JP7843467B2 - air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to air conditioners.

Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, an air conditioner is known that consists of an indoor unit placed inside the room to be air-conditioned and an outdoor unit placed outside the room. This air conditioner is configured to perform supply air ventilation, in which the indoor unit supplies outside air sent from the outdoor unit into the room.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-314858

Incidentally, in some cases, exhaust ventilation—which ventilates the room by expelling indoor air—is preferable to supply ventilation, which supplies outdoor air into the room. For example, exhaust ventilation is desirable when you want to quickly eliminate odors indoors.

Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide an air conditioner capable of both supply and exhaust ventilation of indoor air.

To solve the above-mentioned problems, according to one aspect of the present invention,
An air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit,
The aforementioned outdoor unit,
A housing having an air intake port, an exhaust port, and a connection port for connecting to the indoor unit,
A first flow path extending from the intake port and branching toward the exhaust port and connection port,
A first damper device is positioned at the branching point of the first flow path and selectively distributes the air flowing through the first flow path to either the exhaust port or the connection port.
A first fan is positioned in the first flow path portion between the air intake and the first damper device,
An exhaust ventilation passage connecting the portion of the first flow path between the connection port and the first damper device and the portion of the first flow path between the intake port and the first fan,
The system includes a second damper device positioned on the exhaust ventilation passage and selectively opening and closing the exhaust ventilation passage,
In the supply air ventilation operation, the first fan rotates while the second damper device closes the exhaust ventilation passage, thereby distributing the outside air that flows into the first passage through the intake port to the connection port, and the first damper device distributes the outside air.
An air conditioner is provided that performs an exhaust ventilation operation in which the first fan rotates and the second damper device opens the exhaust ventilation passage, thereby distributing the indoor air that flows into the first passage through the connection port and the exhaust ventilation passage to the exhaust port via the first damper device.

According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner capable of performing both indoor supply air ventilation and exhaust ventilation.

Schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Schematic diagram of the ventilation system Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during supply air ventilation operation. Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during exhaust ventilation operation. Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during humidification operation. Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during dehumidification operation. Front perspective view of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. Rear perspective view of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner. Front perspective view of the ventilation system Disassembled perspective view of the ventilation unit with the top cover removed. Top view of the ventilation system showing its internal structure. schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation system Top view of a portion of the ventilation system showing the second space. A perspective drawing showing the state of multiple damper devices installed in the second space during air supply ventilation, humidification, or dehumidification operation. A perspective drawing showing the state of multiple damper devices installed in the second space during exhaust ventilation operation. A top view showing the state of the damper device installed on the fan during adsorption operation in supply air ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification operations. Figure 15B is a top view showing the state of the damper device installed on the fan during exhaust ventilation operation and regeneration operation in dehumidification operation. A cross-sectional view showing the state in which the damper of the damper device divides the second space during supply air ventilation operation, humidification operation, and dehumidification operation. Perspective view of a portion of the outdoor unit with the protective cover removed.

An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present invention is an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit comprises a housing having an air intake port, an exhaust port, and a connection port for connecting to the indoor unit; a first flow path extending from the air intake port and branching toward the exhaust port and the connection port; a first damper device positioned at the branching point of the first flow path and selectively distributing the air flowing through the first flow path to either the exhaust port or the connection port; a first fan positioned in the portion of the first flow path between the air intake port and the first damper device; and the first flow path between the portion of the first flow path between the connection port and the first damper device and the air intake port and the first fan. The system comprises an exhaust ventilation passage connecting to a portion of the flow path, and a second damper device positioned on the exhaust ventilation passage and selectively opening and closing the exhaust ventilation passage. It performs two operations: a supply air ventilation operation in which the first fan rotates while the second damper device closes the exhaust ventilation passage, distributing outdoor air flowing into the first passage via the intake port to the connection port; and an exhaust ventilation operation in which the first fan rotates while the second damper device opens the exhaust ventilation passage, distributing indoor air flowing into the first passage via the connection port and the exhaust ventilation passage to the exhaust port.

According to this embodiment, an air conditioner capable of both supplying and exhausting indoor air can be provided.

For example, the outdoor unit may further include an absorbent material positioned in the first flow path between the air intake and the first fan, through which outdoor air from the air intake passes, and a third damper device positioned in the first flow path between the absorbent material and the first fan, which selectively opens and closes the first flow path. The exhaust ventilation flow path may be connected to the first flow path between the first fan and the third damper device. In this case, during air supply ventilation operation, the third damper device opens the first flow path, and during exhaust ventilation operation, the third damper device closes the first flow path.

For example, the outdoor unit may further include a heater positioned in the first flow path portion between the air intake and the absorbent material.

For example, the outdoor unit may further include a second airflow path through which outdoor air flows independently of the first airflow path, and a second fan positioned on the second airflow path. The absorbent material may be arranged such that a portion is located within the first airflow path and the other portion is located within the second airflow path, and the portion located in one of the first and second airflow paths may rotate to move to the other.

For example, the second damper device may include a damper positioned within the exhaust ventilation passage and dividing the exhaust ventilation passage during exhaust ventilation operation, a shaft provided on the damper, and a motor positioned outside the exhaust ventilation passage and rotating the shaft. In this case, the shaft is provided on the surface of the damper facing the internal space of the exhaust ventilation passage, which becomes negatively pressurized when the damper divides the exhaust ventilation passage.

For example, the first fan may be a sirocco fan.

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

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

As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment has an indoor unit 20 located in the indoor space Rin to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit 30 located in the outdoor space Rout.

The indoor unit 20 is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 22 that exchanges heat with the indoor air A1, and a fan 24 that draws the indoor air A1 into the indoor unit 20 and blows the indoor air A1, after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 22, out into the indoor Rin.

The outdoor unit 30 is equipped with an outdoor heat exchanger 32 that exchanges heat with the outdoor air A2, and a fan 34 that draws the outdoor air A2 into the outdoor unit 30 and blows the outdoor air A2, after heat exchange with the outdoor heat exchanger 32, out to the outdoor outlet. The outdoor unit 30 also includes an indoor heat exchanger 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 32, a compressor 36, an expansion valve 38, and a four-way valve 40 that execute the refrigeration cycle.

The indoor heat exchanger 22, outdoor heat exchanger 32, compressor 36, expansion valve 38, and four-way valve 40 are each connected by refrigerant piping through which the refrigerant flows. During cooling and dehumidification (low cooling) operation, the air conditioner 10 executes a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows sequentially from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, outdoor heat exchanger 32, expansion valve 38, and indoor heat exchanger 22 before returning to the compressor 36. During heating operation, the air conditioner 10 executes a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows sequentially from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, indoor heat exchanger 22, expansion valve 38, and outdoor heat exchanger 32 before returning to the compressor 36.

In addition to air conditioning operation using a refrigeration cycle, the air conditioner 10 also performs air conditioning operations that supply outdoor air A3 to indoor Rin and air conditioning operations that discharge indoor air A1 to outdoor Rout. For this purpose, the air conditioner 10 has a ventilation device 50. The ventilation device 50 is installed on the outdoor unit 30.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system.

As shown in Figure 2, the ventilation device 50 is equipped with an absorbent material 52 through which the outdoor air A3 and A4 pass.

The absorbent material 52 is a component through which air can pass, and it collects moisture from the passing air or adds moisture to the passing air. In this embodiment, the absorbent material 52 is disc-shaped and rotates around a rotational centerline C1 that passes through its center. The absorbent material 52 is rotationally driven by a motor 54.

The absorbent material 52 is preferably a polymer sorbent that adsorbs moisture from the air. The polymer sorbent is, for example, composed of a crosslinked sodium polyacrylate. Compared to adsorbents such as silica gel and zeolite, polymer sorbents absorb more moisture per unit volume, can desorb supported moisture at low heating temperatures, and can retain moisture for extended periods.

The ventilation device 50 is provided with a first flow path P1 and a second flow path P2, through which outdoor air A3 and A4 flow, respectively, passing through the absorbent material 52. That is, the absorbent material 52 is positioned such that a portion is located within the first flow path P1 and the other portion is located within the second flow path P2. Furthermore, when the absorbent material 52 is rotated by the motor 54, the portion of the absorbent material 53 located in one of the first and second flow paths P1 and P2 moves to the other. Additionally, the ventilation device 50 is provided with a third flow path P3, whose ends are connected to different portions of the first flow path P1.

The first flow path P1 is a flow path through which outdoor air A3 flows toward the indoor unit 20. The outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 is supplied to the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56.

In this embodiment, the first flow path P1 includes a plurality of branch flow paths P1a and P1b upstream of the absorbent material 52. In this specification, "upstream" and "downstream" are used in relation to airflow.

Multiple branch channels P1a and P2a merge upstream of the absorbent material 52. Each of the branch channels P1a and P1b is equipped with heaters 58 and 60 for heating the outdoor air A3.

Heaters 58 and 60 may have the same heating capacity or different heating capacities. Furthermore, heaters 58 and 60 are preferably PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters, which increase electrical resistance as current flows and the temperature rises, thus suppressing excessive increases in heating temperature. In the case of heaters using nichrome wire or carbon fiber, the heating temperature (surface temperature) continues to rise as current flows, requiring temperature monitoring. With PTC heaters, the heater itself regulates the heating temperature within a certain temperature range, eliminating the need to monitor the heating temperature.

The first airflow path P1 is equipped with a fan 62 that generates a flow of outdoor air A3 toward the indoor unit 20. In this embodiment, the fan 62 is positioned downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the fan 62 operates, outdoor air A3 flows from the outdoor outlet into the first airflow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52.

Furthermore, the first flow path P1 is equipped with a damper device 64 for distributing the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to either the indoor Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20) or the outdoor Rout. That is, the first flow path P1 branches toward the indoor Rin and the outdoor Rout, and the damper device 64 is positioned at the branching point. In this embodiment, the damper device 64 is positioned downstream of the 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 to the indoor Rin by the fan 24.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a damper device 66, different from the damper device 64, is provided in the first flow path P1. In this embodiment, the damper device 66 is positioned between the absorbent material 52 and the fan 62. As will be described in detail later, the damper device 66 is provided for exhaust ventilation and selectively opens and closes the first flow path P1.

Furthermore, a third flow path P3 is connected to the first flow path P1. The third flow path P3, as will be described in detail later, is a flow path for exhaust ventilation, connecting the portion of the first flow path P1 between the fan 62 and the damper device 66 with the portion of the first flow path P1 downstream of the damper device 64. A damper device 68 is provided in the third flow path P3. As will be described in detail later, the damper device 68 is provided for exhaust ventilation and selectively opens and closes the third flow path P3.

The second flow path P2 is the flow path for outdoor air A4. 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 towards the indoor unit 20. That is, the second flow path P2 is an independent flow path from the first flow path P1. The outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 passes through the absorbent material 52 and then flows out to the outdoor outlet.

The second flow path P2 is equipped with a fan 70 that generates a flow of outdoor air A4. In this embodiment, the fan 70 is positioned downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the fan 70 operates, outdoor air A4 flows from the outdoor outlet into the second flow path P2, passes through the absorbent material 52, and then flows out to the outdoor outlet.

The ventilation system 50 selectively uses the absorbent material 52 (motor 54), heaters 58 and 60, fan 62, damper devices 64, 66 and 68, and fan 70 to selectively perform ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification operations. Ventilation operations include supply air ventilation and exhaust air ventilation.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during supply air ventilation operation.

The supply air ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation that supplies outdoor air A3 to indoor Rin (i.e., indoor unit 20). As shown in Figure 3, during the supply air ventilation operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. Heaters 58 and 60 are OFF and do not heat the outdoor air A3. Fan 62 is ON, causing outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. Damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. Damper device 66 is open, causing outdoor air A3 to flow from the absorbent material 52 towards fan 62. Damper device 68 is closed, preventing outdoor air A3 from flowing through the third flow path P3. Fan 70 is OFF, preventing the flow of outdoor air A4 into the second flow path P2.

In this type of supply air ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52 without being heated by the heaters 58 and 60. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 is then blown into the indoor Rin by the fan 24. In this type of supply air ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 is supplied directly to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is ventilated.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during exhaust ventilation operation.

Exhaust ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation that discharges indoor air A1 to the outdoor Rout. As shown in Figure 4, during exhaust ventilation operation, the motor 54 is OFF, and the absorbent material 52 is not rotating. Heaters 58 and 60 are OFF. Fan 62 is ON, causing indoor air A1 to flow through the ventilation conduit 56 and the third flow path P3 towards fan 62. Damper device 64 distributes indoor air A1 in the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout. Damper device 66 is closed, preventing indoor air A1 from flowing towards absorbent material 52. Damper device 68 is open, allowing indoor air A1 to flow towards fan 62 via the third flow path P3. Fan 70 is OFF, preventing the flow of outdoor air A4 in the second flow path P2.

In this type of exhaust ventilation operation, when the fan 62 is ON, indoor air A1 flows into the first flow path P1 between the absorbent material 52 and the fan 62 via the ventilation conduit 56 and the third flow path P3. At this time, since the damper device 66 is closed, the indoor air A1 does not flow towards the absorbent material 52. The indoor air A1 that has passed through the fan 62 is diverted to the outdoor Rout by the damper device 64 and discharged to the outdoor Rout. As a result, indoor Rin is exhaust-ventilated.

Furthermore, due to the third flow path P3, the fan 62 can rotate in the same direction as during supply air ventilation operation during exhaust ventilation. As a result, a sirocco fan can be used as the fan 62.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during humidification operation.

The humidification operation is an air conditioning operation that humidifies the outdoor air A3 and supplies the humidified outdoor air A3 to the indoor Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in Figure 5, during the humidification operation, the motor 54 continuously rotates the absorbent material 52. The heaters 58 and 60 are ON, heating the outdoor air A3. The fan 62 is ON, 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 unit 20. The damper device 66 is open, causing the outdoor air A3 to flow from the absorbent material 52 towards the fan 62. The damper device 68 is closed, preventing the outdoor air A3 from flowing through the third flow path P3. The fan 70 is ON, causing the outdoor air A4 to flow through the second flow path P2.

In this humidification operation, outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent material 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 can absorb more moisture from the absorbent material 52 than unheated air. As a result, the outdoor air A3 carries a large amount of moisture. The outdoor air A3, carrying a large amount of moisture after passing through the absorbent material 52, is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 is blown into the indoor Rin by the fan 24. Through this humidification operation, outdoor air A3 carrying a large amount of moisture is supplied to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is humidified.

Furthermore, by turning off either heater 58 or 60, the amount of moisture absorbed by the outdoor air A3 from the absorbent material 52 can be reduced, meaning that a weak humidification operation with less humidification of indoor Rin may be performed.

As moisture is drawn away by the heated outdoor air A3, the water retention capacity of the absorbent material 52 decreases, meaning the absorbent material 52 dries out. When the absorbent material 52 dries out, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first channel P1 can no longer absorb moisture from it. To address this, the absorbent material 52 absorbs moisture from the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second channel P2. This maintains a nearly constant water retention capacity in the absorbent material 52, allowing humidification to continue.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during dehumidification operation.

Dehumidification operation is an air conditioning operation that dehumidifies the outdoor air A3 and supplies the dehumidified outdoor air A3 to the indoor Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in Figure 6, in dehumidification operation, adsorption operation and regeneration operation are performed alternately.

The adsorption operation is a process in which moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 is adsorbed onto the absorbent material 52, thereby dehumidifying the outdoor air A3. As shown in Figure 6, during the adsorption operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The heaters 58 and 60 are in the OFF state and are not heating the outdoor air A3. The fan 62 is in the ON state, 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 unit 20. The damper device 66 is in the open state, causing the outdoor air A3 to flow from the absorbent material 52 towards the fan 62. The damper device 68 is in the closed state, preventing the outdoor air A3 from flowing through the third flow path P3. The fan 70 is in the OFF state, preventing the flow of outdoor air A4 into the second flow path P2.

In this adsorption operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52 without being heated by the heaters 58 and 60. At this time, moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 is adsorbed by the absorbent material 52. As a result, the amount of moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 decreases, i.e., the outdoor air A3 is dried. The dried outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation conduit 56 is blown into the indoor Rin by the fan 24. Through this adsorption operation, dried outdoor air A3 is supplied to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is dehumidified.

As the adsorption operation continues, the amount of water absorbed by the absorbent material 52 continues to increase, resulting in a decrease in the adsorption capacity of the absorbent material 52 for moisture carried in the outdoor air A3. To restore this adsorption capacity, a regeneration operation is performed to regenerate the absorbent material 52.

During regeneration, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. Heaters 58 and 60 are ON, heating the outdoor air A3. Fan 62 is ON, causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. Damper device 64 redirects the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout, rather than to the indoor unit 20. Damper device 66 is open, allowing the outdoor air A3 to flow from the absorbent material 52 towards fan 62. Damper device 68 is closed, preventing the outdoor air A3 from flowing through the third flow path P3. Fan 70 is OFF, preventing the flow of outdoor air A4 through the second flow path P2.

In this regeneration operation, outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent material 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 absorbs a large amount of moisture from the absorbent material 52. As a result, a large amount of moisture is carried in the outdoor air A3. Simultaneously, the water retention capacity of the absorbent material 52 decreases; that is, the absorbent material 52 dries out and its adsorption capacity is regenerated. The outdoor air A3, which has passed through the absorbent material 52 and carries a large amount of moisture, is diverted to the outdoor Rout by the damper device 64 and discharged to the outdoor Rout. Therefore, during the regeneration operation in dehumidification, outdoor air A3 carrying a large amount of moisture due to the regeneration of the absorbent material 52 is not supplied to the indoor Rin.

By alternating between this adsorption operation and regeneration operation, the adsorption capacity of the absorbent material 52 is maintained, allowing for continuous dehumidification.

The air conditioning operations using the refrigeration cycle described above (cooling, dehumidification (weak cooling), and heating) and the air conditioning operations using the ventilation device 50 (ventilation (supply air ventilation, exhaust ventilation), humidification, and dehumidification) can be performed separately or simultaneously. For example, by simultaneously performing dehumidification using the refrigeration cycle and dehumidification using the ventilation device 50, it is possible to dehumidify the indoor air (Rin) while maintaining a constant room temperature.

The air conditioning operation performed by the air conditioner 10 is selected by the user. For example, based on the user's selection operation on the remote controller 72 shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner 10 will perform the corresponding air conditioning operation.

Up to this point, the configuration and operation of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment have been described in general terms. From here, the details of the configuration of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Figure 8 is a rear perspective view of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. Furthermore, Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the ventilation device. Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation device with the top cover removed. In addition, Figure 11 is a top view of the ventilation device showing its internal structure. And Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation device. Note that the X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system shown in the drawings is for facilitating understanding of the embodiment and does not limit the embodiment. The X-axis direction indicates the front-to-back direction of the outdoor unit 30, the Y-axis direction indicates the left-to-right direction, and the Z-axis direction indicates the height direction. Also, in Figure 11, the top cover, inner cover, and heater cover are omitted. And Figure 12 shows the state in which the adsorption operation is performed during the supply air ventilation operation shown in Figure 3, the humidification operation shown in Figure 5, and the dehumidification operation shown in Figure 6.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in this embodiment, the ventilation device 50 constitutes the upper part of the outdoor unit 30. Specifically, the ventilation device 50 is installed on the housing 100 of the outdoor unit 30, which houses the outdoor heat exchanger 32, fan 34, compressor 36, expansion valve 38, and four-way valve 40.

As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the ventilation device 50 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) of the outdoor unit 30. It comprises a box-shaped housing 102 with an open top and a top cover 104 attached to the top of the housing 102 to act as a lid. Components of the ventilation device 50, such as absorbent material 52, are stored inside the housing 102.

As shown in Figures 10 to 12, in this embodiment, the absorbent material 52 is positioned in the center of the ventilation device 50 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). Components related to the first flow path P1 are arranged on one longitudinal side (right side) of the absorbent material 52, and components related to the second flow path P2 are arranged on the other side (left side).

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, multiple spaces S1 to S4 are substantially formed within the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50.

The first space S1 is part of the first flow path P1 and is the space into which the outdoor air A3 first flows. Furthermore, the first space S1 is substantially formed in the right and upper portions of the housing 102.

The second space S2 is part of the first flow path P1 and is the space through which the outdoor air A3 from the first space S1 flows in after passing through the absorbent material 52. Furthermore, the second space S2 is substantially formed in the right and lower portions of the housing 102.

The third space S3 is part of the second flow path P2 and is the space into which the outdoor air A4 first flows. Furthermore, the third space S3 is substantially formed in the left and lower portions of the housing 102.

The fourth space S4 is part of the second flow path P2 and is the space through which the outdoor air A4 in the third space S3 flows in after passing through the absorbent material 52. Furthermore, the fourth space S4 is substantially formed in the left and upper portions of the housing 102.

To prevent the outdoor air A3 inside the first and second spaces S1 and S2 from moving into the third and fourth spaces S3 and S4, and conversely, to prevent the outdoor air A4 inside the third and fourth spaces S3 and S4 from moving into the first and second spaces S1 and S2, the third and fourth spaces S3 and S4 are independent of the first and second spaces S1 and S2 (i.e., they are sealed apart).

First, we will describe the components of the ventilation device 50 related to the second flow path P2, which has a simple configuration.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 is provided with an intake port 102a, an intake port 102b, and an exhaust port 102c, in relation to the second flow path P2 through which the outdoor air A4 flows. That is, the second flow path P2 connects the intake ports 102a and 102b with the exhaust port 102c. The 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 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.

When the fan 70 is activated, the outdoor air A4 flows into the third space S3 within the housing 102 via the intake ports 102a and 102b. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, the outdoor air A4 flows into the third space S3 between the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102 and the lower end surface 52a of the absorbent material 52.

The outdoor air A4 in the third space S3 flows into the absorbent material 52 via the lower end surface 52a and flows out of the absorbent material 52 into the fourth space S4 via the upper end surface 52b. The fourth space S4 is defined by a partition plate 106 separating the third space S3 and the fourth space S4, and an inner cover 108 covering the partition plate 106.

The outdoor air A4 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 and flowed into the fourth space S4 is drawn into the fan 70. In this embodiment, the fan 70 is a sirocco fan and includes an impeller 70a housed in the fan chamber F1 that rotates around a rotation centerline extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and a motor 70b that rotates the impeller 70a. The motor 70b is positioned below the impeller 70a.

The fan chamber F1 of fan 70 is defined by the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102, a scroll wall 102g that extends from the bottom plate 102f toward the partition plate 106 so as to surround the impeller 70a of fan 70 and direct the air that has passed through the impeller 70a toward the exhaust port 102c, and the partition plate 106. In other words, these components defining the fan chamber F1 constitute the fan casing 70c of fan 70, which is a sirocco fan. Furthermore, fan chamber F1 communicates with a fourth space S4 through a through-hole 106a formed in the partition plate 106. That is, the through-hole 106a is the air intake port of fan 70, which is a sirocco fan, and the exhaust port 102c is the air outlet.

The outdoor air A4 in the fourth space S4 is drawn into the fan chamber F1 through the through-hole (air intake) 106a of the partition plate 106 by the rotation of the impeller 70a, and discharged to the outdoor Rout through the exhaust port (air outlet) 102c that communicates with the fan chamber F1.

The motor 70b of the fan 70 is housed in a recess formed in the bottom surface of the fan chamber F1, specifically in a recess 102h formed in the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102. This recess 102h is covered by the motor cover 110.

Next, the components of the ventilation device 50 related to the first flow path P1 will be described.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 is provided with an intake port 102i, an exhaust port 102j, and a connection port 102m for connecting to the ventilation conduit 56, in relation to the first flow path P1 through which the outdoor air A3 flows. That is, the first flow path P1 extends from the intake port 102i and branches toward the exhaust port 102j and the connection port 102m. The intake port 102i is formed on the right side of the rear wall 102e of the housing 102. The exhaust port 102j is provided on the right side wall 102k of the housing 102. The connection port 102m is formed on the right side wall 102k so as to be located behind the exhaust port 102j.

When the fan 62 operates, the outdoor air A3 flows through the intake port 102i into the first space S1 within the housing 102, which is part of the first flow path P1. The outdoor air A3 that flows into the first space S1 passes through the heaters 58 and 60 and heads upward towards the upper end face 52b of the absorbent material 52.

Specifically, the heaters 58 and 60 are supported by the heater base member 112. The heater base member 112 comprises a heater mounting section 112a on which the heaters 58 and 60 are placed, and a cylindrical absorbent material housing section 112b that rotatably houses the absorbent material 52.

As shown in Figure 11, heaters 58 and 60 are arranged in a "V" shape on the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through heaters 58 and 60 (i.e., the outdoor air A3 that has flowed through the branch channels P1a and P2b) merges on the upper end face 52b of the absorbent material 52 housed in the absorbent material housing portion 112b of the heater base member 112. Note that heaters 58 and 60 are fin heaters equipped with multiple heating fins that transfer heat to the outdoor air A3 flowing through the branch channels P1a and P2a.

In this embodiment, the disc-shaped absorbent material 52 is supported by a cylindrical absorbent material holder 114. The absorbent material holder 114 is supported by the housing 102 so as to be rotatable about a rotational centerline C1 extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction). External teeth 114a are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the absorbent material holder 114, which engage with a pinion gear 116 attached to the motor 54. The motor 54 rotates the absorbent material 52 via this absorbent material holder 114.

In this embodiment, the heaters 58 and 60, and a portion of the upper end face 52b of the absorbent material 52, are covered by the heater cover 118 shown in Figure 10. As a result, all of the outdoor air A3 that passes through the heaters 58 and 60 passes through the portion of the upper end face 52b of the absorbent material 52 that is covered by the heater cover 118. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the outdoor air A3 passes through the gap between the heater mounting portion 112a of the heater base member 112 and the heater cover 118, and then passes through the heaters 58 and 60.

The outdoor air A3, heated by heaters 58 and 60, passes downward through the absorbent material 52 from the upper end face 52b to the lower end face 52a, as shown in Figure 13, and enters the second space S2, which is part of the first flow path P1.

Figure 13 is a top view of a portion of the ventilation system representing the second space. Figure 13 shows the state during the adsorption operation in the supply air ventilation operation shown in Figure 3, the humidification operation shown in Figure 5, and the dehumidification operation shown in Figure 6.

As shown in Figure 13, a guide wall 102n extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction) is provided on the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102. As shown in Figure 12, a partition plate 120 is positioned at the top of this guide wall 102n, separating the first space S1 from the second space S2. That is, the second space S2 is defined by the bottom plate 102f of the housing 102, the guide wall 102n, and the partition plate 120. A sealing member 122 is provided on the portion of the guide wall 102n located below the absorbent material 52, sealing the gap between the lower end surface 52a of the absorbent material 52 and the guide wall 102n. This sealing member 122 restricts the movement of air from the second space S2 to the third space S3 or vice versa.

The second space S2, which is part of the first flow path P1, is connected to the connection port 102m to which the ventilation conduit 56 is connected. Furthermore, damper devices 66 and 68 are provided in the second space S2.

The damper devices 66 and 68 consist of dampers 66a and 68a arranged within the second space S2 and dividing the second space S2, shafts 66b and 68b provided on the dampers 66a and 68a, and motors 66c and 68c arranged outside the second space S2 and rotating the shafts 66b and 68b. In this embodiment, each of the dampers 66a and 68a is mounted on the housing 102 so as to be rotatable around a rotation centerline extending in a direction perpendicular to the height direction (Z-axis direction). The motors 66c and 68c are housed and protected in motor boxes 66d and 68d located outside the second space S2.

The dampers 66a and 68a of the damper devices 66 and 68 divide the second space S2 into three regions: region S2a on the absorbent material 52 side, the central region S2b, and region S2c on the connection port 102m side. Region S2c corresponds to a portion of the third flow path P3 shown in Figures 2 to 6.

When the damper device 66 is open, that is, when the damper 66a does not divide the second space S2, air can move freely between regions S2a and S2b. On the other hand, when the damper device 66 is closed, that is, when the damper 66a divides the second space S2 between regions S2a and S2b, the movement of air between regions S2a and S2b is restricted.

When the damper device 68 is open, that is, when the damper 68a does not divide the second space S2, air can move freely between regions S2b and S2c. On the other hand, when the damper device 68 is closed, that is, when the damper 68a divides the second space S2 between regions S2b and S2c, the movement of air between regions S2b and S2c is restricted.

The central region S2b communicates with the fan chamber F2 of the fan 62. Specifically, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, in this embodiment, the fan 62 is a sirocco fan and includes an impeller 62a housed in the fan chamber F2 and rotating around a rotational centerline extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and a motor 62b that rotates the impeller 62a.

The fan chamber F2 of fan 62 is defined by a partition plate 120, a scroll wall 120a that rises upward from the partition plate 106 so as to surround the impeller 62a and directs the air that has passed through the impeller 62a toward the connection port 102m, and a fan cover 124 that is placed on the top of the scroll wall 120a and covers the impeller 62a. In other words, these components that define the fan chamber F2 constitute the fan casing 62c of fan 62, which is a sirocco fan. Furthermore, the fan chamber F2 communicates with the central region S2b of the second space S2 through a through hole 120b formed in the partition plate 120. That is, the through hole 106a is the air intake port of fan 62, which is a sirocco fan, and the connection port 102m is the air outlet port. The motor 62b is placed on the fan cover 124 and is protected by a motor cover 126 that covers the motor 62b.

Outdoor air A3 or indoor air A1 enters the fan chamber F2. Specifically, when the air conditioner 10 is performing the supply air ventilation operation shown in Figure 3, the humidification operation shown in Figure 5, or the dehumidification operation shown in Figure 6, outdoor air A3 enters. When the air conditioner 10 is performing the exhaust ventilation operation shown in Figure 4, indoor air A1 enters.

Figure 14A is a perspective view showing the state of multiple damper devices installed in the second space during supply air ventilation, humidification, or dehumidification operation. Figure 14B is a perspective view showing the state of multiple damper devices installed in the second space during exhaust ventilation operation. Note that Figures 14A and 14B are perspective views taken from a diagonal upward-front angle.

As shown in Figure 14A, during air supply ventilation, humidification, or dehumidification operation, the outdoor air A3 flowing out from the lower end face 52a of the absorbent material 52 flows through region S2a of the second space S2 and passes through the damper 66a of the damper device 66, which is in an open state. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper 66a and flowed into region S2b is drawn into the fan chamber F2 through the through-hole (air intake) 120b located above region S2b by the rotation of the impeller 62a of the fan 62. At this time, since the damper 68a of the damper device 68 is closed, the outdoor air A3 in region S2b cannot enter region S2c.

As shown in Figure 14B, during exhaust ventilation operation, the rotation of the impeller 62a of the fan 62 causes indoor air A1 to flow into region S2c of the second space S2 via the ventilation conduit 56 and connection port 102m. The indoor air A1 flowing into region S2c passes through the damper 68a of the open damper device 68 and flows into region S2b. The indoor air A1 flowing into region S2b is then drawn into the fan chamber F2 via the through-hole (air intake) 120b located above region S2b, due to the rotation of the impeller 62a of the fan 62. At this time, since the damper 66a of the damper device 66 is closed, the outdoor air A2 in region S2b cannot enter region S2a.

Furthermore, the fan 62 is miniaturized by the damper device 66, which divides the second space S2 between regions S2a and S2b during exhaust ventilation operation. If the damper device 66 were absent, during exhaust ventilation operation, the fan 62 would draw in indoor air A1 via the ventilation conduit 56 and connection port 102m, while simultaneously drawing in outdoor air A3 via the intake port 102i and absorbent material 52. In this case, to obtain sufficient exhaust ventilation capacity, it would be necessary to enlarge the fan 62 to increase its suction capacity.

The outdoor air A3 or indoor air A1 drawn into the fan chamber F2 of fan 62 is distributed by the damper device 64 to the connection port 102m (i.e., indoor unit 20) or the exhaust port 102j (i.e., outdoor Out). Specifically, when the air conditioner 10 is performing the supply air ventilation operation shown in Figure 3, the humidification operation shown in Figure 5, or the adsorption operation in the dehumidification operation shown in Figure 6, the outdoor air A3 is distributed to the connection port 102m. When the air conditioner 10 is performing the exhaust ventilation operation shown in Figure 4, the indoor air A1 is distributed to the exhaust port 102j. And when the air conditioner 10 is performing the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation shown in Figure 6, the outdoor air A3 is distributed to the exhaust port 102j.

Figure 15A is a top view showing the state of the damper device installed on the fan during adsorption operation in supply air ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification. Figure 15B is a top view showing the state of the damper device installed on the fan during regeneration operation in exhaust ventilation and dehumidification.

As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the damper device 64 includes a damper 64a that rotates around a rotation centerline C2 extending in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and a motor 64b (see Figure 11) that rotates the damper 64a. The motor 64b is mounted on the fan cover 124, as shown in Figure 11.

As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, in this embodiment, the fan 62 includes a linear duct section 62d connecting the fan chamber F2 and the connection port 102m. In this embodiment, the duct section 62d is composed of a partition plate 120, a guide wall 120c extending from the partition plate 120 toward the fan cover 124 in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and the fan cover 124. The internal flow path of the duct section 62d is included in the first flow path P1. Within this duct section 62d, the damper 64a of the damper device 64 rotates.

In this embodiment, the duct section 62d extends linearly toward the connection port 102m in the tangential direction DT of the impeller 62a of the fan 62. Here, "tangential direction" refers to the tangential direction of the circle centered on the rotational centerline of the impeller 62a. As a result, the outdoor air A3 traveling from the fan chamber F2 toward the connection port 102m can pass through the connection port 102m and flow into the ventilation conduit 56 without suppressing pressure loss or generating significant noise.

Furthermore, a guide wall 120c, which is a part of the duct section 62d and extends from the tongue portion 120d of the scroll wall 120a toward the connection port 102m, has an outlet 120e that communicates with the exhaust port 102j.

As shown in Figure 15A, during the adsorption operation in the supply air ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification operations, the damper 64a of the damper device 64 blocks the outlet 120e. This causes the outdoor air A3 in the fan chamber F2 to flow through the duct section 62d toward the connection port 102m. In other words, the damper 64a functions as part of the guide wall 120c extending from the tongue portion 120d to the connection port 102m. Therefore, the outlet 120e is located between the tongue portion 120d and the rotational centerline C2 of the damper 64a.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15B, during exhaust ventilation operation and regeneration operation in dehumidification operation, the damper 64a of the damper device 64 closes the internal flow path of the duct section 62d by intersecting it at a non-perpendicular angle to the extending direction of the duct section 62d (i.e., the tangential direction DT) and facing the outlet 120e. As a result, the indoor air A1 (during exhaust ventilation operation) and outdoor air A3 (during regeneration operation) in the fan room F2 flow along the damper 64a, pass through the outlet 120e, and then flow towards the exhaust port 102j. In other words, the damper 64a functions as a guide plate that guides the air to the outlet 120e. Consequently, compared to the case where the damper 64a closes the internal flow path of the duct section 62d at a perpendicular angle to the extending direction of the duct section 62d, pressure loss and turbulence generation are suppressed, and the resulting large noise generation is suppressed.

Furthermore, during exhaust ventilation operation, i.e., when the damper device 68 is open, as shown in Figure 15B, the damper 64a of the damper device 64 closes the internal flow path of the duct section 62d, causing the impeller 62a of the fan 62 to rotate. This allows indoor air A1 to flow into the fan chamber F2 of the fan 62 via the ventilation conduit 56 and the second space S2 (see Figure 14B).

Regarding the damper device 68, during the air supply ventilation operation, humidification operation, and dehumidification operation, the damper 68a of the damper device 68 divides the second space S2 between region S2b and region S2c, as described above. At this time, region S2b becomes negative pressure, and region S2c becomes positive pressure.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the damper of the damper device divides the second space during supply air ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification operations.

As shown in Figure 16, during air supply ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification operations, the damper 68a of the damper device 68 divides the second space S2 between region S2b and region S2c. Region S2b is under negative pressure (i.e., a lower pressure than atmospheric pressure) because the outdoor air A3 inside it is drawn in by the fan 62 located above it. On the other hand, region S2c is under positive pressure (i.e., a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure) because it is in communication with the ventilation conduit 56 through which the outdoor air A3 blown out from the fan 62 flows. For this reason, the shaft 68b for rotating the damper 68a is provided on the surface 68e of the damper 68a facing region S2b, which is under negative pressure. As a result, the shaft 68b passes through a through hole 102p formed in the part of the guide wall 102n that defines region S2b in order to connect to the motor 68c located outside the second space S2. Since the area around the motor 68c (in this embodiment, the inside of the motor box 68d is at atmospheric pressure) does not allow foreign matter to move from the negative pressure region S2b towards the atmospheric pressure area around the motor 68c via the through-hole 102p. As a result, the motor 68c is protected from foreign matter.

In this embodiment, the outdoor air A3 or indoor air A1 discharged from the exhaust port 102j flows into the protective cover 128 shown in Figures 7 and 8.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a portion of the outdoor unit with the protective cover removed.

As shown in Figure 17, and also in Figures 1 and 2, the protective cover 128 is a cover that covers and protects the ventilation conduit 56. The ventilation conduit 56 extends downward from the connection port 102m of the ventilation device 50, and then extends diagonally upward and backward toward the indoor unit 20. The protective cover 128 covers and protects the portion of the ventilation conduit 56 that extends downward from the connection port 102m. To this end, as shown in Figure 8, the protective cover 128 has an opening 128a at its lower part that opens backward, through which the ventilation conduit 56 passes. In this embodiment, the opening 128a is notched. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protective cover 128 also covers and protects the connector 130 to which the refrigerant piping is connected.

The protective cover 128 is attached to the right wall 102k of the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50 and the right wall 100a of the housing 100 of the outdoor unit 30, because the ventilation conduit 56 is connected to the connection port 102m formed in the right wall 102k of the housing 102 of the ventilation device 50. As a result, the exhaust port 102j of the ventilation device 50 is covered by the protective cover 128 and communicates with its internal space.

The protective cover 128 covering the exhaust port 102j functions as a "muffler" that reduces the level of noise leaking from the exhaust port 102j to the outside of the ventilation device 50. For example, the protective cover 128 reduces noise generated from the fan 62 and leaking from the ventilation device 50 through the exhaust port 102j. Alternatively, for example, the protective cover 128 reduces the level of wind noise generated when indoor air A1 or outdoor air A3 passes through the exhaust port 102j during exhaust ventilation operation or regeneration operation in dehumidification operation.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the exhaust port 102j is located on the upper part of the outdoor unit 30 (more precisely, on the ventilation device 50 mounted on the housing 100 of the outdoor unit 30). The opening 128a of the protective cover 128 covering the exhaust port 102j is located at its lower part. Therefore, the exhaust port 102j and the opening 128a are as far apart as possible in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the outdoor unit 30. As a result, the level of noise leaking from the exhaust port 102j to the outside of the ventilation device 50 is further reduced.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an air conditioner capable of both indoor air supply ventilation and exhaust ventilation.

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

For example, in the embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 3 to 6, when one of the damper devices 66 and 68 is open, the other is closed. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this. Depending on the circumstances, both damper devices 66 and 68 may be open or closed.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the air conditioner can perform humidification operation, supplying humidified outdoor air to the room, and dehumidification operation, supplying dehumidified outdoor air to the room. However, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this. For example, the embodiments of this disclosure may be air conditioners that only perform supply ventilation operation, supplying outdoor air directly to the room, and exhaust ventilation operation, discharging indoor air to the outside. In this case, the absorbent material 52, heaters 58 and 60 can be omitted.

In other words, the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is, in a broad sense, an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, wherein the outdoor unit comprises a housing having an air intake port, an exhaust port, and a connection port for connecting to the indoor unit; a first flow path extending from the air intake port and branching toward the exhaust port and the connection port; a first damper device positioned at the branching point of the first flow path and selectively distributing the air flowing through the first flow path to either the exhaust port or the connection port; a first fan positioned in the portion of the first flow path between the air intake port and the first damper device; and between the portion of the first flow path between the connection port and the first damper device and between the air intake port and the first fan. The system comprises an exhaust ventilation passage connecting to a portion of the first passage, and a second damper device positioned on the exhaust ventilation passage for selectively opening and closing the exhaust ventilation passage. It performs two operations: an air supply ventilation operation in which the first fan rotates while the second damper device closes the exhaust ventilation passage, distributing the outdoor air flowing into the first passage via the intake port to the connection port; and an exhaust ventilation operation in which the first fan rotates while the second damper device opens the exhaust ventilation passage, distributing the indoor air flowing into the first passage via the connection port and the exhaust ventilation passage to the exhaust port.

This disclosure is applicable to any air conditioning system having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

62. The first fan
64. First damper device (damper device)
68. Second damper device (damper device)
P1 First flow path P3 Exhaust ventilation flow path (third flow path)

Claims (5)

An air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit,
The aforementioned outdoor unit,
A housing having an air intake port, an exhaust port, and a connection port for connecting to the indoor unit,
A first flow path extending from the intake port and branching toward the exhaust port and connection port,
A first damper device is positioned at the branching point of the first flow path and selectively distributes the air flowing through the first flow path to either the exhaust port or the connection port.
A first fan is positioned in the first flow path portion between the air intake and the first damper device,
An exhaust ventilation passage connecting the portion of the first flow path between the connection port and the first damper device and the portion of the first flow path between the intake port and the first fan,
A second damper device is positioned on the exhaust ventilation passage and selectively opens and closes the exhaust ventilation passage,
An absorbent material is placed in the first flow path between the air intake and the first fan, through which the outdoor air from the air intake passes;
The system includes a third damper device positioned in the first flow path between the absorbent material and the first fan, which selectively opens and closes the first flow path ,
The exhaust ventilation passage is connected to the portion of the first passage between the first fan and the third damper device.
In the supply air ventilation operation, the first fan rotates while the second damper device closes the exhaust ventilation passage, thereby distributing the outside air that flows into the first passage through the intake port to the connection port, and the first damper device distributes the outside air.
The first fan rotates while the second damper device opens the exhaust ventilation passage, thereby performing an exhaust ventilation operation in which the first damper device distributes the indoor air that flows into the first passage through the connection port and the exhaust ventilation passage to the exhaust port .
During the aforementioned air supply ventilation operation, the third damper device opens the first flow path.
An air conditioner in which, during exhaust ventilation operation, the third damper device closes the first flow path .
The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the outdoor unit further comprises a heater disposed in the first flow path portion between the air intake and the absorbent material.
The aforementioned outdoor unit,
A second flow path through which outdoor air flows independently of the first flow path,
The system further comprises a second fan positioned on the second flow path,
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent material is arranged such that a portion of it is located in the first flow path and the other portion is located in the second flow path, and the portion located in one of the first and second flow paths rotates to move to the other.
The second damper device includes a damper disposed within the exhaust ventilation passage and dividing the exhaust ventilation passage during exhaust ventilation operation, a shaft provided on the damper, and a motor disposed outside the exhaust ventilation passage and rotating the shaft.
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the shaft is provided on the surface of the damper facing the internal space of the exhaust ventilation passage, which becomes negatively pressurized when the damper is dividing the exhaust ventilation passage.
The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the first fan is a sirocco fan.