JP2003227629A - Humidity conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a humidity conditioner having adsorbent elements 81, 82 and a refrigerant circuit, which prevents rust from being generated in a casing by drain water generated in evaporators 103, 104 and also prevents the drain water from dripping in the interior. <P>SOLUTION: During dehumidifying operation or humidifying operation, drain water is discharged to a passage for second air to be evaporated or it is discharged to first air to be evaporated during humidifying operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a humidity control apparatus for controlling the humidity of air, and more particularly to a humidity control apparatus having an adsorption element and a refrigerant circuit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-241837, a humidity control apparatus using, for example, a rotor-shaped adsorption element is known. In this humidity control apparatus, a dehumidifying operation for supplying dehumidified air to the room and a humidifying operation for supplying the humidified air to the room are switched. The adsorption element is housed in the casing and
It is configured to be rotationally driven around the central axis. Further, in the adsorption element, the adsorption side air passes through a part thereof, and the regeneration side air heated by the electric heater passes through the remaining part.

In the dehumidifying operation of the humidity control apparatus, the adsorption side air from which moisture has been deprived by a part of the adsorption element is supplied indoors.
Further, the remaining portion of the adsorption element is regenerated by the heated regeneration side air, and the regeneration side air that has passed through the adsorption element is discharged to the outside of the room. On the other hand, in the humidifying operation, the regeneration side air desorbed from the adsorbing element is supplied to the room, and the adsorption side air deprived of the adsorbing element is discharged to the outside. Then, as the adsorption element rotates, the portion that adsorbs moisture is sequentially regenerated, and the regenerated portion sequentially adsorbs moisture, and the dehumidifying operation or the humidifying operation is continuously performed.

In the above humidity control apparatus, an electric heater is used as a heat source for heating the regeneration side air, but it is conceivable to use a heat pump as the heat source instead. Usually, two heat exchangers are provided in a refrigerant circuit that constitutes a heat pump, one of which serves as an evaporator and the other serves as a condenser. In the heat exchanger serving as a condenser, the regeneration side air is heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant. On the other hand, in the heat exchanger serving as the evaporator, the adsorption side air after passing through the adsorption element exchanges heat with the refrigerant.

During dehumidification, the adsorption side air dehumidified by the adsorption element is cooled by the evaporator and supplied to the room, while the regeneration side air is heated by the condenser to regenerate the adsorption element and discharge it to the outside of the room. To be done. Also, during humidification, the regeneration side air heated by the condenser is humidified by the adsorption element and supplied to the room, while the adsorption side air that moisturizes the adsorption air in preparation for humidification passes through the evaporator and goes out of the room. Is discharged.

[0006]

By the way, when the outdoor temperature is lower than a predetermined value during humidification, the moisture of the air on the dehumidifying side causes frosting of the evaporator, and drain water is generated in the evaporator during the defrosting operation. For this reason, drain water drops from the evaporator, causing rust in the device casing and causing water drops to drop into the room. Further, when the outdoor humidity is higher than a predetermined value during dehumidification, water that cannot be processed by the adsorption element becomes drain water of the evaporator, and the same problem occurs.

The present invention was devised in view of such problems, and an object of the invention is to solve these problems by drain water generated in an evaporator when a refrigerant circuit is applied to a humidity control device. It is to solve the problem.

[0008]

According to the present invention, the drain water is discharged into the path of the second air on the regeneration side during the dehumidifying operation or the humidifying operation to evaporate, or the first air on the adsorption side during the humidifying operation. It is designed to be released and evaporated in the route.

More specifically, the first solution provided by the present invention is to circulate a refrigerant with an adsorbing element (81, 82) (90) having an adsorbent for bringing the adsorbent into contact with air. A refrigerant circuit (100) for performing a refrigeration cycle, and a first air adsorbing element (81, 82) (90) and an evaporator (103, 10) of the refrigerant circuit (100).
4) Adsorption operation of passing the second air to the refrigerant circuit (1
Dehumidifying operation of supplying the first air into the room and discharging the second air, and the second operation of performing the regeneration operation of passing the air through the condenser (102) and the adsorption elements (81, 82) and (90) of (00). It is premised on a humidity control device configured to perform at least one of a humidifying operation of supplying air into the room and discharging the first air.

The humidity control apparatus is configured to discharge the drain water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) by the water in the first air into the path of the second air to evaporate it. It has a feature.

According to the first solution, the adsorbing elements (81, 82) (9
0) Moisture of the first air that cannot be completely absorbed by the evaporator (10
3) When dew condensation occurs and drain water is generated, or when defrost operation is performed when the evaporator (104) is frosted during humidification operation when the outdoor temperature is low and drain water (defrost water) is generated First, this drain water is supplied into the path of the second air and is evaporated in the path. Therefore, during the dehumidifying operation, the drain water is discharged to the outside of the room together with the second air, and during the humidifying operation, the drain water is included in the second air and supplied to the room.

The second means for solving the problems of the present invention is as follows.
In the first solution, the drain water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) is condensed in the second air path to the condenser (102).
And the adsorption element (81, 82) (90) during the regenerating operation. In the second solution, drain water is supplied between the condenser (102) and the adsorbing elements (81, 82) (90) in the path of the second air, whereby the drain water is supplied to the second air. And is contained in the second air.

The third means for solving the problems of the present invention is as follows.
In the first solution, the drain water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) is condensed in the second air path to the condenser (102).
Alternatively, it is characterized in that it is configured to be supplied to the upstream side thereof. In the third solution, drain water is supplied to the condenser (102) or the upstream side thereof in the path of the second air, whereby the drain water is evaporated in the second air and the second air is discharged. include.

The fourth means for solving the problems of the present invention is as follows.
In the first solution means, the drain water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) is supplied to the downstream side of the adsorbing element (81, 82) (90) in the regeneration operation in the second air path. It is characterized by being. In the fourth solution, the drain water is adsorbed by the adsorption element (81,8) in the path of the second air.
2) By being supplied to the downstream side of (90), the drain water evaporates in the second air and is contained in the second air.

The fifth means for solving the problems of the present invention is as follows.
An adsorbing element (81, 82) (90) having an adsorbent for bringing the adsorbent into contact with air, and a refrigerant circuit (100) for circulating a refrigerant to perform a refrigeration cycle, and adsorbing the first air (8
1,82) (90) and the adsorbing operation of passing it through the evaporator (103, 104) of the refrigerant circuit (100), and the second air to the refrigerant circuit (100).
Is configured to perform a regeneration operation of passing through the condenser (102) and the adsorption elements (81, 82) (90) of the above, and at least humidifying operation of supplying the second air into the room and discharging the first air. It is based on a humidity control device.

The humidity control apparatus is configured to discharge the drain water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) due to the water content in the first air into the path of the first air for evaporation during the humidifying operation. It is characterized by

In the fifth solution means, the drain water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) by the first air on the adsorption side during the humidifying operation is returned to the first air to evaporate, and again the first water is discharged. Included in the air. Although water cannot be returned to the first air on the adsorption side during the dehumidifying operation, such an operation is possible during the humidifying operation.

The sixth means for solving the problems of the present invention is as follows.
In the fifth solution means, the drain water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) is supplied to the upstream side of the adsorbing elements (81, 82) (90) during the adsorbing operation in the path of the first air. It is characterized by being. In the sixth solution, the drain water is supplied to the upstream side of the adsorption elements (81, 82) (90) so that the drain water evaporates in the dehumidification-side first air and the first air is discharged. include. Therefore, water can be further adsorbed by the adsorbing elements (81, 82) (90).

The seventh means for solving the problems of the present invention is as follows.
In the means for solving any one of the first to sixth aspects, the first adsorption element (81) includes a first adsorption element (81) and a second adsorption element (82) as the adsorption element (81, 82). The first adsorption operation (82) and the second adsorption element (82) regeneration operation
The operation and the second operation in which the second adsorbing element (82) performs the adsorbing operation and the first adsorbing element (81) performs the regenerating operation are alternately switched to supply the first air or the second air to the room. It is characterized by being configured in.

In the seventh means for solving the problems, during the dehumidifying operation, the first operation and the second operation are alternately switched,
The first dehumidified during the adsorption operation of the adsorption element (81, 82)
Air is supplied to the room. Further, during the humidifying operation, the adsorption element (8
The second air that has been humidified during the regeneration operation in 1,82) is supplied to the room. That is, in the seventh solution means, a so-called batch operation is performed in which the two adsorption elements (81, 82) are alternately switched between the adsorption side and the regeneration side.

The eighth means for solving the problems of the present invention is as follows.
In the seventh means for solving the above, the adsorption element (81, 82) is
A humidity control side passage (85) in which the first air or the second air is alternately switched and flows, and a cooling side passage (86) in which the cooling fluid flows are provided, and the first air and the cooling fluid exchange heat. Is performed, and the heat of adsorption of the first air in the adsorption element (81, 82) is recovered by the cooling fluid. For example, as the cooling fluid,
The second air prior to passing through the condenser (104) can be used.

In the eighth solution means, the seventh
In the solution means, the heat of adsorption of the first air generated when performing the adsorption operation is recovered by the cooling fluid, whereby the first air is cooled.

The ninth means for solving the problems of the present invention is as follows.
In any one of the first to sixth means for solving the problems, the adsorption element (90) is configured in a rotor shape and is arranged so as to straddle a path of the first air and a path of the second air. ) Rotating continuously or intermittently
It is characterized in that the adsorption operation on the path side of the air and the regeneration operation on the path side of the second air are simultaneously performed to supply the first air or the second air into the room.

In the ninth solution means, during the dehumidifying operation, the first air dehumidified by the adsorption operation is supplied to the room. At that time, the portion of the adsorbing element (90) having adsorbed the water moves into the path of the second air and is regenerated by the rotation of the adsorbing element (90), and further rotates to move in the path of the first air. It is used for the suction operation again by moving to.

During the humidifying operation, the second air humidified by the regeneration operation is supplied to the room. At that time, the portion of the adsorbing element (90) that has released the water moves into the path of the first air by the rotation of the adsorbing element (90), adsorbs the water, and further rotates to generate the second air. By moving into the path, it is used again for the reproducing operation.

[0026]

According to the first to fourth means, the drain water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) due to the moisture in the first air is contained in the second air during the dehumidifying operation and is discharged to the outside or the like. It is released and contained in the second air during the humidifying operation and supplied to the room. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem caused by the drain water being dropped from the evaporator (103, 104). Further, especially during the humidifying operation, the drain air can be used to humidify the second air, so that an efficient operation can be performed.

Further, according to the fifth and sixth solving means, the drain water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) due to the water content in the first air is contained in the first air during the humidifying operation, and the outdoor etc. Therefore, the problem due to the dropping of drain water can be prevented as in the first to fourth solving means. Further, with this configuration, for example, using a batch type (see the seventh and eighth solving means) or a rotor type (see the ninth solving means) adsorption elements (81, 82) (90) When operating by switching the regeneration side sequentially, the amount of water adsorbed on the adsorption side of the adsorption elements (81, 82) (90) increases, so the moisture is released when the adsorption side is switched to the humidification side and used. The amount will also increase, and the humidifying ability can be improved.

Further, according to the seventh solving means, the first
By performing the batch type operation using the adsorption element (81) and the second adsorption element (82), dehumidification operation or humidification operation can be continuously performed, and drain water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) can be continuously applied. Can be processed.

According to the eighth solving means, the seventh
In addition to the effect similar to that of the solution means, since the first air can be cooled by the cooling fluid, it is possible to prevent the blowout temperature from rising particularly during the dehumidifying operation.

According to the ninth means, the dehumidifying operation or the humidifying operation can be continuously performed by simultaneously performing the adsorbing operation and the regenerating operation while rotating the adsorbing element (90) like a rotor. The drain water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) can be continuously treated.

[0031]

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 humidity control apparatus according to this embodiment switches between the dehumidifying operation in which the dehumidified first air is supplied to the room and the humidifying operation in which the humidified second air is supplied to the room. Is configured. In addition, this humidity control device includes a refrigerant circuit (100) and two adsorption elements (81, 82), and the adsorption element (81, 82) used for the adsorption operation on the dehumidification side and the regeneration operation on the humidification side. The so-called batch operation is performed by alternately switching the adsorption elements (81, 82) used for. Here, the configuration of the humidity control apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5, 6, and 7.

<< Overall Structure of Humidity Control Device >> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the humidity control device includes a rather flat rectangular parallelepiped casing (10). In this casing (10)
Two adsorbing elements (81, 82) having an adsorbent for bringing the adsorbent into contact with air and a refrigerant circuit (100) (see FIG. 7) for circulating a refrigerant to perform a refrigeration cycle are housed. .
The refrigerant circuit (100) includes a compressor (101), a regenerative heat exchanger (102), a first heat exchanger (103), and a second heat exchanger (10).
4) etc. are provided. Details of this refrigerant circuit (100) will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 6, the adsorption element (81, 8
2) is a flat plate member (83) and a corrugated plate member (8
4) and are laminated alternately. Flat plate member (8
3) is formed in a rectangular shape. Also, the corrugated plate member (8
4) is formed in the same rectangular shape as the flat plate member (83),
The corrugated plate members (84) adjacent to each other are stacked in such a manner that the ridge directions thereof intersect each other at an angle of 90 °. The adsorption element (81, 82) is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape or a square pole shape as a whole.

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. This adsorption element (81,82)
In the above, the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) is opened on the side surface on the long side of the flat plate member (83), and the cooling side passageway (86) is opened on the side surface on the short side of the flat plate member (83). In addition, this adsorption element (8
1, 82), the front and rear end surfaces in the same figure constitute closed surfaces that neither the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) nor the cooling side passageway (86) open.

In the adsorption element (81, 82), the surface of the flat plate member (83) facing the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) or the surface of the corrugated plate member (84) provided in the humidity adjusting side passageway (85). Is coated with an adsorbent for adsorbing water vapor. Examples of this type of adsorbent include silica gel, zeolite, and ion exchange resins.

As shown in FIG. 1, the casing (10)
In, 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. The outdoor panel (11) has an outdoor suction port (13) formed near its left end, and an outdoor air outlet (16) formed at its right end. On the other hand, the indoor side panel (12) has an indoor side outlet (14) formed near its left end, and an indoor suction port (15) formed near its right end.

Inside the casing (10), a first partition plate (20) and a second partition plate (30) are provided in this order from the front side to the back side. The inner space of the casing (10) is partitioned into three spaces in the front and back by the first and second partition plates (20, 30).

The space between the outdoor side panel (11) and the first partition plate (20) is divided into an upper outdoor side flow path (41) and a lower outdoor side flow path (42). There is. The outdoor upper flow path (41) communicates with the outdoor space by the outdoor air outlet (16). The lower outdoor flow path (42) is connected to the outdoor suction port (1
3) communicates with the outdoor space.

An exhaust fan (96) is installed near the right end of the space between the outdoor side panel (11) and the first partition plate (20). A second heat exchanger (104) is installed in the outdoor upper flow path (41). Second heat exchanger (104)
Is a so-called cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the air flowing through the outdoor upper flow path (41) and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (100) toward the exhaust fan (96). Is configured to let. That is, the second
The heat exchanger (104) is for exchanging heat between the air discharged outdoors and the refrigerant.

The first partition plate (20) has a first right side opening (2
1), first left opening (22), first upper right opening (23), first
A lower right opening (24), a first upper left opening (25), and a first lower left opening (26) are formed. These openings (21,22, ...)
Are each provided with an opening / closing shutter so that they can be opened and closed.

The first right side opening (21) and the first left side opening (2
2) is a vertically long rectangular opening. 1st right side opening (2
1) is provided near the right end of the first partition plate (20). The first left side opening (22) is provided near the left end of the first partition plate (20). The first upper right opening (23), the first lower right opening (24), the first upper left opening (25), and the first lower left opening (2
6) is a horizontally long rectangular opening. First upper right opening (2
3) is provided in the upper part of the first partition plate (20) adjacent to the left of the first right side opening (21). First lower right opening (24)
Is the first right side opening (2
It is located on the left of 1). The first upper left opening (25) is
It is provided on the upper side of the first partition plate (20) to the right of the first left side opening (22). The first lower left opening (26) is provided right below the first left opening (22) in the lower portion of the first partition plate (20).

Two adsorption elements (81, 82) are installed between the first partition plate (20) and the second partition plate (30). These adsorbing elements (81, 82) are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval. Specifically, the first adsorption element (81) is provided on the right side, and the second adsorption element (82) is provided on the left side.

In the first and second adsorption elements (81, 82), the laminating direction of the flat plate member (83) and the corrugated plate member (84) in each is the longitudinal direction of the casing (10) (from front to back in FIG. 1). The flat plate members (83) and the like are arranged such that the stacking directions thereof are parallel to each other. Furthermore, in each adsorption element (81, 82), the left and right side surfaces are the side plates of the casing (10), the top and bottom surfaces are the top and bottom plates of the casing (10), and the front and rear end surfaces are the outdoor side panel (11) and the chamber. The inner panels (12) are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to each other.

Further, each adsorption element (81, 82) installed in the casing (10) has a cooling side passageway (86) opened on its left and right side surfaces. Then, in the first adsorption element (81), one side surface of the cooling side passageway (86) that opens and the second side surface
Opening of the cooling side passage (86) in the adsorption element (82) 1
One side faces each other.

The space between the first partition plate (20) and the second partition plate (30) is composed of several partition plates, and the right channel (51), the left channel (52), and the right channel (53). ), A lower right channel (54), an upper left channel (55), a lower left channel (56), and a central channel (57).

The right channel (51) is formed on the right side of the first adsorption element (81), and the cooling side passage (8) of the first adsorption element (81) is formed.
It communicates with 6). The left channel (52) is formed on the left side of the second adsorption element (82) and communicates with the cooling side passageway (86) of the second adsorption element (82).

The upper right channel (53) is formed above the first adsorption element (81), and the humidity adjusting side passageway (8) of the first adsorption element (81) is formed.
It communicates with 5). The lower right channel (54) is formed below the first adsorption element (81) and communicates with the humidity-control-side passage (85) of the first adsorption element (81). The upper left channel (55) is formed above the second adsorption element (82) and communicates with the humidity-control-side passage (85) of the second adsorption element (82). The lower left channel (56)
It is formed below the second adsorption element (82) and communicates with the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) of the second adsorption element (82).

The central channel (57) is formed between the first adsorption element (81) and the second adsorption element (82), and both adsorption elements (81, 8) are formed.
It communicates with the cooling side passage (86) of 2). The central flow channel (57) has a quadrangular cross-section in the flow channel shown in FIGS.

The regenerative heat exchanger (102) is a so-called cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger, and exchanges heat between the air flowing through the central flow path (57) and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (100). Is configured to let. The regenerative heat exchanger (102) is arranged in the central flow path (57). That is, the regenerative heat exchanger (102) is installed between the first adsorbing element (81) and the second adsorbing element (82) arranged side by side. Further, the regenerative heat exchanger (102) is provided so as to partition the central flow path (57) into upper and lower parts in a state of being laid down substantially horizontally. Further, the regenerative heat exchanger (102) is arranged so that its upper surface is slightly lower than the lower surfaces of the first and second adsorption elements (81, 82).

The first adsorption element (81) and the regenerative heat exchanger (10
A right shutter (61) is provided between 2).
The right shutter (61) partitions the lower part of the regenerative heat exchanger (102) in the central flow path (57) from the lower right flow path (54), and is openable and closable. . On the other hand, a left shutter (62) is provided between the second adsorption element (82) and the regenerative heat exchanger (102). The left shutter (62) partitions the lower part of the regenerative heat exchanger (102) in the central flow path (57) from the lower left flow path (56), and is configured to be openable and closable. .

Flow paths (41, 42) between the outdoor side panel (11) and the first partition plate (20) and flow paths (41, 42) between the first partition plate (20) and the second partition plate (30). 51,52, ...) is the first partition plate (20)
The open / close shutters provided at the openings (21, 22, ...) Switch between the communicating state and the blocking state. Specifically,
When the first right side opening (21) is opened, the right side flow path (5
1) communicates with the outdoor lower flow path (42). When the first left side opening (22) is opened, the left side flow path (52) and the outdoor lower flow path (42) communicate with each other. When the first upper right opening (23) is opened, the upper right flow path (53) and the outdoor upper flow path (41) communicate with each other. When the first lower right opening (24) is opened, the lower right flow path (54) and the outdoor lower flow path (42) communicate with each other. First
When the upper left opening (25) is opened, the upper left flow path (55) and the outdoor upper flow path (41) communicate with each other. First lower left opening (26)
Is opened, the lower left channel (56) and the outdoor lower channel (42) communicate with each other.

The second partition plate (30) has a second right side opening (3
1), second left opening (32), second upper right opening (33), second
A lower right opening (34), a second upper left opening (35), and a second lower left opening (36) are formed. These openings (31, 32,…)
Are each provided with an opening / closing shutter so that they can be opened and closed.

The second right side opening (31) and the second left side opening (3
2) is a vertically long rectangular opening. Second right side opening (3
1) is provided near the right end of the second partition plate (30). The second left side opening (32) is provided near the left end of the second partition plate (30). The second upper right opening (33), the second lower right opening (34), the second upper left opening (35), and the second lower left opening (3
6) is a horizontally long rectangular opening. Second upper right opening (3
3) is provided to the left of the second right side opening (31) in the upper part of the second partition plate (30). Second lower right opening (34)
Is the second right side opening (3
It is located on the left of 1). The second upper left opening (35) is
It is provided on the right side of the second left side opening (32) in the upper part of the second partition plate (30). The second lower left opening (36) is provided in the lower part of the second partition plate (30) on the right side of the second left side opening (32).

The space between the indoor side panel (12) and the second partition plate (30) is divided into an upper indoor side upper flow path (46) and a lower indoor side lower flow path (47). There is. The indoor-side upper flow path (46) communicates with the indoor space through the indoor-side air outlet (14). The indoor lower flow path (47) is connected to the indoor suction port (1
5) communicates with the indoor space.

An air supply fan (95) is installed near the left end of the space between the indoor side panel (12) and the second partition plate (30). A first heat exchanger (103) is installed in the indoor upper flow path (46). First heat exchanger (103)
Is a so-called cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger that heats the air flowing through the indoor upper flow path (46) and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (100) toward the air supply fan (95). It is configured to be exchanged. That is, the first
The heat exchanger (103) is for exchanging heat between the air supplied to the room and the refrigerant.

The flow path between the first partition plate (20) and the second partition plate (30) and the flow path between the second partition plate (30) and the outdoor side panel (11) are the second partition wall. An open / close shutter provided at the opening of the plate (30) switches between a communication state and a blocking state. Specifically, when the second right side opening (31) is opened, the right side flow path (51) and the indoor side lower flow path (47) communicate with each other. When the second left side opening (32) is opened, the left side flow path (52) and the indoor side lower flow path (47) communicate with each other. When the second upper right opening (33) is opened, the upper right flow path (53) and the indoor upper flow path (46) communicate with each other. When the second lower right opening (34) is opened, the lower right flow path (54) and the indoor lower flow path (47).
Communicate with each other. If the second upper left opening (35) is open,
The upper left channel (55) communicates with the indoor upper channel (46). When the second lower left opening (36) is opened, the lower left flow path (56)
Communicates with the indoor lower flow path (47).

<< Structure of Refrigerant Circuit >> As shown in FIG. 7, the refrigerant circuit (100) is a closed circuit filled with a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (100) includes a compressor (101), a regenerative heat exchanger (102), a first heat exchanger (103), and a second heat exchanger (10).
4), a receiver (105), a four-way switching valve (120), and an electric expansion valve (110). This refrigerant circuit (100)
Then, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating a refrigerant.

In the refrigerant circuit (100), the compressor (101)
The discharge side of is connected to one end of the regenerative heat exchanger (102). The other end of the regenerative heat exchanger (102) has a receiver (105).
Is connected to one end of the electric expansion valve (110).
The other end of the electric expansion valve (110) is the first of the four-way switching valve (120).
It is connected to the port (121). This four-way switching valve (12
0), the second port (122) is connected to one end of the second heat exchanger (104), the fourth port (124) is the first heat exchanger (10).
3) is connected to one end. Also, four-way switching valve (120)
The third port (123) of is sealed. The other end of the first heat exchanger (103) and the other end of the second heat exchanger (104) are connected to the suction side of the compressor (101).

The four-way switching valve (120) has a first port (121)
And the second port (122) communicate with each other and the third port (12
3) and the fourth port (124) are in communication with each other;
The port (121) and the fourth port (124) communicate with each other and the second port (122) and the third port (123) communicate with each other. Incidentally, as described above, the third port (123) of the four-way switching valve (120) is closed. That is, in the refrigerant circuit (100) of the present embodiment, the four-way switching valve (1
20) is used as a three-way valve.

-Driving Operation- Next, the driving operation of the humidity control apparatus will be described. This humidity control apparatus switches between the dehumidifying operation and the humidifying operation as described above. Further, in this humidity control apparatus, the first adsorption element (81) performs the adsorption operation and the second adsorption element (82) performs the regeneration operation, and the second adsorption element (82) performs the adsorption operation. At the same time, the dehumidifying operation or the humidifying operation is performed by alternately switching the second operation of performing the regeneration operation by the first adsorption element (81) and supplying the first air or the second air to the room.

<Dehumidifying Operation> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the air supply fan (95) is driven during the dehumidifying operation, outdoor air is passed through the outdoor suction port (13) to the casing (10).
Taken in. This outdoor air flows into the outdoor lower flow path (42) as the first air. On the other hand, the exhaust fan (9
When driving 6), the room air is taken into the casing (10) through the indoor suction port (15). The indoor air flows into the indoor-side lower flow path (47) as the second air.

During the dehumidifying operation, the refrigerant circuit (10
In 0), the regenerative heat exchanger (102) serves as a condenser and the first heat exchanger (103) serves as an evaporator, while the second heat exchanger (10).
4) is dormant. The operation of the refrigerant circuit (100) will be described later.

The first operation of the dehumidifying operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
Will be described with reference to. In the first operation, the adsorption operation for the first adsorption element (81) and the second adsorption element (82) are performed.
And the reproduction operation is performed. That is, in 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.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the first partition plate (20), the first lower right opening (24) and the first upper left opening (25) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (21, 22, 23). , 26) is in the cutoff state. In this state, the lower outdoor flow path (42) and the lower right flow path (54) communicate with each other through the first lower right opening (24),
The upper left channel (55) and the outdoor upper channel (41) communicate with each other through the first upper left opening (25).

In the second partition plate (30), the second right side opening (3
1) and the second upper right opening (33) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (32, 34, 35, 36) are in a blocking state. In this state, the second lower right opening (31) communicates with the indoor lower flow path (47) and the right flow path (51), and the second upper right opening (3)
The upper right channel (53) communicates with the indoor upper channel (46) by 3).

The right shutter (61) is closed and the left shutter (62) is open. In this state, the lower part of the regenerative heat exchanger (102) in the central flow path (57) and the lower left flow path (56) communicate with each other via the left shutter (62).

The first air taken into the casing (10) flows into the lower right flow passage (54) from the outdoor lower flow passage (42) through the first lower right opening (24). Meanwhile, the casing (1
The second air taken in (0) is the indoor side lower flow path (47).
Through the second right side opening (31) into the right side flow path (51).

As shown in FIG. 5A, the lower right channel (54)
Of the first air of the first adsorption element (81) on the humidity adjusting side passageway (85)
Flow into. While flowing through the humidity-control-side passage (85), the first
The water vapor contained in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The first air dehumidified by the first adsorption element (81) flows into the upper right channel (53).

On the other hand, the second air in the right flow passage (51) is
It flows into the cooling side passageway (86) of the adsorption element (81). While flowing through the cooling side passageway (86), the second air absorbs the heat of adsorption generated when the water vapor of the first air 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, which has absorbed the heat of adsorption, flows into the central flow path (57) and enters the regeneration heat exchanger (10
Pass 2). At that time, in the regenerative heat exchanger (102), the second air is heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant. afterwards,
The second air flows into the lower left channel (56) from the central channel (57).

The first adsorption element (81) and the regenerative heat exchanger (10
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 upper left channel (55) together with the second air.

As shown in FIG. 1, the dehumidified first air flowing into the upper right channel (53) is sent to the indoor upper channel (46) through the second upper right opening (33). The first air passes through the first heat exchanger (103) while flowing through the indoor upper flow path (46) and is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant. The dehumidified and cooled first air is then supplied to the room through the indoor side outlet (14).

On the other hand, the second air flowing into the upper left channel (55) passes through the first upper left opening (25) and the outdoor upper channel (41).
Flow into. The second air passes through the second heat exchanger (104) while flowing through the outdoor upper flow path (41). that time,
The second heat exchanger (104) is at rest and the second air is neither heated nor cooled. Then, the second air used for cooling the first adsorption element (81) and for regenerating the second adsorption element (82) is
It is discharged to the outside through the outdoor air outlet (16).

Regarding the second operation of the dehumidifying operation, FIG. 2 and FIG.
Will be described with reference to. In this second operation, contrary to the first operation, the adsorption operation for the second adsorption element (82) and the regeneration operation for the first adsorption element (81) are performed. That is, in the second operation, the air in the second adsorption element (82) is dehumidified, and at the same time, the adsorbent in the first adsorption element (81) is regenerated.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the first partition plate (20), the first upper right opening (23) and the first lower left opening (26) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (21, 22, 24, 25) is shut off. In this state, the upper right channel (53) and the outdoor upper channel (41) communicate with each other through the first upper right opening (23),
The first lower left opening (26) allows the lower outdoor flow path (42) and the lower left flow path (56) to communicate with each other.

In the second partition plate (30), the second left side opening (3
2) and the second upper left opening (35) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (31, 33, 34, 36) are in a blocking state. In this state, the indoor lower flow path (47) and the left flow path (52) communicate with each other through the second left opening (32), and the second upper left opening (3
The upper left channel (55) communicates with the indoor upper channel (46) by 5).

The left shutter (62) is closed and the right shutter (61) is open. In this state, the lower part of the regenerative heat exchanger (102) in the central channel (57) and the lower right channel (54) communicate with each other via the right shutter (61).

The first air taken into the casing (10) flows into the lower left flow passage (56) from the outdoor lower flow passage (42) through the first lower left opening (26). Meanwhile, the casing (1
The second air taken in (0) is the indoor side lower flow path (47).
Through the second left side opening (32) into the left side flow path (52).

As shown in FIG. 5B, the lower left channel (56)
Of the first air of the second adsorption element (82) on the humidity control side passage (85)
Flow into. While flowing through the humidity-control-side passage (85), the first
The water vapor contained in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The first air dehumidified by the second adsorption element (82) flows into the upper left channel (55).

On the other hand, the second air in the left channel (52) is
It flows into the cooling side passageway (86) of the adsorption element (82). While flowing through the cooling side passageway (86), the second air absorbs the heat of adsorption generated when the water vapor of the first air 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, which has absorbed the heat of adsorption, flows into the central flow path (57) and enters the regeneration heat exchanger (10
Pass 2). At that time, in the regenerative heat exchanger (102), the second air is heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant. afterwards,
The second air flows into the lower right channel (54) from the central channel (57).

The second adsorption element (82) and the regenerative heat exchanger (10
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 upper right channel (53) together with the second air.

As shown in FIG. 2, the dehumidified first air flowing into the upper left channel (55) is sent to the indoor upper channel (46) through the second upper left opening (35). The first air passes through the first heat exchanger (103) while flowing through the indoor upper flow path (46) and is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant. The dehumidified and cooled first air is then supplied to the room through the indoor side outlet (14).

On the other hand, the second air flowing into the upper right channel (53) passes through the first upper right opening (23) and the outdoor upper channel (41).
Flow into. The second air passes through the second heat exchanger (104) while flowing through the outdoor upper flow path (41). that time,
The second heat exchanger (104) is at rest and the second air is neither heated nor cooled. Then, the second air used for cooling the second adsorption element (82) and for regenerating the first adsorption element (81) is
It is discharged to the outside through the outdoor air outlet (16).

<Humidification Operation> As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the air supply fan (95) is driven during the humidification operation, outdoor air is passed through the outdoor suction port (13) to the casing (10).
Taken in. The outdoor air flows into the outdoor lower flow path (42) as the second air. On the other hand, the exhaust fan (9
When driving 6), the room air is taken into the casing (10) through the indoor suction port (15). This indoor air flows into the indoor-side lower flow path (47) as the first air.

During the humidifying operation, the refrigerant circuit (10
In 0), the regenerative heat exchanger (102) functions as a condenser and the second heat exchanger (104) functions as an evaporator, while the first heat exchanger (10)
3) is dormant. The operation of the refrigerant circuit (100) will be described later.

Regarding the first operation of the humidifying operation, FIG. 3 and FIG.
Will be described with reference to. In the first operation, the adsorption operation for the first adsorption element (81) and the second adsorption element (82) are performed.
And the reproduction operation is performed. That is, in 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.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the first partition plate (20), the first right side opening (21) and the first upper right opening (23) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (22, 24, 25, 26) is shut off. In this state, the lower outdoor flow path (42) and the right flow path (51) communicate with each other through the first right opening (21),
The upper right channel (53) and the outdoor upper channel (41) communicate with each other through the first upper right opening (23).

In the second partition plate (30), the second lower right opening (3
4) and the second upper left opening (35) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (31, 32, 33, 36) are in a blocking state. In this state, the second lower right opening (34) communicates with the indoor lower flow path (47) and the lower right flow path (54), and the second upper left opening (3)
The upper left channel (55) communicates with the indoor upper channel (46) by 5).

The right shutter (61) is closed and the left shutter (62) is open. In this state, the lower part of the regenerative heat exchanger (102) in the central flow path (57) and the lower left flow path (56) communicate with each other via the left shutter (62).

The first air taken into the casing (10) flows into the lower right flow passage (54) from the indoor lower flow passage (47) through the second lower right opening (34). Meanwhile, the casing (1
The second air taken in (0) is the outdoor lower flow path (42).
Flows through the first right side opening (21) into the right side flow path (51).

As shown in FIG. 5A, the lower right channel (54)
Of the first air of the first adsorption element (81) on the humidity adjusting side passageway (85)
Flow into. While flowing through the humidity-control-side passage (85), the first
The water vapor contained in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The first air deprived of water by the first adsorption element (81) flows into the upper right channel (5
It flows into 3).

On the other hand, the second air in the right flow passage (51) is
It flows into the cooling side passageway (86) of the adsorption element (81). While flowing through the cooling side passageway (86), the second air absorbs the heat of adsorption generated when the water vapor of the first air 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, which has absorbed the heat of adsorption, flows into the central flow path (57) and enters the regeneration heat exchanger (10
Pass 2). At that time, in the regenerative heat exchanger (102), the second air is heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant. afterwards,
The second air flows into the lower left channel (56) from the central channel (57).

The first adsorption element (81) and the regenerative heat exchanger (10
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 adsorbing element (82) then flows into the upper left channel (5
Inflow to 5).

As shown in FIG. 3, the second air flowing into the upper left channel (55) flows into the indoor upper channel (46) through the second upper left opening (35). The second air passes through the first heat exchanger (103) while flowing through the indoor upper flow path (46). At that time, the first heat exchanger (103) is at rest, and the second air is neither heated nor cooled. Then, the second air that has been humidified by the second adsorption element (82) is supplied to the room through the indoor side outlet (14).

On the other hand, the first air flowing into the upper right channel (53) passes through the first upper right opening (23) and the outdoor upper channel (41).
Sent to. The first air flows through the outdoor upper flow path (4
While flowing through 1), it passes through the second heat exchanger (104) and is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant. Then, the first air deprived of moisture and heat is discharged to the outside through the outdoor air outlet (16).

Regarding the second operation of the humidifying operation, FIG. 4 and FIG.
Will be described with reference to. In this second operation, contrary to the first operation, the adsorption operation for the second adsorption element (82) and the regeneration operation for the first adsorption element (81) are performed. That is, in this second operation, the first adsorbing element (81) humidifies the air, and the adsorbent of the second adsorbing element (82) adsorbs water vapor.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the first partition plate (20), the first left opening (22) and the first upper left opening (25) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (21, 23, 24, 26) is shut off. In this state, the outdoor lower portion flow path (42) and the left side flow path (52) communicate with each other through the first left side opening (22),
The upper left channel (55) and the outdoor upper channel (41) communicate with each other through the first upper left opening (25).

In the second partition plate (30), the second upper right opening (3
3) and the second lower left opening (36) are in communication with each other, and the remaining openings (31, 32, 34, 35) are in a blocking state. In this state, the upper right channel (53) communicates with the indoor upper channel (46) by the second upper right opening (33), and the second lower left opening (36) is formed.
The indoor lower flow path (47) and the lower left flow path (56) communicate with each other.

The left shutter (62) is closed and the right shutter (61) is open. In this state, the lower part of the regenerative heat exchanger (102) in the central channel (57) and the lower right channel (54) communicate with each other via the right shutter (61).

The first air taken into the casing (10) flows into the lower left flow passage (56) from the indoor lower flow passage (47) through the second lower left opening (36). Meanwhile, the casing (1
The second air taken in (0) is the outdoor lower flow path (42).
Through the first left side opening (22) into the left side channel (52).

As shown in FIG. 5B, the lower left channel (56)
Of the first air of the second adsorption element (82) on the humidity control side passage (85)
Flow into. While flowing through the humidity-control-side passage (85), the first
The water vapor contained in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The first air deprived of water by the second adsorption element (82) flows into the upper left channel (5
Inflow to 5).

On the other hand, the second air in the left channel (52) is
It flows into the cooling side passageway (86) of the adsorption element (82). While flowing through the cooling side passageway (86), the second air absorbs the heat of adsorption generated when the water vapor of the first air 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, which has absorbed the heat of adsorption, flows into the central flow path (57) and enters the regeneration heat exchanger (10
Pass 2). At that time, in the regenerative heat exchanger (102), the second air is heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant. afterwards,
The second air flows into the lower right channel (54) from the central channel (57).

The second adsorption element (82) and the regenerative heat exchanger (10
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 adsorbing element (81) then flows to the upper right channel (5
It flows into 3).

As shown in FIG. 4, the second air flowing into the upper right channel (53) flows into the indoor upper channel (46) through the second upper right opening (33). The second air passes through the first heat exchanger (103) while flowing through the indoor upper flow path (46). At that time, the first heat exchanger (103) is at rest, and the second air is neither heated nor cooled. Then, the second air humidified by the first adsorption element (81) is supplied to the room through the indoor side outlet (14).

On the other hand, the first air flowing into the upper left flow passage (55) passes through the first upper left opening (25) and the outdoor upper flow passage (41).
Sent to. The first air flows through the outdoor upper flow path (4
While flowing through 1), it passes through the second heat exchanger (104) and is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant. Then, the first air deprived of moisture and heat is discharged to the outside through the outdoor air outlet (16).

<Operation of Refrigerant Circuit> The operation of the refrigerant circuit (100) will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. still,
The flows of the first air and the second air shown in FIG. 8 are during the second operation. The electric expansion valve (110) is omitted in FIG.

The operation during the dehumidifying operation will be described. During the dehumidifying operation, the four-way switching valve (120) keeps the first port (1
21) and the fourth port (124) are in communication with each other, and the second port (122) and the third port (123) are in communication with each other. Further, the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (110) is appropriately adjusted according to operating conditions.

When the compressor (101) is operated in this state,
A refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (100). At that time, in the refrigerant circuit (100), the regenerative heat exchanger (1
02) becomes a condenser, the first heat exchanger (103) becomes an evaporator, and the second heat exchanger (104) becomes inactive (Fig. 8).
(See (a)).

The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (101) is sent to the regenerative heat exchanger (102). The refrigerant flowing into the regeneration heat exchanger (102) exchanges heat with the second air and radiates heat to the second air to be condensed. The refrigerant condensed in the regenerative heat exchanger (102) is sent to the electric expansion valve (110) through the receiver (105). This refrigerant is decompressed when passing through the electric expansion valve (110). The refrigerant decompressed by the electric expansion valve (110) is sent to the first heat exchanger (103) through the four-way switching valve (120). The refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger (103) exchanges heat with the first air, absorbs heat from the first air, and evaporates. The refrigerant evaporated in the first heat exchanger (103) is transferred to the compressor (1
It is sucked into 01) and compressed, and then discharged from the compressor (101).

The operation during the humidifying operation will be described. During humidification operation, the four-way switching valve (120) is connected to the first port (1
21) and the second port (122) communicate with each other, and the third port (123) and the fourth port (124) communicate with each other. Further, the opening degree of the electric expansion valve (110) is appropriately adjusted according to operating conditions.

When the compressor (101) is operated in this state,
A refrigeration cycle is performed by circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (100). At that time, in the refrigerant circuit (100), the regenerative heat exchanger (1
02) becomes a condenser, the second heat exchanger (104) becomes an evaporator, and the first heat exchanger (103) becomes inactive (Fig. 8).
(See (b)).

The refrigerant discharged from the compressor (101) is sent to the regenerative heat exchanger (102). The refrigerant flowing into the regeneration heat exchanger (102) exchanges heat with the second air and radiates heat to the second air to be condensed. The refrigerant condensed in the regenerative heat exchanger (102) is sent to the electric expansion valve (110) through the receiver (105). This refrigerant is decompressed when passing through the electric expansion valve (110). The refrigerant decompressed by the electric expansion valve (110) is sent to the second heat exchanger (104) through the four-way switching valve (120). The refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger (104) exchanges heat with the first air, absorbs heat from the first air, and evaporates. The refrigerant evaporated in the second heat exchanger (104) is transferred to the compressor (1
It is sucked into 01) and compressed, and then discharged from the compressor (101).

Thus, the refrigerant circuit (10
The refrigerant circulating in 0) absorbs heat from the first air in the second heat exchanger (104) and radiates heat to the second air in the regenerative heat exchanger (102). That is, in the second heat exchanger (104), heat is recovered from the first air exhausted to the outside, and the second heat exchanger (10
The heat recovered in 4) is the second heat in the regenerative heat exchanger (102).
Used for heating air.

-Treatment of Drain Water-This humidity control apparatus is, for example, in the first air that cannot be completely adsorbed by the adsorbing element (81, 82) when the dehumidifying operation is performed in a state where the outside is extremely humid. Evaporator by water (first heat exchanger)
When defrosting occurs on the evaporator (second heat exchanger) (104) due to dew on the (103) or due to low temperature outside during humidification operation, drain water (defrost water) However, the drain water can be treated in the apparatus as a liquid without being discharged to the outside of the machine.

Therefore, the drain pan (71), the drain pump (72), the drain pipe (73) and the like are provided.

As the defrosting operation, it is possible to arbitrarily select the defrosting operation by the heater, the reverse cycle defrosting operation, the hot gas defrosting operation, or any other defrosting operation. Is omitted.

<< Drain Water Treatment During Dehumidification Operation >> First, the treatment of drain water during dehumidification operation will be described.

As shown in FIG. 9 (a), this humidity control apparatus controls the drain water (W) generated in the first heat exchanger (103) by the moisture in the first air during the dehumidification operation to the second air. Is configured to be released and vaporized in the path.

Specifically, the drain water (W) is regenerated by the regenerative heat exchanger (102) and the adsorbing element (81) in the regenerating operation in the path of the second air as indicated by the arrow (A1). , 82). According to this structure, the drain water generated in the first heat exchanger (103) is contained in the second air heated by the regenerative heat exchanger (102) on the downstream side of the regenerative heat exchanger (102). Is discharged to the outside. Therefore, rust does not occur in the device due to the drain water, and the drain water does not drip into the room.

Further, the drain water (W) is the code (A2)
Is supplied directly to the regenerative heat exchanger (102) in the path of the second air, or as shown by the arrow (A3) in the path of the second air. 102) It is also possible to supply it to the upstream side (in the figure, it is upstream of the adsorption element (81, 82) on the adsorption side, but it may be the downstream thereof). Further, the drain water (W) is the code (A
As indicated by the arrow in 4), the second air may be supplied to the downstream side of the adsorbing element (81, 82) during the regenerating operation in the path. Even in these cases, rust does not occur in the device or the drain water does not drip into the room due to the drain water.

<< Treatment of Drain Water During Humidifying Operation >> Next, treatment of drain water during humidifying operation will be described.

As shown in FIG. 9 (b), this humidity control apparatus is generated by performing defrost operation when the first air passes through the second heat exchanger (104) and forms frost during the humidifying operation. The drain water (W) is supplied to the room by being included in the second air as in the dehumidifying operation.

Specifically, the drain water (W) is regenerated by the regenerative heat exchanger (102) and the adsorbing element (81) in the regenerating operation in the path of the second air as indicated by the arrow (B1). , 82). According to this structure, the drain water generated in the second heat exchanger (104) is included in the second air heated by the regenerative heat exchanger (102) on the downstream side of the regenerative heat exchanger (102). And is supplied indoors. Therefore, rust does not occur in the device due to the drain water, and the drain water does not drip into the room.

Also, the drain water (W) is the code (B2)
Is supplied directly to the regenerative heat exchanger (102) in the path of the second air as indicated by the arrow of or the regenerative heat exchanger (in the path of the second air is indicated in the path of the second air as indicated by the arrow (B3). It is also possible to supply it to the upstream side of 102). Further, the drain water (W) is the second one as shown by the arrow (B4).
The air may be supplied to the downstream side of the adsorbing element (81, 82) during the regenerating operation. Even in these cases, rust does not occur in the device or the drain water does not drip into the room due to the drain water.

<< Modification of Drain Water Treatment during Humidifying Operation >> During the humidifying operation, the drain water (W) may be returned to the first air on the adsorption side. In this case, specifically, as shown by the arrow (C) in FIG. 10, the drain water generated in the second heat exchanger (104) due to the moisture in the first air is in the path of the first air. It is supplied to the upstream side of the adsorption element (81, 82) during the adsorption operation. Then, the drain water (W) is contained in the first air and adsorbed by the adsorbing elements (81, 82).

Therefore, similarly to the above, rust does not occur in the device or the drain water does not drip into the room due to the drain water. Further, in this case, the amount of water adsorbed by the adsorbing element (81, 82) used on the adsorbing side increases, so that the amount of regeneration when the element (81, 82) is switched to the regenerating side increases. As a result, the humidifying ability can be increased.

-Effect of First Embodiment- In the humidity control apparatus of the first embodiment, the drain water (W) generated in the first and second heat exchangers (103, 104), which are evaporators, is dehumidified and humidified. Sometimes put in the second air path
It is made to evaporate in the air or to be adsorbed by the adsorbing element (81, 82) by being placed in the path of the first air during the humidifying operation. For this reason, it is possible to prevent problems such as drain water dropping from the evaporator (103, 104) to cause rust in the casing (10) and drain water dropping from the casing (10) into the room.

Further, drain water is introduced into the path of the first air during the humidifying operation and is adsorbed by the adsorbing element (81, 82).
With the configuration of 0, this moisture can be given to the second air when the adsorption side and the regeneration side are switched, so that the amount of humidification can be increased.

Further, in the first embodiment, since the batch type processing is performed by using the two adsorption elements (81, 82), the humidifying operation and the dehumidifying operation can be continuously performed. Since 2 air is used as a cooling fluid for the first air, it is possible to prevent the blowing temperature from increasing during the dehumidifying operation.

[0130]

Second Embodiment In the humidity control apparatus of the first embodiment, the cooling fluid recovers the heat of adsorption generated when adsorbing the moisture of the first air. ,
As shown in FIG. 11, a configuration may be used in which the adsorption elements (81, 82) that do not recover the heat of adsorption are used.

In this case, although not shown, the adsorbing elements (81, 82) are constructed by alternately laminating the flat plate member (83) and the corrugated plate member (84) into a rectangular parallelepiped block shape, and all the By aligning the ridge lines of the plate member (84), only the humidity adjusting side passageway (85) is provided. And
In this adsorption element (81, 82), an adsorbent is applied to both sides of the flat plate member (83) and both sides of the corrugated plate member (84).

In this structure, during the dehumidifying operation shown in FIG. 11A, when the first air passes through one of the adsorbing elements (81, 82), moisture is adsorbed and dehumidified. It is cooled in the first heat exchanger (103) and supplied to the room.
The second air, after being heated by the regenerative heat exchanger (102), passes through the other of the adsorbing elements (81, 82) to generate the element (81, 8).
Water is desorbed from 2) to regenerate the adsorption element (81, 82). The second air is released to the outside of the room after regenerating the adsorption element. Then, the adsorption side and the regeneration side are alternately switched to perform continuous operation.

In the humidifying operation shown in FIG. 11 (b), after the second air is heated by the regenerative heat exchanger (103), it passes through one of the adsorbing elements (81, 82) and the adsorbing element (81). , 82) and is humidified and supplied indoors. Further, when the first air passes through the other of the adsorption elements (81, 82), moisture is adsorbed by the adsorption elements (81, 82), and the second heat exchanger (1
In 04), it exchanges heat with the refrigerant, is cooled, and is discharged to the outside.

In the above structure, when the first heat exchanger (103), which is an evaporator, is condensed to generate drain water (W) during the dehumidifying operation, the drain water (W) flows in the path of the second air. It is released to and evaporates.

More specifically, the drain water (W) is a code
As indicated by the arrow (A1), by the drain pan (71), the drain pump (72), the drain pipe (73), etc., the regeneration heat exchanger (102) and the adsorption during regeneration operation in the second air path. It is supplied between the elements (81, 82). According to this structure, the drain water generated in the first heat exchanger (103) is contained in the second air heated by the regenerative heat exchanger (102) on the downstream side of the regenerative heat exchanger (102). Is discharged to the outside. Therefore, rust does not occur in the device due to the drain water, and the drain water does not drip into the room.

The drain water is supplied directly to the regenerative heat exchanger (102) in the path of the second air as shown by the arrow (A2), or as shown by the arrow (A3). It is also possible to supply it to the upstream side of the regenerative heat exchanger (102) in the path of two air, and as shown by the arrow (A4), the second
It is also possible to supply to the downstream side of the adsorption element (81, 82) during the regeneration operation in the air path. Even in these cases, rust does not occur in the device due to the drain water (W), and the drain water does not drip into the room.

Further, when drain water (W) is generated in the second heat exchanger (104) which is an evaporator during the humidifying operation, the drain water (W) is similarly discharged into the path of the second air. Evaporate.

More specifically, the drain water (W) is a code
As indicated by the arrow (B1), it is supplied between the regeneration heat exchanger (102) and the adsorption element (81, 82) during the regeneration operation in the second air path. With this configuration, the second heat exchanger (10
The drain water generated in 4) is contained in the second air heated by the regenerative heat exchanger (102) on the downstream side of the regenerative heat exchanger (102) and is supplied indoors. Therefore, rust does not occur in the device due to the drain water, and the drain water does not drip into the room.

The drain water is supplied directly to the regenerative heat exchanger (102) in the path of the second air as shown by the arrow (B2), or as shown by the arrow (B3). It is also possible to supply it to the upstream side of the regenerative heat exchanger (102) in the path of two air, and as shown by the arrow (B4), the second
It is also possible to supply to the downstream side of the adsorption element (81, 82) during the regeneration operation in the air path. Even in these cases, rust does not occur in the device due to the drain water (W), and the drain water does not drip into the room.

Further, during the humidifying operation, the drain water is discharged as shown in FIG.
The first air may be supplied to the upstream side of the adsorbing element (81, 82) in the path of the first air as indicated by the arrow (C) of 1 (b). By doing so, the amount of moisture adsorbed on the adsorption side (81, 82) increases, so it is possible to increase the humidification amount of the second air when the adsorption element (81, 82) is switched to the regeneration side. Becomes

[0141]

Embodiment 3 of the present invention is shown in FIG.
As shown in, instead of alternately using the two adsorption elements (81, 82) on the adsorption side and the regeneration side, an adsorption element formed in a rotor shape (hereinafter referred to as an adsorption rotor) (90) is used. It is an example.

The suction rotor (90) is configured to rotate continuously or intermittently around the rotation shaft (91). The adsorption rotor (90) is a disk-shaped adsorption element (81, 82) according to the second embodiment, and has an air passage for dehumidifying and humidifying air along its axial direction. And
The adsorption rotor (90) is arranged so as to straddle the air passage on the first air side and the air passage on the second air side. In the illustrated example, the adsorption rotor (90) is not provided with the cooling-side passage described in the first embodiment, but a cooling-side passage may be provided, for example, along the radial direction of the adsorption rotor.

In this structure, as shown in FIG. 12A, when the first air passes through a part of the adsorption rotor (90) during the dehumidifying operation, moisture is adsorbed and dehumidified.
The air is cooled by the first heat exchanger (103) and supplied to the room. The second air (RA) is heated by the regenerative heat exchanger (102) and then passes through another part of the adsorption rotor (90),
Water is desorbed from the adsorption rotor (90) to regenerate the adsorption rotor (90). The second air is discharged to the outside after regenerating the adsorption rotor (90).

When the suction rotor (90) is rotated, the portion performing the suction operation and the portion performing the regeneration operation change continuously or intermittently. Therefore, after regenerating the portion that has adsorbed water, it can be used for adsorption again,
Continuous operation is possible.

During this dehumidifying operation, if the first heat exchanger (103) is condensed to generate drain water (W), the drain water (W)
Are released into the second air path and evaporate. Therefore, as in the first and second embodiments, the humidity control apparatus includes the regenerative heat exchanger (102) in the path of the second air as shown by the arrow (A1) for the drain water (W). And adsorption rotors (90)
Is configured to be supplied between.

Further, the humidity control apparatus uses the drain water with the code (A
2) is supplied directly to the regenerative heat exchanger (102) in the second air path as shown by the arrow, or as shown by the arrow (A3) in the second air path. It is also possible to supply it to the upstream side of (102). Furthermore, the drain water (W) may be configured to be supplied to the downstream side of the adsorption rotor (90) in the path of the second air, as indicated by the arrow (A4).

On the other hand, during the humidifying operation, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), the second air is heated by the regenerative heat exchanger (102) and then passes through part of the adsorption rotor (90). This allows
The second air absorbs the moisture of the adsorption rotor (90) to be humidified and supplied to the room. Further, when the first air passes through the other part of the adsorption rotor (90), moisture is adsorbed by the adsorption rotor (90), and after exchanging heat with the second heat exchanger (104), it goes out of the room. Is released.

In the humidity control apparatus, during the humidifying operation, drain water generated by the first air passing through the second heat exchanger (104) is discharged into the path of the second air and evaporated. Is configured. Specifically, the drain water is supplied between the regenerative heat exchanger (102) and the adsorption rotor (90) in the path of the second air as indicated by the arrow (B1). Further, the drain water is directly supplied to the regenerative heat exchanger (102) in the path of the second air as indicated by the arrow (B2), or the regenerated heat exchanger as indicated by the arrow (B3). It is also possible to supply to the upstream side of (102) or to the downstream side of the adsorption rotor (90) as indicated by the arrow (B4). Further, the drain water may be discharged into the path of the first air to be evaporated during the humidifying operation as indicated by the arrow (C).

Also in this embodiment, the first heat exchanger (10
The drain water generated in 3) is included in the second air and discharged to the outside of the room. Therefore, rust does not occur in the device due to the drain water, and the drain water does not drip into the room.

[0150]

Other Embodiments of the Invention The present invention may have the following configurations in the above embodiments.

For example, each of the above embodiments relates to a humidity control device configured to be able to perform both the dehumidifying operation and the humidifying operation. However, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems related to drain water.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a humidity control apparatus according to a first embodiment and a first operation during a dehumidifying operation.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a second operation during a dehumidifying operation in the humidity control apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a first operation during a humidifying operation in the humidity control apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a second operation during a humidifying operation in the humidity control apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a main part of the humidity control apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing an adsorption element of the humidity control apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a piping system diagram showing a configuration of a refrigerant circuit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an operation operation of the humidity control apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a process of drain water during the driving operation of FIG.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the treatment of drain water during the humidifying operation.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the humidity control apparatus and the treatment of drain water according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the humidity control apparatus and the treatment of drain water according to the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

(10) Casing (81) 1st adsorption element (82) Second adsorption element (90) Adsorption rotor (adsorption element) (100) Refrigerant circuit (102) Regenerative heat exchanger (condenser) (103) First heat exchanger (evaporator) (104) Second heat exchanger (evaporator)

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) F28D 17/02 F28D 17/02 19/04 19/04 Z

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An adsorption element (81, 82) (90) having an adsorbent for bringing the adsorbent into contact with air, and a refrigerant circuit (100) for circulating a refrigerant to perform a refrigeration cycle, 1 Air adsorption element (81, 82) (90) and refrigerant circuit (100)
The adsorbing operation of passing the gas to the evaporator (103, 104) of
The condenser (102) of the refrigerant circuit (100) and the adsorption element (8)
Dehumidifying operation of supplying the first air into the room and discharging the second air, and supplying the second air into the room and discharging the first air. The humidity control device is configured to perform at least one of a humidifying operation to perform drainage water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) due to moisture in the first air, and is discharged into a path of the second air to evaporate. A humidity control device characterized in that it is configured to. 2. The drain water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) is supplied between the condenser (102) and the adsorbing element (81, 82) (90) during the regeneration operation in the second air path. The humidity control device according to claim 1, wherein the humidity control device is configured as follows. 3. The drain water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) is configured to be supplied to the condenser (102) or the upstream side thereof in the path of the second air. The humidity control device described. 4. The adsorbing element (81, 8) during regeneration operation of drain water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) in a path of the second air.
2) The humidity control device according to claim 1, wherein the humidity control device is configured so as to be supplied to the downstream side of (90). 5. An adsorbing element (81, 82) (90) having an adsorbent for bringing the adsorbent into contact with air, and a refrigerant circuit (100) for circulating a refrigerant to perform a refrigeration cycle, 1 Air adsorption element (81, 82) (90) and refrigerant circuit (100)
The adsorbing operation of passing the gas to the evaporator (103, 104) of
The condenser (102) of the refrigerant circuit (100) and the adsorption element (8)
A humidity control device configured to perform a humidifying operation of performing a regeneration operation of passing the first air to the room and discharging the first air. A humidity control device, characterized in that drain water generated in an evaporator (103, 104) due to water in the air is discharged into a path of the first air to be evaporated during a humidifying operation. 6. The adsorbing element (81, 8) during adsorbing operation of drain water generated in the evaporator (103, 104) in the path of the first air.
2) The humidity control device according to claim 5, wherein the humidity control device is configured to supply the upstream side of (90). 7. A first adsorption element (81) and a second adsorption element (8)
2), the first adsorption element (81) performs the adsorption operation and the second adsorption element (82) performs the regeneration operation, and the second adsorption element (82) performs the adsorption operation and the first operation. 7. The one adsorbing element (81) is configured to alternately switch the second operation of performing the regenerating operation and supply the first air or the second air into the room. 1. The humidity control device according to 1. 8. The humidity adjusting side passage (8) in which the adsorbing elements (81, 82) flow by alternately switching the first air or the second air.
5) and a cooling side passageway (86) through which the cooling fluid flows, the adsorption element (81) is configured to perform heat exchange between the first air and the cooling fluid, and thereby the adsorption element (81, 82) The humidity control apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the heat of adsorption of the first air is recovered by a cooling fluid. 9. The adsorbing element (90) is configured in a rotor shape and is arranged so as to straddle a first air path and a second air path, and the adsorbing element (90) is rotated continuously or intermittently. While performing the adsorption operation on the side of the first air and the regeneration operation on the side of the second air at the same time, the first air or the second air is supplied into the room. The humidity control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.