JP2023053433A - air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner in which a part of an absorber absorbing moisture in outdoor air and a part of an absorber heated by a heater and releasing moisture are separated from each other by a seal member, and a load for rotating the absorber is suppressed.SOLUTION: A plurality of first seal units 126 to a first end surface 52a of an absorber 52 and a plurality of second seal units 128 to a second end surface 52b of the absorbent 52 are provided at a ventilation device 50. The first seal units 126 are provided at a plurality of beam parts 112d of a heater base member 112 facing the first end surface 52a of the absorber 52. The second seal units 128 are provided at a part 102I of an annular wall part 102k of a case body 102 facing the second end surface 52b of the absorber 52, and are respectively provided while inclining in a rotational direction of the absorber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

The present disclosure relates to air conditioners.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as described in Patent Literature 1, an air conditioner is known that includes an indoor unit arranged inside a room to be air-conditioned and an outdoor unit arranged outdoors. This air conditioner is configured to supply humidified outdoor air or dehumidified outdoor air from an outdoor unit to an indoor unit. Specifically, the absorbent rotates, outdoor air heated by the heater passes through a portion of the absorbent, and unheated outdoor air passes through the remaining portion of the absorbent. One of the outdoor air heated by the heater (humidified outdoor air) and the unheated outdoor air (dehumidified outdoor air) is supplied to the indoor unit, and the other is discharged outdoors.

JP-A-2003-314858

By the way, in the case of the air conditioner described in Patent Document 1, the absorbent rotates. The absorbent material cannot isolate the part that absorbs the moisture of the outdoor air and the part that releases the moisture when heated. In the structure that isolates the part that desorbs the moisture, there is a problem that the load for rotating the absorbent increases, and the driving torque of the motor that rotates the absorbent increases or fluctuates.

Therefore, the present disclosure provides
In an air conditioner in which a part of an absorbent that absorbs moisture in outdoor air and a part of an absorbent that is heated by a heater and releases moisture are separated by a sealing member, the load for rotating the absorbent and the rotation of the absorbent are provided. An object of the present invention is to suppress the driving torque of a motor.

In order to solve the above-described problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit includes a heater for heating outdoor air and a disk-shaped an absorbent, an absorbent holder having a cylindrical portion that supports the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent, a motor that rotates the absorbent holder, and a flow of the outdoor air passing through the absorbent and directed to the indoor unit. and a fan for generating a flow of the outdoor air passing through the absorbent and directed to the outside of the outdoor unit, wherein the outdoor air heated by the heater in the absorbent passes through The air conditioner is provided with a seal member separating a portion through which the outdoor air passes through the absorbent and a portion through which the outdoor air directed to the outside of the outdoor unit passes, wherein the absorbent rotates while being in contact with the seal member. be. Further, the seal member extends substantially along the radial direction of the absorber, and the seal member is positioned against the surface of the absorber so that the driving torque of the motor does not increase when the absorber rotates. An air conditioner is provided in which the absorber is inclined in contact with the direction of rotation.

According to the present disclosure, a seal separates a portion where outdoor air absorbs moisture as it passes through the rotating absorbent and a portion where outdoor air heated by a heater releases moisture as it passes through the absorbent. In the air conditioner having the structure, the load for rotating the absorbing material and the driving torque of the motor for rotating the absorbing material can be reduced.

Schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Schematic diagram of the ventilation system Schematic diagram of the ventilator during ventilation operation Schematic diagram of the ventilator during humidification operation Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during dehumidification operation Perspective view of outdoor unit of air conditioner Perspective view of the ventilator with the lid removed Top view of the ventilator with the lid removed Disassembled perspective view with lid removed Schematic cross-section of a ventilator Perspective view of heater unit Bottom view of heater unit Disassembled perspective view of heater unit Schematic cross-sectional view of the heater unit along line AA in FIG. FIG. 4 is a top view of a portion of the ventilator housing showing the second space; Schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the absorber orthogonal to the radial direction of the absorber Schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the absorbent perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorbent in the ventilator of the comparative example Schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the absorbent material perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorbent material in a ventilator according to a different embodiment. Schematic cross-sectional view of an absorbent holder showing labyrinth channels formed on the outside of the absorbent holder. Schematic cross-sectional view of components around the first fan Schematic cross-sectional view of an air intake port of a housing in a ventilation device according to a different embodiment FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of a ventilator housing showing a second space in a ventilator according to a different embodiment; Sectional drawing which shows the damper apparatus of the state connected indoors Sectional drawing which shows the damper apparatus of the state connected to outdoor Sectional perspective view of the ventilator showing the flow of outdoor air flowing out from the damper device The front view of the outdoor unit which shows the inside of the main body of an outdoor unit roughly. The perspective view which shows the indoor heat exchanger and nozzle which were provided in the indoor unit Side view of indoor unit showing internal structure Disassembled perspective view of nozzle FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the nozzle separated in two; Cross section of nozzle

An air conditioner of one aspect of the present invention is an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit includes a heater for heating outdoor air, a disk-shaped absorbent, and the absorbent. a motor for rotating the absorbent holder; a fan for generating a flow of the outdoor air passing through the absorbent and directed to the indoor unit; a fan for generating a flow of the outdoor air that passes through a material and flows to the outside of the outdoor unit, wherein the part of the absorbent through which the outdoor air heated by the heater passes and the absorbent. A seal member is provided to separate a portion through which outdoor air passes to the outside of the outdoor unit, and the absorber rotates while being in contact with the seal member.

According to such an aspect, in the air conditioner in which the outdoor air is humidified by passing through the rotating absorbent and supplied to the indoor unit, the indoor humidification efficiency generated by the outdoor air bypassing the absorbent It is possible to reduce the load for rotating the absorber and the driving torque of the motor for rotating the absorber while suppressing the decrease in the .

For example, the sealing unit extending substantially in the radial direction of the absorbent may be attached at an angle to the absorbent.

For example, the seal units may be provided with a plurality of first seal units for the first end face of the absorber and a plurality of second seal units for the second end face of the absorber.

For example, the sealing member is not limited to a brush as long as it can slide. For example, it may be an elastic member such as silicone rubber having flexibility.

For example, the sealing member may be different from or identical to the sealing member of the first sealing unit.

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

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment has an indoor unit 20 arranged in the indoor Rin to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit 30 arranged in the outdoor Rout.

The indoor unit 20 includes an indoor heat exchanger 22 that exchanges heat with the indoor air A1, and invites the indoor air A1 into the indoor unit 20, and the indoor air A1 after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 22 is introduced into the room. A fan 24 that blows to Rin is provided.

The outdoor unit 30 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 32 that exchanges heat with the outdoor air A2, and invites the outdoor air A2 into the outdoor unit 30. A fan 34 blowing to Rout is provided. In addition, the outdoor unit 30 is provided with a compressor 36, an expansion valve 38, and a four-way valve 40 for executing a refrigerating cycle with the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the outdoor heat exchanger 32.

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

The air conditioner 10 performs an air-conditioning operation of introducing the outdoor air A3 into the room Rin in addition to the air-conditioning operation by the refrigeration cycle. Therefore, the air conditioner 10 has a ventilator 50 . A ventilation device 50 is provided in the outdoor unit 30 .

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a ventilator.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ventilator 50 comprises an absorbent material 52 through which outdoor air A3, A4 passes.

The absorbent 52 is a member through which air can pass, and is a member that collects moisture from the passing air or provides moisture to the passing air. In the case of this embodiment, the absorber 52 is disc-shaped and rotates around a rotation center line C1 passing through the center thereof. The absorbing material 52 is rotationally driven by a motor 54 .

Absorbent material 52 is preferably a polymeric sorbent material that sorbs moisture in the air. The polymeric sorbent material is composed of, for example, a crosslinked sodium polyacrylate. Compared to adsorbents such as silica gel and zeolite, polymer sorbents absorb a large amount of water per unit volume, can desorb water at low heating temperatures, and hold water for a long time. be able to.

Inside the ventilator 50, there are provided a first flow path P1 and a second flow path P2 through which the outdoor air A3 and A4 respectively pass through the absorbent material 52. As shown in FIG. The first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 pass through the absorbent material 52 at different positions.

The first flow path P1 is a flow path through which the outdoor air A3 directed to the inside of the indoor unit 20 flows. The outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 is supplied into the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56. As shown in FIG.

In the case of this embodiment, the first flow path P1 includes a plurality of branch flow paths P1a and P1b on the upstream side with respect to the absorbent 52 . It should be noted that "upstream" and "downstream" are used herein with respect to air flow.

The plurality of tributary channels P1a and P2a join together on the upstream side of the absorbent 52 . First and second heaters 58 and 60 for heating the outdoor air A3 are provided in the plurality of branch passages P1a and P1b, respectively.

The first and second heaters 58, 60 may be heaters with the same heating capacity, or may be heaters with different heating capacities. Moreover, the first and second heaters 58 and 60 are preferably PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters, which increase electrical resistance when current flows and the temperature rises, that is, can suppress an excessive heating temperature rise. . In the case of a heater using a nichrome wire, carbon fiber, or the like, the heating temperature (surface temperature) continues to rise as current continues to flow, so it is necessary to monitor the temperature. The PTC heater eliminates the need to monitor the heating temperature because the heater itself regulates the heating temperature within a certain temperature range.

A first fan 62 that generates a flow of the outdoor air A3 toward the inside of the indoor unit 20 is provided in the first flow path P1. In the case of this embodiment, the first fan 62 is arranged downstream with respect to the absorbent 52 . By operating the first fan 62 , the outdoor air A 3 flows from the outdoor Rout into the first flow path P 1 and passes through the absorbent 52 .

Further, the first flow path P1 is provided with a damper device 64 that distributes the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to the indoor Rin (that is, the indoor unit 20) or the outdoor Rout. In this embodiment, the damper device 64 is arranged downstream of the first fan 62 . The outdoor air A3 distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64 enters the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 and is blown out by the fan 24 to the indoor unit Rin.

The second flow path P2 is a flow path through which the outdoor air A4 flows. Unlike the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 does not go to the indoor unit 20. The outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 flows out to the outdoor Rout after passing through the absorbent 52 .

A second fan 66 that generates a flow of outdoor air A4 is provided in the first flow path P1. In the case of this embodiment, the second fan 66 is arranged downstream with respect to the absorbent 52 . By operating the second fan 66, the outdoor air A4 flows from the outdoor Rout into the second flow path P2, passes through the absorbent 52, and then flows out to the outdoor Rout.

The ventilator 50 selectively uses an absorbent 52 (motor 54), a first heater 58, a second heater 60, a first fan 62, a damper device 64, and a second fan 66 for ventilation operation. , humidification operation, and dehumidification operation are selectively performed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the ventilator during ventilation operation.

The ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is directly supplied to the indoor unit Rin (that is, the indoor unit 20) through the ventilation conduit 56. As shown in FIG. 3, motor 54 continues to rotate absorbent material 52 during ventilation operation. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the OFF state and do not heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor units 20 . The second fan 66 is in an OFF state, so that no flow of outdoor air A4 is generated in the second flow path P2.

According to such a ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent 52 without being heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60 . The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 is distributed to the indoor units 20 by the damper device 64 . The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24 . Through such a ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin as it is, and the room Rin is ventilated.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the ventilator during humidification operation.

The humidification operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is humidified and the humidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to the indoor unit Rin (that is, the indoor unit 20). As shown in FIG. 4, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent 52 during the humidification operation. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the ON state and heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor units 20 . The second fan 66 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A4 to flow through the second flow path P2.

According to such a humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. As shown in FIG. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 can deprive the absorbent 52 of a larger amount of moisture than when it is not heated. As a result, the outdoor air A3 carries a large amount of moisture. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 and carries a large amount of moisture is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64 . The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24 . Through such a humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 carrying a large amount of moisture is supplied to the room Rin, and the room Rin is humidified.

By turning off either one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, the amount of moisture taken from the absorbent 52 by the outdoor air A3 is reduced. may be performed.

As the heated outdoor air A3 deprives moisture, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 decreases, that is, the absorbent 52 dries. When the absorbent 52 dries, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 cannot deprive the absorbent 52 of moisture. As a countermeasure, the absorbent 52 deprives the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 of water. As a result, the amount of water retained in the absorbent material 52 is kept substantially constant, and the humidification operation can be continued.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during dehumidification operation.

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

The adsorption operation is an operation for causing the absorbent 52 to adsorb moisture carried in the outdoor air A3, thereby dehumidifying the outdoor air A3. As shown in FIG. 5, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent 52 during the adsorption operation. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the OFF state and do not heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor units 20 . The second fan 66 is in an OFF state, so that no flow of outdoor air A4 is generated in the second flow path P2.
According to such adsorption operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent 52 without being heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60. As shown in FIG. At this time, the moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 is absorbed by the absorbent 52 . As a result, the amount of moisture carried by the outdoor air A3 is reduced, that is, the outdoor air A3 is dried. The outdoor air A3 dried by passing through the absorbent 52 is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64 . The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24 . By such adsorption operation, the dry outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin, and the room Rin is dehumidified.

As the adsorption operation continues, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 continues to increase, and as a result, the ability of the absorbent 52 to adsorb moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 decreases. A regeneration operation is performed to regenerate the absorbent 52 in order to recover its adsorption capacity.

During regeneration operation, motor 54 continues to rotate absorbent material 52 . The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the ON state and heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 not to the indoor unit 20 but to the outdoor Rout. The second fan 66 is in an OFF state, so that no flow of outdoor air A4 is generated in the second flow path P2.

According to such a regeneration operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. As shown in FIG. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 deprives the absorbent 52 of a large amount of moisture. As a result, a large amount of moisture is carried in the outdoor air A3. At the same time, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 decreases, ie, the absorbent 52 dries and its adsorption capacity is regenerated. The outdoor air A3 that passes through the absorbent 52 and carries a large amount of moisture is distributed to the outdoor route by the damper device 64 and is discharged to the outdoor route. As a result, during the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation, the outdoor air A3 carrying a large amount of moisture due to the regeneration of the absorbent 52 is not supplied to the indoor Rin.

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

The air-conditioning operation (cooling operation, dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation), heating operation) by the above-described refrigeration cycle and the air-conditioning operation (ventilation operation, humidification operation, dehumidification operation) by the ventilation device 50 can be performed separately, and at the same time It is also possible to execute For example, if the dehumidification operation by the refrigeration cycle and the dehumidification operation by the ventilation device 50 are simultaneously executed, it is possible to dehumidify the room Rin while maintaining the room temperature constant.

The air conditioning operation performed by the air conditioner 10 is selected by the user. For example, when a user selects the remote controller 70 shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 10 performs the air conditioning operation corresponding to the operation.

So far, the configuration and operation of air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment have been schematically described. Further features of the air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment will now be described.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner 10. FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the ventilator with the lid removed. Furthermore, FIG. 8 is a top view of the ventilator with the lid removed. Furthermore, FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the ventilator with the lid removed. And FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view of the ventilator. The XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in the drawings is for facilitating understanding of the embodiments, and does not limit the embodiments. The X-axis direction indicates the front-rear direction of the outdoor unit 30, the Y-axis direction indicates the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction indicates the height direction.

As shown in FIG. 6 , in the case of this embodiment, the ventilation device 50 is provided above the outdoor unit 30 . Specifically, the ventilator 50 is provided on a housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30 that houses the outdoor heat exchanger 32 , the fan 34 , the compressor 36 , the expansion valve 38 and the four-way valve 40 .

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the ventilator 50 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape elongated in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the outdoor unit 30, and has a box-like housing 102 with an open top and an upper portion of the housing 102. and a lid 104 attached to the . Enclosed within housing 102 are the components of ventilator 50 , such as absorbent material 52 . 7 and 8 show the ventilator 50 with the lid 104 removed.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, in the case of the present embodiment, the absorbent 52 is arranged in the center of the ventilator 50 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The components related to the first flow path P1 are arranged on one side (right side) in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent 52, and the components related to the second flow path P2 are arranged on the other side (left side). ing.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of spaces S1 to S4 are substantially formed within the housing 102 of the ventilator 50. As shown in FIG.

The first space S1 is a space into which the outdoor air A3 first flows. Also, the first space S1 is substantially formed in the right and upper portions within the housing 102 .

The second space S2 is a space that communicates with the first space S1 via the absorbent 52, and is a space into which the outdoor air A3 in the first space S1 flows through the absorbent 52. As shown in FIG. Also, the second space S2 is substantially formed in the right and lower portions within the housing 102 .

The third space S3 is a space into which the outdoor air A4 first flows. Also, the third space S3 is substantially formed in the left and lower portions within the housing 102 .

The fourth space S4 is a space that communicates with the third space S3 via the absorbent 52, and is a space into which the outdoor air A4 in the third space S3 flows through the absorbent 52. Also, the fourth space S4 is substantially formed in the left and upper portions within the housing 102 .

The outdoor air A3 inside the first and second spaces S1, S2 is prevented from moving into the third and fourth spaces S3, S4, and conversely, the outdoor air inside the third and fourth spaces S3, S4 is The third and fourth spaces S3, S4 are independent of the first and second spaces S1, S2 (i.e., these are sealed).

First, the constituent elements of the ventilator 50 related to the second flow path P2, which has a simple configuration, will be described.

In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the housing 102 of the ventilator 50 has a first intake port 102a, a second There are two intake ports 102b and two exhaust ports 102c. The first intake port 102a is formed in the center of the front wall 102d of the housing 102 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The second intake port 102b is formed in the center of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102 in the left-right direction. The exhaust port 102c is formed on the left side of the front wall 102d.

The outdoor air A4 flows into the third space S3 inside the housing 102 via the first air intake port 102a and the second air intake port 102b when the second fan 66 operates. Specifically, the outdoor air A4 flows into the third space S3 between the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 and the second end surface 52b of the absorbent 52, as shown in FIG.

The outdoor air A4 in the third space S3 flows into the absorbent 52 through the second end surface 52b, and flows out of the absorbent 52 into the fourth space S4 through the first end surface 52a. The outdoor air A4 that has passed through the absorbent 52 and flowed into the fourth space S4 is sucked into the second fan 66 . In the case of the present embodiment, the second fan 66 is a sirocco fan, and is an impeller arranged in the fan chamber F1 and rotating around a rotation center line extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). 66a and a motor 66b for rotating the impeller 66a. The outdoor air A4 is sucked into the fan chamber F1 by the rotation of the impeller 66a and is discharged to the outdoor Rout through the exhaust port 102c communicating with the fan chamber F1. The fan room F1 is defined by a housing 102 and a partition plate 106 separating the third space S3 and the fourth space S4. The partition plate 106 is formed with an air suction port 106a that communicates with the fan chamber F1 and through which the outdoor air A4 passes.

Next, the components of the ventilator 50 associated with the first flow path P1 will be described.

In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the housing 102 of the ventilator 50 has a third intake port 102g and a third 4 intake ports 102h are provided. A third intake port 102g is formed in the right wall 102i of the housing 102 . A fourth intake port 102 h is formed on the right side of the rear wall 102 e of the housing 102 .

When the first fan 62 operates, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first space S1 inside the housing 102 via the third intake port 102g and the fourth intake port 102h. The outdoor air A3 that has flowed into the first space S1 passes through the first and second heaters 58 and 60 and is directed above the first end surface 52a of the absorbent 52 .

In this embodiment, the first and second heaters 58 , 60 are incorporated in a heater unit 110 centrally located in the ventilator 50 .

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the heater unit. Also, FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the heater unit. Furthermore, FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the heater unit. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater unit taken along line AA of FIG. 12. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 11-14, the heater unit 110 includes a heater base member 112 that holds the first and second heaters 58,60. The heater base member 112 includes a substantially triangular heater mounting portion 112a on which the first and second heaters 58 and 60 are mounted, and a cylindrical absorbent housing portion 112b that rotatably houses the absorbent 52. Prepare. Note that the heater mounting portion 112a and the absorbent containing portion 112b of the heater base member 112 can be configured as separate parts.

The first and second heaters 58 and 60 are arranged on the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112 in a "V" shape. The outdoor air A3 (that is, branch passages P1a and P2b) that has passed through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 respectively passes through the first air of the absorbent 52 accommodated in the absorbent accommodating portion 112b of the heater base member 112. They join on the end surface 52a (that is, the branch channels P1a and P1b join the main channel P1c in the first channel P1). The first and second heaters 58, 60 are fin heaters having a plurality of heating fins that transfer heat to the outdoor air A3 flowing through the tributaries P1a, P2a.

In this embodiment, the ventilator 50 includes an absorbent holder 114 that holds a disc-shaped absorbent 52 having a first end face 52a and a second end face 52b. The absorbent holder 114 includes a cylindrical portion 114a that holds the outer peripheral surface 52c of the absorbent 52, a hub portion 114b that is rotatably supported by a support shaft 102j erected on the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 of the ventilator 50, and ( 10), and a plurality of spoke portions 114c connecting the cylindrical portion 114a and the hub portion 114b. The plurality of spokes 114c support the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52. As shown in FIG.

The absorbent holder 114 holding the absorbent 52 is accommodated in the absorbent accommodating portion 112 b of the heater base member 112 . An engaging portion 112c is provided at the center of the absorbent containing portion 112b of the heater base member 112 to engage with the support shaft 102j of the housing 102 penetrating the hub portion 114b of the absorbent holder 114. As shown in FIG. The heater base member 112 is provided with a plurality of beam portions 112d that connect the cylindrical absorbing material accommodating portion 112b and the engaging portion 112c positioned at the center thereof.

As shown in FIG. 9, the cylindrical portion 114a of the absorber holder 114 has an outer peripheral surface formed with external teeth 114d that engage with a pinion gear 116 attached to the motor 54. As shown in FIG. The motor 54 rotates the absorbent 52 via the absorbent holder 114 .

The heater unit 110 also includes a first cover that covers a portion of the first end surface 52a of the absorbent 52 through which the outdoor air A3 passes, the first heater 58, and the second heater 60, as shown in FIG. It includes a member 118 and a second cover member 120 . The first cover member 118 and the second cover member 120 are supported by the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112 and the plurality of beam portions 112d. As a result, the first cover member 118 covers the first and second heaters 58 and 60, and an absorbent material surrounded by the heater mounting portion 112a and the beam portion 112d when viewed from above (as viewed in the Z-axis direction). It covers a portion of the first end surface 52a of 52 . Such a first cover member 118 is covered with a gap provided between the second cover member 120 and the first cover member 118 . In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the first cover member 118 is made of a resin material, and the second cover member 120 is made of a metal material. With the first cover member 118 and the second cover member 120 as described above, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is The first end surface 52a of the absorbent material 52 covered with the member 120 is passed through.

As shown in FIG. 14, the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are mounted on the heater mounting portion 112a so that the passage direction of the outdoor air A3 is the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). The first cover member 118 covers the upper part of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 so that the outdoor air A3 can pass through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 in the horizontal direction.

The second cover member 120 includes a top plate portion 120a that covers the first cover member 118, and a wall portion 120b that extends downward from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate portion 120a. The top plate portion 120a faces the first cover member 118 with a gap in the height direction (Z-axis direction). Further, the wall portion 120b faces the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 with a space therebetween in the horizontal direction.

Further, in the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, an undercover member 122 is attached to the lower portion of the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112. As shown in FIG. The undercover member 122 includes a bottom plate portion 122a attached to the heater mounting portion 112a and a wall portion 122b extending from the bottom plate portion 122a in the height direction (Z-axis direction). Wall portion 122 b extends between first heater 58 and second heater 60 and wall portion 120 b of second cover member 120 .

According to the second cover member 120 and the undercover member 122, the outdoor air A3 flows upward through the gap between the wall portion 120b of the second cover member 120 and the wall portion 122b of the undercover member 122. flowing towards Next, the outdoor air A3 climbs over the wall portion 122b of the undercover member 122 and flows above the bottom plate portion 122a in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). reach. Before the outdoor air A3 reaches the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, foreign matter such as dust entrained in the outdoor air A3 is removed by gravity. The distance D of the gap between the wall portion 120b of the second cover member 120 and the wall portion 122b of the undercover member 122 is set to a size, for example, 8 mm or less, in which living things such as insects cannot enter. As a result, invasion of organisms into the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 14, the outdoor air A3 flows through the gap between the first cover member 118 and the top plate portion 120a of the second cover member 120. As shown in FIG. That is, the gap between the first cover member 118 and the second cover member 120 is divided into the upstream portion of the branch passage P1a with respect to the first heater 58 and the upstream portion of the branch passage P1b with respect to the second heater 60. It functions as a connecting path P1d that connects the In the case of this embodiment, the channel length from the first heater 58 to the first fan 62 is short, and the channel length from the second heater 60 to the first fan 62 is short. Therefore, the flow velocity of the outdoor air A3 at the first heater 58 is higher than the flow velocity at the second heater 60 . As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, part of the outdoor air A3 flowing through the upstream branch passage P1b with respect to the second heater 60 flows through the connecting passage P1d and into the branch passage P1a. It passes through the first heater 58 .

The reason for providing such a communication path P1d is to effectively utilize the exhaust heat H of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. As shown in FIG. Specifically, much of the heat generated by first heater 58 and second heater 60 is used to heat outdoor air A3 passing through them. However, part of the generated heat is transmitted around the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 without being transmitted to the outdoor air A3 passing through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. Specifically, it propagates above the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 .

In the case of this embodiment, the exhaust heat H of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is transferred to the outdoor air A3 flowing through the communication path P1d. The outdoor air A3 heated by the exhaust heat H passes through the first heater 58 or the second heater 60 and then through the absorbent 52 . In this manner, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the communication path P1d recovers the exhaust heat H of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, whereby the outdoor air A3 is heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60. Improve efficiency. As a result, the amount of humidification of the outdoor air A3 (the amount of moisture taken from the absorbent 52) increases, and the efficiency of the humidification operation (humidification efficiency of the indoor Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation (the regeneration efficiency of the absorbent 52) increases. improves.

Incidentally, such a connecting path P1d for exhaust heat recovery may be provided not only above the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 but also below them. The communication path P1d may pass through the vicinity of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, that is, the area where exhaust heat from the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is transferred.

The outdoor air A3 heated by at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 moves the absorbent 52 downward from the first end surface 52a toward the second end surface 52b as shown in FIG. and enter the second space S2.

Figure 15 is a top view of a portion of the ventilator housing showing the second space.

As shown in FIG. 15, the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 is formed with an annular wall portion 102k extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction). A partition plate 124 separating the first space S1 and the second space S2 is arranged at the top of the annular wall portion 102k (see FIG. 10). The annular wall portion 102k of the housing 102 and the partition plate 124 define a second space S2. A sealing unit (described later) for sealing between the annular wall portion 102k and the absorbing material 52 is mounted on the portion 102l of the annular wall portion 102k located below the absorbing material 52. FIG.

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the absorber orthogonal to the radial direction of the absorber.

As shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of first sealing units 126 against the first end face 52a of the absorbent material 52 and a plurality of second sealing units 128 against the second end face 52b of the absorbent material 52 are connected to the ventilator 50. is provided in In the case of this embodiment, the first seal unit 126 is provided on a plurality of beam portions 112 d of the heater base member 112 facing the first end face 52 a of the absorbent 52 . The second seal unit 128 is provided on the portion 102 l of the annular wall portion 102 k of the housing 102 facing the second end face 52 b of the absorbent 52 .

The plurality of first seal units 126 are attached to the heater base member 112 while holding the seal member 126a contacting the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) and the seal member 126a. and a seal holder 126b. The seal member 126a substantially extends in the radial direction of the disk-shaped absorbent 52 and contacts the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52 . In this embodiment, the sealing member 126a is a brush. Note that the sealing member 126a is not limited to a brush as long as it can slide against the first end surface 52a of the rotating absorbent 52 . The seal member 126a may be, for example, an elastic member such as silicon rubber having flexibility.

With such a first seal unit 126, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, specifically, a part of the outdoor air A3 flowing inside the first cover member 118 is transferred to the second flow path P2. (that is, entering the fourth space S4) is suppressed. Conversely, the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 is also suppressed from entering the first flow path P1.

The plurality of second seal units 128 includes a seal member 128a that contacts the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52 in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and a seal holder that holds the seal member 128a and is attached to the housing 102. 128b. The seal member 128a extends substantially in the radial direction of the disk-shaped absorber 52, extends parallel to the seal member 126a of the first seal unit 126, and extends along the second end face of the absorber 52. 52b. In this embodiment, the sealing member 128a is a brush. Note that the sealing member 128a is not limited to a brush as long as it can slide against the second end surface 52b of the rotating absorbent 52 . The sealing member 128a may be, for example, an elastic member such as silicone rubber having flexibility. Also, the seal member 128a may be different from the seal member 126a of the first seal unit 126, or may be the same.

With such a second seal unit 128, part of the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, specifically, the outdoor air A3 flowing into the second space S2 from the second end surface 52b of the absorbent 52 is is suppressed from entering the second flow path P2 (that is, the third space S3). Conversely, the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 is also suppressed from entering the first flow path P1.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of absorbent holders 114 are provided on the second end face 52b of the absorbent 52 with which the second seal unit 128 (the seal member 128a thereof) contacts. There is a spoke portion 114c of . Therefore, during rotation of the absorbent holder 114, the seal member 128a needs to climb over the plurality of spoke portions 114c.

At this time, when the entire seal member 128a climbs over the spoke portion 114c at the same timing, the rotational resistance of the absorbent holder 114 increases at that timing. As a result, an intermittent torque load is applied to the motor 54 that rotates the absorbent holder 114 .

Therefore, the spoke portion 114c extends so that the entire seal member 128a does not get over the spoke portion 114c at the same time. Specifically, the sealing member 128 a substantially extends in the radial direction of the absorbent 52 , and the spoke portion 114 c does not substantially extend in the radial direction of the absorbent 52 . As a result, for example, when the center side end of the sealing member 128a of the absorbent 52 is positioned on the spoke portion 114c, the outer end of the sealing member 128a is not positioned on the spoke portion 114c. Due to such a difference in extending direction, the seal member 128a does not ride over the spoke portions 114c as a whole, but partially rides over the spoke portions 114c. As a result, the load on the motor 54 is reduced.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the beam portion 112d of the heater base member 112 provided with the first seal unit 126 is provided with a collision plate 112e extending in a direction away from the first seal unit 126. . The collision plate 112e extends above the portion of the first end surface 52a of the absorbent 52 through which the outdoor air A4 flows. As a result, the outdoor air A4 that has passed through the absorbing material 52 near the first seal unit 126 collides with the collision plate 112e. This "collision plate" will be described with reference to a comparative example.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the absorbent perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorbent in the ventilator of the comparative example.

As shown in the comparative example of FIG. 17, when there is no impingement plate 112e protruding into the second flow path P2 away from the first seal unit 126, the air passes through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60. A part of the outdoor air A3 before flowing into the absorbing material 52 can enter the second flow path P2. Specifically, part of the outdoor air A3 may pass between the seal member 126a and the absorbent 52 and enter the second flow path P2.

The passage of the outdoor air A3 between the seal member 126a and the absorbent 52 is achieved when the pressure in the first flow path P1 is higher than the pressure in the second flow path P2 and the pressure difference is large. can occur. The inside of the second flow path P2 is maintained substantially at atmospheric pressure because the outdoor air A4 flows without being heated. On the other hand, when the outdoor air A3 is heated by at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 (during the humidification operation or during the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation), the first cover member 118 and the second The pressure in the space S5 above the portion of the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52 covered by the second cover member 120 increases (compared to when the outdoor air A3 is not heated). That is, the pressure on the side of the second flow path P2 is relatively low with respect to the first seal unit 126, and the pressure on the side of the first flow path P1 is relatively high. As a result, the high-temperature outdoor air A3 in the high-pressure first flow path P1 can enter the low-pressure second flow path P2 through the space between the seal member 126a and the absorbent 52 .

When part of the heated outdoor air A3 having a high temperature does not pass through the absorbent 52 and enters the second flow path P2, the amount of moisture taken from the absorbent 52 by the outdoor air A3 decreases. The efficiency of the humidification operation (humidification efficiency of the indoor Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation (the regeneration efficiency of the absorbent 52) in the dehumidification operation decreases. As a countermeasure for this, in the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, there is a collision plate 112e that protrudes from the first seal unit 126 into the second flow path P2.

As shown in FIG. 16, the outdoor air A4 flowing near the first seal unit 126 flows out from the first end face 52a of the absorbent 52 and then collides with the collision plate 112e. As a result, a turbulent high pressure region AP is generated between the first end face 52a of the absorber 52 and the collision plate 112e. This high pressure area AP reduces the pressure difference between both sides of the seal member 126a. As a result, entry of the outdoor air A3 into the second flow path P2 through between the seal member 126a and the absorbent 52 is suppressed.

In the case of this embodiment, a throttle wall 112f extending toward the first end surface 52a of the absorber 52 is provided at the tip of the collision plate 112e (the end far from the first seal unit 126). As a result, a substantially closed space surrounded by the sealing member 126a, the collision plate 112e, the first end surface 52a of the absorbent 52, and the restrictor wall 112f is formed, and a high pressure area AP having a higher pressure is formed in the space. Occur. As a result, intrusion of the outdoor air A3 into the second flow path P2 through the space between the sealing member 126a and the absorbent 52 is further suppressed as compared with the case where the throttle wall 112f is not provided.

As shown in FIG. 16, the sealing member 126a of the first sealing unit 126 and the sealing member 128a of the second sealing unit 128 are arranged against the first end surface 52a and the second end surface 52b of the absorbent 52, respectively. contacting the absorber 52 in a direction orthogonal to the However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the absorbent material perpendicular to the radial direction of the absorbent material in a ventilator according to a different embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 18, in a ventilator according to a different embodiment, each of the sealing members 126a and 128a contacts the absorbent material 52 while being inclined with respect to the first end surface 52a and the second end surface 52b. . Specifically, the seal members 126a and 128a are held by the seal holders 226b and 228b in an inclined state so as to approach the absorber 52 from the upstream side to the downstream side in the rotational direction DR of the absorber 52. there is In this case, the sliding resistance between the seal members 126a, 128a and the absorbing material 52 is lower than in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, and the load on the motor 54 is reduced.

When the rotational direction of the absorber 52 is switched, each of the seal members 126a and 128a may be held by the seal holder so as to be swingable about the rotational center line extending in the radial direction of the absorber 52 .

Between the seal member 126a of the first seal unit 126 and the first end surface 52a of the absorbent 52, and between the seal member 128a of the second seal unit 128 and the second end surface 52b of the absorbent 52 You may adjust the rotation speed of the 1st fan 62 and the 2nd fan 66 so that outdoor air A3 or outdoor air A4 may not pass through. For example, when the rotation speed of the first fan 62 and the second fan 66 increases, the pressure in the first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 decreases. Conversely, as the rotational speed increases, the pressure increases.

For example, when at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 is ON, the rotational speed of the first fan 62 is increased to decrease the pressure in the first flow path P1 and/or the second fan 66 to increase the pressure in the second flow path P2, the passage of the heated outdoor air A3 between the seal member 126a of the first seal unit 126 and the absorbent 52 is further suppressed. can do.

In addition to the first seal unit 126 and the second seal unit 128, the ventilator 50 includes a labyrinth seal member 130 as a seal for the absorbent material 52, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an absorbent holder showing labyrinth channels formed on the outside of the absorbent holder.

As shown in FIG. 19, since the absorber holder 114 rotates, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 114a faces the absorber containing portion 112b of the heater base member 112 and the partition plate 124 with a gap therebetween. are doing. Therefore, part of the outdoor air A3 that should pass through the absorbent 52 can bypass the absorbent 52 by flowing outside the cylindrical portion 114a. When the outdoor air A3 is heated by at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60, the occurrence of such a bypass reduces the amount of moisture taken from the absorbent 52 by the outdoor air A3, that is, humidification. The efficiency of the operation (humidification efficiency of the indoor Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation (the regeneration efficiency of the absorbent 52) decreases. Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, the labyrinth seal member 130 forms a labyrinth flow path PL between the absorbent holder 114 and the members facing it (the heater base member 112 and the partition plate 124). The labyrinth flow path refers to a flow path having a high flow resistance due to the shape of the flow path that changes the flow direction of the fluid multiple times.

The labyrinth seal member 130 includes an end surface 130a forming a radial flow path PLa extending in the radial direction (Y-axis direction) of the absorbent 52 as part of the labyrinth flow path PL. Specifically, in the case of this embodiment, absorber holder 114 has external teeth 114d on the outer peripheral surface of cylindrical portion 114a. The absorber holder 114 also has an annular flange 114e provided on the end face of the external tooth 114d on the far side from the first end face 52a of the absorber 52. As shown in FIG. An end surface 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130 forms a radial flow path PLa between itself and the flange 114e.

The labyrinth flow path PL including such a radial flow path PLa makes it difficult for the outdoor air A3 to flow outside the cylindrical portion 114a to bypass the absorbent 52 and pass through the absorbent 52 . As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the efficiency of the humidification operation (humidification efficiency of the indoor Rin) or the efficiency of the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation (the regeneration efficiency of the absorbent 52) caused by the outdoor air A3 bypassing the absorbent 52. can.

Further, in the case of the present embodiment, the end surface 130a of the labyrinth seal member 130 is provided with a ridge portion 130b that protrudes toward the flange 114e of the absorbent holder 114. As shown in FIG. This further increases the channel resistance of the labyrinth channel PL.

Furthermore, in the case of the present embodiment, ribs 124a extending in the radial direction (Y-axis direction) of the absorbent 52 are provided on the partition plate 124 so as to face the second end surface 52b of the absorbent 52 with a gap therebetween. is provided. The rib 124a makes it difficult for the outdoor air A3 to flow out of the labyrinth flow path PL, and as a result, the flow path resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL further increases.

Furthermore, in the case of the present embodiment, ribs 124 a of partition plate 124 are provided with ridges 124 b protruding toward second end face 52 b of absorber 52 at the tips thereof. The protrusion 124b makes it difficult for the outdoor air A3 to flow out of the labyrinth flow path PL, and as a result, the flow path resistance of the labyrinth flow path PL further increases.

The labyrinth flow path PL may be formed over the entire outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 114a of the absorbent holder 114, or may not be formed over the entire surface. The main purpose of the labyrinth flow path PL is to absorb the outdoor air A3 so that most of the outdoor air A3 heated by at least one of the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 passes through the absorbent 52. 52 bypass is suppressed. Therefore, it is sufficient that at least the labyrinth flow path PL exists outside the portion of the cylindrical portion 114a of the absorbent holder 114 corresponding to the portion of the absorbent 52 through which the heated outdoor air A3 passes.

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

The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 flows into the second space S2.

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of components around the first fan.

As shown in FIG. 20 , the outdoor air A3 that flows through the first flow path P1, specifically, that has flowed into the second space S2 is sucked into the first fan 62 . In the case of this embodiment, the first fan 62 is a sirocco fan, and an impeller 62a that rotates around a rotation center line extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) arranged in the fan chamber F2. and a motor 62b for rotating the impeller 62a. The outdoor air A3 is sucked into the fan chamber F2 by the rotation inside the impeller 66a. The fan chamber F1 is defined by an annular wall 124c provided on the partition plate 124 and a fan cover member 132 attached on the annular wall 124c. The partition plate 124 is formed with an air suction port 124d that communicates with the fan chamber F2 and through which the outdoor air A3 passes.

In this embodiment, the motor 62b of the first fan 62 is provided on the fan cover member 132 and covered with the motor cover member 134. As shown in FIG. That is, the motor 62b is housed in a motor chamber M1 defined by the fan cover member 132 and the motor cover member 134. As shown in FIG.

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

Specifically, when the first fan 62 rotates, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first space through the third air intake port 102g and the fourth air intake port 102h. It flows into S1. Part of the outdoor air A3 that has flowed into the space S1 passes through the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 as is. The remainder flows into motor chamber M1, cools motor 62b, flows out of motor chamber M1, and passes through first heater 58 and second heater 60, as shown in FIG.

The fan cover member 132 and the motor cover member 134 each have a plurality of obstacle walls 132a extending in the vertical direction so that the outdoor air A3 entering the motor chamber M1 locally flows in the vertical direction (the Z-axis direction). , 134a are provided. These barrier walls 132a and 134b allow the outdoor air A3 to flow vertically, and the foreign matter entrained in the outdoor air A3 is removed by gravity. As a result, entry of foreign matter into the motor chamber M1 is suppressed.

Further, a plurality of crosspieces 102m for suppressing entry of foreign matter are provided at the fourth air inlet 102h communicating with the first space S1. Further, an upper surface 102n of at least one crosspiece 102m is formed with an inclined surface 102o that is higher on the first space S1 side. The inclined surface 102o suppresses rainwater falling obliquely downward from entering the first space S1. Similar crosspieces 102m are also provided at the first air inlet 102a, the second air inlet 102b, and the third air inlet 102g.

Note that the means for suppressing rainwater intrusion is not limited to the inclined surface 102o.

FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an air inlet of a housing in a ventilator according to a different embodiment;

As shown in FIG. 21, in a ventilator according to a different embodiment, a plurality of crosspieces 202m are provided at the fourth intake port 202h of the housing 202. As shown in FIG. Each crosspiece 202m is provided with a hanging portion 202p extending toward another crosspiece 202m located below. The drooping portion 202p can also prevent rainwater from entering the first space S1.

In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 15, the portion of the first flow path P1 between the absorbent 52 and the air suction port 124d, that is, the second space S2 has an orifice member 136 is provided. The orifice member 136 is an obstacle for locally reducing the flow passage cross-sectional area in the portion of the first flow passage P1 between the absorbent 52 and the air suction port 124d. By providing the orifice member 136, the temperature distribution in the second space S2 is made more uniform than when the orifice member 136 is not provided.

Specifically, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the second heater 60 are mixed in the second space S2. The temperature distribution in the second space S2 is substantially uniform when both the first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are ON and when both are OFF.

On the other hand, the temperature distribution when only the first heater 58 is ON and the temperature distribution when only the second heater 60 is ON are not uniform and differ greatly from each other. This is because the length of the flow path from the first heater 58 to the first fan 62 (that is, the air intake port 124d) is different from the length of the flow path from the second heater 60 to the air intake port 124d. As a result, the temperature sensor 138 that measures the temperature of the outdoor air A3 in the second space S2 performs measurement under different measurement conditions. Note that the temperature sensor 138 is provided on the partition plate 124 as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 15, the orifice member 136 is connected to the temperature sensor 138 in the portion (second space S2) of the first flow path P1 from the first and second heaters 58, 60 to the air intake port 124d. It is arranged on the upstream side. Also, the orifice member 136 is provided so as to cross the second space S2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the second heater 60 pass through the narrow gap between the orifice member 136 and the partition plate 124. to the air intake port 124d. When passing through the gap, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the second heater 60 are appropriately mixed. As a result, around the temperature sensor 138 located downstream of the orifice member 136, the temperature distribution when only the first heater 58 is ON and the temperature distribution when only the second heater 60 is ON are substantially equal to each other. be equal.

It is noted that orifice member 136 may have other shapes.

FIG. 22 is a top view of a portion of a ventilator housing showing a second space in a ventilator according to a different embodiment;

As shown in FIG. 22, in a ventilator according to a different embodiment, the orifice member 236 is not provided across the second space S2, but only on the front side of the ventilator. In this case, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the outdoor air A4 that has passed through the second heater 60 flow so as to bypass the orifice member 236 when viewed from above (as viewed in the Z-axis direction). When bypassing, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58 and the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the second heater 60 are mixed appropriately. In this case, the outdoor air A3 gently flows near the temperature sensor 138, and the measurement environment of the temperature sensor 138 is stabilized.

As shown in FIG. 20, the outdoor air A3 that has flowed from the second space S2 into the fan chamber F1 of the first fan 62 is sent to the damper device 64 by the rotation of the impeller 62a.

FIG. 23A is a cross-sectional view showing the damper device connected indoors. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 23B, it is sectional drawing which shows the damper apparatus of the state connected to the outdoor.

As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B and also in FIG. 9, in the case of this embodiment, the damper device 64 includes a portion of the partition plate 124 and a portion of the fan cover member 132 as components of its housing. . In addition, the damper device 64 has an inflow port 64a through which the outdoor air A3 flows in, a first outflow port 64b that communicates with the indoor unit 20 and through which the outdoor air A3 flows out, and communicates with the outside to flow out the outdoor air A3. A second outlet 64c and a closing door 64d selectively closing one of the first outlet 64b and the second outlet 64c are included. The damper device 64 rotates the closing door 64e around a rotation center line extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and a power source such as a motor controlled by the control device of the air conditioner 10. (not shown).

An inlet 64 a of the damper device 64 communicates with the fan chamber F 2 of the first fan 62 . As a result, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first heater 58, the second heater 60, and the absorbent 52 and is blown out from the impeller 62a of the first fan 62 passes through the inlet 64a to the damper device 64. flow inside.

A ventilation conduit 56 is connected to the first outlet 64 b of the damper device 64 . Thereby, the first outflow port 64b communicates with the interior of the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 . As a result, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the inlet 64 a flows into the indoor unit 20 . In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, the first outflow port 64b opens rightward.

In the case of the present embodiment, the opening direction of the first outflow port 64b of the damper device 64 is the right direction, and the opening direction of the inflow port 64a is the reverse left direction. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 that has flowed into the inflow port 64a flows out from the first outflow port 64b without changing its flow direction. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 can flow into the ventilation conduit 56 while maintaining the blowing speed of the first fan 62 without deceleration.

The second outflow port 64c of the damper device 64 communicates with the outside of the room indirectly, not directly. Specifically, the second outflow port 64c opens in the isolation chamber S6 provided in the housing 102 in a horizontal direction, particularly in a state facing the rear wall 102e. The isolation chamber S6 is defined by the housing 102 and the fan cover member 132 and is independent of the other spaces S1-S4. Therefore, the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the second outlet 64c flows into the isolation chamber S6.

A connection port 102q that communicates with the inside of the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30 is provided on the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 that defines the isolated room S6.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the ventilator showing the flow of outdoor air flowing out from the damper device. Also, FIG. 25 is a front view of the outdoor unit schematically showing the inside of the main body of the outdoor unit.

As shown in FIG. 24, the outdoor air A3 flowing backward from the second outflow port 64c of the damper device 64 changes its flow direction downward in the isolated chamber S6, and is provided on the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102. It passes through the connection port 102q.

As shown in FIG. 25, the outdoor air A3 that has passed through the connection port 102q of the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 flows into the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30. As shown in FIG.

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

The reason why the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 is thus discharged to the outdoor Rout via the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 23B, when exiting the second outlet 64c, the outdoor air A3 impinges on the closing door 64d and changes its flow direction by substantially 90 degrees. At this time, turbulence is generated in the damper device 64, resulting in noise.

Here, if an exhaust port provided with a plurality of crosspieces is provided in the portion of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102 facing the second outflow port 64c, the noise derived from the turbulence flows into the outdoor Rout through the exhaust port. Leak. Further, the operation sound of the closing door 64e also leaks to the outdoor Rout through the exhaust port. Additionally, the crosspieces can generate wind noise.

As in the present embodiment, when the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the second outlet 64c flows into the housing 100 via the isolation chamber S6, the noise derived from turbulence and the operation noise of the closing door 64e are generated by the outdoor Rout. is suppressed. That is, the internal space of the housing 100 functions as a "muffler" that reduces the level of noise that is generated when the outdoor air A3 flows through the damper device 64 and leaks to the outdoor Rout.

In particular, when the outdoor air A3 flows into the machine room R2, it is possible to further reduce the level of noise leaking to the outdoor Rout. The machine room R2 is a substantially closed space, and communicates with the outdoor route through a gap that allows the heat generated from the compressor 36 and the like housed therein to flow out to the outdoor route. On the other hand, the heat exchange chamber R1 communicates with the outdoor Rout via an intake port through which the outdoor air A2 sucked by the fan 34 passes and an exhaust port through which the outdoor air A2 after heat exchange flows out. Therefore, when the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the second outlet 64c of the damper device 64 flows into the machine room R2, the level of noise leaking to the outdoor Rout is reduced as compared with the case of flowing into the heat exchange room R1. be able to.

In this manner, the damper device 64 discharges the outdoor air A3 to the outdoor Aout through the space in the housing 100 of the main body of the outdoor unit 30, so that the level of noise generated from the outdoor unit 30 can be reduced.

The outdoor air A3 should flow smoothly from the second outflow port 64c of the damper device 64 toward the connection port 102q communicating with the housing 100, that is, should not generate noise due to turbulent flow between them. Additionally, a duct may be provided in the housing 102 that connects the second outlet 64c and the connection port 102q.

Further, the damper device 64 may be configured such that the second outflow port 64c of the damper device 64 faces downward so that the connection port 102q faces the second outflow port 64c of the damper device 64 in the isolation chamber S6. .

The outdoor air A3 flowing out from the first outflow port 64b of the damper device 64 flows into the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing an indoor heat exchanger and nozzles provided in the indoor unit. Also, FIG. 27 is a side view of the indoor unit showing the internal structure. The UVW orthogonal coordinate system shown in the drawing is for facilitating understanding of the embodiments, and does not limit the embodiments. The U-axis direction indicates the horizontal direction of the indoor unit 20, the V-axis direction indicates the front-rear direction, and the W-axis direction indicates the height direction.

As shown in FIG. 26 , the indoor unit 20 includes an indoor heat exchanger 22 and nozzles 140 . The nozzle 140 includes a connecting portion 140a connected to the ventilation conduit 56 and an outlet 140b for blowing out the outdoor air A3 supplied from the ventilation conduit 56. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 27, the nozzle 140 is provided in the housing 142 of the indoor unit 20 so as to blow out the outdoor air A3 supplied from the ventilation device 50 through the ventilation conduit 56 into the housing 142 of the indoor unit 20. ing. Specifically, the nozzle 140 is arranged inside the indoor unit 20 so that the blown outdoor air A3 passes through the dry area inside the indoor unit 20 and heads toward the fan 24 . Fan 24 is, for example, a cross-flow fan. Also, the “dry region” referred to here is a region that is drier than other regions. Such "dry areas" can be identified experimentally or by simulation.

In the case of the present embodiment, the direction in which the outdoor air A3 is blown from the nozzle 140 is such that the outdoor air A3 blown from the outlet 140b passes through the dry portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22 serving as the "dry region" in the indoor unit 20. It is oriented to

Specifically, in the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. It is provided in the housing 142 of the indoor unit 20 so as to substantially surround it (in the case of the present embodiment, it surrounds the fan 24 except for the area below it). The indoor heat exchanger 22 is also composed of a first portion 22a located behind the fan 24 and a second portion 22b located in front of the fan 24. As shown in FIG. Refrigerant supplied from the compressor 36 flows through the indoor heat exchanger 22 as described above. In the case of the present embodiment, when the air conditioner 10 is in cooling operation or low cooling operation (dehumidifying operation), the refrigerant flows from the upper portion to the lower portion of the first portion 22a as viewed in the extending direction of the rotation center line of the fan 24. It flows toward and then flows from the bottom to the top of the second portion 22b. That is, the refrigerant flows in the indoor heat exchanger 22 counterclockwise in FIG.

As a result of such refrigerant flow, a dry portion DP is generated in the upper portion of the second portion 22 a of the indoor heat exchanger 22 . The dry portion DP is positioned downstream in the refrigerant flow direction in the indoor heat exchanger 22 . Since the temperature of the refrigerant rises while flowing through other parts of the indoor heat exchanger 22, dew condensation is less likely to occur in the dry part DP than in the other parts (there is less condensed water that adheres).

In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, the dry portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22 is a portion away from the drain pans 144 and 146 provided below the indoor heat exchanger 22, so the condensed water Less is. That is, since the condensed water flows downward toward the drain pans 144 and 146 on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 22, the dry portion DP positioned above the indoor heat exchanger 22 has less condensed water.

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

The air conditioner 10 is configured such that a dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation) by the refrigeration cycle and a dehumidifying operation by the ventilator 50 can be simultaneously performed as one operation mode.

In the dehumidification operation by the refrigeration cycle, when the fan 24 rotates, the indoor air A1 is taken into the housing 142 through the air intake port 142a provided in the upper part of the housing 142 of the indoor unit 20, and passes through the indoor heat exchanger 22. . At this time, the indoor air A1 is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 22 and is dehydrated and dried. The removed moisture condenses on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 22 . The dry indoor air A1 is blown into the room Rin by the fan 24 through the air outlet 142b.

In the dehumidifying operation by the ventilator 50 (see FIG. 5), the ventilator 50 supplies the nozzle 140 with dry outdoor air A3 substantially at the outdoor temperature. The outdoor air A3 is blown out from the nozzle 140, is attracted by the fan 24, and passes through the dry portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22. At this time, the outdoor air A3 passes through the dry portion DP, that is, does not pass through other portions of the indoor heat exchanger 22 where a large amount of condensed water adheres, so that the dry state is maintained. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 22 in a dry state is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24 through the air outlet 142b.

Simultaneous execution of the dehumidification operation (low cooling operation) by the refrigeration cycle and the dehumidification operation by the ventilation device 50 can dehumidify the room Rin without significantly lowering the room temperature.

Here, if the outdoor air A3 blown out from the nozzle 140 passes through other parts of the indoor heat exchanger 22 other than the dry part DP, the outdoor air A3 is humidified by the evaporation of the condensed water. Since the humidified outdoor air A3 is blown into the room Rin, that is, part of the moisture originally present in the room Rin returns to the room Rin, the dehumidification efficiency of the room Rin decreases.

In addition, the air conditioner 10 is configured to be able to simultaneously perform a dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation) by the refrigeration cycle and a ventilation operation by the ventilator 50 as one operation mode.

In this case, the outdoor air A3 that is not dehumidified is supplied from the ventilation device 50 to the nozzle 140 as it is. The outdoor air A3 blown out from the nozzle 140 then passes through the dry portion DP of the indoor heat exchanger 22 . In this case, the room Rin can be ventilated without returning part of the dew condensation water adhering to the indoor heat exchanger 22 to the room Rin due to the dehumidifying operation.

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

In the case of this embodiment, the nozzle 140 is configured to be nondestructively divisible into a plurality of pieces.

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle. FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the nozzle separated into two. And FIG. 30 is a sectional view of the nozzle.

As shown in FIG. 28, nozzle 140 is comprised of four parts 148-154. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 29, in the case of the present embodiment, the nozzle 140 is configured to be separable into a rear portion 140c having a connecting portion 140a and a front portion 140d having an outlet 140b. . The rear portion 140c has a connection port 140e for connecting with the front portion 140d, and the front end portion 140f of the front portion 140d is removably inserted into the connection port 140e.

As shown in FIG. 29, in this embodiment, the rear portion 140c is attached to the base member 156 of the indoor unit 20, and the front portion 140d is attached to the filter frame 158. As shown in FIG. The base member 156 functions as a bracket when installing the indoor unit 20 on the wall surface, and also holds components of the indoor unit 20 such as the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the fan 24 . The filter frame 158 is a member that holds a filter (not shown) through which the indoor air A1 directed toward the indoor heat exchanger 22 passes, and is configured to be removable from the base member 156 . Removing the filter frame 158 from the base member 156 separates the front portion 140 d from the rear portion 140 c of the nozzle 140 .

As shown in FIG. 30, when the front end portion 140f of the front portion 140d is inserted into the connection port 140e of the rear portion 140c of the nozzle 140, the inner peripheral surface 140g of the rear portion 140c and the inner peripheral surface 140h of the front portion 140d are separated. connected so that they are continuous without steps. This suppresses the pressure loss of the outdoor air A3 flowing from the rear portion 140c to the front portion 140d.

As shown in Figure 28, the rear portion 140c of the nozzle 140 is configured to be splittable into two parts 148, 150 along its internal flow path. The front portion 140d is also configured to be splittable into two parts 152, 154 along its internal flow path. Note that the parts 148 and 150 are configured to be able to be joined together by, for example, snap engagement without using fixing parts such as screws. Similarly, parts 152, 154 are also configured to be dockable without the use of securing parts.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 30, in the case of the present embodiment, the rear portion 140c of the nozzle 140 is provided with a constricted portion 140i that makes the cross-sectional area of the flow passage smaller than that of other portions. As a result, the noise from the outdoor unit 30 can be reflected, and the level of noise transmitted inside the indoor unit 20 can be reduced.

According to the nozzle 140 having such a configuration, the inside can be easily checked and cleaned. That is, the nozzle 140 can be divided into four parts 148-154 and each part can be checked or cleaned.

According to the present embodiment as described above, a portion of the outdoor air passing through the rotating absorbent absorbs moisture, and the outdoor air heated by the heater passes through the absorbent to release moisture. In an air conditioner provided with a seal structure that separates a part of the absorbent, the load that rotates the absorbent and the driving torque of the motor that rotates the absorbent can be reduced.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above-described embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

For example, in the case of the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. and the absorber 52 in a direction orthogonal to the second end face 52b. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this.

In ventilators according to different embodiments, each of the seal members 126a, 128a may contact the absorbent material 52 at an angle relative to the first end surface 52a and the second end surface 52b, respectively.

That is, in the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, in a broad sense, the outdoor unit
A heater that heats outdoor air, a disk-shaped absorbent, a rotating absorbent holder that has a cylindrical portion that holds the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent, a motor that rotates the absorbent holder, and the absorbent a fan that generates a flow of outdoor air that passes through the indoor unit toward the indoor unit; and a fan that generates a flow of outdoor air that passes through the absorbent material toward the outside of the outdoor unit
a seal unit separating a part of the absorbent through which the outdoor air heated by the heater passes and a part through which the outdoor air passes through the absorbent toward the outside of the outdoor unit, wherein the seal unit comprises a sealing member in contact with said absorbent.

The present disclosure is applicable to any air conditioner that includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

52 absorber 126 first seal unit 128 second seal unit 126a seal member that contacts the second end face of the absorber in the height direction (Z-axis direction) 128a the second end face of the absorber in the height direction ( Z-axis direction) contact seal member

Claims (2)

An air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit includes a heater that heats outdoor air, a disk-shaped absorbent, and a cylindrical portion that supports the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent. an absorbent holder, a motor for rotating the absorbent holder, a fan for generating the flow of the outdoor air passing through the absorbent and directed to the indoor unit, and passing through the absorbent and directed to the outside of the outdoor unit. and a fan for generating the flow of the outdoor air, the outdoor unit passing through a portion of the absorbent through which the outdoor air heated by the heater passes and the absorbent toward the outside of the outdoor unit. 1. An air conditioner comprising a seal member separating from a portion through which air passes, wherein said absorbent rotates while being in contact with said seal member. The seal member extends substantially along the radial direction of the absorber, and the seal member is positioned against the surface of the absorber so that the driving torque of the motor does not increase when the absorber rotates. 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the contact is inclined in the direction of rotation.

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