JP7807936B2 - Humidity control device and housing - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a humidity control device and a home.

Patent Document 1 below describes a humidity control system having a humidity control chamber. The humidity control chamber is composed of a first chamber and a second chamber that are independent of each other, and a humidity control material is placed inside them. These chambers are alternately supplied with air with a low relative humidity that has been conditioned by an air conditioner and air with a high relative humidity that puts the humidity control material into a moisture-absorbing state.

JP 2018-071891 A

Generally, humidity control performance increases in proportion to the volume of the humidity control material, so there was a need to maximize the volume of humidity control material within the limited space inside the casing.

The present invention was devised in light of the above problems, and its primary objective is to provide a humidity control device that can maximize the volume of humidity control material within the limited space inside the casing.

The present invention relates to a batch-type humidity control device for controlling the humidity of air, comprising a casing, a humidity control unit disposed within the casing, and a drive unit for rotating the humidity control unit within the casing around an x-axis. The casing includes a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet as air inlet and outlet ports. The humidity control unit includes a first chamber and a second chamber having humidity control material therein for controlling the humidity of air passing through. The first chamber and the second chamber are arranged side by side along the y-axis, and allow air to pass along a z-axis perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis. The volume of the humidity control material per unit length in the y-axis direction of the humidity control material increases the closer it is to the axis of rotation that is the center of rotation of the humidity control unit.

In the humidity control device according to the present invention, the length of the humidity control material along the z-axis per unit length of the humidity control material in the direction of the y-axis may be greater the closer it is to the rotation axis.

In the humidity control device according to the present invention, the humidity control material in the first chamber and the second chamber may each include a plurality of humidity control elements aligned in the y-axis direction.

In the humidity control device according to the present invention, the multiple humidity control elements may include multiple types with different lengths along the z-axis.

In the humidity control device according to the present invention, the casing may have an opening that can be opened and closed, and each of the humidity control elements may be inserted and removed through the opening.

The present invention is a home equipped with a central air conditioning system, characterized in that one of the humidity control devices described above is installed in the air transport path to the living rooms.

By adopting the above-described configuration, the humidity control device of the present invention is able to maximize the volume of humidity control material within the limited space inside the casing.

1 is a cross-sectional view conceptually showing a house equipped with a central air-conditioning system. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the main casing of the air conditioning and humidity control unit. FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the humidity control device. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing a first state, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing a second state. 10(a) and 10(b) are side views showing a state in which a plurality of humidity control elements in one chamber are being removed from an opening. 10(a) and 10(b) are side views showing a state in which a plurality of humidity control elements in the other chamber are being removed from the opening. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a humidity conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings contain exaggerated representations and representations that differ from the dimensional proportions of the actual structure in order to aid in understanding the contents of the invention. Furthermore, identical or common elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout each embodiment, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the specific configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings are intended to aid in understanding the contents of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the drawings.

The humidity control device of this embodiment is used to control the humidity of air. The humidity control device of this embodiment is configured as a batch-type humidity control device that can alternately release and absorb moisture at a predetermined cycle.

The humidity control device of this embodiment is installed in a home equipped with a central air conditioning system. In this embodiment, the humidity control device is located in the air transport path to the living rooms.

[Housing]
1 is a cross-sectional view conceptually showing a house 2 equipped with a central air-conditioning system 1. The house 2 of this embodiment is configured to include, for example, an underfloor space 3 and an above-floor space 4.

In this embodiment, the above-floor space 4 is provided with, for example, multiple living rooms 5. The living rooms 5 include rooms on the first floor, but may also include rooms on the second floor or higher (not shown). Furthermore, each living room 5 is separated by, for example, a door 6, and air A2 circulates through gaps 7 formed in the door 6.

[Whole building air conditioning system]
The whole-building air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment is intended to condition the humidity of air conditioned by an air conditioner 13 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "conditioned air") A1 and supply it to multiple rooms 5.

The whole-building air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment is configured to include an air conditioning/humidity control unit 10 and a first flow path 11. The first flow path 11 of this embodiment is connected between the air conditioning/humidity control unit 10 and multiple rooms 5. This allows the first flow path 11 to supply conditioned air (humidity-controlled conditioned air) A1 from the air conditioning/humidity control unit 10 to multiple rooms 5. Furthermore, the first flow path 11 of this embodiment can be configured as appropriate as long as it can supply conditioned air A1 to multiple rooms 5. The first flow path 11 of this embodiment is formed by a cylindrical duct, but may also be formed, for example, by a space surrounded by a partition wall (not shown).

[Air conditioning and humidity control unit]
The air conditioning/humidity control unit 10 of this embodiment is configured to include a main casing 12, an air conditioner 13, an air compressor 14, and a humidity control device 15 (humidity control section 16). Furthermore, a filter member 17 is arranged in the air conditioning/humidity control unit 10 of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the main casing 12 of the air conditioning/humidity control unit 10. Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the positions of each component of the air conditioning/humidity control unit 10 are specified on an orthogonal coordinate system consisting of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis that is perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis.

[Main casing]
2 and 3 , the main casing 12 of this embodiment is formed in a box shape having an internal space 18. The space 18 of this embodiment is divided by a frame 19 and a face material 20 supported by the frame 19. The face material 20 may include, for example, a heat insulating material (not shown) for insulating the interior of the space 18 from the outside of the main casing 12.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the space 18 in this embodiment is divided into a first space 18A, a second space 18B, and a third space 18C by a first partitioning surface member 20A (including, in this example, the first side surface member 33A of the sub-casing 27) provided in the main casing 12. The first partitioning surface member 20A (first side surface member 33A) in this embodiment is disposed in the center of the main casing 12 in the x-axis direction. As a result, the first space 18A and the second space 18B are adjacent in the x-axis direction via the first partitioning surface member 20A (first side surface member 33A).

In this embodiment, the first partition surface member 20A (first side surface member 33A) extends in the z-axis direction from one end (in this example, the upper end) of the main casing 12 to the other end (in this example, the lower end) and terminates without reaching the other end. As a result, the space 18 is divided into a third space 18C on the other end side of the first partition surface member 20A (first side surface member 33A), which communicates with the first space 18A and the second space 18B.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the main casing 12 of this embodiment is provided with an openable and closable door section 21. Opening this door section 21 allows easy access to the internal space 18 of the main casing 12. This improves the maintainability of the air conditioning and humidity control unit 10. The door section 21 of this embodiment is composed of a first door section 21A and a second door section 21B. These first door section 21A and second door section 21B are aligned in the direction of the z-axis (in this example, the up-down direction) z, but this is not particularly limited.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the main casing 12 of this embodiment has at least one inlet 22, at least one outlet 23, and an internal flow path 24 (shown in Figure 4) that connects the inlet 22 and the outlet 23.

The inlet 22 in this embodiment is used to supply air to the space 18 in the main casing 12. The inlet 22 in this embodiment is formed, for example, as a hole that connects the outside of the main casing 12 (in this example, the above-floor space 4 shown in Figure 1) with the space 18 in the main casing 12.

In this embodiment, the inlet 22 is located at one end (top end) of the main casing 12 in the z-axis direction. Furthermore, the inlet 22 is located on one side (first space 18A) of the first partition panel 20A in the x-axis direction. This allows the inlet 22 to supply air (in this example, air A2 inside the house 2) to the first space 18A.

In this embodiment, the inlet 22 is configured to be able to supply air A2 from within the house 2 (in this example, return air from multiple living rooms 5) to the space 18 of the main casing 12, but this is not limited to this configuration. The inlet 22 may also be configured to be able to supply outside air for ventilation (not shown), for example. Furthermore, multiple inlets 22 may be provided so that air A2 from within the house 2 and outside air for ventilation can be supplied independently.

In this embodiment, the outlet 23 is used to supply, for example, conditioned air (in this example, humidity-controlled conditioned air) A1 from the space 18 in the main casing 12 to the outside of the main casing 12. In this embodiment, the outlet 23 is formed as a hole that connects the space in the main casing 12 with the outside of the main casing 12 (in this example, the first flow path 11).

In this embodiment, the outlet 23 is located at one end (top end) of the main casing 12 in the z-axis direction. Furthermore, the outlet 23 is located on the other side (second space 18B) of the first partition surface material 20A in the x-axis direction. This allows the outlet 23 to extract air from the second space 18B and supply it to the outside of the main casing 12 (in this example, the first flow path 11).

In this embodiment, the outlet 23 is connected to the first flow path 11. This allows the air in the second space 18B (conditioned air A1) to be supplied from the outlet 23 via the first flow path 11 to multiple rooms 5 (shown in Figure 1).

As shown in FIG. 4, the internal flow path 24 of this embodiment connects the inlet 22 and the outlet 23. As a result, the internal flow path 24 of this embodiment can condition the air (in this example, return air) A2 supplied from the inlet 22 using the air conditioner 13, and also guide the conditioned air A1 to the outlet 23 (first flow path 11).

In this embodiment, the internal flow path 24 is composed of a first space 18A that communicates with the inlet 22, a second space 18B that communicates with the outlet 23, and a third space 18C that communicates between the first space 18A and the second space 18B. As a result, the internal flow path 24 is formed in a U-shape when viewed from the side in the y-axis direction.

[Air conditioner]
The air conditioner 13 of this embodiment is configured, for example, as a typical split-type air conditioner for home use. The air conditioner 13 includes, as a set, an indoor unit 13A and an outdoor unit (not shown) installed outside the house 2. The indoor unit 13A has an intake port 13a and an outlet port 13b.

The air conditioner 13 (indoor unit 13A) of this embodiment is disposed in the internal flow path 24 of the main casing 12. In this embodiment, the indoor unit 13A is disposed in the first space 18A (inlet 22 side) of the internal flow path 24.

In this embodiment, the intake port 13a takes in air A2 supplied from the inlet 22 (in this example, air (return air) inside the house 2) and supplies it to a heat exchanger (not shown) located inside the indoor unit 13A. Meanwhile, the outlet port 13b in this embodiment discharges air A1 conditioned by the heat exchanger to the outlet 23 side (the downstream side of the internal flow path 24 (the third space 18C and second space 18B side)).

The set temperature and air volume (blowout air volume) of the air conditioner 13 are controlled, for example, by a control device 25 (shown in Figure 1). In this embodiment, the control device 25 is installed, for example, on a partition wall of the living room 5, but is not limited to this configuration. The control device 25 includes a calculation unit (not shown) consisting of a CPU (central processing unit), a memory unit (not shown) in which control procedures are pre-stored, and a working memory (not shown) for reading the control procedures from the memory unit.

[Air pressure feeder]
1 and 4, the air pressure sending device 14 of this embodiment is disposed in the internal flow path 24 of the main casing 12 and is intended to generate an air flow from the inlet 22 toward the outlet 23. This air flow allows air (return air) A2 within the house 2 to be taken in from the inlet 22 and conditioned by the air conditioner 13. Furthermore, the air flow allows conditioned air A1 discharged from the air conditioner 13 to be smoothly guided toward the outlet 23.

There are no particular limitations on the air pressure feeder 14, as long as it can generate the air flow described above. In this embodiment, the air pressure feeder 14 is configured as a fan 14A.

In this embodiment, the air pressure transmitter 14 is located in the internal flow path 24 between the air conditioner 13 and the humidity control section 16 (in this example, the third space 18C), but this is not limited to this configuration. The air pressure transmitter 14 may be located, for example, between the humidity control section 16 (humidity control device 15) and the outlet 23.

[Filter component]
The filter member 17 of this embodiment is for purifying air. The filter member 17 of this embodiment is disposed in the internal flow path 24 of the main casing 12. Such a filter member 17 can purify the air in the internal flow path 24.

In this embodiment, the filter element 17 is located in the internal flow path 24 between the air conditioner 13 and the humidity control section 16 (humidity control device 15). This allows the filter element 17 to supply purified conditioned air A1 to the humidity control section 16, thereby preventing contamination of the humidity control section 16.

The filter element 17 is not particularly limited as long as it can purify the air. Examples of the filter element 17 include a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, a photocatalytic filter, an activated carbon deodorizing filter, or an electrostatic dust collecting filter, which may be arranged alone or in combination.

[Humidity control device (humidity control section)]
4, the humidity control device 15 (humidity control section 16) of this embodiment is disposed in the internal flow path 24 of the main casing 12, and on the outlet 23 side of the air conditioner 13. This enables the humidity control device 15 (humidity control section 16) to control the humidity of the conditioned air A1 of the air conditioner 13.

The location of the humidity control device 15 (humidity control section 16) in this embodiment is not particularly limited, as long as it is located within the internal flow path 24 of the main casing 12 and closer to the outlet 23 than the air conditioner 13 (downstream of the internal flow path 24). The humidity control device 15 (humidity control section 16) in this embodiment is provided in the second space 18B.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the humidity control device 15 of this embodiment is configured to include a casing 26 (sub-casing 27), a humidity control unit 16 (shown in Figures 3 and 4), and a drive unit 28 (shown in Figures 3 and 4).

[Casing (secondary casing)]
The casing 26 of this embodiment is configured as an auxiliary casing 27 in which the humidity control unit 16 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) is disposed within the main casing 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the casing 26 (auxiliary casing 27) of this embodiment is formed in a box shape having a space 29 therein.

In this embodiment, the sub-casing 27 (casing 26) is fixed to the main casing 12 in a manner that allows it to be disassembled. This improves the maintainability of the humidity control device 15. The sub-casing 27 may also be configured integrally with the main casing 12 (fixed so that it cannot be disassembled). Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the humidity control device 15. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the humidity control device 15.

As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the casing 26 (sub-casing 27) of this embodiment is configured to include a bottom surface member 31 and a top surface member 32 arranged on both sides in the z-axis direction, and multiple side surface members 33 arranged between the bottom surface member 31 and the top surface member 32. A space 29 is defined in the casing 26 by these bottom surface member 31, top surface member 32, and multiple side surface members 33.

In this embodiment, the bottom surface material 31, top surface material 32, and multiple side surface materials 33 are each formed to have a rectangular shape when viewed in a plan view. As a result, the casing 26 (sub-casing 27) is formed to have a rectangular shape when viewed in a plan view from each of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions. The bottom surface material 31, top surface material 32, and multiple side surface materials 33 may include a heat insulating material (not shown).

As shown in Figure 5, the lower surface material 31 and the upper surface material 32 of this embodiment extend in the x-axis-y-axis plane. These lower surface material 31 and upper surface material 32 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the z-axis direction.

As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the multiple side members 33 in this embodiment are composed of a first side member 33A, a second side member 33B, a third side member 33C, and a fourth side member 33D.

In this embodiment, the first side member 33A and the second side member 33B extend in the y-axis-z-axis plane. These first side member 33A and second side member 33B are spaced apart from each other in the x-axis direction. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the first side member 33A is fixed to the first partition panel member 20A of the main casing 12, but this is not limited to this configuration.

As shown in Figure 5, the third side member 33C and the fourth side member 33D of this embodiment extend in the x-axis-z-axis plane. These third side member 33C and fourth side member 33D are spaced apart from each other in the y-axis direction.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the casing 26 (sub-casing 27) of this embodiment is provided with a second partition surface member 34 for dividing the space 29. The second partition surface member 34 of this embodiment extends in the x-axis-z-axis plane and is disposed between the third side surface member 33C and the fourth side surface member 33D in the y-axis direction. This second partition surface member 34 can divide the interior of the casing 26 into two spaces 29, 29 in the y-axis direction.

In the casing 26 (sub-casing 27) of this embodiment, one space 29 in the y-axis direction is configured as the second space 18B, and the other space 29 is configured as the fourth space 18D. In this embodiment, the fourth space 18D does not communicate with the first space 18A or the third space 18C in the main casing 12 shown in Figure 4.

In this embodiment, the casing 26 (sub-casing 27) is configured to include a first inlet 35A, a second inlet 35B, a first outlet 36A, and a second outlet 36B as air inlet and outlet ports.

In this embodiment, the first inlet 35A is formed in the bottom surface member 31. Meanwhile, the second inlet 35B in this embodiment is formed in the fourth side surface member 33D. Furthermore, the first outlet 36A and the second outlet 36B in this embodiment are formed in the top surface member 32. However, the positions of the first inlet 35A, the second inlet 35B, the first outlet 36A, and the second outlet 36B are not limited to this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the first inlet 35A and first outlet 36A are provided on one side of the casing 26 (sub-casing 27) in the y-axis direction (in this example, one side (second space 18B side) of the second partition surface material 34). This allows the first inlet 35A and first outlet 36A to communicate between the second space 18B and the outside of the casing 26 (sub-casing 27).

As shown in FIG. 4, the first inlet 35A in this embodiment is connected to the third space 18C (air compressor 14) of the main casing 12. This allows the first inlet 35A to supply conditioned air A1 from the third space 18C to the second space 18B (one of the spaces 29). Meanwhile, the first outlet 36A in this embodiment constitutes the outlet 23 of the main casing 12. Therefore, the first flow path 11 is connected to the first outlet 36A.

In this embodiment, the second inlet 35B and second outlet 36B are provided on the other side of the casing 26 (sub-casing 27) in the y-axis direction (in this example, the other side (fourth space 18D side) of the second partition surface member 34). As a result, the second inlet 35B and second outlet 36B communicate between the fourth space 18D and the outside of the casing 26 (sub-casing 27).

In this embodiment, the second inlet 35B is connected to an outside air supply unit 37 for supplying outside air A3 to the humidity control unit 16. As shown in FIG. 1, the outside air supply unit 37 in this embodiment is configured to include a second flow path 38. One end of the second flow path 38 is arranged in the attic 39 of the house 2. Outside air A3 for ventilation is supplied to this attic 39. Meanwhile, the other end of the second flow path 38 is connected to the second inlet 35B. As a result, outside air A3 is supplied to the fourth space 18D shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 via the second inlet 35B.

In this embodiment, the second flow path 38 is formed by a cylindrical duct, but is not particularly limited to this. The second flow path 38 may be formed, for example, by a space surrounded by a partition wall (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, the second flow path 38 may be provided with a fan 40 capable of compressing outside air A3 from one end (the attic 39 side) to the other end (the second inlet 35B side).

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second outlet 36B in this embodiment is connected to one end of the third flow path 41. The other end of the third flow path 41 is arranged in the attic 39, as shown in Figure 1. As a result, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, air in the fourth space 18D can be supplied to the attic 39 (shown in Figure 1) via the second outlet 36B and the third flow path 41.

As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the casing 26 (sub-casing 27) of this embodiment is preferably provided with an openable opening 42. Opening such an opening 42 allows easy access to the inside of the casing 26 (sub-casing 27) (in this example, the humidity control section 16 (humidity control material 43)), improving maintainability.

The opening 42 can be configured as appropriate, as long as it allows the casing 26 (sub-casing 27) to be opened and closed. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the opening 42 in this embodiment is provided on the other end (lower side) of the first side member 33A and is configured as a door that can rotate around the y-axis. By opening this opening 42, it becomes possible to easily access the interior of the sub-casing 27 from the outside of the main casing 12 via the door portion 21 (shown in Figure 2) and the space 18.

[Humidity control section]
5 and 6, the humidity control unit 16 of this embodiment includes a first chamber 45 and a second chamber 46 each having a humidity control material 43 therein for controlling the humidity of the air passing through. The first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 are arranged side by side in the y-axis direction.

[First chamber and second chamber]
The first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 can be formed as appropriate as long as they can accommodate the humidity conditioner 43 inside.

In this embodiment, the first chamber 45 is composed of a first partition 47, a second partition 48, a first side member 33A, and a second side member 33B. A humidity-regulating material 43 is placed in the internal space (first chamber 45) defined by the first partition 47, the second partition 48, the first side member 33A, and the second side member 33B.

In this embodiment, the first partition 47 is formed as a plate extending in the x-axis-z-axis plane. When the longitudinal direction of this first partition 47 is parallel to the z-axis, it forms part of the second partition surface material 34.

In this embodiment, the second partition 48 is formed in a plate shape extending in the x-axis-z-axis plane, similar to the first partition 47. This second partition 48 is fixed to the first partition 47, for example, via a connecting portion (not shown).

In this embodiment, the second chamber 46 is composed of a first partition 47, a third partition 49, a first side member 33A, and a second side member 33B. A humidity-regulating material 43 is placed in the internal space (second chamber 46) defined by the first partition 47, the third partition 49, the first side member 33A, and the second side member 33B.

In this embodiment, the third partition 49 is formed in the shape of a plate extending in the x-axis-z-axis plane, similar to the first partition 47 and second partition 48. This third partition 49 is fixed to the first partition 47, for example, via a connecting portion (not shown).

In this embodiment, the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 are provided with a rotation shaft 51 (which is the center of rotation of the humidity control unit 16) for rotating the humidity control unit 16 around the x-axis (the x-axis is an axis perpendicular to the y-axis and z-axis). In this embodiment, the rotation shaft 51 is provided in the first partition 47. One end of the rotation shaft 51 is supported by the drive unit 28 (shown in Figures 4 and 5). As shown in Figure 4, the other end of the rotation shaft 51 is supported by a bearing (not shown) provided in the second side member 33B. This makes it possible to rotate the humidity control unit 16 around the x-axis.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 in this embodiment are open at both ends in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the first partition 47, the second partition 48, and the third partition 49. This allows air to pass through the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 along the z-axis direction.

In order to allow the air supplied from the first inlet 35A and the second inlet 35B to efficiently pass through the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 (humidity control material 43), it is preferable that the casing 26 be provided with, for example, a fourth partition 52. In this embodiment, the fourth partition 52 is intended to fill the gap between the second partition 48 and the third side member 33C, and the gap between the third partition 49 and the fourth side member 33D. Such a fourth partition 52 makes it possible to prevent the air supplied from the first inlet 35A and the second inlet 35B from passing through the gaps.

[Humidity-regulating material]
The humidity-conditioning material 43 is for conditioning the humidity of the air passing through the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46. The humidity-conditioning material 43 of this embodiment has moisture absorption and desorption properties that enable it to adsorb water vapor from air with a high relative humidity and to release the adsorbed water vapor into air with a low relative humidity.

The humidity control material 43 is not particularly limited as long as it has moisture absorption and release properties. In this embodiment, the humidity control material 43 is composed of at least one humidity control element 53.

As shown in Figure 5, the humidity control element 53 of this embodiment is formed by stacking multiple humidity control sheets 54 at intervals (e.g., stacked in a honeycomb or double-tiered configuration) to allow air (air along the z-axis) to pass through. This humidity control element 53 can effectively increase the moisture exchange area. The humidity control sheets 54 carry, for example, an adsorbent material (not shown) similar to that described in Patent Document 1 above.

In this embodiment, the volume of the humidity conditioner 43 per unit length in the y-axis direction of the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 is set to be larger the closer it is to the rotation axis 51. The volume of the humidity conditioner 43 per unit length in the y-axis direction of the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 can be formed as appropriate as long as it can be set to be larger the closer it is to the rotation axis 51. In this embodiment, each humidity conditioner 43, 43 is configured to include multiple humidity control elements 53. In this embodiment, the multiple humidity control elements 53 are fixed in a disassemblable manner.

The multiple humidity control elements 53 include multiple types with different lengths along the z-axis. In this embodiment, the multiple humidity control elements 53 include a first humidity control element 53A and a second humidity control element 53B, but may also include other humidity control elements (not shown). The length along the z-axis of the first humidity control element 53A is greater than the length along the z-axis of the second humidity control element 53B.

In this embodiment, the first humidity control element 53A is arranged on the rotation axis 51 side in the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46. Meanwhile, the second humidity control element 53B is arranged outside the first humidity control element 53A in the y-axis direction. As a result, the length L1 of the humidity control material 43 along the z-axis per unit length of the humidity control material 43 in the y-axis direction increases the closer it is to the rotation axis 51. As a result, the volume of the humidity control material 43 per unit length of the humidity control material 43 in the y-axis direction also increases the closer it is to the rotation axis 51.

[Drive unit]
As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the drive unit 28 of this embodiment is used to rotate the humidity control unit 16 (first chamber 45 and second chamber 46) around the x-axis within the casing 26 (sub-casing 27). The drive unit 28 is not particularly limited as long as it can rotate the humidity control unit 16. The drive unit 28 of this embodiment is configured, for example, as a motor that can rotate. Such a drive unit 28 can rotate the humidity control unit 16 by being connected to a rotation shaft 51.

In this embodiment, the drive unit 28 is fixed to the first side member 33A. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in this embodiment, the drive unit 28 is exposed in the first space 18A. This allows easy access to the drive unit 28 through the first space 18A from the door portion 21 provided in the main casing 12, improving maintainability.

The drive unit 28 of this embodiment is configured to switch the humidity control unit 16 between a first state and a second state by rotating the humidity control unit 16 around the rotation axis 51 (180 degrees in this example). Figure 7(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the first state. Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the second state. In Figure 7, the humidity control material 43 in the first chamber 45 and the humidity control material 43 in the second chamber 46 are colored differently to make them easier to distinguish. Furthermore, the outside air A3 in Figure 7 is colored.

Switching between the first state (shown in FIG. 7(a)) and the second state (shown in FIG. 7(b)) may be performed by a resident of the house 2 operating the drive unit 28 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5), or by the control device 25 (shown in FIG. 1) controlling the drive unit 28. In this embodiment, the control device 25 controls the drive unit 28, thereby switching the humidity control unit 16 between the first state and the second state.

[First state]
As shown in FIG. 7(a), the first state is a state in which air from the first inlet 35A flows through the first chamber 45 to the first outlet 36A, and air from the second inlet 35B flows through the second chamber 46 to the second outlet 36B.

Conditioned air A1 from the air conditioner 13 (shown in Figure 4) is supplied to the first inlet 35A of the casing 26 (sub-casing 27). For example, in winter, when the air conditioner 13 is operating in heating mode, the relative humidity of the conditioned air (heated conditioned air) A1 decreases. When this conditioned air A1 with low relative humidity passes from one end 45a to the other end 45b in the z-axis direction of the first chamber 45 (humidity control element 53), water vapor adsorbed to the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53) of the first chamber 45 is released. This increases the relative humidity of the conditioned air A1.

In the first state of this embodiment, the relative humidity of the air (conditioned air A1) in the first chamber 45 gradually increases from one end 45a of the first chamber 45 to the other end 45b due to the release of water vapor from the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53). The conditioned air A1 with increased relative humidity (which has passed through the other end 45b of the first chamber 45) is then supplied to multiple rooms 5 (shown in Figure 1) from the first outlet 36A of the casing 26 (sub-casing 27) via the first flow path 11. As a result, in the first state, multiple rooms 5 can be effectively humidified while being heated.

Meanwhile, outside air A3 is supplied from the outside air supply section 37 to the second inlet 35B of the casing 26 (sub-casing 27). For example, outside air A3 in winter has a higher relative humidity than outside air in summer (not shown). When this high-relative-humidity outside air A3 passes from one end 46a to the other end 46b in the z-axis direction of the second chamber 46, the water vapor contained in the outside air A3 is adsorbed by the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53) in the second chamber 46. This makes it possible to restore the humidifying capacity of the humidity control material 43.

In the first state of this embodiment, the relative humidity of the air (outside air A3) in the second chamber 46 gradually decreases from one end 46a to the other end 46b of the second chamber 46 due to the adsorption of water vapor by the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53). The outside air A3 with a reduced relative humidity (which has passed through the other end 46b of the second chamber 46) is then supplied to the attic 39 (shown in FIG. 1) via the second outlet 36B and the third flow path 41. This makes it possible to dehumidify the attic 39 (suppressing condensation in the attic 39) in the first state.

[Second state]
As shown in FIG. 7(b), the second state is a state in which air from the first inlet 35A flows through the second chamber 46 to the first outlet 36A, and air from the second inlet 35B flows through the first chamber 45 to the second outlet.

Conditioned air A1 (in this example, conditioned air with a low relative humidity) from the air conditioner 13 is supplied to the first inlet 35A of the casing 26 (sub-casing 27). As this conditioned air A1 with a low relative humidity passes from the other end 46b to one end 46a of the second chamber 46, water vapor adsorbed by the humidity-conditioning material 43 in the second chamber 46 is released, increasing the relative humidity of the conditioned air A1.

In the second state of this embodiment, the relative humidity of the air (conditioned air A1) in the second chamber 46 gradually increases from the other end 46b to the one end 46a of the second chamber 46 due to the release of water vapor from the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53). The conditioned air A1 with increased relative humidity (which has passed through the one end 46a of the second chamber 46) is supplied to multiple rooms 5 (shown in Figure 1) from the first outlet 36A of the casing 26 (sub-casing 27) via the first flow path 11. As a result, in the second state, multiple rooms 5 can be effectively heated and humidified, just like in the first state.

The flow of conditioned air A1 within the second chamber 46 in the second state (flow from the other end 46b to the one end 46a) is opposite (i.e., counterflow) to the flow of outside air A3 within the second chamber 46 in the first state shown in Figure 7(a) (flow from the one end 46a to the other end 46b).

As described above, the relative humidity of the air (conditioned air A1) in the second chamber 46 in the second state gradually increases from the other end 46b to the one end 46a. Meanwhile, the relative humidity of the air (outside air A3) in the second chamber 46 in the first state gradually decreases from the one end 46a to the other end 46b (i.e., similar to the second state, it gradually increases from the other end 46b to the one end 46a). This prevents the difference in relative humidity between the first state (shown in FIG. 7(a)) and the second state (shown in FIG. 7(b)) from becoming uneven from the one end 46a to the other end 46b of the second chamber 46 (i.e., the difference in relative humidity can be made closer to uniform). Therefore, the humidity control device 15 of this embodiment, similar to the patent document (JP 2019-207062 A), can utilize the moisture absorption and desorption performance of the humidity control material 43 throughout the entire second chamber 46 from the one end 46a to the other end 46b.

In the second state, outside air A3 (in this example, outside air with a high relative humidity) is supplied from the outside air supply section 37 to the second inlet 35B of the casing 26 (sub-casing 27). As this high relative humidity outside air A3 passes from the other end 45b to one end 45a of the first chamber 45, the water vapor contained in the outside air A3 can be adsorbed by the humidity control material 43 in the first chamber 45, thereby restoring the humidifying capacity of the humidity control material 43.

In the second state of this embodiment, the relative humidity of the air (outside air A3) in the first chamber 45 gradually decreases from the other end 45b of the first chamber 45 to the one end 45a due to the adsorption of water vapor by the humidity control material 43 (humidity control element 53). Then, the outside air A3 with a reduced relative humidity (which has passed through the one end 45a of the first chamber 45) is supplied to the attic 39 (shown in Figure 1) from the second outlet 36B via the third flow path 41. As a result, in the second state, it is possible to dehumidify the attic 39 (suppressing condensation in the attic 39).

The flow of outside air A3 within the first chamber 45 in the second state (flow from the other end 45b to one end 45a) is opposite (i.e., counterflow) to the flow of conditioned air A1 within the first chamber 45 in the first state shown in Figure 7(a) (flow from one end 45a to the other end 45b).

As described above, the relative humidity of the air (outside air A3) in the first chamber 45 in the second state gradually decreases from the other end 45b to the one end 45a. Meanwhile, the relative humidity of the air (conditioned air A1) in the first chamber 45 in the first state gradually increases from the one end 45a to the other end 45b (i.e., similar to the second state, it gradually decreases from the other end 45b to the one end 45a). This prevents the difference in relative humidity between the first state (shown in FIG. 7(a)) and the second state (shown in FIG. 7(b)) from becoming uneven from the one end 45a to the other end 45b of the first chamber 45 (i.e., the difference in relative humidity can be made closer to uniform). Therefore, the humidity control device 15 of this embodiment can fully utilize the moisture absorption and desorption performance of the humidity control material 43 throughout the entire first chamber 45 from the one end 45a to the other end 45b.

[Function of humidity control device (house)]
In this manner, in the humidity control device 15 of the present embodiment, the drive unit 28 rotates the humidity control unit 16 around the x-axis, thereby switching the humidity control unit 16 between a first state (shown in FIG. 7( a)) and a second state (shown in FIG. 7( b)). This switching allows the conditioned air A1 to pass alternately through the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46, making it possible to continuously and efficiently supply conditioned and humidified conditioned air A1 to multiple rooms 5.

Furthermore, by switching between the first state (shown in FIG. 7(a)) and the second state (shown in FIG. 7(b)), outside air (in this example, outside air with a high relative humidity) A3 can be passed alternately through the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46. This makes it possible to continuously restore the humidity-conditioning material 43 in the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46.

In this way, in the house 2 of this embodiment, by interposing the humidity control device 15 in the air transport path to the living rooms 5, the humidity and air conditioning of multiple living rooms 5 (shown in Figure 1) can be stably performed. In order to stably control the humidity of multiple living rooms 5, it is preferable that the timing for switching between the first state and the second state be set to a predetermined time (for example, the time until most of the water vapor contained in the humidity control material 43 is released).

In addition, in this embodiment, by causing the conditioned air A1 and the outside air A3 to flow in opposite directions as described above, the difference in relative humidity between the first state and the second state is prevented from becoming uneven from one end 45a to the other end 45b of the first chamber 45. Furthermore, the difference in relative humidity between the first state and the second state is prevented from becoming uneven from one end 46a to the other end 46b of the second chamber 46. This allows the humidity control device 15 of this embodiment to fully utilize the moisture absorption and release performance of the humidity control material 43 in the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46.

Furthermore, the humidity control device 15 of this embodiment can be switched between the first state and the second state simply by rotating the humidity control unit 16 around the x-axis, so there is no need for a damper like in Patent Document 1. Therefore, the humidity control device 15 of this embodiment can reduce the number of dampers, which can reduce maintenance.

In the first state shown in FIG. 7(a), the first outlet 36A and the first chamber 45 (the space partitioned by the first partition 47, the second partition 48, the first side member 33A, and the second side member 33B) preferably form a straight flow path (shown by the dashed dotted line) along the z-axis. This reduces the pressure loss of the humidity-conditioned air A1 between the first chamber 45 and the first outlet 36A. Therefore, in the first state, the humidity-conditioned air A1 can be efficiently supplied to multiple rooms 5 (shown in FIG. 1).

Furthermore, in the first state, it is preferable that the first inlet 35A and the first chamber 45 form a straight flow path (shown by the dashed line in Figure 7(a)) along the z-axis. This reduces the pressure loss of the conditioned air A1 between the first inlet 35A and the first chamber 45, and the conditioned air A1 is smoothly guided into the first chamber 45. Therefore, the humidity of the conditioned air A1 can be efficiently controlled.

Furthermore, in the first state, it is preferable that the second outlet 36B and the second chamber 46 (the space partitioned by the first partition 47, the third partition 49, the first side member 33A, and the second side member 33B) form a straight flow path along the z-axis. This reduces the pressure loss of the outside air A3 used to restore the humidity-conditioning material 43 between the second chamber 46 and the second outlet 36B, allowing it to be efficiently supplied to the attic 39 (shown in Figure 1).

Similar to the first state, in the second state shown in Figure 7(b), it is preferable that the first outlet 36A and the second chamber 46 form a straight flow path (shown by the dashed line) along the z-axis. This allows the humidity-controlled conditioned air A1 to be efficiently supplied to multiple rooms 5 (shown in Figure 1) in the second state.

Furthermore, in the second state, it is preferable that the first inlet 35A and the second chamber 46 form a straight flow path along the z-axis. This allows the conditioned air A1 to be smoothly guided into the second chamber 46, enabling the conditioned air A1 to be efficiently humidified.

Furthermore, in the second state, the second outlet 36B and the first chamber 45 preferably form a straight flow path along the z-axis. This reduces the pressure loss of the outside air A3 used to restore the humidity-conditioning material 43 between the first chamber 45 and the second outlet 36B, allowing it to be efficiently supplied to the attic 39 (shown in Figure 1).

In this embodiment, the humidity-conditioning materials 43 in the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 are configured so that the volume of the humidity-conditioning materials 43 per unit length in the y-axis direction increases the closer they are to the rotation axis 51. This causes the centers of gravity of the humidity-conditioning materials 43, 43 to be biased toward the rotation axis 51, thereby preventing the torque of the drive unit 28 from becoming too large.

Furthermore, because the volume of the humidity-conditioning material 43 on the rotating shaft 51 side is set large, it is possible to maximize (expand) the volume of the humidity-conditioning material 43 within the limited space within the casing 26 (sub-casing 27) while suppressing an increase in the torque of the drive unit 28.

On the other hand, because the volume of the humidity control material 43 per unit length in the y-axis direction is set to be smaller the farther it is from the rotation axis 51, the rotation radius R1 (shown in Figure 6) of the humidity control unit 16 can be reduced. This makes it possible to make the humidity control device 15 (casing 26) more compact.

The humidity control material 43 in the first chamber 45 and the humidity control material 43 in the second chamber 46 are composed of multiple humidity control elements 53 (in this example, first humidity control element 53A and second humidity control element 53B) with different lengths along the z-axis. In this embodiment, of the first humidity control element 53A and the second humidity control element 53B, the first humidity control element 53A, which has a relatively longer length along the z-axis, is arranged closer to the rotation axis 51 of the humidity control unit 16. This allows the length of the humidity control material 43 along the z-axis per unit length along the y-axis of the humidity control material 43 to be increased closer to the rotation axis 51. As a result, it is possible to easily increase the volume of the humidity control material 43 per unit length along the y-axis of the humidity control material 43.

In this embodiment, the humidity control element 53 is fixed so that it can be disassembled. This allows the humidity control material 43 to be easily removed from the casing 26 (sub-casing 27), improving maintainability. To improve maintainability in this way, it is preferable that each of the multiple humidity control elements 53 can be inserted and removed through the opening 42 of the casing 26 (sub-casing 27). This improves maintainability of the humidity control material 43.

Figures 8(a) and 8(b) are side views showing the state in which multiple humidity control elements 53 from one chamber (first chamber 45) are being removed from the opening 42. As shown in Figure 8(a), the humidity control unit 16 shown in Figure 6 is rotated 90 degrees, and multiple humidity control elements 53 are aligned in the direction of the z-axis. As shown in Figure 8(a), the second humidity control element 53B (shown by a two-dot chain line) of one of the first and second chambers 45 and 46 (in this example, the first chamber 45) is arranged on the opening 42 side of the casing 26 (sub-casing 27).

Next, after the opening 42 is opened, the second humidity control element 53B of one of the chambers (in this example, the first chamber 45) is removed from the opening 42. In this embodiment, the second partition 48 of the first chamber 45 is removed before the second humidity control element 53B is removed.

Next, as shown in Figure 8(b), the first humidity control element 53A of one chamber (in this example, the first chamber 45) is removed from the opening 42. This allows the first humidity control element 53A and second humidity control element 53B of one chamber (in this example, the first chamber 45) to be easily removed from the casing 26 (sub-casing 27) and the main casing 12 (shown in Figure 2).

Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are side views showing the state in which multiple humidity control elements 53 of the other chamber (second chamber 46) are being removed from the opening 42. As shown in Figure 9(a), by rotating the humidity control unit 16 shown in Figure 8(b) 180 degrees, the second humidity control element 53B (shown by the two-dot chain line) of the other chamber (in this example, the second chamber 46) is positioned on the opening 42 side. In this embodiment, the center of gravity of the humidity control material 43 of the second chamber 46 is set to be biased toward the rotation axis 51. This makes it possible to rotate the humidity control unit 16 with a small torque, even when the humidity control material 43 (first humidity control element 53A and second humidity control element 53B) of one chamber (first chamber 45) is removed.

Next, the second humidity control element 53B of the other chamber (in this example, the second chamber 46) is removed from the opening 42. In this embodiment, the third partition 49 of the second chamber 46 is removed before the second humidity control element 53B is removed.

Next, as shown in Figure 9(b), the first humidity control element 53A of the other chamber (in this example, the second chamber 46) is removed from the opening 42. This allows the first humidity control element 53A and second humidity control element 53B of the other chamber (in this example, the second chamber 46) to be easily removed from the casing 26 (sub-casing 27) and the main casing 12.

The humidity control elements 53 (in this example, the first humidity control element 53A and the second humidity control element 53B) can be attached to the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 by reversing the procedure for removing the humidity control elements 53 shown in Figures 8 and 9.

In this way, in the humidity control device 15 (humidity control section 16) of this embodiment, the humidity control element 53 can be easily inserted and removed through the opening 42 provided in the casing 26 (sub-casing 27), improving maintainability.

The humidity control device 15 (humidity control section 16) of this embodiment is disposed in an air conditioning/humidity control unit 10 that includes a main casing 12, an air conditioner 13, and an air compressor 14. Therefore, unlike, for example, Patent Document 1, in which the air conditioner and humidity control chamber are provided in separate locations, the air conditioning/humidity control unit 10 of this embodiment allows easy access to the air conditioner 13 and humidity control device 15 (humidity control section 16). This improves maintainability.

Furthermore, in the air conditioning/humidity control unit 10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, an air flow from the inlet 22 to the outlet 23 of the main casing 12 is generated by the air compressor 14 arranged in the internal flow path 24. As a result, within the main casing 12, conditioned air A1 from the air conditioner 13 is directly supplied to the humidity control device 15 (humidity control section 16). Therefore, in the air conditioning/humidity control unit 10 of this embodiment, changes in the temperature and relative humidity of the conditioned air A1 are suppressed before the conditioned air A1 is supplied to the humidity control device 15 (humidity control section 16), improving air conditioning efficiency and humidity control efficiency.

In this embodiment, an example is given in which the living room 5 (shown in FIG. 1) is humidified in winter, but this is not a limitation. For example, the living room 5 may be dehumidified in summer. In this case, by supplying conditioned air A1 with a high relative humidity (cooled) to one of the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46 of the humidity control unit 16, the water vapor contained in the conditioned air A1 can be adsorbed by the humidity control material 43. Furthermore, by supplying outside air A3 with a low relative humidity to the other of the first chamber 45 and the second chamber 46, the water vapor adsorbed to the humidity control material 43 is released, and the dehumidification capacity can be restored.

[Humidity control device (second embodiment)]
As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the first humidity control element 53A and the second humidity control element 53B in the embodiments described above, one end 53a and the other end 53b in the z-axis direction are formed in a planar shape perpendicular to the z-axis (a planar shape extending from the x-axis to the y-axis), but this is not limited to this. For example, the one end 53a and the other end 53b may be formed in a planar shape (a sloping surface) that intersects with the plane perpendicular to the z-axis. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a humidity conditioner 43 of another embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, one end 53a and the other end 53b of the humidity control element 53 are formed at an angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the z-axis so that the length of the humidity control material 43 along the z-axis per unit length in the y-axis direction of the humidity control material 43 increases the closer it is to the rotation axis 51. This causes the center of gravity of the humidity control material 43 to be biased toward the rotation axis 51, making it possible to reduce the torque of the drive unit 28. Furthermore, the humidity control element 53 can reduce friction with the conditioned air A1 or outside air A3 supplied to one end 53a or the other end 53b, thereby reducing pressure loss.

Furthermore, the humidity-conditioning material 43 in the first chamber 45 and the humidity-conditioning material 43 in the second chamber 46 may have an arc-shaped outer surface that follows the circle of rotation indicated by the two-dot chain line in Figure 6. This makes it possible to maximize (expand) the volume of the humidity-conditioning material 43 within the limited space within the casing 26 (sub-casing 27).

[Humidity control device (third embodiment)]
As shown in Figures 6 and 10, the humidity control material 43 in the above-described embodiments is configured with a plurality of humidity control elements 53 (a first humidity control element 53A and a second humidity control element 53B), but is not limited to this. For example, the humidity control material 43 may be configured with only one humidity control element 53 (not shown). Such a humidity control material 43 can reduce manufacturing costs compared to a case where the humidity control material 43 is configured with a plurality of humidity control elements 53.

[Humidity control device (fourth embodiment)]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the humidity control device 15 in the above-described embodiments is disposed in an air conditioning/humidity control unit 10 including a main casing 12, an air conditioner 13, and an air compressor 14. However, this is not limiting. The humidity control device 15 (casing 26) may be disposed in a location separate from the main casing 12 in which the air conditioner 13 is disposed (e.g., an attic 39). In this case, a duct capable of supplying conditioned air A1 is provided between the main casing 12 and the humidity control device 15. This allows the humidity control unit 10 to be installed anywhere within the residence 2, thereby preventing the air conditioning/humidity control unit 10 (main casing 12) from becoming larger. In this case, the conditioned air A1 is preferably supplied to the humidity control device 15 via an air flow path (not shown) extending between the main casing 12 and the casing 26 (auxiliary casing 27).

The above describes in detail a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment and can be modified and implemented in various ways.

15 Humidity control device 16 Humidity control section 26 Casing 28 Drive section 45 First chamber 46 Second chamber 51 Rotation shaft

Claims (4)

A batch-type humidity control device for controlling the humidity of air,
a casing; a humidity control unit disposed within the casing; and a drive unit that rotates the humidity control unit around an x-axis within the casing;
the casing includes a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet as air inlets and outlets;
the humidity control unit includes a first chamber and a second chamber each having a humidity control material therein for controlling the humidity of air passing through the first chamber and the second chamber;
The first chamber and the second chamber are arranged side by side in the direction of the y axis, and allow air to pass along a z axis perpendicular to the x axis and the y axis,
a volume of the humidity conditioner per unit length in the y-axis direction of the humidity conditioner increases as the humidity conditioner approaches a rotation axis that is a rotation center of the humidity conditioner unit,
the humidity control material of the first chamber and the humidity control material of the second chamber each include a plurality of humidity control elements arranged in the y-axis direction;
The plurality of humidity control elements include a plurality of types having different lengths along the z axis .
Humidity control device. The humidity control device of claim 1, wherein the length of the humidity control material along the z-axis per unit length of the humidity control material in the direction of the y-axis is greater the closer it is to the rotation axis. 3. The humidity control device according to claim 1 , wherein the casing has an opening that can be opened and closed, and the plurality of humidity control elements can be taken in and out through the opening . A house equipped with a whole-house air conditioning system,
The humidity control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is disposed in an air transport path to a room.
Housing.