CN118235000A

CN118235000A - Humidification device and air conditioner

Info

Publication number: CN118235000A
Application number: CN202280073599.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 大塚启右
Original assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2021-11-09
Filing date: 2022-11-09
Publication date: 2024-06-21
Also published as: WO2023085327A1; JPWO2023085327A1; WO2023085166A1; JP2023070672A

Abstract

The humidifying device (20) includes a rotor member (22) having an adsorbent. The humidifying device (20) has an intermittent humidifying mode in which unit operations are repeated, and in the unit operations, a moisture releasing operation is performed after a moisture trapping operation is performed. The moisture trapping operation is an operation of supplying the second air to the rotor member (22) so that the rotor member (22) adsorbs moisture in the second air in a state in which the heater (25) has stopped heating the first air and the supply of the first air into the room has stopped. The moisture releasing operation is an operation of supplying the first air heated by the heater (25) to the rotor member (22) and supplying the first air humidified by the rotor member (22) to the room.

Description

Humidification device and air conditioner

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a humidifying device and an air conditioning device.

Background

A humidifying device that humidifies air using a rotor member having an adsorbent is known. Patent document 1 discloses an air conditioning system including the humidifying device.

In this humidifying device, the rotor member is provided and rotated so as to intersect the adsorption-side air passage and the regeneration-side air passage, respectively. In the humidifying device, air flowing through the adsorption-side air passage passes through the rotor member, and moisture contained in the air is adsorbed by the rotor member. In the humidifier, the air flowing through the regeneration-side air passage is heated by the heater, and then passes through the rotor member, whereby moisture separated from the rotor member is added to the air. The humidifying device humidifies the room by supplying air humidified by the rotor member into the room.

Prior art literature

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2021-038869

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

In the humidifier, a portion of the rotor member intersecting the regeneration-side air passage is brought into high temperature (for example, 100 ℃ or higher) by contact with the air heated by the heater. When the rotor member rotates, the portion of the rotor member that is originally located in the regeneration-side air passage moves toward the adsorption-side air passage. Although the temperature of the adsorption rotor decreases during the passage through the adsorption-side air passage, the temperature is relatively high (for example, about 60 ℃). Therefore, in the adsorption-side air passage, the temperature of the air in contact with the rotor member increases, and the relative humidity of the air decreases. As a result, the amount of moisture adsorbed by the rotor member becomes small, and the amount of moisture (humidification amount) to be added to the air becomes small.

The purpose of the present disclosure is to: the humidifying capacity of a humidifying device including a rotor member is improved.

Technical solution for solving the technical problems

The first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a humidifying device 20, wherein the humidifying device 20 includes a first passage 27 through which first air flows, a second passage 62 through which second air flows, a rotor member 22 having an adsorbent that adsorbs moisture in air, and a heater 25 that heats the first air sent to the rotor member 22, wherein the rotor member 22 is disposed and rotated so as to intersect the first passage 27 and the second passage 62, and wherein the humidifying device 20 humidifies a room by supplying the first air humidified by the rotor member 22 into the room. The humidifying device 20 of this aspect has an intermittent humidifying mode in which a unit operation is repeatedly performed, in which a moisture releasing operation is performed after a moisture trapping operation is performed, in which the second air is supplied to the rotor member 22 so that the rotor member 22 adsorbs moisture in the second air in a state in which the heating of the first air by the heater 25 has been stopped and the supply of the first air into the room has been stopped, and in which the first air heated by the heater 25 is supplied to the rotor member 22 and the first air humidified by the rotor member 22 is supplied into the room.

In the first aspect, the humidifying device 20 has an intermittent humidifying mode. In the intermittent humidification mode, the humidification apparatus 20 repeatedly performs unit operations. In the unit operation, the rotor member 22 imparts moisture acquired from the second air in the moisture capturing operation to the first air in the moisture releasing operation. In the moisture trapping operation, the heating of the first air by the heater 25 is stopped, and therefore the temperature of the rotor member 22 is suppressed to be low. If the temperature of the rotor member 22 is suppressed to be low, the temperature rise of the second air passing through the rotor member 22 can be suppressed, and as a result, the relative humidity of the second air passing through the rotor member 22 can be suppressed from decreasing.

The higher the relative humidity of the second air passing through the rotor member 22, the greater the amount of moisture that the adsorbent of the rotor member 22 adsorbs from the second air. Therefore, according to this aspect, the amount of moisture adsorbed by the rotor member 22 from the second air increases as compared with the case where the second air is sent to the rotor member 22 while the first air heated by the heater 25 is sent to the rotor member 22. As a result, the amount of moisture imparted to the first air by the rotor member 22 during the moisture releasing operation increases, and the humidifying ability of the humidifying device 20 increases.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is the intermittent humidification mode in which the moisture trapping operation and the moisture releasing operation are repeatedly and alternately performed by the humidification apparatus 20, in addition to the first aspect.

In the second aspect, when the moisture trapping operation is ended, the humidifying device 20 starts the moisture releasing operation; when the moisture releasing operation is completed, the humidifying device 20 starts the next moisture trapping operation.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the humidifying device 20 ends the moisture trapping operation when a first end condition is established in the course of executing the moisture trapping operation, the first end condition being a condition that a duration of the moisture trapping operation reaches a first reference time.

In the third aspect, the humidifying device 20 determines whether the first end condition is satisfied, based on the duration of the moisture capturing operation.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the humidification apparatus 20, on the basis of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the humidification apparatus 20 ends the moisture release operation when a second end condition is established during execution of the moisture release operation, the second end condition being a condition that a duration of the moisture release operation reaches a second reference time or a condition that a humidity of the first air humidified by the rotor member 22 is lower than a prescribed humidity.

In the fourth aspect, the humidifying device 20 judges whether the second end condition is satisfied or not based on the duration of the moisture releasing operation or the humidity of the first air humidified by the rotor member 22.

A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the humidification apparatus 20, on the basis of any one of the first to fourth aspects, stopping the flow of the second air in the second passage 62 at least a part of the time in which the moisture releasing action is performed.

In the moisture releasing operation of the humidifier 20 according to the fifth aspect, the first air heated by the heater 25 is continuously sent to the rotor member 22 in a state where the flow of the second air in the second passage 62 is stopped. Therefore, in this state, the temperature of the entire rotor member 22 is kept higher than in a state in which both the first air and the second air are sent to the rotor member 22. Therefore, in this aspect, the heating amount of the heater 25 can be suppressed low.

A sixth aspect of the present disclosure relates to an air conditioner 1, the air conditioner 1 including a humidifying device 20 according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, and an outdoor unit 10 and an indoor unit 30 that are connected to each other through refrigerant pipes 3, 4 to perform a refrigeration cycle.

In the sixth aspect, the air conditioner 1 is constituted by the humidifier 20, the outdoor unit 10, and the indoor unit 30.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an overall structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment;

Fig. 2 is a structural view showing a refrigerant pipe and an air flow direction of an air conditioner;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of an indoor unit of an air conditioner;

Fig. 4 is a block diagram including main elements of an air conditioner;

Fig. 5 is a view showing the state of the second switching damper inside the damper housing and the air flow direction at the time of the air supply operation;

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the state of the second switching damper inside the damper housing and the air flow direction at the time of the exhaust operation;

fig. 7 is a timing chart showing operations of the humidity control unit, the heater, the first fan, and the second fan in the intermittent humidification mode;

fig. 8 is a timing chart showing operations of the humidity control unit, the heater, the first fan, and the second fan in the intermittent humidification mode according to the first modification;

fig. 9 is a timing chart showing operations of the humidity control unit, the heater, the first fan, and the second fan in the intermittent humidification mode according to the first modification.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below, and various modifications may be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure. The drawings are intended to conceptually illustrate the present disclosure, and thus, sometimes exaggerated or simplified as needed to show dimensions, proportions, or numbers for ease of understanding.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail based on the drawings.

(1) Brief structure of air conditioner

The air conditioner 1 adjusts the temperature and humidity of the air in the room I. As shown in fig. 1, the air conditioner 1 includes an air conditioning outdoor unit 10 and an air conditioning indoor unit 30. The air conditioning outdoor unit 10 is installed outdoors, and the air conditioning indoor unit 30 is installed indoors. The air conditioner 1 is a one-to-one air conditioner having one air conditioner indoor unit 30 and one air conditioner outdoor unit 10. The air conditioner 1 has a humidity control unit 20 as a humidity control element. The air conditioner 1 has a function of humidifying and dehumidifying air. The air conditioner 1 also has a function of ventilating the room I.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the air conditioner 1 includes a hose 2, a liquid connection pipe 3, and a gas connection pipe 4. The air conditioning indoor unit 30 and the humidity conditioning unit 20 are connected to each other via a hose 2. The air conditioning indoor unit 30 and the air conditioning outdoor unit 10 are connected to each other via the liquid connection pipe 3 and the gas connection pipe 4. Thereby, the air conditioning element 5 including the refrigerant circuit R is constituted. The refrigerant circuit R is filled with a refrigerant. The refrigerant is difluoromethane. But the refrigerant is not limited to difluoromethane. The refrigerant circuit R performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

The refrigerant circuit R mainly includes a compressor 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 14, an expansion valve 15, a four-way reversing valve 16, and an indoor heat exchanger 34.

The refrigerant circuit R performs a first refrigeration cycle and a second refrigeration cycle according to switching of the four-way selector valve 16. The first refrigeration cycle is a refrigeration cycle in which the indoor heat exchanger 34 functions as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger 14 functions as a radiator. The second refrigeration cycle is a refrigeration cycle in which the indoor heat exchanger 34 functions as a radiator and the outdoor heat exchanger 14 functions as an evaporator.

(2) Detailed structure

(2-1) Air conditioner outdoor unit

The air conditioning outdoor unit 10 is an outdoor unit constituting the air conditioning apparatus 1.

As shown in fig. 2 and 4, the air conditioning outdoor unit 10 includes an outdoor unit casing 11, a compressor 12, an outdoor fan 13, an outdoor heat exchanger 14, an expansion valve 15, and a four-way selector valve 16.

A partition 18 is provided inside the outdoor unit casing 11. The partition 18 divides the inside of the outdoor unit 11 into a first space S1 and a second space S2. The first space S1 is provided with a compressor 12 and an outdoor heat exchanger 14. Strictly speaking, the compressor 12, the outdoor fan 13, the outdoor heat exchanger 14, the expansion valve 15, and the four-way selector valve 16 are provided in the first space S1.

The outdoor unit casing 11 is formed with an outdoor suction port 11a, an outdoor discharge port 11b, a moisture-absorbing side suction port 61a, and a moisture-absorbing side discharge port 61b. The outdoor suction port 11a is formed at the rear side of the outdoor unit casing 11. The outdoor suction port 11a is an opening for sucking in outdoor air (outdoor air). The outdoor outlet 11b is formed at the front side of the outdoor unit casing 11. The outdoor outlet 11b is an opening for blowing out the air having passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 14. The outdoor air passage 11c is formed from the outdoor suction port 11a to the outdoor discharge port 11b in the outdoor housing 11.

The compressor 12 sucks in low-pressure gaseous refrigerant and compresses it. The compressor 12 is driven by a first motor M1. The compressor 12 is a variable capacity compressor that supplies power from a frequency conversion circuit to the first motor M1. The compressor 12 is configured to: by adjusting the operation frequency (rotation speed) of the first motor M1, the operation capacity of the compressor 12 can be changed. The compressor 12 is a so-called high-pressure dome type compressor, the inside of which is filled with a high-pressure refrigerant. When the compressor 12 is operated, heat generated from the compressor 12 is released to the surroundings thereof.

The outdoor fan 13 is disposed on the outdoor air path 11 c. The outdoor fan 13 is driven to rotate by the second motor M2. The air sent by the outdoor fan 13 is sucked into the outdoor unit casing 11 from the outdoor suction port 11 a. The air flows through the outdoor air passage 11c, and is blown out of the outdoor unit casing 11 from the outdoor outlet 11 b. The outdoor fan 13 delivers outdoor air, and the outdoor air delivered by the outdoor fan 13 passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 14.

The outdoor heat exchanger 14 is disposed on the upstream side of the outdoor fan 13 on the outdoor air passage 11 c. The outdoor heat exchanger 14 of the present example is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the inside thereof and the outdoor air delivered by the outdoor fan 13.

The expansion valve 15 decompresses the refrigerant. The expansion valve 15 is an electric expansion valve with an adjustable opening degree. The pressure reducing mechanism may be a temperature-sensitive expansion valve, an expander, a capillary tube, or the like. The expansion valve 15 may be connected to a liquid pipe of the refrigerant circuit R, or may be provided in the air conditioning indoor unit 30.

The four-way selector valve 16 has a first port P1, a second port P2, a third port P3, and a fourth port P4. The first port P1 is connected to a discharge portion of the compressor 12. The second port P2 is connected to a suction portion of the compressor 12. The third valve P3 is connected to the air-side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 14. The fourth valve port P4 is connected to the gas connection pipe 4.

The four-way selector valve 16 is switched between a first state (a state indicated by a solid line in fig. 2) and a second state (a state indicated by a broken line in fig. 2). The four-way selector valve 16 in the first state communicates the first port P1 with the third port P3, and communicates the second port P2 with the fourth port P4. The four-way selector valve 16 in the second state communicates the first port P1 with the fourth port P4, and communicates the second port P2 with the third port P3.

(2-2) Humidity control Unit

The humidity conditioning unit 20 is disposed outdoors. The humidity control unit 20 of the present embodiment is integrally formed with the air conditioning outdoor unit 10. The humidity control unit 20 sends the air of which humidity has been adjusted to the air conditioning indoor unit 30. The humidity control unit 20 is a humidifying device that humidifies the room I. The humidity control unit 20 includes an outdoor unit casing 11, a humidity control rotor 22, a first fan 26, a second fan 23, a heater 25, a first switching damper 24, and a second switching damper 29 (see fig. 5). The outdoor unit casing 21 is shared by the air conditioning outdoor unit 10 and the humidity conditioning unit 20.

The second space S2 is partitioned inside the outdoor unit casing 11. The humidity control rotor 22 and the heater 25 are provided in the second space S2. Strictly speaking, the humidity control rotor 22, the first fan 26, the second fan 23, the heater 25, the first switching damper 24, and the second switching damper 29 are provided in the second space S2.

The outdoor unit casing 11 is formed with a suction/discharge port 21a, a connection port 21b, and an outdoor discharge port 21c. The intake/exhaust port 21a is an opening through which outdoor air and indoor air circulate. A first passage 27 extending from the suction/discharge port 21a to the connection port 21b is formed in the outdoor unit casing 11. A second passage 62 extending from the suction port 61a to the discharge port 61b is formed in the outdoor unit 11. The hose 2 is connected to the connection port 21 b.

The first passage 27 is connected to an exhaust passage 28. The discharge passage 28 extends from a middle portion of the first passage 27 to the outdoor discharge port 21c. The inflow end of the exhaust passage 28 is connected to a portion of the first passage 27 downstream of the humidity control rotor 22 (strictly speaking, downstream of the first fan 26). In the first passage 27 and the exhaust passage 28, downstream refers to downstream of the direction in which air flows during the air supply operation (the direction indicated by the solid arrow in fig. 2), and upstream refers to upstream of the direction in which air flows during the air supply operation.

The air flowing through the first passage 27 passes through the humidity-conditioning rotor 22. The humidity control rotor 22 is a rotor member that adsorbs moisture in the air. The humidity control rotor 22 is, for example, a disc-shaped humidity control rotor having a honeycomb structure. The humidity control rotor 22 is disposed so as to intersect the first passage 27 and the second passage 62, respectively.

The humidity control rotor 22 holds an adsorbent made of a polymer material having hygroscopicity. The hygroscopic polymer material is one of so-called sorbents. In an adsorbent made of a hygroscopic polymer material, there are two phenomena, one is a phenomenon in which water vapor in air is adsorbed on the surface of the adsorbent, and the other is a phenomenon in which water vapor is adsorbed inside the adsorbent. The adsorbent held by the humidity control rotor 22 may be an inorganic material such as silica gel, zeolite, or alumina. The adsorbent has a property of adsorbing moisture in the air. The moisture absorbent has the following properties: by heating the moisture absorbent, the moisture absorbent will release the adsorbed moisture.

The humidity control rotor 22 is driven by the third motor M3 to rotate around its center axis. When the humidity control rotor 22 rotates, the portion of the humidity control rotor 22 that is located on the first passage 27 moves toward the second passage 62, and the portion of the humidity control rotor 22 that is located on the second passage 62 moves toward the first passage 27.

The humidity control rotor 22 has a humidity control area 22A located on the first passage 27. In the humidity control area 22A, a regenerating operation for releasing the moisture adsorbed on the adsorbent into the air and an adsorbing operation for adsorbing the moisture in the air by the adsorbent are performed.

The first fan 26 is disposed at a portion of the first passage 27 downstream of the humidity control area 22A. The first fan 26 delivers outdoor air, and the outdoor air delivered by the first fan 26 passes through the humidity conditioning area 22A of the humidity conditioning rotor 22. The first fan 26 is driven to rotate by the fourth motor M4. The first fan 26 is configured to: by adjusting the rotation speed of the fourth motor M4, the air volume can be switched to multiple stages.

The heater 25 is disposed on the upstream side of the humidity control area 22A of the first passage 27. The heater 25 is a heater that heats air flowing through the first passage 27. The heater 25 is configured to be capable of changing the output. The temperature of the air passing through the heater 25 varies according to the output of the heater 25.

The second fan 23 is disposed on the second passage 62. The second fan 23 is driven to rotate by the sixth motor M6. The second fan 23 delivers the outdoor air, and the outdoor air delivered by the second fan 23 passes through the second passage 62. The outdoor air sent from the second fan 23 is sent into the second passage 62 through the moisture absorption side air inlet 61a, and is discharged to the outside through the moisture absorption side air outlet 61 b. The second passage 62 is provided with the adsorption region 22C of the humidity control rotor 22 and the second fan 23 in this order from the upstream side toward the downstream side of the air flow direction.

The first switching damper 24 is provided at a connection portion of the first passage 27 to the exhaust passage 28. The flow path switching mechanism may be constituted by a flow path switching valve, a shutter, or the like. The first switching damper 24 switches between a third state (a state indicated by a solid line in fig. 2) and a fourth state (a state indicated by a broken line in fig. 2). The first switching damper 24 in the third state communicates the first passage 27 with the interior of the hose 2, and blocks the first passage 27 from the exhaust passage 28. The first switching damper 24 in the fourth state blocks the first passage 27 from the interior of the hose 2, and communicates the first passage 27 with the exhaust passage 28. The state of the first switching damper 24 is switched by being driven by a power source such as an electric motor.

The second switching damper 29 is disposed on the first passage 27. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the second switching damper 29 is provided in the damper housing 29A. A space S31 inside the second switching damper 29, a space S32 in which the second switching damper 29 is arranged, and a space S33 are provided in the damper housing 29A. The second switching damper 29 is provided in the space S32 and slidably moves.

The damper housing 29A is provided with a first port 29A and a second port 29b for communicating the space S32 with the outside of the damper housing 29A. The first inlet and outlet 29a communicates with the intake and exhaust port 21a through the first passage 27. The second port 29b communicates with a connection port 21b connected to the hose 2 in the outdoor unit 11 through the first passage 27. The second inlet/outlet 29b communicates with the outdoor exhaust port 21c through the first passage 27 and the exhaust passage 28.

The damper housing 29A is provided with a first communication port 29c and a second communication port 29d for communicating the space S32 with the space S33. The second switching damper 29 is slid in the space S32 to switch between the fifth state and the sixth state. As shown in fig. 5, the second switching damper 29 in the fifth state has the first inlet and outlet 29a as an inlet for intake air and the second inlet and outlet 29b as an outlet for exhaust air. As shown in fig. 6, the second switching damper 29 in the sixth state has the second inlet and outlet 29b as an inlet for intake air and the first inlet and outlet 29a as an outlet for exhaust air. The state of the second switching damper 29 is switched by being driven by a power source such as an electric motor.

(2-3) Air conditioner indoor unit

The air conditioning indoor unit 30 is an indoor unit constituting the air conditioning apparatus 1.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the air conditioning indoor unit 30 is provided indoors. The air conditioning indoor unit 30 is a wall-mounted air conditioning indoor unit provided on a wall WL of a room forming an indoor I. The air conditioning indoor unit 30 includes an indoor unit casing 31, an indoor fan 32, an air filter 33, an indoor heat exchanger 34, a water collection tray 35, and an airflow direction adjusting unit 36.

The indoor unit casing 31 houses an indoor fan 32, an air filter 33, an indoor heat exchanger 34, and a water collecting tray 35. The indoor housing 31 has an indoor suction port 31a and an indoor discharge port 31b. The indoor suction port 31a is disposed at an upper side of the indoor housing 31. The indoor suction port 31a is an opening for sucking in indoor air. The indoor blowing port 31b is disposed at the lower side of the indoor housing 31. The indoor air outlet 31b is an opening for blowing out the heat-exchanged air or the air for conditioning. An indoor air passage 31c extending from the indoor suction port 31a to the indoor discharge port 31b is provided in the indoor casing 31.

The indoor fan 32 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the indoor air path 31 c. The indoor fan 32 is, for example, a cross flow fan. The indoor fan 32 is driven to rotate by the fifth motor M5. The indoor fan 32 takes in and delivers indoor air into the indoor air passage 31 c. The air sent by the indoor fan 32 is sucked into the indoor housing 31 from the indoor suction port 31 a. The air flows through the indoor air passage 31c and is blown out of the indoor housing 31 from the indoor air outlet 31 b.

The indoor fan 32 delivers indoor air, and the indoor air delivered by the indoor fan 32 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 34. The air blown out from the indoor air outlet 31b is supplied to the indoor I. The indoor fan 32 is configured to: by adjusting the rotation speed of the fifth motor M5, the air volume can be switched to multiple stages.

The air filter portion 33 is disposed on the upstream side of the indoor heat exchanger 34 on the indoor air passage 31 c. The air filter 33 is installed in the indoor housing 31, and substantially all of the air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 34 passes through the air filter 33. The air filter 33 captures and collects dust in the air sucked from the indoor suction port 31 a.

The indoor heat exchanger 34 is disposed on the upstream side of the indoor fan 32 on the indoor air path 31 c. The indoor heat exchanger 34 of this example is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger 34 exchanges heat between the refrigerant therein and the indoor air sent by the indoor fan 32.

The water collecting tray 35 is disposed at the front lower side and the rear lower side of the indoor heat exchanger 34. The water collecting tray 35 receives dew condensation water generated in the indoor unit casing 31 of the air conditioning indoor unit 30. Dew condensation water generated on the surfaces of the fins of the indoor heat exchanger 34 flows down the surfaces by its own weight and is received by the water collecting tray 35.

The wind direction adjusting unit 36 adjusts the wind direction of the air blown out from the indoor air outlet 31b. The wind direction adjusting portion 36 has an air deflector 37. The air deflector 37 is formed in a long plate shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the indoor air outlet 31b. The wind deflector 37 is driven to swing by a motor. The air deflector 37 opens and closes the indoor air outlet 31b in association with its swing.

The air deflector 37 is configured to be capable of changing the inclination angle stepwise. The positions to which the air deflector 37 of the present example is adjusted include six positions. The six positions include a closed position and five open positions. In the five open positions, a substantially horizontal blowout position shown in fig. 3 is included. The air deflector 37 in the closed position substantially closes the indoor air outlet 31 b. A gap may be formed between the air deflector 37 in the closed position and the indoor air outlet 31 b.

As described above, the air conditioning indoor unit 30 is connected to the humidity control unit 20 via the hose 2. The end of the hose 2 connected to the air conditioning indoor unit 30 communicates with a portion of the indoor air passage 31c upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 34. The air sent from the humidity control unit 20 to the air conditioning indoor unit 30 is supplied to a portion of the indoor air passage 31c upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 34 through the hose 2. The air sent from the air conditioning indoor unit 30 to the humidity control unit 20 flows into the hose 2 from a portion of the indoor air passage 31c upstream of the indoor heat exchanger 34.

(2-4) Remote controller

As shown in fig. 2 and 4, the remote controller 40 is disposed at a position that can be operated by a user indoors. The remote controller 40 has a display 41 and an input 42. The display unit 41 displays predetermined information. The display unit 41 is constituted by a liquid crystal display, for example. The predetermined information is information indicating the operation state, the set temperature, and the like of the air conditioner 1. The input unit 42 receives an input operation from a user to perform various settings. The input unit 42 is constituted by a plurality of physical switches, for example. The user can set the operation mode, target temperature, target humidity, and the like of the air conditioner 1 by operating the input unit 42 of the remote controller 40.

(2-5) Sensor

As shown in fig. 2 and 4, the air conditioner 1 has a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors includes a refrigerant sensor and an air sensor. The refrigerant sensor includes a sensor that detects the temperature and pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant and a sensor (not shown) that detects the temperature and pressure of the low-pressure refrigerant.

The air sensors include an outdoor air temperature sensor 51, an outdoor air humidity sensor 52, an indoor air temperature sensor 53, an indoor air humidity sensor 54, and a humidity sensor 55.

The outdoor air temperature sensor 51 is provided in the air conditioning outdoor unit 10. The outdoor air temperature sensor 51 detects the temperature of the outdoor air.

The outdoor air humidity sensor 52 is provided in the second passage 62 upstream of the humidity control rotor 22 (for example, around the moisture absorption side suction port 61 a). The outdoor air humidity sensor 52 may be provided around the outdoor suction port 11a of the outdoor unit casing 11, similarly to the outdoor air temperature sensor 51. The outdoor air humidity sensor 52 detects the humidity of the outdoor air. The outdoor air humidity sensor 52 of the present example is a humidity sensor that detects the relative humidity of the outdoor air, but may be a humidity sensor that detects the absolute humidity.

An indoor air temperature sensor 53 and an indoor air humidity sensor 54 are provided in the air conditioning indoor unit 30. The indoor air temperature sensor 53 detects the temperature of the indoor air. The indoor air humidity sensor 54 detects the humidity of the indoor air. The indoor air humidity sensor 54 is a humidity sensor that detects the relative humidity of the indoor air, but may be a humidity sensor that detects the absolute humidity.

The humidity sensor 55 of this example is provided on the first passage 27. The humidity sensor 55 is provided between the second inlet and outlet 29b of the second switching damper 29 and the connection port 21b of the outdoor unit casing 11. The humidity sensor 55 detects the humidity of the air flowing through the first passage 27. The humidity sensor 55 in this example is a humidity sensor that detects the relative humidity of air, but may be a humidity sensor that detects the absolute humidity.

(2-6) Control portion

As shown in fig. 2 and 4, the air conditioner 1 includes a control unit C. The control unit C controls the operation of the refrigerant circuit R. The control unit C controls the operations of the air conditioning outdoor unit 10, the humidity control unit 20, and the air conditioning indoor unit 30. The control unit C includes an outdoor control unit OC, an indoor control unit IC, and a remote control 40. The outdoor control unit OC is provided in the air conditioning outdoor unit 10. The indoor control unit IC is provided in the air conditioning indoor unit 30. The indoor control unit IC and the outdoor control unit OC each include an MCU (Micro Control Unit ), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit: central processing unit), a memory and a communication interface. Various programs for execution by the CPU are stored in the memory.

The detection value of the outdoor air temperature sensor 51, the detection value of the outdoor air humidity sensor 52, and the detection value of the humidity sensor 55 are input to the outdoor control unit OC.

The outdoor control unit OC is connected to the compressor 12, the outdoor fan 13, the expansion valve 15, and the four-way selector valve 16. The outdoor control unit OC outputs control signals for executing and stopping the operation of the air conditioning outdoor unit 10 to the compressor 12, the outdoor fan 13, the expansion valve 15, and the four-way selector valve 16. The outdoor control unit OC controls the operating frequency of the first motor M1 of the compressor 12, the rotation speed of the second motor M2 of the outdoor fan 13, the state of the four-way selector valve 16, and the opening degree of the expansion valve 15.

The outdoor control unit OC is also connected to the humidity control rotor 22, the first fan 26, the second fan 23, the heater 25, and the first switching damper 24. The outdoor control unit OC outputs control signals for executing and stopping the operation of the humidity control unit 20 to the humidity control rotor 22, the first fan 26, the second fan 23, the heater 25, and the first switching damper 24. The outdoor control unit OC controls the rotation speeds of the third motor M3 of the humidity control rotor 22, the fourth motor M4 of the first fan 26, and the sixth motor M6 of the second fan 23, the operations of the humidity control rotor 22 and the first switching damper 24, and the output of the heater 25.

The detection value of the indoor air temperature sensor 53 and the detection value of the indoor air humidity sensor 54 are input to the indoor control IC.

The indoor control IC is connected to the remote controller 40, and can communicate with the remote controller 40. The indoor control IC is connected to the indoor fan 32. The indoor control IC outputs a control signal for executing and stopping the operation of the air conditioning indoor unit 30 to the indoor fan 32. The indoor control IC controls the rotation speed of the fifth motor M5 of the indoor fan 32. The indoor control IC is connected to the outdoor control OC, and can communicate between the indoor control IC and the outdoor control OC.

The remote controller 40 is connected to the indoor control IC, and communication is possible between the remote controller 40 and the indoor control IC. The remote controller 40 transmits an instruction signal instructing the operation of the air conditioner 1 to the indoor control unit IC in response to the user's operation of the input unit 42. The indoor control IC receives the instruction signal from the remote controller 40, and then transmits the instruction signal to the outdoor control OC. The indoor control IC controls the operation of each of the above-described devices of the air conditioning indoor unit 30 in accordance with the instruction signal. Upon receiving the instruction signal from the indoor control unit IC, the outdoor control unit OC controls the operations of the respective devices of the air conditioning outdoor unit 10 and the humidity control unit 20.

(3) Operation and action

The operation modes executed by the air conditioner 1 include a cooling operation, a heating operation, a supply air operation, an exhaust air operation, a dehumidification operation, a humidification operation, a dehumidification cooling operation, and a humidification heating operation. The control unit C causes these operations to be executed in response to an instruction signal from the remote controller 40.

(3-1) Cooling operation

The cooling operation is an operation of cooling the indoor air by the indoor heat exchanger 34 functioning as an evaporator. The humidity conditioning unit 20 does not operate. In the cooling operation, the control unit C operates the compressor 12, the outdoor fan 13, and the indoor fan 32. The control unit C sets the four-way selector valve 16 to the first state. The control unit C appropriately adjusts the opening degree of the expansion valve 15. In the cooling operation, a first refrigeration cycle is performed in which the compressed refrigerant releases heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 14 and evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 34.

In the cooling operation, the control unit C adjusts the target evaporation temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 34 so that the indoor temperature detected by the indoor air temperature sensor 53 converges to the set temperature. The control unit C controls the rotation speed of the compressor 12 so that the evaporation temperature of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 34 converges to the target evaporation temperature. In the cooling operation, the air sent by the indoor fan 32 is cooled while passing through the indoor heat exchanger 34. The air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 34 is supplied from the indoor air outlet 31b of the air conditioning indoor unit 30 to the indoor I.

(3-2) Heating operation

The heating operation is an operation of heating the indoor air by the indoor heat exchanger 34 functioning as a radiator. The humidity conditioning unit 20 does not operate. In the heating operation, the control unit C operates the compressor 12, the outdoor fan 13, and the indoor fan 32. The control unit C sets the four-way selector valve 16 to the second state. The control unit C appropriately adjusts the opening degree of the expansion valve 15. In the heating operation, a second refrigeration cycle is performed in which the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 12 is discharged in the indoor heat exchanger 34 and evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 14.

In the heating operation, the control unit C adjusts the target condensation temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 34 so that the indoor temperature detected by the indoor air temperature sensor 53 converges to the set temperature. The control unit C controls the rotation speed of the compressor 12 so that the condensation temperature of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 34 converges to the target condensation temperature. In the heating operation, the air sent by the indoor fan 32 is heated while passing through the indoor heat exchanger 34. The air heated by the indoor heat exchanger 34 is supplied from the indoor air outlet 31b of the air conditioning indoor unit 30 to the indoor I.

(3-3) Air supply operation

The air supply operation is an operation of supplying outdoor air into a room. In the air supply operation, as shown by solid arrows in fig. 2, outdoor air is sent to the air conditioning indoor unit 30 through the hose 2. In the air supply operation, the control unit C stops the operation of the heater 25, the humidity control rotor 22, and the second fan 23, and operates the first fan 26. The control unit C sets the first switching damper 24 to the third state (the state indicated by the solid line in fig. 2) and sets the second switching damper 29 to the fifth state (see fig. 5). In the air supply operation, the outdoor air sent by the first fan 26 is sent to the air conditioning indoor unit 30 through the hose 2, and is supplied to the room I from the room outlet 31b of the air conditioning indoor unit 30. The air supply operation may be performed simultaneously with the cooling operation or the heating operation.

(3-4) Exhaust operation

The exhaust operation is an operation of exhausting indoor air to the outside. In the exhaust operation, as indicated by a broken arrow in fig. 2, the indoor air is sent to the humidity control unit 20 through the hose 2. In the exhaust operation, the control unit C stops the operation of the heater 25, the humidity control rotor 22, and the second fan 23, and operates the first fan 26. The control unit C sets the first switching damper 24 to the third state (the state indicated by the solid line in fig. 2) and sets the second switching damper 29 to the sixth state (see fig. 6). In the air discharge operation, the indoor air sent by the first fan 26 is sent to the humidity control unit 20 through the hose 2, and is discharged to the outside from the air intake and exhaust port 21a of the humidity control unit 20. The cooling operation or the heating operation may be performed together with the exhaust operation.

(3-5) Dehumidification operation

The dehumidifying operation is an operation of supplying the air dehumidified by the humidity control unit 20 into the room. In the dehumidifying operation, the air dehumidified by the humidity control unit 20 is intermittently supplied into the room. The humidity control unit 20 alternately performs the first operation and the second operation. The first operation is an operation of supplying the air dehumidified by the humidity control rotor 22 into the room while the humidity control rotor 22 adsorbs moisture in the air. The second operation is an operation of discharging the air used for regeneration to the outside while regenerating the humidity control rotor 22.

Specifically, in the first operation, the control unit C operates the first fan 26, stops the second fan 23, stops the heater 25, sets the first switching damper 24 to the third state (the state shown by the solid line in fig. 2), and sets the second switching damper 29 to the fifth state (see fig. 5). The air sent by the first fan 26 flows through the first passage 27, passing through the humidity conditioning area 22A of the humidity conditioning rotor 22. In the humidity control region 22A, moisture in the air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The air dehumidified in the humidity control area 22A is sent to the air conditioning indoor unit 30 through the hose 2, and is sent to the room I from the room outlet 31b of the air conditioning indoor unit 30.

In the second operation (regeneration process of the humidity control rotor 22), the control unit C operates the first fan 26 and the heater 25, stops the second fan 23, sets the first switching damper 24 to the fourth state (the state indicated by the broken line in fig. 2), and sets the second switching damper 29 to the fifth state (see fig. 5). The air sent by the first fan 26 flows through the first passage 27, is heated by the heater 25, and then flows through the humidity control area 22A of the humidity control rotor 22. In the conditioning zone 22A, the adsorbent is regenerated. Specifically, the moisture that has been adsorbed by the adsorbent is desorbed and released into the air. As shown by the black arrows in fig. 2, the air that has been used for the regeneration of the humidity conditioning rotor 22 flows from the first passage 27 through the exhaust passage 28, and is discharged to the outside.

(3-6) Humidification operation

The humidification operation is an operation of supplying air humidified by the humidity control unit 20 into a room. The humidification operation includes a continuous humidification mode and an intermittent humidification mode. The control unit C is configured to cause the humidity control unit 20 to selectively perform the continuous humidification mode and the intermittent humidification mode.

When the humidification start condition is established, the humidity control unit 20 starts the humidification operation; when the humidification end condition is satisfied, the humidity control unit 20 ends the humidification operation. In the humidity control unit 20 of the present embodiment, the humidification start condition is a condition that the humidification start command signal has been input to the control portion C; the humidification end condition is a condition that the humidification end command signal has been input to the control portion C. The humidification start command signal and the humidification end command signal are sent from the remote controller 40 to the control portion C by the user operating the remote controller 40, respectively.

The control unit C may be configured to: automatically judging whether to start the humidifying operation of the humidifying unit 20 in a state where the humidifying unit 20 is stopped; whether or not to cause the humidity control unit 20 to end the humidification operation is automatically determined in a state where the humidity control unit 20 is performing the humidification operation. In this case, the determination unit provided in the control unit C generates a humidification start command signal and a humidification end command signal based on the measurement value or the like of the indoor air humidity sensor 54.

(3-6-1) Continuous humidification mode

The continuous humidification mode is an operation mode in which air humidified by the humidity control unit 20 (first air) is continuously supplied into the room. In the continuous humidification mode, the control unit C operates the first fan 26 and the second fan 23, rotates the humidity control rotor 22, and turns on the heater 25 (energized state). The control unit C sets the first switching damper 24 to the third state and sets the second switching damper 29 to the fifth state.

In the continuous humidification mode, the outdoor air as the second air flows through the second passage 62. The second air flowing through the second passage 62 flows in the adsorption region 22C of the humidity control rotor 22. In the adsorption region 22C, moisture in the second air is adsorbed by the adsorbent. The second air to which moisture has been imparted by the humidity adjustment rotor 22 is discharged from the second passage 62 to the outside.

In addition, in the continuous humidification mode, the outdoor air as the first air flows through the first passage 27. The first air flowing through the first passage 27 flows through the humidity control area 22A of the humidity control rotor 22 after being heated by the heater 25. In the humidity control region 22A, the adsorbent is heated by the first air sent from the heater 25, and moisture is released from the adsorbent. In the humidity control region 22A, moisture desorbed from the adsorbent is released to the first air. The first air humidified by the humidity control rotor 22 is sent to the air conditioning indoor unit 30 through the hose 2, and is sent to the room I from the room outlet 31b of the air conditioning indoor unit 30.

(3-6-2) Intermittent humidification mode

The intermittent humidification mode is an operation mode in which air (first air) humidified by the humidity control unit 20 is intermittently supplied to a room.

As shown in fig. 7, in the intermittent humidification mode, the humidity control unit 20 repeatedly performs the unit operation. The unit action is an action of sequentially performing the third action and the fourth action. In the unit operation, the fourth operation is performed after the third operation is completed. Accordingly, in the intermittent humidification mode, the humidity conditioning unit 20 repeatedly performs the third operation and the fourth operation alternately.

< Third action >)

The third operation is an operation of discharging the air having passed through the humidity control rotor 22 to the outside while allowing the humidity control rotor 22 to adsorb moisture in the air. The third action is a moisture trapping action.

In the third operation, the control unit C operates the second fan 23 to rotate the humidity control rotor 22, turns the first fan 26 off, and turns the heater 25 off (off). The control unit C sets the second switching damper 29 to the fifth state. The first switching damper 24 may be in any one of the third state and the fourth state.

When the second fan 23 is operated, the second air, which is the outdoor air, flows into the second passage 62 from the moisture absorption side suction port 61a, flows through the second passage 62, and passes through the suction region 22C of the humidity control rotor 22. In the adsorption region 22C, moisture in the second air is adsorbed by the adsorbent of the humidity control rotor 22. The second air having passed through the adsorption region 22C is discharged to the outside from the suction side exhaust port 61 b.

< Fourth action >)

The fourth operation is an operation of supplying the air from which the moisture has been acquired from the humidity control rotor 22 into the room while regenerating the humidity control rotor 22. The fourth action is a moisture releasing action.

In the fourth operation, the control unit C operates the first fan 26 and the second fan 23, rotates the humidity control rotor 22, and turns on the heater 25 (energized state). The control unit C sets the first switching damper 24 to the third state and sets the second switching damper 29 to the fifth state.

When the first fan 26 is operated, the first air, which is the outdoor air, flows into the first passage 27 from the intake/exhaust port 21a, flows through the first passage 27, is heated by the heater 25, and passes through the humidity control area 22A of the humidity control rotor 22. In the humidity control region 22A, the adsorbent is heated by the first air sent from the heater 25, and moisture is released from the adsorbent. In the humidity control region 22A, moisture is released from the adsorbent to the first air. The first air humidified by the humidity control rotor 22 is sent to the air conditioning indoor unit 30 through the hose 2, and is sent to the room I from the room outlet 31b of the air conditioning indoor unit 30.

As in the third operation, when the second fan 23 is operated, the second air, which is the outdoor air, flows through the second passage 62 and passes through the adsorption region 22C of the humidity conditioning rotor 22. The second air from which moisture has been taken out in the adsorption region 22C is discharged to the outside from the suction side exhaust port 61 b.

Start and end of third action

In the intermittent humidification mode of the humidity control unit 20, when a start instruction of the intermittent humidification mode is input to the control portion C or when the immediately preceding fourth operation is ended, the control portion C causes the humidity control unit 20 to start the third operation.

When the first end condition is satisfied while the humidity control unit 20 is executing the third operation, the control unit C causes the humidity control unit 20 to end the third operation.

The first end condition is a condition that "the duration of the third operation reaches a predetermined first reference time (for example, 15 minutes)". When the duration of the third action reaches the first reference time, it can be judged that: the adsorbent of the humidity control rotor 22 has substantially reached a saturated state, and the amount of moisture adsorbed by the humidity control rotor 22 does not increase even if the third operation is continued. Therefore, when the first end condition is satisfied, the control unit C causes the humidity control unit 20 to end the third operation.

Start and end of fourth action

In the intermittent humidification mode of the humidity control unit 20, when the immediately preceding third operation is completed, the control unit C causes the humidity control unit 20 to start the fourth operation.

When the second end condition is satisfied while the humidity control unit 20 is executing the fourth operation, the control unit C causes the humidity control unit 20 to end the fourth operation.

The second end condition is a condition that "the duration of the fourth operation reaches a predetermined second reference time (for example, 10 minutes)". When the duration of the fourth action reaches the second reference time, it can be judged that: the amount of moisture held by the adsorbent of the humidity control rotor 22 has become small, and even if the fourth operation is continued, the amount of humidification of the first air cannot be sufficiently obtained. Therefore, when the second end condition is satisfied, the control unit C causes the humidity control unit 20 to end the fourth operation.

The second end condition may be a condition that "the humidity of the first air humidified by the humidity control rotor 22 (specifically, the measured value of the humidity sensor 55) is lower than a predetermined reference humidity". In the case where the humidity of the first air after having passed through the humidity-adjusting rotor 22 is lower than the reference humidity, it can be judged that: the amount of moisture remaining in the humidity control rotor 22 has become small, and the amount of humidification of the first air cannot be sufficiently obtained even if the fourth operation is continued. Therefore, when the second end condition is satisfied, the control unit C causes the humidity control unit 20 to end the fourth operation.

Informing the user

Here, it is preferable that the information that the humidity control unit 20 is performing the third operation (moisture collecting operation) is not notified to the user in a state where the humidity control unit 20 is performing the intermittent humidification mode. This is because if the user is notified of the information that "the humidity control unit 20 is performing the third operation (moisture capturing operation), 'the supply of humidified first air' into the room is stopped", the user may erroneously recognize that the amount of humidification is reduced.

Therefore, it is preferable that even in a state in which the humidity control unit 20 is executing the intermittent humidification mode, information that the intermittent humidification mode is being executed is not displayed on the display portion 41 of the remote controller 40. For example, it is preferable that the information that the humidity control unit 20 is executing the humidification operation is not displayed on the display portion 41 of the remote controller 40 in a period from when the humidification start command signal is input to the control portion C to when the humidification end command signal is input to the control portion C, but only the information that the humidity control unit 20 is executing the humidification operation is displayed.

(3-7) Dehumidification cooling operation

In the dehumidification cooling operation, the cooling operation and the dehumidification operation described above are performed simultaneously. Specifically, the air is dehumidified by the humidity control unit 20, and cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 34 functioning as an evaporator.

(3-8) Humidifying/heating operation

In the humidification heating operation, the heating operation and the humidification operation described above are performed simultaneously. Specifically, the air is humidified by the humidity control unit 20, and heated by the indoor heat exchanger 34 functioning as a radiator.

(4) Features of the embodiments

In the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, the humidity control unit 20 has an intermittent humidification mode. In the intermittent humidification mode, the humidity control unit 20 repeatedly performs the unit operation. In the unit operation, the humidity control rotor 22 gives the first air with the moisture obtained from the second air in the third operation (moisture collecting operation) and with the moisture obtained from the second air in the fourth operation (moisture releasing operation). In the third operation (moisture collecting operation), the heating of the first air by the heater 25 is stopped, and therefore the temperature of the humidity control rotor 22 is suppressed to be low. If the temperature of the humidity control rotor 22 is suppressed to be low, the temperature rise of the second air passing through the humidity control rotor 22 can be suppressed, and as a result, the relative humidity of the second air passing through the humidity control rotor 22 can be suppressed from decreasing.

The higher the relative humidity of the second air passing through the humidity control rotor 22, the greater the amount of moisture that the adsorbent of the humidity control rotor 22 adsorbs from the second air. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the amount of moisture adsorbed by the humidity control rotor 22 from the second air increases as compared with the case where the second air is sent to the humidity control rotor 22 while the first air heated by the heater 25 is sent to the humidity control rotor 22. As a result, the amount of moisture applied to the first air by the humidity control rotor 22 increases in the fourth operation (moisture releasing operation), and the humidifying ability of the humidity control unit 20 increases.

Here, when the humidity control unit 20 performs only the operation of feeding the first air heated by the heater 25 to the humidity control rotor 22 and feeding the second air to the humidity control rotor 22, the humidity control rotor 22 continuously supplies power to the heater 25 although the temperature of the humidity control rotor 22 increases to reduce the amount of moisture adsorbed by the humidity control rotor 22 from the second air, and the humidifying capacity of the humidity control unit 20 is in a low state. Therefore, the heater 25 continuously consumes power although only a low humidification capacity can be obtained.

On the other hand, in the intermittent humidification mode by the humidity control unit 20 of the present embodiment, the heater 25 is in the off state (power-off state) during the execution of the third operation (moisture capturing operation). That is, in the intermittent humidification mode by the humidity control unit 20 of the present embodiment, if the fourth operation (the moisture release operation) is in a state where the amount of humidification of the first air cannot be sufficiently obtained, the operation performed by the humidity control unit is switched from the fourth operation to the third operation, and the heater 25 is in the off state (the power-off state). Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the amount of moisture adsorbed by the humidity control rotor 22 from the second air can be increased, and the power consumption of the heater 25 can be reduced. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the power consumption of the humidity control unit 20 can be reduced while maintaining the humidifying ability of the humidity control unit 20.

(5) Modification of the embodiment

A modification of the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

(5-1) First modification example

In the humidity control unit 20 of the present embodiment, the control unit C may stop the second fan 23 during the fourth operation period of the intermittent humidification mode.

As shown in fig. 8, the control unit C may stop the second fan 23 for a part of the duration of the fourth operation. In the example shown in fig. 8, the control unit C stops the second fan 23 for a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) from the start time of the fourth operation, and operates the second fan 23 after the predetermined time has elapsed from the start time of the fourth operation.

As shown in fig. 9, the control unit C may stop the second fan 23 for the entire duration of the fourth operation. In this case, the control unit C stops the second fan 23 at the start time of the fourth operation, and operates the second fan 23 at the time when the fourth operation is completed and the third operation is started.

In the fourth operation of the present modification, the first air heated by the heater 25 is continuously sent to the humidity control rotor 22 in a state where the second air in the second passage 62 stops flowing. Therefore, in this state, the temperature of the entire humidity control rotor 22 is kept higher than in a state in which both the first air and the second air are sent to the humidity control rotor 22. As a result, according to the present modification, the heating amount of the heater 25 can be suppressed to be low.

(5-2) Second modification example

In the humidity control unit 20 of the present embodiment, the control unit C may operate both the first fan 26 and the second fan 23 during the third operation period of the intermittent humidification mode.

In the third operation of the present modification, the control unit C operates the first fan 26 and the second fan 23, rotates the humidity control rotor 22, and turns off the heater 25 (power-off state). The control unit C sets the first switching damper 24 to the fourth state and sets the second switching damper 29 to the fifth state.

In the third operation of the present modification, the outdoor air as the first air passes through the humidity control area 22A of the humidity control rotor 22, and the outdoor air as the second air passes through the adsorption area 22C of the humidity control rotor 22. Then, in both the humidity control area 22A and the adsorption area 22C of the humidity control rotor 22, moisture contained in the outdoor air is adsorbed by the adsorbent of the humidity control rotor 22. The first air having passed through the humidity adjustment area 22A of the humidity adjustment rotor 22 flows from the first passage 27 through the exhaust passage 28 and is discharged to the outside. The second air having passed through the adsorption region 22C of the humidity control rotor flows through the second passage 62 and is discharged to the outside from the moisture absorption side exhaust port 61 b.

In the third operation of the present modification, in both the humidity control area 22A and the adsorption area 22C of the humidity control rotor 22, moisture contained in the outdoor air is adsorbed by the adsorbent of the humidity control rotor 22. Therefore, the time required for the third operation can be shortened, and the number of unit operations that can be performed within a certain time can be increased, so that the humidifying ability of the humidity control unit 20 can be improved.

(5-3) Third modification example

In the intermittent humidification mode, the humidity control unit 20 of the present embodiment may perform operations other than the unit operation between the two unit operations. As an example of the operation other than the unit operation, an operation of temporarily stopping the humidity control unit 20 (for example, a relatively short time of about 30 seconds) can be cited.

In addition, in each unit operation in the intermittent humidification mode, the humidity control unit 20 of the present embodiment may perform an operation other than the third operation and the fourth operation between the third operation and the fourth operation. As an example of the operations other than the third operation and the fourth operation, an operation of temporarily stopping the humidity control unit 20 (for example, a relatively short time of about 30 seconds) can be cited.

(5-4) Fourth modification example

In the air conditioner 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit C may be configured to: in the humidification operation of the humidity control unit 20, the switching between the continuous humidification mode and the intermittent humidification mode is automatically performed.

The control unit C of the present modification may be configured to: one of the continuous humidification mode and the intermittent humidification mode is selected, for example, in accordance with a measurement value of the outdoor air humidity sensor 52 (measurement value of the humidity of the outdoor air). In this case, when the measured value of the outdoor air humidity sensor 52 is higher than the predetermined reference humidity (or when the reference humidity is higher than or equal to the predetermined reference humidity), the control unit C causes the humidity control unit 20 to execute the continuous humidification mode; when the measured value of the outdoor air humidity sensor 52 is equal to or lower than a predetermined reference humidity (or lower than the reference humidity), the control unit C causes the humidity control unit 20 to perform the intermittent humidification mode.

While the embodiments and the modifications have been described above, it should be understood that various changes can be made in the embodiments and the specific cases without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Further, elements of the above embodiment, modifications, and other embodiments may be appropriately combined or replaced.

The words "first", "second" and "third" … … are merely used to distinguish between sentences including the words, and do not limit the number and order of the sentences.

Industrial applicability

In view of the above, the present disclosure is useful for a humidifying device and an air conditioning device.

Symbol description-

1. Air conditioner

3. Liquid connecting pipe (refrigerant pipe)

4. Gas connecting pipe (refrigerant pipe)

10 Air-conditioner outdoor machine (outdoor machine)

20 Humidity controlling unit (humidifying device)

22 Humidity-controlling rotor (rotor component)

25 Heater (heater)

27 First pass

30 Air-conditioner indoor machine (indoor machine)

62 Second pass

Claims

1. A humidifying device, which is a humidifying device (20) comprising a first passage (27), a second passage (62), a rotor member (22) and a heater (25), wherein the first passage (27) is provided for flowing first air, the second passage (62) is provided for flowing second air, the rotor member (22) is provided with an adsorbent for adsorbing moisture in air, the rotor member (22) is arranged and rotated in a manner of intersecting the first passage (27) and the second passage (62) respectively, the heater (25) heats the first air sent to the rotor member (22), and the humidifying device (20) humidifies a room by supplying the first air humidified by the rotor member (22) into the room, characterized in that:

The humidifying device (20) has an intermittent humidifying mode in which unit operations are repeated, wherein in the unit operations, a moisture releasing operation is performed after a moisture capturing operation is performed,

The moisture trapping operation is an operation of supplying the second air to the rotor member (22) so that the rotor member (22) adsorbs moisture in the second air in a state in which the heating of the first air by the heater (25) has been stopped and the supply of the first air into the room has been stopped,

The moisture releasing operation is an operation of supplying the first air heated by the heater (25) to the rotor member (22) and supplying the first air humidified by the rotor member (22) to a room.

2. A humidifying device according to claim 1, wherein:

the intermittent humidification mode is an operation mode in which the humidification device (20) repeatedly and alternately performs the moisture trapping operation and the moisture releasing operation.

3. A humidifying apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

When a first end condition is satisfied during execution of the moisture trapping operation, the humidifying device (20) ends the moisture trapping operation,

The first end condition is a condition that the duration of the moisture capturing operation reaches a first reference time.

4. A humidifying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:

when a second end condition is established during execution of the moisture releasing action, the humidifying device (20) ends the moisture releasing action,

The second end condition is a condition that a duration of the moisture releasing operation reaches a second reference time or a condition that the humidity of the first air humidified by the rotor member (22) is lower than a predetermined humidity.

5. The humidifying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:

The humidifying device (20) stops the flow of the second air in the second passage (62) at least a part of the time when the moisture releasing action is performed.

6. An air conditioning apparatus, characterized in that:

The air conditioner includes the humidifying device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and an outdoor unit (10) and an indoor unit (30) which are connected to each other through refrigerant pipes (3, 4) to perform a refrigeration cycle.