JP7485975B2 - Ventilation unit - Google Patents

Description

Regarding ventilation units.

It may be connected to the room by a ventilation hose, and the blower fan may be driven to supply and exhaust air.

Patent document 1 (JP Patent Publication 2004-286432 A) discloses a ventilation unit that is equipped with an adsorption member, and during exhaust operation, indoor air passes through the adsorption member and is exhausted to the outside.

In the ventilation unit of Patent Document 1, pollutants contained in the indoor air are adsorbed onto the adsorption member during exhaust operation.

This disclosure proposes a ventilation unit that suppresses contamination of the adsorption member during exhaust operation.

The ventilation unit of the first aspect includes a blower fan, a ventilation hose, an intake port, an exhaust port, an adsorption member, and a control unit. The adsorption member is provided in the ventilation path from the intake port through the blower fan to the exhaust port. The control unit performs supply and exhaust operations. The supply operation is an operation in which the blower fan is driven to supply outdoor air from the ventilation path through the ventilation hose into the room. The exhaust operation is an operation in which the blower fan is driven in the same rotation direction as the supply operation to exhaust indoor air to the outside through the ventilation hose without passing through the adsorption member.

This ventilation unit performs an air supply operation to supply air from a ventilation path in which an adsorption member is installed, and an exhaust operation to drive the blower fan in the same rotation direction as the air supply operation to exhaust air without passing it through the adsorption member. Therefore, this ventilation unit can supply outdoor air that has passed through the adsorption member into the room, and can prevent pollutants from being adsorbed onto the adsorption member during exhaust operation.

The ventilation unit of the second aspect is the ventilation unit of the first aspect, in which the adsorption member is provided in the ventilation path between the intake port and the blower fan.

This ventilation unit performs supply and exhaust operations using the suction force of the blower fan. If an adsorption member is provided between the blower fan and the outlet during exhaust operation, a path must be provided that can utilize the suction force and does not pass through the adsorption member. This makes the exhaust path of the ventilation unit complicated, making it difficult to switch between supply and exhaust operation.

In this ventilation unit, the adsorption member is provided between the intake port and the blower fan in the ventilation path. Therefore, this ventilation unit can easily switch between supply operation, in which the air passes through the adsorption member, and exhaust operation, in which the air does not pass through the adsorption member.

The ventilation unit of the third aspect is the ventilation unit of the first or second aspect, further comprising a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism switches between an air supply path, which is the path of air during air supply operation, and an exhaust path, which is the path of air during exhaust operation.

This ventilation unit has a switching mechanism that switches between the intake and exhaust paths, making it easier to switch between intake and exhaust operation.

The ventilation unit of the fourth aspect is the ventilation unit of the third aspect, further comprising an exhaust port. The exhaust port exhausts indoor air to the outside during exhaust operation. The switching mechanism also switches the exhaust path so that the air passes through the ventilation hose and travels from the air outlet to the exhaust port via the blower fan.

This ventilation unit has an exhaust port that exhausts indoor air to the outside during exhaust operation, in addition to an intake port that draws in outdoor air during supply operation. Therefore, this ventilation unit can more easily switch between supply and exhaust operation by using the exhaust port.

The ventilation unit of the fifth aspect is the ventilation unit of the fourth aspect, further comprising a heater. The adsorption member is a rotor for humidification. The heater heats the air introduced into the rotor. The control unit further performs a regeneration operation in which outdoor air is sucked in, heated by the heater, passed through the rotor, and exhausted again to the outside through the exhaust port.

This ventilation unit can humidify the air by supplying moisture to it using an adsorption member, which is a rotor for humidification. This ventilation unit also performs a regeneration operation in which heated air removes moisture from the rotor. This ventilation unit can therefore regenerate the moisture adsorption capacity of the rotor. Furthermore, this ventilation unit uses the same exhaust port during regeneration operation as the exhaust port used during exhaust operation. This ventilation unit does not require the provision of an additional exhaust port for regeneration operation, and can perform regeneration operation using an existing structure. This ventilation unit can therefore have a simplified structure.

The ventilation unit of the sixth aspect is the ventilation unit of the fifth aspect, in which the switching mechanism switches the regeneration path, which is the path of air during regeneration operation, so that air sucked in from the intake port is routed to the exhaust port via the blower fan.

Therefore, this ventilation unit can more easily switch between other operations and regeneration operation using the switching mechanism.

The ventilation unit of the seventh aspect is the ventilation unit of any one of the fourth aspect to the sixth aspect, further comprising a shutter. The shutter closes the exhaust port during air supply operation and opens the exhaust port during exhaust operation.

This ventilation unit therefore makes it easier to switch between supply and exhaust operation.

The ventilation unit of the eighth aspect is a ventilation unit of any one of the first, fourth, and seventh aspects, in which the adsorption member is at least one of a humidification rotor, a prefilter, a dust collection filter, and a deodorizing filter.

When the adsorption member is a humidification rotor, the ventilation unit can humidify the air by supplying moisture to it. Also, when the adsorption member is a pre-filter, a dust-collecting filter, and a deodorizing filter, the ventilation unit can purify the air.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner 100. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a unit body 131. FIG. FIG. 2 is a top view showing the unit body 131. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a humidifier 320. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the indoor unit 110 and the outdoor unit 120. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air supply path SU in the air conditioner 100. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an air supply path SU in a unit body 131. FIG. 1 is a top view showing the air supply path SU in the unit body 131. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air supply path SU in a humidifier 320. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exhaust path EX in the air conditioner 100. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an exhaust path EX in a unit body 131. FIG. 1 is a top view showing an exhaust path EX in a unit body 131. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a regeneration path RP in the air conditioner 100. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a reproduction path RP in a unit body 141. FIG. 2 is a top view showing a reproduction path RP in a unit body 141. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner 102. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a unit body 50. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a unit body 50 with some of its components removed. FIG. 2 is a top view of the unit body 50 with some of its components removed. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of some of the components of the unit body 50. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a unit body 50. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a shutter 74a during air supply operation. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a shutter 74a during a reproducing operation. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the unit body 50 during exhaust operation. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the unit body 50 during exhaust operation. 4 is an exploded perspective view of some of the components of the unit body 50 during exhaust operation. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the unit body 50 during exhaust operation. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a shutter 74a during exhaust operation. FIG.

First Embodiment
(1) Overall Configuration An air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 performs air conditioning of an indoor ID by heat exchange between a refrigerant and air, and supplying and discharging air. Examples of air conditioning include cooling, refrigeration, heating, humidification, dehumidification, air purification, ventilation, and the like. In this embodiment, the air conditioning performed by the air conditioner 100 includes cooling, heating, humidification, and ventilation.

The air conditioner 100 comprises an indoor unit 110 and an outdoor unit 120. The indoor unit 110 and the outdoor unit 120 are electrically connected.

(1-1) Indoor Unit The indoor unit 110 is installed in the indoor ID. The indoor unit 110 includes an indoor air inlet IP1, an indoor air outlet IP2, an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), and an indoor fan (not shown).

The indoor air inlet IP1 is an opening for drawing air from the indoor ID into the indoor unit 110. The indoor air outlet IP2 is an opening for blowing air from the indoor unit 110 out to the indoor ID.

The indoor heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the air. The indoor heat exchanger forms a refrigeration cycle together with the outdoor heat exchanger (described below). The indoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator or a condenser.

The indoor fan rotates to generate suction force. The suction force of the indoor fan draws air from the indoor ID through the indoor air inlet IP1 and blows it out through the indoor air outlet IP2.

(1-2) Outdoor Unit The outdoor unit 120 is installed in the outdoor OD. The outdoor unit 120 includes a heat exchange unit 121 and a ventilation unit 130.

(1-2-1) Heat Exchange Unit The heat exchange unit 121 includes an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the air. The outdoor heat exchanger constitutes a refrigeration cycle together with the indoor heat exchanger and the like. The outdoor heat exchanger operates as an evaporator or a condenser.

(1-2-2) Ventilation Unit The ventilation unit 130 supplies air from the outdoor OD to the indoor ID and exhausts air from the indoor ID to the outdoor OD to condition the indoor ID. The ventilation unit 130 includes a unit body 131 and a ventilation hose 132.

The unit body 131 is provided with an intake port SP, an exhaust port BP, and an exhaust port EP. The detailed configuration of the unit body 131 will be described later.

The ventilation hose 132 forms an air path between the indoor unit 110 and the outdoor unit 120.

(2) Detailed Configuration The detailed configuration of the unit body 131 will be described. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the unit body 131. Fig. 3 is a top view showing the unit body 131. The unit body 131 includes a casing 310, a humidifier 320, a fan unit 330, a damper unit 340, a shutter 350, a control device 360, and the like.

(2-1) Casing The casing 310 is a housing that houses the humidifier 320, the fan unit 330, the damper unit 340, the shutter 350, the control device 360, etc. The fan unit 330 is an example of a blower fan. The damper unit 340 is an example of a switching mechanism. Note that the casing 310 does not have to house the control device 360.

The casing 310 is placed on the top side of the heat exchange unit 121 and has a rectangular box shape. The humidifier 320, fan unit 330, damper unit 340, shutter 350, control device 360, etc. are arranged in the internal space 604 formed by the casing 310. The casing 310 is provided with an intake port SP, an exhaust port BP, and an exhaust port EP.

(2-1-1) Suction Port, Blow Out Port, and Exhaust Port The blow out port BP is an opening for blowing air out from the unit main body 131 to the ventilation hose 132. The blow out port BP is an opening for sucking air from the ventilation hose 132 into the unit main body 131. The blow out port BP is provided in the bottom wall surface 601 of the casing 310. The blow out port BP is provided near one side of the casing 310.

The intake port SP is an opening for drawing air from the outdoor OD into the unit body 131. The intake port SP is provided on the side wall surface 603 of the casing 310. The intake port SP is provided near one side of the casing 310. The intake port SP is provided at an appropriate distance from the exhaust port BP.

The exhaust port EP is an opening for discharging air from the unit body 131 to the outdoor OD. The exhaust port EP is provided on the side wall surface 603 of the casing 310.

(2-1-2) Airflow Path The airflow path VP is a path that extends from the air inlet SP to the air outlet BP via the fan unit 330. The airflow path VP on the air inlet SP side is referred to as the upstream side US. The airflow path VP on the air outlet BP side is referred to as the downstream side DS.

(2-1-3) Socket The socket 602 is a member that is inserted into the air outlet BP. The socket 602 has a hollow cylindrical shape. The socket 602 is connected to one end of the ventilation hose 132. The socket 602 extends downward through the air outlet BP.

(2-2) Humidifier The humidifier 320 humidifies the air by adsorbing moisture to the air. The humidifier 320 is provided in the ventilation path VP. In this embodiment, the humidifier 320 is provided near the air inlet SP. In other words, the humidifier 320 is provided between the air inlet SP and the fan unit 330.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the humidifier 320. The humidifier 320 includes an adsorption member and a heater 322. In this embodiment, the adsorption member is a rotor 321 for humidification. The humidifier 320 may also include at least one of a humidification tray, a humidification tank, and a humidification motor.

(2-2-1) Rotor The rotor 321 is configured by a humidifying element (not shown). Examples of the humidifying element include nonwoven fabric and woven fabric. The humidifying element allows the air in the ventilation path VP to pass through in a state in which the air has absorbed moisture.

(2-2-2) Heater The heater 322 heats the air introduced into the rotor 321. The heater 322 is provided on the upstream side US with respect to the rotor 321. The heater 322 is configured to allow the air of the ventilation path VP to pass through. The heater 322 may be configured with multiple heaters smaller than the heater 322.

(2-3) Fan Unit The fan unit 330 generates a suction force SF by the rotational drive of a fan impeller 407, which will be described later. The fan unit 330 includes a fan housing 405, a bellmouth plate 406, a fan impeller 407, a fan motor 408, and the like.

(2-3-1) Fan Housing The fan housing 405 is composed of a bottom plate 403 and side plates 404. The bottom plate 403 has a scroll-like planar shape. The side plates 404 surround the outer periphery of the bottom plate 403.

(2-3-2) Bellmouth Plate The bellmouth plate 406 is fixedly disposed on the open end side of the fan housing 405 so as to close the fan housing 405. The bellmouth plate 406 has a rectangular flat plate shape. The bellmouth plate 406 has the fan suction port 401 and the fan outlet 402 arranged side by side with an appropriate distance between them.

(2-3-2-1) Fan Inlet, Fan Outlet The fan inlet 401 is an opening for drawing air from the outside of the fan unit 330 into the fan unit 330 .

The fan outlet 402 is an opening for blowing air from inside the fan unit 330 to outside the fan unit 330. The fan outlet 402 is arranged so as to be positioned coaxially with the outlet BP.

(2-3-3) Fan Impeller The fan impeller 407 is disposed in a space surrounded by the bellmouth plate 406 and the fan housing 405. The fan impeller 407 is disposed so as to face the fan suction port 401.

The fan impeller 407 is driven to rotate by the fan motor 408 described below, generating a suction force SF. When the fan unit 330 is operating, the direction of rotation of the fan impeller 407 is the same regardless of the type of operation. Therefore, when the fan unit 330 is operating, the direction of the suction force SF generated by the fan impeller 407 is also the same regardless of the type of operation.

(2-3-4) Fan Motor The fan motor 408 is fixed to the outer surface side of the fan housing 405. The fan motor 408 drives the fan impeller 407 to rotate.

(2-4) Damper Unit The damper unit 340 switches between an intake air path SU (to be described later) and an exhaust air path EX (to be described later). The damper unit 340 includes a damper enclosure 341 and a damper main body 342.

(2-4-1) Damper Enclosure The damper enclosure 341 is formed by bending a plate material into a substantially "U" shape. The damper enclosure 341 includes a bottom wall 501 and side walls 502. The bottom wall 501 has substantially the same dimensions and shape as the bell-mouth plate 406. The side walls 502 are a pair of walls of the same height that rise from both the left and right edges of the bottom wall 501.

The damper enclosure 341 has its side wall 502 abutted against and fixed to the underside of the bellmouth plate 406 on the damper unit 340 side to form an integrated structure. The bellmouth plate 406 and the damper enclosure 341 therefore form a through-zone 505 with a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Both ends of the through-zone 505, the upstream end 503 and downstream end 504, are openings. Thus, the through-zone 505 is tunnel-shaped. Within the through-zone 505, the damper main body 342, which will be described later, is arranged to be movable in the axial direction (through-zone) of the through-zone 505.

The damper enclosure 341 has an air supply/exhaust port 515 at a position corresponding to one end of the through area 505. The air supply/exhaust port 515 has approximately the same diameter as the fan outlet 402 on the fan unit 330 side. The socket 602 extending downward from the bottom wall 501 is integral with the bottom wall 501.

The damper enclosure 341 is attached to the casing 310 by abutting and fixing the bottom wall 501 to the bottom wall surface 601 of the casing 310. Therefore, when the damper enclosure 341 is attached to the casing 310, the intake and exhaust port 515 on the damper enclosure 341 side and the fan outlet 402 on the bellmouth plate 406 side are arranged so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction.

(2-4-2) Damper Body The damper body 342 includes a base 506, an extension portion 507, a bottom wall 508, a side wall 509, and a curved wall 510. The base 506 has a rectangular box shape with an open top. The extension portion 507 extends laterally from one corner of the base 506. The bottom wall 508 spans from the base 506 to the extension portion 507. The side wall 509 is erected around the base 506 so as to surround the base 506. The curved wall 510 covers the periphery of the extension portion 507 in a spherical shape.

A first opening 511 is provided in the bottom wall 508 at a position corresponding to one side of the base 506. A second opening 512 is provided in the bottom wall 508 at a position corresponding to the extension portion 507. A cylindrical member 513 with a circular cross section that extends upward from the first opening 511 is formed integrally with the damper body 342.

The height of the cylindrical member 513 is set so that the upper end of the cylindrical member 513 is positioned at approximately the same height as the upper end of the side wall 509. The height dimensions of the cylindrical member 513 and the side wall 509 are set to correspond to the height dimension of the through area 505 of the damper enclosure 341. The damper main body 342 is fitted and positioned so as to be slidable within the through area 505.

The space surrounded by the side wall 509 of the damper body 342, excluding the cylindrical member 513 (the outer portion of the cylindrical member 513), is referred to as the damper internal space 514.

The sliding direction of the damper body 342 within the through-passage area 505 is the axial direction of the through-passage area 505 (the direction of arrow a and the direction of arrow b). The relative positions of the first opening 511 and the second opening 512 in the planar direction are set so that the first opening 511 and the second opening 512 can alternatively communicate with the supply/exhaust port 515 as the damper body 342 slides.

When the first opening 511 communicates with the air supply/exhaust port 515, the fan suction port 401 is located outside the damper body 342, so communication between the fan suction port 401 and the damper body 342 is blocked. On the other hand, when the second opening 512 communicates with the air supply/exhaust port 515, the fan suction port 401 is located within the damper internal space 514, so the fan suction port 401 and the damper body 342 communicate with each other.

(2-5) Shutter The shutter 350 closes the exhaust port EP during air supply operation, which will be described later, and opens the exhaust port EP during exhaust operation, which will be described later. A first side surface 351 of the shutter 350 is fixed to the side wall surface 603. The shutter 350 is rotatable, and moves in the directions of arrows c and d.

When the shutter 350 moves in the direction of arrow c, the second side 352 of the shutter 350 comes into contact with the bottom plate 403. Therefore, when the shutter 350 moves in the direction of arrow c, the shutter 350 opens the exhaust port EP. Also, when the shutter 350 moves in the direction of arrow c, the shutter 350 blocks the air path in the direction of arrow e. On the other hand, when the shutter 350 moves in the direction of arrow d, the second side 352 comes into contact with the side wall surface 603. Therefore, when the shutter 350 moves in the direction of arrow d, the shutter 350 closes the exhaust port EP.

(2-6) Control Device The control device 360 performs an air supply operation, an exhaust operation, an adsorption operation, etc. Details of the air supply operation, the exhaust operation, and the adsorption operation will be described later. The control device 360 controls the operation of the humidifier 320, the fan unit 330, the damper unit 340, the shutter 350, etc. The control device 360 is an example of a control unit.

The control device 360 is provided in the unit body 131. The unit body 131 in which the control device 360 is arranged is not shown. FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the indoor unit 110 and the outdoor unit 120. The control device 360 is electrically connected to the humidifier 320, the fan unit 330, the damper unit 340, and the shutter 350. The heat exchange unit 121 and the unit body 131 are electrically connected. The indoor unit 110 and the outdoor unit 120 are electrically connected.

The control device 360 is realized by a computer. The control device 360 includes a control arithmetic device and a storage device (both not shown). A processor such as a CPU or GPU can be used for the control arithmetic device. The control arithmetic device reads a program stored in the storage device, and performs predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing according to the program. Furthermore, the control arithmetic device can write the results of calculations to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device according to the program. The storage device can be used as a database. Specific functions realized by the control device 360 will be described later.

Note that the configuration of the control device 360 described here is merely an example, and the functions of the control device 360 described below may be realized in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

(3) Operation A description will now be given of the operation of the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 performs cooling, heating, humidification, ventilation, and the like.

Cooling is an operation in which a refrigerant removes heat from indoor air through a refrigerant circuit with the indoor heat exchanger as the evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger as the condenser. An operation in which a refrigerant removes heat from indoor air through a refrigerant circuit with the indoor heat exchanger as the evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger as the condenser is called cooling operation. Cooling is performed by cooling operation.

Heating is an operation in which refrigerant supplies heat to indoor air through a refrigerant circuit with the indoor heat exchanger as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger as an evaporator. The operation in which refrigerant supplies heat to indoor air through a refrigerant circuit with the indoor heat exchanger as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger as an evaporator is called heating operation. Heating is performed through heating operation.

Humidification is an operation in which the fan unit 330 is driven to supply outdoor air with absorbed moisture from the ventilation path VP through the ventilation hose 132 to the room ID. The operation in which the fan unit 330 is driven to supply outdoor air from the ventilation path VP through the ventilation hose 132 to the room ID is called the supply operation. The operation in which moisture is absorbed into the outdoor air is called the adsorption operation. Humidification is performed by the supply operation and the adsorption operation.

There are cases where the indoor humidity is lower than the target humidity. An example of a target humidity is an appropriate humidity for people or objects in the indoor ID. When the indoor humidity is lower than the target humidity, if outdoor air that has absorbed moisture is supplied to the indoor ID, the absorbed moisture will increase the indoor humidity.

Ventilation is an operation in which the fan unit 330 is driven to supply outdoor air from the ventilation path VP through the ventilation hose 132 to the room ID, and the fan unit 330 is driven in the same rotational direction as the supply operation to exhaust the indoor air to the outdoor OD through the ventilation hose 132 without passing through the rotor 321. An operation in which the fan unit 330 is driven in the same rotational direction as the supply operation to exhaust the indoor air to the outdoor OD through the ventilation hose 132 without passing through the rotor 321 is called exhaust operation. Ventilation is performed by the supply operation and exhaust operation. Note that ventilation may be performed by the exhaust operation instead of the supply operation.

Pollutants may be present in the air in the indoor ID. Pollutants are substances that are unsuitable for people or objects in the indoor ID. Examples of pollutants include substances contained in tobacco smoke, substances contained in cooking smoke, dust, PM2.5, etc. Examples of substances contained in tobacco smoke include asbestos, acetaldehyde, carbon monoxide, cadmium, tar, dioxin, nicotine, etc. Examples of substances contained in cooking smoke include nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, PM2.5, etc.

If pollutants are present in the air in the indoor ID, they need to be removed. When indoor air is discharged to the outdoor OD, the pollutants contained in the indoor air are also discharged. Furthermore, when outdoor air is supplied to the indoor ID, the concentration of pollutants contained in the indoor air is diluted. Therefore, when pollutants are present in the air in the indoor ID, ventilation is performed to discharge the pollutants and reduce the concentration of the pollutants.

A detailed explanation of the supply air operation, adsorption operation, and exhaust operation related to humidification or ventilation.

(3-1) Air supply operation The air supply operation will be described in detail. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the air supply path SU in the air conditioner 100. The air supply path SU is the path of air during air supply operation. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the air supply path SU in the unit body 131. Fig. 8 is a top view showing the air supply path SU in the unit body 131.

The damper body 342 is moved in the direction of the arrow b to connect the air supply/exhaust port 515 and the fan outlet 402 through the cylindrical member 513 (first opening 511). The second opening 512 is closed by the bottom wall 501. The shutter 350 is moved in the direction of the arrow d to close the exhaust port EP.

When the fan impeller 407 is driven to rotate, a suction force SF is generated. The air from the outdoor OD is sucked into the internal space 604 from the intake port SP by the suction force SF. The air from the outdoor OD is not sucked in from the exhaust port EP because the shutter 350 closes the exhaust port EP. Therefore, no air path is formed from the exhaust port EP.

A ventilation path VP is provided from the intake port SP to the exhaust port BP via the fan unit 330. In addition, a humidifier 320 is provided between the intake port SP and the fan unit 330. Therefore, the outdoor air sucked in from the intake port SP passes through the humidifier 320.

The outdoor air that has passed through the humidifier 320 travels along the ventilation path VP and reaches the through-passage area 505. The outdoor air that has reached the through-passage area 505 is sucked into the fan unit 330 through the fan intake 401.

The outdoor air is blown out from the fan outlet 402 toward the cylindrical member 513 with its static pressure increased. The outdoor air blown out toward the cylindrical member 513 reaches the air supply/exhaust port 515. The outdoor air that reaches the air supply/exhaust port 515 reaches the indoor unit 110 through the ventilation hose 132.

The outdoor air that reaches the indoor unit 110 is supplied to the indoor ID through the indoor air outlet IP2 by the rotational drive of the indoor fan. The outdoor air is supplied to the indoor ID from the ventilation path VP through the ventilation hose 132 by the drive of the fan unit 330.

(3-2) Adsorption Operation The adsorption operation will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

During air supply operation, outdoor air passes through the humidifier 320 along the ventilation path VP. First, the outdoor air reaches the heater 322 provided on the upstream side US of the rotor 321. As the outdoor air passes through the heater 322, it is heated by the heater 322. The heated outdoor air reaches the rotor 321. Because the outdoor air is heated, the moisture contained in the rotor 321 is adsorbed into the outdoor air. As the outdoor air passes through the rotor 321, it adsorbs the moisture contained in the rotor 321. The outdoor air that has adsorbed the moisture flows along the ventilation path VP to the downstream side DS. Therefore, the outdoor air adsorbs moisture due to the adsorption operation.

(3-3) Exhaust operation Details of exhaust operation will be described. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the exhaust path EX in the air conditioner 100. The exhaust path EX is the path of air during exhaust operation. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the exhaust path EX in the unit body 131. Fig. 12 is a top view showing the exhaust path EX in the unit body 131.

The damper body 342 is moved in the direction of the arrow a to connect the air supply/exhaust port 515 and the fan intake port 401 through the damper internal space 514 (through the outer portion of the cylindrical member 513). The cylindrical member 513 is closed by the bottom wall 501. The shutter 350 is moved in the direction of the arrow c to open the exhaust port EP.

When the indoor fan is rotated, indoor air is sucked from the indoor ID into the indoor unit 110 through the indoor air inlet IP1. The indoor air in the indoor unit 110 reaches the unit body 131 through the ventilation hose 132.

When the fan impeller 407 is driven to rotate, a suction force SF is generated. The fan impeller 407 rotates in the same direction as during air supply operation. Therefore, the suction force SF generated by the fan impeller 407 also acts in the same direction as during air supply operation. The suction force SF causes indoor air to pass through the damper space 514 and be sucked in from the fan intake port 401 side. The indoor air sucked into the fan unit 330 is blown out from the fan outlet 402 towards the penetration area 505 side. The indoor air blown out towards the penetration area 505 side reaches the internal space 604.

The shutter 350 opens the exhaust port EP and closes the path to the intake port SP. Therefore, the indoor air that reaches the internal space 604 is discharged to the outdoor OD via the exhaust port EP. The shutter 350 does not form an air path to the intake port SP. Therefore, the indoor air is discharged to the outdoor OD without passing through the humidifier 320.

(3-4) Others The air conditioner 100 may perform dehumidification. Dehumidification is performed by air supply operation. When dehumidifying, adsorption operation is not performed.

Because air supply operation is performed, outdoor air passes through the humidifier 320 and is supplied to the indoor ID. When passing through the humidifier 320, adsorption operation is not performed. Because adsorption operation is not performed, the outdoor air that reaches the heater 322 is not heated. Moisture is removed from the unheated outdoor air by the rotor 321. The outdoor air from which moisture has been removed is supplied to the indoor ID. Therefore, the humidity in the indoor ID decreases. Dehumidification is also called "dehumidified air supply" because it operates by supplying dehumidified air.

(4) Features (4-1)
The ventilation unit 130 includes a blower fan, a ventilation hose 132, an intake port SP, an exhaust port BP, an adsorption member, and a control unit. The adsorption member is provided in a ventilation path VP that runs from the intake port SP to the exhaust port BP via the blower fan. The control unit performs an air supply operation and an exhaust operation. The air supply operation is an operation in which the blower fan is driven to supply outdoor air from the ventilation path VP to the room ID through the ventilation hose 132. The exhaust operation is an operation in which the blower fan is driven in the same rotation direction as the air supply operation to exhaust indoor air through the ventilation hose 132 to the outdoor OD without passing through the adsorption member.

The ventilation unit 130 performs an air supply operation to supply air from the ventilation path VP where the adsorption member is installed, and an exhaust operation to drive the blower fan in the same rotation direction as the air supply operation to exhaust air without passing it through the adsorption member. Therefore, the ventilation unit 130 can supply outdoor air that has passed through the adsorption member to the indoor ID, and can prevent pollutants from being adsorbed by the adsorption member during exhaust operation.

(4-2)
In the ventilation unit 130, the adsorption member is provided in the ventilation path VP between the suction port SP and the blower fan.

The ventilation unit 130 performs supply and exhaust operations using the suction force SF of the blower fan. If an adsorption member is provided between the blower fan and the air outlet during exhaust operation, a path must be provided that can utilize the suction force and does not pass through the adsorption member. This makes the exhaust path EX of the ventilation unit complex, making it difficult to switch between supply and exhaust operations.

The ventilation unit 130 has an adsorption member disposed between the intake port SP and the blower fan in the ventilation path VP. Therefore, the ventilation unit 130 can easily switch between supply operation, in which the air passes through the adsorption member, and exhaust operation, in which the air does not pass through the adsorption member.

(4-3)
The ventilation unit 130 further includes a switching mechanism that switches between an air supply path SU, which is an air path during air supply operation, and an exhaust path EX, which is an air path during exhaust operation.

The ventilation unit 130 can more easily switch between supply and exhaust operation thanks to a switching mechanism that switches between the supply path SU and the exhaust path EX.

(4-4)
The ventilation unit 130 further includes an exhaust port EP. The exhaust port EP exhausts indoor air to the outside during exhaust operation. The switching mechanism switches the exhaust path EX so that the air passing through the ventilation hose 132 travels from the air outlet BP through the blower fan to the exhaust port EP.

The ventilation unit 130 has an exhaust port EP that exhausts indoor air to the outside during exhaust operation, in addition to an intake port SP that draws in outdoor air during supply operation. Therefore, the ventilation unit 130 can more easily switch between supply operation and exhaust operation by using the exhaust port EP.

(4-5)
The ventilation unit 130 further includes a shutter 350. The shutter 350 closes the exhaust port EP during air supply operation and opens the exhaust port EP during air exhaust operation.

The shutter 350 closes the exhaust port EP during air supply operation. During air supply operation, an air path from the exhaust port EP is not formed, so the air path does not become complicated. The ventilation unit 130 can simplify the air path during air supply operation while performing exhaust operation using the exhaust port EP. Therefore, the ventilation unit 130 can more easily switch between air supply operation and exhaust operation.

(5) Modification The air conditioner 100 may further perform air purification. In addition to the rotor 321, the adsorption member further includes at least one of a pre-filter, a dust collection filter, and a deodorizing filter.

The air conditioner 100 may also purify the air instead of humidifying it. The adsorption member is at least one of a prefilter, a dust collection filter, and a deodorizing filter. The humidifier 320 may be referred to as an "adsorption device." The adsorption device does not include a heater 322.

A prefilter is a filter that adsorbs relatively large dust particles from the outdoor air. An example of a prefilter structure is a structure in which a net-like sheet is sandwiched between a resin frame on both sides. A dust-collecting filter is a filter that adsorbs relatively small dust particles from the outdoor air. A deodorizing filter is a filter that adsorbs odorous components from the outdoor air.

(5-1) Characteristics The ventilation unit 130 has an adsorption member which is at least one of the rotor 321 for humidification, a pre-filter, a dust-collecting filter, and a deodorizing filter.

When the adsorption member is a humidification rotor 321, the ventilation unit 130 can humidify the air by supplying moisture to it. Also, when the adsorption member is a pre-filter, a dust-collecting filter, and a deodorizing filter, the ventilation unit 130 can purify the air.

Second Embodiment
(1) Overall Configuration The air conditioner 101 according to the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioner 101 performs regeneration in addition to the operation of the air conditioner 100. Details of regeneration will be described later.

(2) Detailed configuration The unit body 141 of the ventilation unit 140 is provided with a damper unit 370 having a structure different from that of the damper unit 340 of the unit body 131. Fig. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the regeneration path RP in the air conditioner 100. The regeneration path RP is the path of air during regeneration operation. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the regeneration path RP in the unit body 141. Fig. 15 is a top view showing the regeneration path RP in the unit body 141.

(2-1) Damper Unit The damper unit 370 of the unit body 141 has a rotatable side wall 519 instead of the fixed side wall 509 of the damper unit 340. The side wall 519 is movable in the directions of arrows f and g.

The side wall 519 is moved in the direction of arrow g during regeneration operation. The side wall 519 moved in the direction of arrow g opens the path between the through area 505 and the damper internal space 514. During regeneration operation, the through area 505 and the damper internal space 514 form a regeneration path RP. Therefore, the damper unit 370 switches the regeneration path RP by the side wall 519 so that the air sucked in from the intake port SP is routed to the exhaust port EP via the fan unit 330.

On the other hand, the side wall 519 is moved in the direction of the arrow f during operation other than regeneration operation. The side wall 519 moved in the direction of the arrow f blocks the path between the penetration area 505 and the damper internal space 514.

(2-2) Shutter In addition to the operation of the shutter 350, the shutter 353 opens the exhaust port EP during regeneration operation.

(3) Operation A description will now be given of the operation of the air conditioner 101. The air conditioner 101 performs regeneration in addition to cooling, heating, humidification, and ventilation.

Regeneration is an operation in which outdoor air is sucked in, heated by heater 76, passed through rotor 58, and discharged again to the outdoor OD through exhaust port 52e. The operation in which outdoor air is sucked in, heated by heater 76, passed through rotor 58, and discharged again to the outdoor OD through exhaust port 52e is called regeneration operation. Regeneration is performed by regeneration operation and adsorption operation.

(3-1) Regeneration Operation The regeneration operation will be described in detail. The damper body 342 is moved in the direction of the arrow a, and the supply and exhaust port 515 and the fan intake port 401 are communicated through the damper internal space 514 (through the outer portion of the cylindrical member 513). The cylindrical member 513 is closed by the bottom wall 501. The shutter 350 is moved in the direction of the arrow c, and the exhaust port EP is opened. The side wall 519 is moved in the direction of the arrow g, and the path between the penetration area 505 and the damper internal space 514 is opened.

The fan impeller 407 rotates in the same direction as during air supply operation. Therefore, the fan impeller 407 generates a suction force SF in the same direction as during air supply operation. The air from the outdoor OD is sucked into the internal space 604 through the suction port SP by the suction force SF.

A ventilation path VP is provided from the intake port SP to the exhaust port BP via the fan unit 330. In addition, a humidifier 320 is provided between the intake port SP and the fan unit 330. Therefore, the outdoor air sucked in from the intake port SP passes through the humidifier 320.

The outdoor air that has passed through the humidifier 320 reaches the through-passage area 505 along the ventilation path VP. Because the through-passage area 505 is connected to the damper internal space 514, the outdoor air flows into the damper internal space 514. The outdoor air is sucked into the fan unit 330 through the fan intake port 401.

The indoor air sucked into the fan unit 330 is blown out again toward the penetration area 505 from the fan outlet 402. The indoor air blown out toward the penetration area 505 reaches the internal space 604.

The shutter 350 opens the exhaust port EP and closes the path to the intake port SP. Therefore, the indoor air that reaches the internal space 604 is discharged to the outdoor OD via the exhaust port EP. The shutter 350 does not form an air path to the intake port SP. Therefore, the indoor air is discharged to the outdoor OD without passing through the humidifier 320.

(4) Features (4-1)
The ventilation unit 140 further includes a heater 322. The adsorption member is a rotor 321 for humidification. The heater 322 heats the air introduced into the rotor 321. The control unit further performs a regeneration operation in which outdoor air is sucked in, the outdoor air heated by the heater 322 is passed through the rotor 321, and the outdoor air is discharged again to the outdoor OD through the exhaust port EP.

The ventilation unit 140 can perform humidification by supplying moisture to the air using an adsorption member, the rotor 321 for humidification. The ventilation unit 140 also performs a regeneration operation in which heated air removes moisture from the rotor 321. Therefore, the ventilation unit 140 can regenerate the moisture adsorption capacity of the rotor 321. Furthermore, the ventilation unit 140 uses the exhaust port EP during regeneration operation that is the same as the exhaust port EP used during exhaust operation. The ventilation unit 140 does not need to provide an additional exhaust port for the regeneration operation, and can perform regeneration operation using an existing structure. Therefore, the ventilation unit 140 can have a simplified structure.

(4-2)
The ventilation unit 140 has a switching mechanism that switches a regeneration route RP, which is an air route during regeneration operation, so that air drawn in from an intake port SP travels through a blower fan to an exhaust port EP.

The ventilation unit 140 can therefore more easily switch between other operations and regeneration operation using the switching mechanism.

Third Embodiment
(1) Overall Configuration The air conditioner 102 according to the third embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the air conditioner 101 according to the second embodiment. The ventilation unit 150 of the air conditioner 102 has a different structure from the ventilation unit 140 of the air conditioner 101.

Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner 102. The ventilation unit 150 includes a unit body 50 and a ventilation hose 56.

(2) Detailed Configuration The detailed configuration of the unit body 50 will be described. Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the unit body 50. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the unit body 50 with some of the components removed. Fig. 19 is a top view of the unit body 50 with some of the components removed. Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the unit body 50. Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view of some of the components of the unit body 50. Fig. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the unit body 50.

(2-1) Casing The casing 52 is provided with an intake port 52a, an intake port 52b, a first separate port 52c, an exhaust port 52d, an exhaust port 52e, and a second separate port 52f. The first separate port 52c is an opening for drawing outdoor air Aout from the outdoor OD into the unit body 50. A ventilation hose 56 is connected to the exhaust port 52d. The second separate port 52f is an opening for discharging air from the unit body 50 to the outdoor OD.

The casing 52 has a seal portion 52j on the bottom plate portion 52g of the casing 52. The seal portion 52j blocks the passage of outdoor air Aout between the lower space S2 described below and the lower space S4 described below.

(2-2) Humidifier The humidifier 57 includes a rotor 58, a holder 60, a motor 64, a first heater 76A, a second heater 76B, a tray 82, and the like.

(2-2-1) Rotor, Holder, and Motor The rotor 58 is provided at the center inside the casing 52. In addition to the rotor 58, at least one of a pre-filter, a dust-collecting filter, and a deodorizing filter may be provided.

The rotor 58 is a disk-shaped member that allows air to pass through in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and rotates around a rotation center line C1 that extends in the vertical direction. The rotor 58 is held by a cylindrical holder 60. The rotor 58 is rotated by a humidification motor 64. The motor 64 has a gear 62 that engages with the external teeth of the holder 60. The rotor 58 continues to rotate at a predetermined rotational speed while the unit body 50 is in operation.

(2-2-2) Heater The humidifier 57 includes a first heater 76A and a second heater 76B. The first heater 76A is provided for the flow path R1 starting from the suction port 52a. The second heater 76B is provided for the flow path R2 starting from the suction port 52b.

The first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are disposed near the rotor 58. The first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are disposed upstream of the rotor 58 in the flow paths R1 and R2. The first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are provided on the partition plate 78.

The portion of the upper surface 58a of the rotor 58 through which the first heater 76A, the second heater 76B, the flow path R1, and the flow path R2 pass is covered by a heater cover 80. Therefore, the outside air Aout heated by the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B can pass through the rotor 58.

The first heater 76A and the second heater 76B may be heaters with the same heating capacity, or heaters with different heating capacities.

(2-2-2) Tray The tray 82 is provided in a portion of the partition plate 78 near the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B. The tray 82 receives and collects dust and the like separated from the outside air Aout.

(2-3) Fan Unit The fan unit 65 includes a fan impeller 66, a partition plate 68, a fan housing 70, a fan motor 72, etc.

(2-3-1) Fan impeller The fan impeller 66 is disposed on one side of the unit body 50 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) with respect to the rotor 58. An example of the fan impeller 66 is a sirocco fan. The fan impeller 66 is housed in a cylindrical portion 68a provided in a partition plate 68 that divides the space on one side of the rotor 58 in the longitudinal direction into upper and lower portions.

(2-3-2) Partition Plate The partition plate 68 forms an upper space S1 with which a portion of the upper surface 58a of the rotor 58 contacts, and a lower space S2 with which a portion of the lower surface 58b of the rotor 58 contacts. An opening 68b connected to the air outlet 52d and an opening 68c connected to the air outlet 52e are formed in the cylindrical portion 68a of the partition plate 68. In addition, a through hole 68d is formed in the partition plate 68 for taking in air into the fan impeller 66 in the cylindrical portion 68a. A first switching mechanism SN is provided near the opening 68b of the partition plate 68. The first switching mechanism SN has a fan-shaped switching member Na. The switching member Na rotates around a rotation axis Nb by a motor (not shown). The first switching mechanism SN can switch between closing and opening the ventilation port SX by rotating the switching member Na around the rotation axis Nb. When the ventilation opening SX is opened, the air outlet 52d and the lower space S2 are in communication with each other.

A movable second switching mechanism SM is provided between the partition plate 68 and the bottom plate portion 52g of the casing 52. The second switching mechanism SM blocks the air path between the lower space S2 and the rotor 58 during exhaust operation. The second switching mechanism SM is configured to open the air path between the lower space S2 and the rotor 58 during intake operation or regeneration operation.

(2-3-3) Fan Housing A fan housing 70 that covers the fan impeller 66 is attached to the cylindrical portion 68 a of the partition plate 68 .

(2-3-4) Fan Motor A fan motor 72 that rotates the fan impeller 66 is provided in the fan housing 70.

(2-4) Damper Unit The damper unit 74 switches the air path and includes a rotatable shutter 74a.

(2-4-1) Shutter The shutter 74a can rotate to open and close the opening 68b of the partition plate 68 and the passage inside the cylindrical portion 68a (near the fan impeller 66). The opening 68b is connected to the air outlet 52d. Therefore, the shutter 74a can rotate to open and close the passage between the air outlet 52d and the passage inside the cylindrical portion 68a.

The shutter 74a can rotate to open and close the opening 68c in the partition plate 68. The opening 68c is connected to the exhaust port 52e. Therefore, the shutter 74a can rotate to open and close the exhaust port 52e.

(2-5) Control Device The control device (not shown) performs the air supply operation, the exhaust operation, the regeneration operation, and the refill operation. The refill operation will be described in detail later.

(2-6) Refill fan The refill fan 84 is a fan for performing a refill operation described below. The refill fan 84 is driven to rotate and generates suction force. The refill fan 84 generates a flow of outdoor air Aout in a flow path R3 described below. The refill fan 84 is disposed on the other side of the unit body 50 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) with respect to the rotor 58. An example of the refill fan 84 is a sirocco fan.

(2-6-1) Motor, Cylindrical Portion The replenishment fan 84 is rotated by a motor 86 attached to the outer surface of the bottom plate portion 52g of the casing 52. The replenishment fan 84 is housed in a cylindrical portion 52h provided on the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 52g. The internal space of the cylindrical portion 52h communicates with the second separate port 52f.

(2-6-2) Partition Plate, Sealing Member A partition plate 78 that covers the replenishment fan 84 is attached to the cylindrical portion 52h. The partition plate 78 divides the space on one side of the rotor 58 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) into upper and lower portions.

The partition plate 78 is provided with a through hole 78a for taking in the outdoor air Aout into the refill fan 84. The partition plate 78 is provided with a rotor housing portion 78b for rotatably housing the rotor 58 without covering the upper surface 58a. The partition plate 78 has a seal portion 78c. The seal portion 78c blocks the passage of the outdoor air Aout between the upper space S1 above the rotor 58 and the upper space S3.

A sealing member 88 that seals between the partition plate 78 and the top plate 54 is provided between the partition plate 78 and the top plate 54. The sealing member 88 allows the outdoor air Aout flowing through flow paths R1 and R2 and the outdoor air Aout flowing through flow path R3 to pass through the rotor 58 at different positions and not mix with each other.

(3) Operation A description will now be given of the operation of the air conditioner 102. The air conditioner 102 performs dehumidification and replenishment in addition to cooling, heating, humidification, ventilation, and regeneration.

Refilling is the operation of refilling the rotor 58 with moisture. Refilling is the operation of drawing in outdoor air Aout through the first separate port 52c, passing it through the rotor 58, and discharging it again to the outdoor OD through the second separate port 52f. The operation of drawing in outdoor air Aout through the first separate port 52c, passing it through the rotor 58, and discharging it again to the outdoor OD through the second separate port 52f is called refilling operation. Refilling is performed by the refilling operation.

The humidification of the air conditioner 102 may be performed by supply operation, adsorption operation, or refill operation. When humidification is performed by refill operation, continuous humidification is possible because moisture is replenished to the rotor 58.

As with air conditioner 100, dehumidification in air conditioner 102 is performed by air supply operation rather than adsorption operation.

(3-1) Air Supply Operation When the fan motor 72 rotates the fan impeller 66, the outdoor air Aout is sucked into the casing 52 through the suction ports 52a and 52b of the casing 52. The fan housing 70 and the fan motor 72 are located between the suction ports 52a and 52b. Therefore, there are substantially two flow paths through which the outdoor air Aout flows, passing through the rotor 58 and connecting the outdoor OD and the indoor unit 110. The two flow paths R1 and R2 include a junction flow path that joins each other after passing through the rotor 58, and the fan impeller 66 is provided in the junction flow path.

The outdoor air Aout sucked in through the suction ports 52a and 52b flows into the upper space S1 above the partition plate 68 and flows toward the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B. The first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are covered by a heater cover 80. Therefore, the outdoor air Aout flowing through the flow paths R1 and R2 descends along the outer surface of the side wall portion 80a to enter the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B. The outdoor air Aout enters the gap and moves upward. The outdoor air Aout moves through the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B.

The outdoor air Aout descends toward the upper surface 58a. The two flow paths R1 and R2 include a labyrinth through which the outdoor air Aout passes. By including a labyrinth through which the outdoor air Aout passes, the flow paths R1 and R2 can prevent dust, sand, and other particles contained in the outdoor air Aout from reaching the ventilation hose 56, the indoor unit 110, and the indoor ID. As the outdoor air Aout moves through the labyrinth, the dust, sand, and other particles are separated from the outdoor air Aout by gravity.

The outdoor air Aout passes through the rotor 58 from the upper surface 58a to the lower surface 58b. In other words, the outdoor air Aout passes through the humidifier 57. The outdoor air Aout that has passed through the rotor 58 moves through the lower space S2 below the partition plate 68, passes through the through hole 68d of the partition plate 68, and is taken into the fan impeller 66.

The outdoor air Aout taken in by the fan impeller 66 passes through the opening 68b or 68c whichever opening is not closed by the shutter 74a. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the shutter 74a during air supply operation. The outdoor air Aout passes through the opening 68b and the air outlet 52d, and reaches the indoor unit 110 via the ventilation hose 56. The outdoor air Aout that has reached the indoor unit 110 is supplied to the indoor ID via the indoor air outlet IP2.

(3-2) Regeneration Operation The flow path of the outdoor air Aout from the outdoor OD to the fan impeller 66 is the same as the flow paths R1 and R2 of the outdoor air Aout in the air supply operation. The outdoor air Aout taken into the fan impeller 66 passes through the opening 68b or 68c that is not closed by the shutter 74a. Figure 24 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the shutter 74a during the regeneration operation. The outdoor air Aout passes through the opening 68c and the exhaust port 52e, and is discharged to the outdoor OD again.

(3-3) Refilling Operation A flow path R3 is generated as a flow path for the outdoor air Aout in addition to the flow paths R1 and R2. Unlike the flow paths R1 and R2, the flow path R3 for the outdoor air Aout is not connected to the indoor unit 110. The flow path R3 passes through the rotor 58 and is a flow path through which the outdoor air Aout flows from the outdoor OD to the outdoor OD. The flow path R3 starts from the first separate port 52c, passes through the rotor 58 from the lower surface 58b toward the upper surface 58a, and reaches the second separate port 52f.

When the motor 86 drives the refill fan 84 to rotate, the outdoor air Aout flows into the casing 52 through the first separate port 52c. The outdoor air Aout that flows in through the first separate port 52c flows into the lower space S4 below the partition plate 78 and flows downward toward the rotor 58. The outdoor air Aout passes through the rotor 58 from the lower surface 58b toward the upper surface 58a of the rotor 58.

The outdoor air Aout that has passed through the rotor 58 moves through the upper space S3 above the partition plate 78 and passes through the through hole 78a to be taken in by the refill fan 84. The outdoor air Aout taken in by the refill fan 84 is discharged to the outdoor OD via the second separate port 52f.

The unheated outdoor air Aout loses moisture by the rotor 58. In other words, the rotor 58 replenishes moisture from the outdoor air Aout.

(3-4) Adsorption Operation The adsorption operation is performed with at least one of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B operating. When the humidity of the room ID is to be increased slightly, at least one of the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B is operated. On the other hand, when the humidity of the room ID is to be increased greatly, both the first heater 76A and the second heater 76B are operated.

By using multiple heaters, the amount of moisture in the outdoor air Aout (the amount of moisture removed from the rotor 58) can be adjusted more precisely than when a single heating means is used. Therefore, the amount of humidification in the indoor air ID can be controlled more precisely.

(3-5) Exhaust operation Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the unit body 50 during exhaust operation. Fig. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the unit body 50 during exhaust operation. Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view of some of the components of the unit body 50 during exhaust operation. Fig. 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the unit body 50 during exhaust operation. The flow path created during exhaust operation is called flow path R4.

Indoor air is drawn into the indoor unit 110. The drawn-in indoor air reaches the air outlet 52d through the ventilation hose 56. The air flows into the unit body 50 through the air outlet 52d and the opening 68b due to the suction force of the rotating fan impeller 66. The air that flows into the unit body 50 reaches above the partition plate 68.

Figure 29 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the shutter 74a during exhaust operation. The shutter 74a blocks the path that flows directly from the air outlet 52d to the fan impeller 66. During exhaust operation, the vent SX is open. Therefore, the indoor air that reaches the top of the partition plate 68 flows into the lower space S2 through the vent SX.

The indoor air that flows into the lower space S2 reaches the vicinity of the fan impeller 66 through the through hole 68d due to suction force. During exhaust operation, the shutter 74a opens the exhaust port 52e. Therefore, the indoor air that reaches the vicinity of the fan impeller 66 is exhausted to the outdoor OD through the opening 68c and the exhaust port 52e.

In the ventilation unit 150, the exhaust port 52e used during regeneration operation is the same as the exhaust port 52e used during exhaust operation. The ventilation unit 150 does not need to provide an additional exhaust port for regeneration operation, and regeneration operation is possible using the existing structure. Therefore, the structure of the ventilation unit 150 can be simplified.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims.

52a Intake port 52b Intake port 52d Outlet port 52e Outlet port 56 Ventilation hose 58 Rotor 74a Shutter 121 Heat exchange unit 130 Ventilation unit 132 Ventilation hose 140 Ventilation unit 150 Ventilation unit 321 Rotor 322 Heater 350 Shutter 353 Shutter Aout Outdoor air BP Outlet port EP Exhaust port EX Exhaust path ID Indoor OD Outdoor RP Regeneration path SP Intake port SU Supply air path VP Ventilation path

JP 2004-286432 A

Claims (4)

A ventilation unit (140, 150) including a blower fan, a ventilation hose (56, 132), an intake port (52a, 52b, SP), and an exhaust port (52d, BP),
An adsorption member which is a rotor (58, 321) for humidification provided in a ventilation path (VP) from the suction port through the blower fan to the outlet port;
A heater (322) for heating air introduced into the rotor;
a control unit that performs an air supply operation in which the blower fan is driven to supply outdoor air (Aout) from the ventilation path through the ventilation hose to the indoor (ID) and an exhaust operation in which the blower fan is driven in the same rotation direction as the air supply operation to exhaust indoor air through the ventilation hose to the outdoor (OD) without passing through the adsorption member;
a switching mechanism for switching between an intake path (SU) which is an air path during the intake operation and an exhaust path (EX) which is an air path during the exhaust operation;
an exhaust port (52e, EP) for discharging the indoor air to the outside during the exhaust operation;
Equipped with
The switching mechanism switches the exhaust path so that the exhaust path becomes a path through which the air passing through the ventilation hose travels from the air outlet to the exhaust port via the blower fan,
The control unit further performs a regeneration operation in which outdoor air is drawn in, heated by the heater, passed through the rotor, and exhausted again to the outside through the exhaust port.
Ventilation unit. The adsorption member is provided in the ventilation path between the suction port and the blower fan.
A ventilation unit according to claim 1. The switching mechanism switches a regeneration path (RP), which is an air path during the regeneration operation, so that the air sucked from the suction port is a path to the exhaust port via the blower fan.
A ventilation unit according to claim 1 . a shutter (74a, 353) that closes the exhaust port during the air supply operation and opens the exhaust port during the exhaust operation;
The ventilation unit of claim 1 further comprising:

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