the adsorbent is heated by the second air, and water vapor is desorbed from the adsorbent. That is, the regeneration of the first adsorption element (81) is performed. Then, the water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent is applied to the second air to humidify the second air. The second air humidified by the first adsorption element (81) then flows into the third lower right channel (182).

As shown in FIG. 14, the third lower right channel (18
The humidified second air that has flowed into the second) flows into the fourth lower right channel (1
94), fourth upper right channel (193), fourth central upper channel (19)
5) sequentially, and then flow into the fifth upper flow path (191). The second air passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94) while flowing through the fifth lower flow path (192). At this time, the refrigerant is not flowing in the second cooling heat exchanger (94). Therefore, the second air simply passes through the second cooling heat exchanger (94) and neither absorbs heat nor radiates heat. Then, the heated and humidified second air is supplied to the room through the air supply side outlet (14).

On the other hand, the first air that has been deprived of water and has flowed into the third central upper left channel (184) flows into the second central upper channel (17).
It flows through 5) into the first upper flow path (171). While flowing through the first upper flow path (171), the first air passes through the first cooling heat exchanger (93). In the first cooling heat exchanger (93), the first air exchanges heat with the refrigerant and radiates heat to the refrigerant. Then, the first air deprived of moisture and heat is discharged to the outside through the exhaust side outlet (16).

As described above, the adsorption operation for the first adsorption element (81) and the regeneration operation for the second adsorption element (82) are performed during the first operation, and the first adsorption element during the second operation. The regeneration operation for (81) and the adsorption operation for the second adsorption element (82) are performed. At that time, each adsorption element (81,8
In the humidity control side passageway (85) of 2), the flow direction of the first air and the flow direction of the second air are reversed. This point is the same as in the dehumidifying operation.

<< Outside Air Cooling Operation >> During the outside air cooling operation, the outdoor air taken into the casing (10) is supplied to the room without passing through any adsorbing element (81, 82), while the casing (10) The indoor air taken in is discharged outside the room without passing through any of the adsorption elements (81, 82). In addition, the compressor (91) of the refrigerant circuit is stopped,
No refrigeration cycle is performed.

This outside air cooling operation will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 15, the switching shutter (16
Although the shutter plate (162) of 0) covers the left half of the regenerative heat exchanger (92), the state of the switching shutter (160) does not matter during the outside air cooling operation.

In the first partition member (100), the first upper right opening (111), the first right upper and lower opening (113) and the first lower left opening (11).
5) is in communication with and the remaining openings (112, 114, 116) are blocked. In this state, the first upper right opening (111) communicates with the second central upper flow path (175) and the second upper right flow path (173), and the first right upper and lower opening (113) causes the second upper right flow path. (173) communicates with the second lower right channel (174), and the first lower left opening (115) communicates with the second lower left channel (178) and the second central lower channel (176).

In the second partition member (120), the second lower right opening (122) and the second lower left opening (126) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (121, 123, 124, 125) are in closed state. In this state, the second lower right opening (122) allows the second
The lower right flow path (174) and the third lower right flow path (182) are communicated with each other, and the second lower left flow path (126) causes the second lower left flow path (17).
8) communicates with the third lower left channel (187).

In the third partition member (130), the third lower right opening (132) and the third lower left opening (136) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (131, 133, 134, 135) are in closed state. In this state, the third lower right opening (132) allows the third
The lower right flow path (182) and the fourth lower right flow path (194) are communicated with each other, and the third lower left flow path (136) causes the third lower left flow path (18).
7) and the fourth lower left channel (198) are connected.

The fourth partition member (140) has a fourth lower right opening (152), a fourth upper left opening (154) and a fourth upper left lower opening (15).
6) is in communication with the rest of the openings (151, 153, 155). In this state, the fourth lower center flow passage (196) and the fourth lower right flow passage (194) communicate with each other through the fourth lower right opening (152), and the fourth upper central flow passage through the fourth upper left opening (154). (195) communicates with the fourth upper left channel (197), and the fourth lower left channel (198) communicates with the fourth lower left channel (198) and the fourth upper left channel (197).

When the air supply fan (95) is driven, outdoor air is taken into the casing (10) through the air supply side inlet (13). After that, the outdoor air flows through the first lower flow path (17
2), second lower central flow path (176), second lower left flow path (17)
8), 3rd lower left channel (187), 4th lower left channel (19)
8), 4th upper left channel (197), 4th central upper channel (19
5), then flows through the fifth upper flow path (191) in order, and then the air supply side outlet (1
It is supplied to the room through 4).

On the other hand, when the exhaust fan (96) is driven, room air is taken into the casing (10) through the exhaust side inlet (15). After that, the indoor air flows through the fifth lower flow path (192), the fourth central lower flow path (196), the fourth right lower flow path (194), the third right lower flow path (182), and the second right lower flow path. Road (17
4), second upper right channel (173), second central upper channel (17)
5), then flows through the first upper flow path (171) in order, and the exhaust side outlet (1
6) It is discharged through the room.

[0209]

Third Embodiment of the Invention An air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes one adsorption element (200). Further, this air conditioner is configured to perform the dehumidifying operation or the humidifying operation by alternately performing the first operation and the second operation.

As shown in FIG. 16, the adsorption element (200) of this embodiment has a rectangular flat plate member (83) and a corrugated plate member (8).
4) and are laminated alternately. The adsorption element (200) has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment except for the entire shape.

Specifically, the adsorbing element (200) is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped which is horizontally long and slightly flat as a whole. In this adsorption element (200), a flat plate member (8
3) and the corrugated plate member (84) are laminated, and the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) is opened on the front and back sides in FIG. 16, and the cooling side passageway (86) is opened on the upper and lower sides in FIG. ing. In addition, the adsorption element (200) includes a first part (201) and a second part (201).
It is divided into parts (202). That is, the adsorption element (2
The left half of 00) is the first part (201), and the right half is the second part (202).

As shown in FIG. 17, in the air conditioner of this embodiment, the right air passage (211) and the central air passage (21
2) and the left air channel (213) are formed in parallel with each other. Right air passage (211) and left air passage (213)
Then, the first air flows from bottom to top in FIG. In the central air flow path (212), the second air flows from top to bottom in the figure. Further, a right side cooling air flow path (214) and a left side cooling air flow path (215) are formed in the air conditioner. Right cooling air flow path (2
14) is formed so as to be orthogonal to the right air flow channel (211). The left cooling air flow passage (215) is formed so as to be orthogonal to the left air flow passage (213).

The adsorbing element (200) is installed so as to be slidable to the left and right in FIG. 17 in a posture orthogonal to each air flow path. Specifically, this adsorption element (200)
Moves linearly in the longitudinal direction of the
A state in which the portion (201) crosses the left air flow passage (213) and the left cooling air flow passage (215) and the second portion (202) crosses the central air flow passage (212); and the first portion (201) ) Crosses the central air flow path (212) and the second portion (202) crosses the right air flow path (211) and the right cooling air flow path (214). .

Further, a regeneration heat exchanger (92) which is a heater is provided on the upstream side of the adsorption element (200) in the central air flow path (212). This regenerative heat exchanger (92)
It is connected to the refrigerant circuit of the refrigerator and functions as a refrigerant condenser.

-Driving Operation-As described above, the air conditioner of the present embodiment performs the dehumidifying operation or the humidifying operation by alternately performing the first operation and the second operation.

First, the first operation will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, the adsorption element (200)
The first part (201) crosses the left air flow path (213) and the left cooling air flow path (215), and the second part (202) crosses the central air flow path (212). There is.

In this state, in the first portion (201) of the adsorption element (200), the first air is introduced into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) and the second air is introduced into the cooling side passageway (86). . In the humidity-control-side passage (85) of the first portion (201), the water vapor contained in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. First part (201)
The first air dehumidified in the humidity-control-side passage (85) is sent to the left air flow passage (213).

When water vapor is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the humidity adjusting side passageway (85), heat of adsorption is generated. This heat of adsorption is absorbed by the second air flowing through the cooling side passageway (86) of the first portion (201). That is, the second air flows as the cooling fluid in the cooling side passageway (86).

The second air, which has absorbed the heat of adsorption in the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first portion (201), further absorbs the heat of condensation of the refrigerant in the regenerative heat exchanger (92), and then the second portion ( It is introduced into the humidity control side passage (85) of 202). That is, the second air is heated by both the cooling side passageway (86) of the first portion (201) and the regenerative heat exchanger (92), and thereafter, the humidity adjustment side passageway (85) of the second portion (202). ) Is introduced to.

In the humidity-control-side passage (85) of the second portion (202), the adsorbent is heated by the second air and water vapor is desorbed from the adsorbent. That is, the adsorbent is regenerated. The water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent is added to the second air. The second air humidified in the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second portion (202) is sent out to the central air flow passage (212).

During the dehumidifying operation, the dehumidified first air flowing through the left air flow path (213) is supplied to the room,
The humidified second air flowing through the central air flow path (212) is discharged to the outside of the room. Further, during the humidifying operation, the humidified second air flowing through the central air flow path (212) is supplied to the room, and the dehumidified first air flowing through the left air flow path (213) is discharged to the outside of the room. To do.

Next, the second operation will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, the adsorption element (200)
A first portion (201) of which traverses the central air flow path (212),
The second portion (202) is in a state of traversing the right air passage (211) and the right cooling air passage (214).

In this state, in the second portion (202) of the adsorption element (200), the first air is introduced into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) and the second air is introduced into the cooling side passageway (86). . In the humidity-control-side passage (85) of the second portion (202), the water vapor contained in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The second part (202)
The first air dehumidified in the humidity-control-side passage (85) is sent to the right air passage (211).

When the water vapor is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the humidity adjusting side passageway (85), heat of adsorption is generated. This heat of adsorption is absorbed by the second air flowing through the cooling side passageway (86) of the second portion (202). That is, the second air flows as the cooling fluid in the cooling side passageway (86).

The second air, which has absorbed the heat of adsorption in the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second portion (202), further absorbs the heat of condensation of the refrigerant in the regenerative heat exchanger (92) before the first portion ( It is introduced into the humidity control side passage (85) of 201). That is, the second air is heated by both the cooling side passageway (86) of the second portion (202) and the regenerative heat exchanger (92), and thereafter, the humidity adjustment side passageway (85) of the first portion (201). ) Is introduced to.

In the humidity-control-side passage (85) of the first portion (201), the adsorbent is heated by the second air and water vapor is desorbed from the adsorbent. That is, the adsorbent is regenerated. The water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent is added to the second air. The second air humidified in the humidity-control-side passage (85) of the first portion (201) is sent to the central air flow path (212).

Then, during the dehumidifying operation, the dehumidified first air flowing through the right air flow path (211) is supplied to the room,
The humidified second air flowing through the central air flow path (212) is discharged to the outside of the room. Further, during the humidifying operation, the humidified second air flowing through the central air flow path (212) is supplied to the room, and the dehumidified first air flowing through the right air flow path (211) is discharged to the outside of the room. To do.

As described above, the adsorption element (20
Regarding 0), during the first operation, the adsorption operation for the first portion (201) and the regeneration operation for the second portion (202) are performed, and during the second operation, the regeneration operation for the first portion (201). And the suction operation for the second portion (202) is performed.
At that time, in the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first portion (201) or the second portion (202), the flow direction of the first air and the flow direction of the second air are reversed.

This point will be described with reference to FIG. 17 by taking the first portion (201) as an example. First part (201)
During the regeneration operation at, the humidity control side passage (85)
The second air flows from top to bottom in the figure (see FIG. 17 (b)). Therefore, at the end of the reproducing operation, the temperature of the first portion (201) is highest in the upper portion of the figure and gradually decreases as it goes downward.

When the reproducing operation for the first portion (201) is completed, the adsorption element (200) slides to the left in the figure, and subsequently the adsorption operation for the first portion (201) is started. The humidity-control-side passage (8) of the first part (201)
In 5), the first air flows from bottom to top in the figure (see FIG. 17 (a)). That is, the first air is
The part (201) flows from the low temperature side to the high temperature side. For a while after the start of the adsorption operation, the first portion (201) is cooled by the first air flowing through the humidity-control-side passage (85). Then, when the temperature of the first portion (201) drops to some extent, the water vapor in the first air starts to be adsorbed by the adsorbent.

[0231]

Fourth Embodiment of the Invention An air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention includes one adsorbing element (250). Then, this air conditioner performs an adsorption operation and a regeneration operation to dehumidify the air by the adsorption element (250) and the adsorption element (2
It is configured so that the regeneration of the adsorbent of 50) is performed in parallel at the same time.

As shown in FIG. 18, the adsorption element (250) of this embodiment is formed in a donut shape or a thick-walled cylindrical shape. In the adsorption element (250), the humidity adjustment side passages (85) and the cooling side passages (86) are alternately partitioned and formed in the circumferential direction. The humidity adjusting side passageway (85) penetrates the adsorption element (250) in its axial direction. That is, the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) is open to the front surface and the back surface of the adsorption element (250). An adsorbent is applied to the inner wall of the humidity control side passageway (85). On the other hand, the cooling side passageway (86) penetrates the adsorption element (250) in the radial direction thereof. That is,
The cooling side passageway (86) is open to the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the adsorption element (250).

As shown in FIG. 19, in the above-mentioned air conditioner, the adsorption element (250) is installed across the adsorption zone (251) and the regeneration zone (252). This adsorption element (25
0) is continuously driven to rotate about an axis passing through its center.

The air conditioner has a refrigerant circuit. This refrigerant circuit was formed by connecting a compressor (91), a regenerative heat exchanger (92) that is a condenser, an expansion valve that is an expansion mechanism, and a cooling heat exchanger (93) that is an evaporator. It is a closed circuit. Of these, the regenerative heat exchanger (92) constitutes a heater. The refrigerant circuit circulates the filled refrigerant to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. Incidentally, in FIG. 19, the regenerative heat exchanger (9
Only 2) and the cooling heat exchanger (93) are shown.

In the air conditioner, in the adsorption element (250) located in the adsorption zone (251), the first air is introduced into the humidity-control-side passage (85) in that portion, and the cooling-side passage in that portion is introduced. Second air is introduced into (86). that time,
The second air is sent to the cooling side passageway (86) from the inner peripheral surface side of the adsorption element (250).

In the adsorption zone (251), the adsorption element (2
In the humidity control side passageway (85) of 50), the water vapor contained in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. When water vapor is adsorbed by the adsorbent in the humidity control side passageway (85), heat of adsorption is generated. The heat of adsorption is absorbed by the second air flowing through the cooling side passageway (86) of the adsorption element (250).

The first air dehumidified by the desorption of water in the adsorption zone (251) passes through the cooling heat exchanger (93). In the cooling heat exchanger (93), the first air exchanges heat with the refrigerant and radiates heat to the refrigerant. Then, during the dehumidifying operation, the dehumidified and cooled first air is supplied to the room. Further, during the humidifying operation, the first air that has been deprived of water and radiated heat is exhausted to the outside of the room.

On the other hand, the second air which has absorbed the heat of adsorption in the adsorption zone (251) passes through the regenerative heat exchanger (92). In the regenerative heat exchanger (92), the second air exchanges heat with the refrigerant and absorbs the heat of condensation of the refrigerant. The second air heated in the adsorption zone (251) and the regeneration heat exchanger (92) is introduced into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the adsorption element (250) located in the regeneration zone (252). The adsorption zone (251) is moved to the regeneration zone (252) as the adsorption element (250) is rotated.
The part of the adsorption element (250) located at is moved.

The adsorption element (2) located in the regeneration zone (252)
In the portion 50), the adsorbent is heated by the second air in the humidity-control-side passage (85) of the portion, and water vapor is desorbed from the adsorbent. That is, the adsorbent is regenerated. The water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent is added to the second air. Then, during the dehumidifying operation, the second air is exhausted to the outside of the room together with the water vapor desorbed from the adsorbent. Further, during the humidifying operation, the heated and humidified second air is supplied to the room.

As described above, the adsorption operation of the adsorption element (250) is performed in the adsorption zone (251), and the regeneration operation of the adsorption element (250) is performed in the regeneration zone (252). At this time, the humidity adjusting side passageway (8) of the adsorption element (250)
In 5), the flow direction of the first air and the flow direction of the second air are reversed.

This point will be described with reference to FIG. Adsorption element (250) in the regeneration zone (252)
In the humidity-control-side passage (85), the second passage from the right to the left
The air flows. Therefore, at the end of the playback operation,
The temperature of the portion of the adsorption element (250) located in the regeneration zone (252) is the highest on the right side, and gradually decreases toward the left side.

Regeneration zone (252) of the adsorption element (250)
The portion located at is moved to the suction zone (251) along with the rotational movement of the suction element (250), and then the suction operation for the portion is started. In the adsorption zone (251), the first air flows from the left side to the right side in the humidity adjustment side passageway (85) of the adsorption element (250). That is, the first air flows from the low temperature side of the adsorption element (250) to the high temperature side thereof. For a while after the start of the adsorption operation, the adsorption element (250) is cooled by the first air flowing through the humidity control side passageway (85). Then, when the temperature of the adsorption element (250) decreases to some extent, the water vapor in the first air starts to be adsorbed by the adsorbent.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a rotary damper of the air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an adsorption element of the air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a main part of the air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a first operation during a dehumidifying operation of the air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a second operation during the dehumidifying operation of the air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a first operation during a humidifying operation of the air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a second operation during the humidifying operation of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the air conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a main part of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a first operation during a dehumidifying operation of the air conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a second operation during the dehumidifying operation of the air conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a first operation during a humidifying operation of the air conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing a second operation during the humidifying operation of the air conditioning apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing the operation of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 2 during outside air cooling operation.

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view showing an adsorption element of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 3.

FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing an adsorption element of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 4.

FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

(81) 1st adsorption element (82) Second adsorption element (85) Humidity side passage (86) Cooling side passage (92) Regenerative heat exchanger (heater) (200) Adsorption element (201) First part (202) Second part (250) Adsorption element

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Yoshimasa Kikuchi             1304 Kanaoka-cho, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture Daikin Industries             Sakai Plant Kanaoka Factory F-term (reference) 3L053 BC04 BC07                 4D052 AA08 CB01 CD01 DA01 DA06                       DB01 FA06 FA07 HA01 HA03                       HA49 HB02

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An air conditioner for humidifying or dehumidifying the taken-in air to supply it to a room, wherein an adsorbing element is provided with a humidity adjusting side passageway (85) for contacting the circulating air with an adsorbent. (81, 82, ...) And a heater (92) for heating the air supplied to the humidity control side passageway (85) of the adsorption element (81, 82, ...) To regenerate the adsorbent. , The first air to the adsorption element (81, 82, ...) Humidity side passage (8
5) Adsorption operation for adsorbing the water in the first air to the adsorbent, and the second air heated by the heater (92) on the humidity control side of the adsorption element (81, 82, ...). The regeneration operation of introducing water into the passage (85) to desorb the water from the adsorbent is performed, while the humidity adjusting passage (85) of the adsorption element (81, 82, ...) An air conditioner in which the air flow direction is opposite to the second air flow direction during the regeneration operation. 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the adsorbing elements (81, 82, ...) The humidity adjusting side passageway (8) during adsorbing operation.
An air conditioner having a cooling side passageway (86) through which a cooling fluid for removing the heat of adsorption generated in 5) flows. 3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a plurality of adsorbing elements (81, 82), wherein the first air is circulated through the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the first adsorbing element (81). The second suction element (8
2) The first operation of circulating the second air in the humidity-control-side passage (85) to perform the regeneration operation, and the first operation of circulating the second air in the humidity-control-side passage (85) of the second adsorption element (82). The air conditioning apparatus alternately performs a suction operation and a second operation in which the second air is circulated in the humidity control side passageway (85) of the first adsorption element (81) to perform a regeneration operation. 4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, further comprising a switching mechanism for switching the flow paths of the first air and the second air, wherein the operation of the switching mechanism and the adsorption element (81, 82) are predetermined. An air conditioner that switches between a first operation and a second operation by rotating an angle. 5. The air conditioner according to claim 3, further comprising a switching mechanism for switching the flow paths of the first air and the second air, wherein the adsorption element (81, 82) remains fixed. An air conditioner that switches between a first operation and a second operation only by the operation. 6. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one adsorption element (200) includes a first portion (201) and a remaining second portion.
While being divided into the part (202), the humidity control side passageway (8) of the first part (201) is used as an adsorption operation.
At the same time when the first air is introduced into 5), the first operation of introducing the second air into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second portion (202) as the regeneration operation and the first portion (201) of the regeneration operation.
The second operation of introducing the second air into the humidity-control-side passage (85) of the second portion and simultaneously introducing the first air into the humidity-control-side passage (85) of the second portion (202) as the adsorption operation. (20
An air conditioner that is switched by sliding 0). 7. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the adsorption element (250) has a humidity adjusting side passage (85) in a thickness direction thereof.
Is formed in a disk shape penetrating therethrough, and is installed in a posture that traverses both the first air passage and the second air passage, while rotating the adsorption element (250) around its central axis. Then, as the adsorbing operation, the first air is introduced into the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) formed in a part of the adsorbing element (250), and at the same time, as the regenerating operation, it is formed in the remaining part of the adsorbing element (250). An air conditioner in which the second air is introduced into the humidity-control-side passage (85).