JPH0460326A - Air conditioner with humidifying functions - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To humidify interior air without requiring any supplemental water and further without requiring any water tap work by a method wherein an outdoor installing device is constructed, a drain generated at an outdoor heat exchanger under a defrosting operation is guided to an air flow passage at an indoor heat exchanger, and its moisture content is included in the indoor air. CONSTITUTION:An inside part of a case 3 of a heat exchanging device 1 is divided into an upper segment and a lower segment by a partition wall 3. An upper stage partitioned chamber is provided with an air flow passage 6 for communicating a surrounding air intake port 4 with a surrounding air blowing port 5. This air flow passage 6 is provided with an outdoor side heat exchanger 7 and an outdoor fan 8. A lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger 7 is provided with a defrosting water receptacle 9. The lower partitioned chamber is formed with an indoor heat exchanger including an indoor side heat exchanger 13. A suction side of the indoor side heat exchanger 13 is provided with a defrosting and water evaporating system 20. Defrosted water is fed from the defrosting water receptacle 9 through a feeding pipe 25 and an upper water receptacle 23 to a base member 21 and then moisture is evaporated and included in the indoor air passing through the base member 21.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to an air conditioner with a humidifying function that has a function of increasing indoor humidity during heating operation.

(Prior Art) In general, air conditioners used in homes, offices, etc., as shown in Fig. 7, combine an indoor unit B installed indoors a with an outdoor unit C installed outdoors. structure is used.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the indoor unit b is provided with an air flow passage e that communicates with the room a within the unit body d, and an indoor heat exchanger f and an indoor fan g are provided in this air flow passage e. It consists of

In addition, the outdoor unit C is provided with an air flow path material communicating with the outside air and a machine room (not shown) inside the unit body, and an outdoor heat exchanger i and an outdoor fan k are installed inside the air flow path, and the machine room The compressor j (only shown in FIG. 6) is installed in the compressor j (only shown in FIG. 6). A four-way valve m, an indoor heat exchanger f, a capillary tube n (pressure reducing device), and an outdoor heat exchanger 1 are sequentially connected to the compressor j via a refrigerant pipe p, thereby creating a heat pump type capable of air-conditioning operation. It consists of a refrigeration cycle. Note that the four-way valve m1 capillary tube n is provided in either the indoor unit I or the outdoor unit C.

Then, by switching the four-way valve m between the cooling side and the heating side, a cooling cycle and a heating cycle are configured to cool and heat the room a.

For example, when heating, if you switch the four-way valve m to the heating side and operate the compressor j, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas compressed from the compressor j will flow into the indoor heat exchanger f through the four-way valve m. do. When this refrigerant passes through the interior of the indoor heat exchanger f, it exchanges heat with the indoor air flowing through the air flow passage e by the air blown by the indoor fan g, and imparts the heat amount of the refrigerant to the indoor air.

In other words, this indoor air becomes warm air and is blown into the room a. On the other hand, the refrigerant after heat exchange is condensed (liquefied) by cooling. This liquefied cold tofu is led to the capillary tube n, where it is depressurized and becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant.

When this liquid refrigerant passes through the indoor heat exchanger i, it absorbs heat from the outside air, evaporates, and returns to the compressor j via the four-way valve m, a heating cycle that is repeated.
Heating room a.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) By the way, by heating the air conditioner, the air in a room with a temperature of 2°C and a relative humidity of 80% RH can be heated without being humidified.
When warmed to 0℃, the relative humidity drops to 25%R, which is far below the generally comfortable level of 60%RH to 90%RHJ.
H, and the air is known to be in a dry state.

However, the conventional heat pump type air conditioner as described above does not have a humidifying function and cannot maintain comfortable heating.

Therefore, it has been considered to provide a separate humidifier to the air conditioner. For this purpose, it is necessary to secure the water necessary for humidification.

However, since humidifiers do not have a function to replenish water, there are problems in that it takes time and effort to supply water and requires plumbing work to supply water, so management has not been good.

This invention was made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to humidify indoor air while heating it without the need for water replenishment or plumbing work required for humidification. An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner with a humidifying function that can perform the following functions.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, an air conditioner with a humidifying function of the present invention has a main body, the interior of which is partitioned by a partition wall, with a room in one compartment. For outdoor installation, an inner heat exchanger and a means for circulating indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger are provided, and an outdoor heat exchanger and a means for circulating outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger are provided in the other compartment. The unit is provided with means for guiding the condensate generated in the outdoor heat exchanger during defrosting operation to the air flow passage on the indoor heat exchanger side, and the condensate guided to the air flow passage. The purpose of this invention is to provide a means for causing indoor air to contain moisture.

(Function) According to the air conditioner with a humidifying function of the present invention, the drain generated during the defrosting operation is guided to the air flow path on the indoor heat exchanger side. The moisture in this drain is included in the indoor air during heating operation, humidifying the blown air.

As a result, the drain generated during defrosting operation, which is disposed of outside, can be used as water for humidification, eliminating the hassle of water supply when using a humidifier, and furthermore, eliminating the need for water supply work. There is no need for it.

(Example) The present invention will be described below based on an example shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 4 shows a schematic overall configuration of an air conditioner to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 5 shows a refrigeration cycle circuit thereof. This air conditioner includes, for example, a heat exchange unit 1 (a unit for outdoor installation) that has a built-in heat exchange system device.
and a compressor unit 30 containing built-in equipment except for heat exchange equipment. The structure of the heat exchange unit 1 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

To explain the heat exchange unit 1, 2 is a housing composed of one vertically elongated case in the shape of a substantially flat box, which serves as the unit body. As shown in FIG. 1, the casing 2 is installed outdoors so that one side faces the outer surface of the wall B of the room A.

A partition wall 3 is provided in the middle of the housing 3 to divide the interior into upper and lower halves, with the upper compartment serving as the outdoor side and the lower compartment serving as the indoor side. The upper compartment is provided with an air flow path 6 that communicates with an outside air inlet 4 and an outside air outlet 5 provided at the rear (on the opposite side from wall B). This air flow path 6 is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger 7 and an outdoor fan 8 (made of a sirocco fan) (outdoor heat exchange system), so that the outside air and the outdoor heat exchanger 7 can exchange heat. It has become. Further, a defrosting water receiver 9 is provided at the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger 7. This defrosting water receiver 20 can receive defrosting water (drain) generated from the outdoor heat exchanger 7 during the defrosting operation. Note that the defrosting water receiver 9 is set to have a volume that can receive the entire amount of frost on the outdoor heat exchanger 7, for example.

The lower compartment is provided with an airflow passage 12 that communicates with an inside air inlet 10 and an inside air outlet 11 provided on both sides of the lower part. This airflow passage 12 is provided with an indoor heat exchanger 13 and an indoor fan 14 (consisting of a centrifugal fan) connected to the indoor air outlet 11 (indoor heat exchange system). Also, each internal air suction hole 10. The indoor air outlets 11 are connected to through holes (not shown) provided in the wall B of the indoor A through ducts 15 and 16, respectively, and the indoor air that has been heat exchanged by the indoor heat exchanger 12 is transferred to the indoor A. It is now possible to blow out.

A defrosting water evaporation system 20 is provided on the suction side of the indoor heat exchanger 12.
is provided. To explain this defrosting water evaporation system 20, reference numeral 21 is a flat base material (means for absorbing moisture) made of a material that can retain moisture and has air permeability, such as cloth or netting. ). The base material 21 is provided in an upright position so as to block the air flow path 12. A lower water receiver 22 is provided at the lower part of the base material 21 to receive the lower end thereof. Further, an upper water receptacle 23 is provided at the upper part of the base material 21 so that the upper end thereof passes through the base material 21 . And the upper water receiver 23 arranged in the upper and lower positions
The defrosting water receiver 9 is, for example, a normally closed electromagnetic on-off valve 24.
The defrost water received by the defrost water receiver 9 can be guided to the upper water receiver 23 according to the opening operation of the electromagnetic on-off valve 9. It is now possible to do so. In other words, the defrosting water undergoes capillary action.

It can be contained in the base material 21 by adjusting the water level or the like. Thereby, the indoor air passing through the base material 21 can contain the moisture held in the base material 21 by evaporation (vaporization).

On the other hand, if we explain the compressor unit 30,
Reference numeral 31 denotes a casing serving as the unit main body.

A compressor 32 is provided within this housing 31 .

As shown in FIG.
4. The outdoor heat exchanger 7, for example, the capillary tube 35 (pressure reducing device) built in the housing 2, and the indoor heat exchanger 13 are connected in this order to form a heat pump type refrigeration cycle. Note that the four-way valve 34 may be built into the housing 2 instead of the housing 31.

For example, the housing 31. The refrigeration cycle and the defrosting water evaporation system 20 are controlled by a control unit 40 built into the unit. That is, the control section 40 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer and its peripheral devices. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 40 includes a room temperature sensor 41 and an operation unit 4 for inputting information necessary for cooling operation.
2 is connected, and the four-way valve 34 is switched to the cooling or heating side according to the air conditioning/heating switching manually inputted from the operating section 42. Further, the control unit 40 controls the capacity of the compressor 32 according to the deviation between the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 41 and the set temperature input from the operation unit 42. Furthermore, the control unit 40 includes a sensor 4 provided on the outdoor heat exchanger 7 that detects frost formation and defrost.
3 is connected. Then, the control unit 40 controls the sensor 43
As soon as a signal indicating that frost has formed is output from the sensor 43, a defrost start signal is output, and the heating operation is switched to the defrosting operation (the opposite cycle to the heating cycle).
When a signal indicating that defrosting has been performed is outputted, a defrosting end signal is outputted to return to heating operation. In addition, according to a command from the control unit 40, the fan motor 8a of the outdoor fan 8 operates at a predetermined rotation speed in accordance with the start of the cooling/heating operation, and the fan motor 14a of the indoor fan 14 operates in several types according to the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 13. It is designed to operate at the following speeds.

Further, the control section 40 has a function of controlling the electromagnetic on-off valve 24 according to the defrosting start signal and defrosting end signal. That is, the control unit 40 controls the built-in delay circuit 4
4, an open signal is output to the drive circuit (not shown) of the electromagnetic on-off valve 24 after a predetermined time delay from the defrost start signal, and a close signal is output to the drive circuit in accordance with the defrost end signal. It is. As a result, in practice, the electromagnetic on-off valve 24 is opened in accordance with the time when defrosting water is generated from the outdoor heat exchanger 7, which is delayed from the start of the defrosting operation. Note that the delay time is set to, for example, about 30 seconds.

Furthermore, the defrosting water evaporation system 20 is provided with a function that allows replenishment of defrosting water when it becomes insufficient.

That is, a humidity sensor 45 provided on the base material 21 and detecting the wetness of the base material 21 is connected to the control unit 40 . Further, during heating operation, when a signal indicating that the base material 21 is not wet is output from the humidity sensor 45, the control unit 40 controls the fan motor 3a (outdoor fan 8) during the heating operation. It is set to output a control signal to lower the rotation speed, and when the base material 21 loses the moisture necessary for humidification during heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 7 is in a state where it is easy to frost, that is, the evaporation pressure and We are trying to create a condition where the temperature decreases (by reducing the amount of air blowing). That is, when the defrosting water runs out, the structure is such that moisture in the atmosphere is actively frosted on the outdoor heat exchanger 7, and the defrosting water generated at this time is supplied to the base material 21.

The control section 40 is also set with a function of lowering the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 8 when a signal is input from, for example, an operation knob for increasing the amount of humidification provided on the operation section 42. This also makes it possible to manually increase the amount of defrosting water.

Next, the operation of the air conditioner with humidification function configured as described above will be explained.

Set the operation unit 42 to heating. As a result, the four-way valve 34
is switched to the heating side, and the compressor 32 and outdoor fan 8 start operating. As a result, the refrigerant gas compressed by the compressor 32 is transferred to the four-way valve 34. Indoor heat exchanger 13. Capillary tube 35. A heating cycle is constructed that flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 7 in order.

On the other hand, the indoor fan 14 is operating according to the heating operation, and the indoor fan 14 is pumping indoor air from the suction side duct 15 to the air flow passage 1.
It has been incorporated into 2. When this indoor air passes through the base material 21, the defrosting water obtained during the defrosting operation held in the base material 21 evaporates, and the indoor air contains moisture (humidification). ).

Here, the above-mentioned defrosting water was obtained as follows.

That is, as the heating cycle continues, moisture in the atmosphere begins to form frost on the outdoor heat exchanger 7, which functions as an evaporator, in order to remove heat from the atmosphere. Here, frost formation is detected by the sensor 43, and when the amount of frost formation reaches such a level that the heating capacity is reduced, the control unit 40 outputs a defrosting start signal. Then, the four-way valve 34 is switched, and the heating operation is switched to the defrosting operation. That is, the defrosting operation is a cycle opposite to the heating operation, and this time the refrigerant gas compressed by the compressor 32 is passed through the four-way valve 34° outdoor heat exchanger 7. Capillary tube 35. Indoor heat exchanger 1
3 in order. As a result, the frost that has arrived at the outdoor heat exchanger 7 is dissolved by the high temperature refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 7 and becomes water, which accumulates in the defrosting water receiver 9.

Here, by delay control, the electromagnetic on-off valve 24 is opened in accordance with the time when the frost melts. Then, the defrosting water flows from the defrosting water receiver 9 through the introduction pipe 25 and the upper water receiver 22 to the base material 2.
It will lead you to 1.

As a result, the defrosting water is transferred to the base material 2 through capillary action, water level difference, etc.
1, the water is retained in the base material 21, and an excessive amount of water accumulates in the lower water receiver 22. Note that this defrosting water recovery process continues until the defrosting operation returns to the heating operation according to the detection signal from the sensor 43. Note that the outdoor fan 8 is stopped during the defrosting operation.

When the indoor air humidified as described above passes through the indoor heat exchanger 13 functioning as a condenser, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant and warms the indoor air. This indoor air becomes warm air and is blown out from the duct 16 into the indoor space, heating the room A.

On the other hand, during such a heating operation, when frost formation is reduced due to high atmospheric temperature, there are times when the moisture held in the base material 21 almost disappears.

In such a case, the moisture sensor 45 detects that the base material 21 is free of moisture. As a result, the control unit 40 outputs a control signal to lower the rotation speed of the outdoor fan 8.

Then, the rotational speed of the fan motor 8a of the outdoor fan 8 decreases, and as the amount of air blown decreases, the evaporation pressure and evaporation temperature of the refrigerant passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 7 decrease.

As a result, the outdoor heat exchanger 7 becomes susceptible to frost formation, and moisture in the atmosphere that was difficult to frost under the above heating operation conditions arrives at the outdoor heat exchanger 7. Then, the defrosting water generated at this time is supplied to the base material 21 according to the steps described above. In other words, insufficient humidification does not occur.

Therefore, heating can be performed while humidifying indoor air. According to experiments, normal heating operation (operation equivalent to JIS test with outdoor temperature of 2℃ and indoor temperature of 20℃)
, the amount of frost per hour is r800g~10
By supplying this air to the space to be heated, the relative humidity of the indoor air became 75% RH (8 tatami room, ventilation frequency 1, moisture utilization rate 50%).

Here, when there is no humidification, the relative humidity of the indoor air is 25% RH, so if there is no humidification, the relative humidity is 50%.
Since RH increases, heating with appropriate humidity could be achieved.

Moreover, since the defrost water generated during the defrosting operation that is disposed of outside is used as water for the humidifier, there is no need for the hassle of water supply (replenishment) such as a humidifier, and furthermore, there is no need for plumbing work to supply water. do not. Moreover, the electromagnetic on-off valve 24 that guides the defrosting water to the air flow path 12 operates according to the outflow timing of the generated defrosting water, so there is no wasted energization time of the electromagnetic on-off valve 24.
Power consumption can be reduced accordingly.

Furthermore, even if the humidifying capacity becomes insufficient during heating operation, the defrosting water generated at this time is used instead of the operation that automatically frosts the moisture in the atmosphere on the outdoor heat exchanger 7. Material 21
It also has the advantage of quickly replenishing the amount of water required for humidification.

In addition, if the current humidification is insufficient and the resident wishes to increase the amount of humidification, by operating the operation knob for increasing the amount of humidification on the operation unit 42, the above-mentioned shortage of defrosting water can be resolved. Similarly, the outdoor fan 8 is operated to increase the amount of humidification, and the desired amount of humidification can be secured.

Although the base material was provided on the suction side of the indoor heat exchanger in the embodiment described above, it may of course be provided on the outlet side.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a device is used that allows the base material to retain moisture and evaporates the defrosting water, but this is not the only option. It's okay. For example, a receiver for collecting defrosting water is provided in the air flow path where the indoor heat exchanger is installed, a heater is provided in this receiver, and the defrosting water in the receiver is evaporated by heat from the heater. Also, an ultrasonic transducer is installed in the receptor,
The defrosting water in the receiver may be atomized by ultrasonic vibration.

In one example, the water level difference was used to guide the defrosting water from the outdoor heat exchanger to the air flow path where the indoor heat exchanger was installed, but a pump was used to forcibly direct the defrosting water from the outdoor heat exchanger. It may also lead to an air flow path in which an indoor heat exchanger is installed.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, indoor air can be heated while being humidified without the need for replenishing water necessary for humidification or the need for water supply work.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIGS. 1 to 5 show an embodiment of the present invention, and m1
The figure is a perspective view showing a heat exchange unit to which this invention is applied;
Figure 2 is a partial front sectional view of the defrost water evaporation system of the heat exchange unit, and Figure 3 is a side sectional view of the defrost water evaporation system of the heat exchange unit.
Figure 4 is a sectional view showing the installed air conditioner with humidification function.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a refrigeration cycle together with a control system, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a refrigeration cycle of a conventional air conditioner, and FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing an installed air conditioner with a humidifying function. 1... Heat exchange unit (unit for outdoor installation), 2
... Housing (main body) 3 ... Partition wall section, 6 ... Air flow path, 7 ... Outdoor heat exchanger, 8 ... Outdoor fan, 9 ... Defrost water receiver, 12... Air flow passage, 13...
・Indoor heat exchanger, 14... Indoor fan, 15.16
...Duct, 20...Defrosting water evaporation system, 21...Base material, 22...Lower water receiver, 23...Upper water receiver, 24...
...Electromagnetic on-off valve, 25...Introduction pipe, 40...Control unit, 45...Moistening sensor. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Takehiko Suzue

Claims (1)

[Claims] An indoor heat exchanger and means for circulating indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger are provided in one compartment of the main body whose interior is partitioned by a partition wall, and an outdoor heat exchanger and a means for circulating indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger are provided in the other compartment. A unit for outdoor installation is constructed by providing a means for circulating outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger, and the unit is configured to pass the drain generated in the outdoor heat exchanger during defrosting operation to the air circulation side of the indoor heat exchanger. 1. An air conditioner with a humidifying function, characterized in that the air conditioner is provided with a means for introducing moisture into the air flow path, and a means for causing indoor air to contain moisture from the drain guided into the air flow path.