JP2002031378A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To use condensed water generated in an outdoor unit for humidification in an air conditioner. SOLUTION: A humidification unit 4 is arranged below an outdoor unit 41, condensed water attached to the outdoor heat exchanger 13 is collected by a drain pan 43, and is absorbed by a gauze 58 via an introduction pipe 56. The water in the gauze 58 is absorbed by the air flow in the direction of arrow A, and the air flow is brought into contact with the moisture absorbing element 52. Moisture adhering to the moisture absorbing element 52 is taken out by the heater 53 and humidified air is supplied to the room by the humidifying fan 54.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to an air conditioner having a humidifying unit for humidifying a room.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Separate type air conditioners composed of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit are widely used because they can produce cool air and warm air with relatively simple construction and can operate independently for each unit. I have. This separate type air conditioner has an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger.
A refrigerant circuit configured between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger. There is also an outdoor unit in which a humidifying unit is mounted. In such an air conditioner, the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is controlled, the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator or a condenser for the refrigerant, and the room is cooled or heated.
Further, the humidifying unit takes in moisture from the outside air and humidifies the room using the moisture.

[0003] Such a humidifying unit includes a humidifying fan, a humidifying element, a heater, and a humidifying fan. When the moisture-absorbing fan is driven, the outdoor air is sucked, and the air comes into contact with the moisture-absorbing element to absorb the moisture. Next, the moisture absorbing element is heated by the heater unit, and the moisture absorbed by the moisture absorbing element is extracted. In addition, the humidification side fan is driven, and the extracted water is supplied to the indoor unit together with the outside air through the pipe. The indoor unit supplies the humid outside air to the room together with the warm air of the heating operation.

[0004]

When the air conditioner performs the heating operation, the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger becomes low, so that moisture in the outside air adheres to the outdoor heat exchanger to generate condensed water. This condensed water is usually collected in a drain pan provided at the bottom of the outdoor unit. If this condensed water can be used for the operation of the humidification unit, the humidification efficiency can be improved, and it can contribute to energy saving of the air conditioner.

An object of the present invention is to utilize condensed water adhering to an outdoor heat exchanger for humidifying a room in an air conditioner.

[0006]

An air conditioner according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a refrigerant circuit including an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger for performing cooling and heating processing, an indoor unit in which the indoor heat exchanger is housed, and
An air conditioner comprising: an outdoor unit in which an outdoor heat exchanger is stored; and a humidifying unit disposed outside the outdoor unit together with the outdoor unit, for separating moisture contained in the outside air and supplying the humidified air to the indoor unit. The unit further utilizes condensed water that adheres to the outdoor heat exchanger.

In such an air conditioner, by controlling the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit, the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger function as an evaporator or a condenser to cool or heat the indoor air. A humidification unit arranged outside the outdoor unit together with the outdoor unit separates moisture contained in the outside air, and supplies humidified air using the moisture to the indoor unit to humidify the room. When the outdoor heat exchanger is used as a refrigerant evaporator during the heating operation, the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger becomes low and condensed water adheres.

In this humidification unit, the humidification is performed by using the condensed water, so that the efficiency of humidification is remarkably improved as compared with the case where only the moisture in the outside air is used. As a result, the number of rotations of the fan required for humidification can be suppressed low, noise can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced (which can contribute to energy saving).

[0009] An air conditioner according to a second aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner of the first aspect, wherein the humidifying unit is disposed above the outdoor unit. Further, the humidification unit has a moisture absorption side fan for taking in outside air, a moisture absorption element for absorbing moisture in outside air taken in by the moisture absorption side fan,
The heater includes a heater for heating the moisture absorbing element to take out moisture, and a humidifying fan for sending humidified air containing the moisture taken out by the heater to the indoor unit. Also, the outdoor unit has a drain pan for collecting condensed water, a drain pump for pumping the condensed water collected in the drain pan,
A drain transfer hose connected between the drain pump and the moisture absorbing element for supplying drain water to the moisture absorbing element;

[0010] In this air conditioner, in the humidifying unit, the outside air is taken in by the moisture absorption fan, brought into contact with the moisture absorption element, and the moisture absorption element absorbs the moisture in the outside air. The moisture absorbed by the moisture absorbing element is heated by the heater, separated from the moisture absorbing element, and supplied to the indoor unit by the humidifying fan together with the outside air. Further, the condensed water attached to the outdoor heat exchanger is collected in a drain pan, pumped up by a drain pump, and supplied to a moisture absorbing element via a drain transfer hose.

Also in this case, the moisture absorbing element absorbs not only the moisture in the outside air but also the condensed water, so that the humidification efficiency is remarkably improved as compared with the case where the humidification is performed only by the outside air. As a result, the number of fan rotations required for humidification can be kept low, noise can be reduced,
Power consumption can be reduced (it can contribute to energy saving). Further, since the humidifying unit is disposed above the outdoor unit, it is easy to sell only the humidifying unit as an option and to additionally install the humidifying unit later.

An air conditioner according to a third aspect is the air conditioner according to the first aspect, wherein the humidifying unit is disposed below the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit has a drain pan for collecting condensed water. The humidification unit includes a moisture absorption side fan for taking in outside air, a moisture absorption element for absorbing moisture in the outside air taken in by the moisture absorption side fan, a heater for heating the moisture absorption element to take out moisture, and a heater. A humidification-side fan that sends out the humidified air containing the extracted moisture to the indoor unit, and an introduction pipe that supplies condensed water collected in the drain pan to the moisture absorption element.

In this air conditioner, since the humidification unit is disposed below the outdoor unit, the condensed water collected in the drain pan of the outdoor unit is supplied to the humidifying element via the introduction pipe.

Also in this case, the moisture absorbing element absorbs not only the moisture in the outside air but also the condensed water, so that the humidifying efficiency is remarkably improved as compared with the case of humidifying only by the outside air. As a result, the number of fan rotations required for humidification can be kept low, noise can be reduced,
Power consumption can be reduced (it can contribute to energy saving). Further, since the humidifying unit is disposed below the outdoor unit, the condensed water collected in the drain pan falls naturally and is supplied to the moisture absorbing element, so that it is not necessary to add a separate device such as a pump.

An air conditioner according to a fourth aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerant circuit including an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor unit containing the indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor unit containing the outdoor heat exchanger. , A humidification unit. The humidification unit is installed below the outdoor unit, and supplies humidified air obtained by using condensed water attached to the outdoor heat exchanger to the indoor unit.

In such an air conditioner, the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger function as an evaporator or a condenser by controlling the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit to cool or heat the indoor air. Further, the humidifying unit takes in moisture from the outside air, obtains humidified air using condensed water generated in the outdoor unit, and supplies the humidified air to the room.

In this case, since the humidifying unit is disposed below the outdoor unit, the condensed water generated in the outdoor unit can be taken into the humidifying unit by gravity, and the condensed water can be humidified without providing a complicated structure. Can be used for If condensed water is used for humidification, the efficiency of humidification by the humidification unit is significantly improved as compared with the case where moisture is taken only from outside air. As a result, the number of fan rotations required for humidification can be kept low, noise can be reduced,
Power consumption can be reduced (it can contribute to energy saving).

An air conditioner according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner according to the fourth aspect, wherein the outdoor unit includes a drain pan for collecting condensed water, and the humidifying unit includes an inlet pipe, a moisture absorbing fan, and a moisture absorbing element. , A heater, a humidifying fan, and a water absorbing member. The inlet tube is connected to the drain pan. The moisture absorption side fan takes in outside air. The moisture absorbing element absorbs moisture in the outside air taken in by the moisture absorbing fan. The heater heats the moisture absorbing element to extract moisture. The humidification side fan sends out the moisture taken out by the heater into the room. The water-absorbing member is arranged in the airflow generated by the moisture-absorbing fan, and holds the condensed water supplied from the inlet pipe.

In such an air conditioner, condensed water generated in the outdoor unit is collected by a drain pan, and the collected condensed water is supplied to a water absorbing member by an introduction pipe. The condensed water is temporarily held in the water absorbing member, and is supplied to and absorbed by the moisture absorbing element by the airflow of the moisture absorbing fan. The moisture absorbed by the moisture absorbing element is taken out by being heated by the heater and supplied to the room by the humidifying fan.

Also in this case, since the humidification unit is disposed below the outdoor unit, the condensed water generated in the outdoor unit can be taken into the humidification unit by gravity. Therefore, the condensed water can be used for humidification without providing a complicated configuration. If condensed water is used for humidification, the efficiency of humidification by the humidification unit is significantly improved as compared with the case where moisture is taken only from outside air. As a result, the number of rotations of the fan required for humidification can be suppressed low, noise can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced (which can contribute to energy saving). Furthermore, the condensed water can be used for humidification only by supplying the condensed water of the drain pan from the introduction pipe to the water absorbing member, and there is no need to provide a mechanical device such as a water absorption pump, and there is no risk of cost increase.

An air conditioner according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner of the fifth aspect, wherein the water absorbing member is a gauze. Also in this case, since the humidification unit is disposed below the outdoor unit, condensed water generated in the outdoor unit can be taken into the humidification unit by gravity, without providing a complicated configuration,
Condensed water can be used for humidification. If condensed water is used for humidification, it will be more efficient than if only moisture is taken in from outside air.
The efficiency of humidification by the humidification unit is significantly improved. As a result, the number of rotations of the fan required for humidification can be suppressed low, noise can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced (which can contribute to energy saving). Further, the gauze as the water absorbing member can sufficiently retain moisture, and the gauze is inexpensive, so that there is no possibility of increasing the cost.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] [Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioner to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. The air conditioner includes a refrigerant circuit 1, a driving unit 2 for driving the refrigerant circuit 1, a humidifying unit 4 as a humidifying unit,
A control circuit 3 for controlling the refrigerant circuit 1, the driving means 2 and the humidifying unit 4 is provided.

FIG. 2 shows a specific configuration of the refrigerant circuit 1.
The refrigerant circuit 1 is connected to a compressor 11, a four-way switching valve 12 connected to the discharge side of the compressor 11, an outdoor heat exchanger 13 connected to the four-way switching valve 12, and an outdoor heat exchanger 13. A pressure reducer (electric expansion valve) 14, an indoor heat exchanger 15 connected to the pressure reducer 14, and an accumulator 16. The accumulator 16 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 11 and is for preventing liquid refrigerant from being mixed into the compressor 11. Compressor 11, four-way switching valve 12,
Accumulator 16, outdoor heat exchanger 13, and pressure reducer 14
Are provided in the outdoor unit, and the indoor heat exchanger 15 is provided in the indoor unit. The indoor units include an indoor heat exchanger 15.
An indoor fan for supplying airflow to the air conditioner is disposed.

During the cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 12 is set to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 2, the pressure reducer 14 is throttled to a predetermined opening, and the compressor 11 is started. The high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 and then decompressed by the decompressor 14. The decompressed low-pressure refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 15 and returns to the compressor 11 via the four-way switching valve 12 and the accumulator 16. When the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 15, the indoor air deprives the refrigerant of heat, and the deprived indoor air acts as cool air.

During the heating operation, the four-way switching valve 12 is set to the position shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2, the pressure reducer 14 is throttled to a predetermined opening, and the compressor 11 is started. The high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 15 and then decompressed by the decompressor 14. The depressurized low-pressure refrigerant is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 1
After evaporation in 3, the four-way switching valve 12, the accumulator 13
And returns to the discharge side of the compressor 11. Indoor heat exchanger 15
When the refrigerant is condensed, the heat is released to the indoor air,
The indoor air that has absorbed this heat acts as warm air.

FIG. 3 shows the structure of the driving means 2 for driving the refrigerant circuit 1. The driving means 2 mainly includes the A / D converter 2
2 and an inverter 23. The A / D converter 22 converts the AC voltage supplied from the commercial AC power
Convert to C voltage. The inverter 23 converts a DC voltage into an AC voltage according to a signal from the control unit 3. The output voltage from the inverter 23 causes the compressor 11
Is driven to form a refrigerant flow.

The control means 3 comprises a control unit 31 including a microprocessor as shown in FIG. The controller 31 is connected to the refrigerant circuit 1, the driving means 2, and the humidifying unit 4. Further, a receiving unit 33 for receiving an instruction transmitted from the remote controller is connected to the control unit 31. The control unit 31 includes a target temperature setting unit 34 that sets a target temperature based on the instruction received by the reception unit 33,
A target humidity setting unit 35 for setting a target humidity is connected. The target temperature setting unit 34 and the target humidity setting unit 35
Can be set as a predetermined area of a memory connected to the control unit 31. The controller 31 is connected to a room temperature detector 36 having a temperature sensor for detecting room temperature, and a humidity detector 37 having a humidity sensor for detecting indoor humidity.

[Configuration of Humidifying Unit] Next, FIG. 5 shows a partially cutaway perspective view of the humidifying unit 4 of the air conditioner according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 shows a sectional view taken along line VI-VI '.
The humidifying unit 4 is integrally mounted below the outdoor unit 41 as shown in FIG.

The outdoor unit 41 is installed below the outdoor heat exchanger 13, an outdoor fan (not shown) provided inside the outdoor heat exchanger 13, and an L-shaped outdoor heat exchanger 13. It has a drain pan 43 and a machine room 42 arranged side by side with the outdoor heat exchanger 13. Drain pan 43
Is a tray for collecting condensed water generated in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 during the heating operation, and has a drain port 43a. The machine room 42 houses an electric circuit as the driving means 2 and mechanical devices such as the compressor 11, the four-way switching valve 12, the pressure reducing valve 14, and the like. As described above, these mechanical devices and the outdoor heat exchanger 13 constitute a part of the refrigerant circuit 1. The pipes 44 and 45 constitute a part of the refrigerant circuit 1 and supply the refrigerant to the indoor units. As described above, the refrigerant heats or cools the room.

The humidifying unit 4 includes a fan 51 on the moisture absorption side,
It mainly includes a moisture absorbing element 52, a heater unit 53, and a humidifying fan 54. The moisture absorption side fan 51 is arranged at one end inside the humidification unit 4. The moisture absorbing element 52 absorbs moisture by coming into contact with outdoor air, and is arranged side by side with the moisture absorbing side fan 51. The heater unit 53 is a device for heating the moisture absorbing element 52 to take out moisture, and is arranged so as to cover a part of the moisture absorbing element 52. The humidification side fan 54 is disposed below the heater 53 and exhausts air to the pipe 55. Piping 5
Numeral 5 is connected to the bottom of the humidification unit 4 and supplies the humid outside air discharged from the humidification side fan 54 to the indoor unit.

In the case body of the humidifying unit 4,
As shown in FIG. 6, an intake port 57 for taking in outside air is provided.
Is provided. A gauze 58 as a water absorbing member is provided so as to cover the intake port 57. A water receiver 59 is arranged below the gauze 58. The gauze 58 and the water receiver 59 form a water reservoir. Introductory pipe 5
6 is provided in communication with the drain port 43 a of the drain pan 43. The introduction pipe 56 is connected to the gauze 58 through the drain port 43a.
To form a flow path.

[Operation of Humidifying Unit] When the target temperature and the target humidity are set in the target temperature setting section 34 and the target humidity setting section 35 during the heating operation, the refrigerant circuit 1 is controlled to bring the room temperature closer to the target temperature. The humidifying unit 4 is operated so that the humidity approaches the target humidity.

During the heating operation, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 15 as described above.
When condensed in the room, heat is released to the room air to heat the room. Thereafter, the condensed refrigerant is reduced in pressure by the pressure reducing valve 14,
It becomes a low-temperature low-pressure refrigerant and flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 13. In the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air and evaporates, and the moisture in the outside air is condensed and the outdoor heat exchanger 1
3 adheres to the surface. External moisture (condensed water)
Flows down on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 due to gravity and is collected in the drain pan 43. The condensed water collected in the drain pan 43 flows from the drain port 43a to the gauze 58 through the introduction pipe 56. The gauze 58 absorbs the condensed water, and the condensed water that cannot be completely absorbed is stored in the water receiver 59.

The humidifying unit 4 is controlled by the control means 3. That is, the control unit 3 controls the moisture absorption side fan 5
1 is driven, and outside air is sucked from the intake port 57 as shown by the arrow A. This air flow passes through the gauze 58 to take up condensed water and contact the moisture absorbing element 52. The moisture absorbing element 52 absorbs moisture and condensed water in the outside air contained in the air flow. In this case, since the outside air passes through the gauze 58 containing the condensed water and comes into contact with the moisture absorbing element 52, it is possible to efficiently absorb moisture as compared with the case where the outside air is directly contacted with the moisture absorbing element 52.

Next, the moisture absorbing element 52 is heated by the heater unit 53, and the moisture absorbed by the moisture absorbing element 52 is extracted. Further, the humidification side fan 54 is driven, and the extracted water is supplied to the indoor unit together with the outside air via the pipe 55. The indoor unit supplies the humid outside air to the room together with the warm air of the heating operation.

According to this embodiment, the condensed water can be used for humidification only by providing the introduction pipe 56, the gauze 58, and the water receiver 59, and there is no need to separately provide a structure such as a water suction pump. Also, by humidifying using condensed water,
The room can be efficiently humidified without increasing the rotation speed of the moisture absorption side fan 51 and the humidification side fan 54 as compared with the case where the room is not used. Thereby, the power consumption of the moisture absorption side fan 51 and the humidification side fan 54 can be reduced, which can contribute to energy saving. Further, these noises can be reduced.

Second Embodiment [Configuration of Humidifying Unit] Next, a partially cutaway perspective view of a humidifying unit 4 of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment is shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 shows a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII ′. The humidifying unit 4 is integrally mounted below the outdoor unit 41 as shown in FIG.

As in the first embodiment, the outdoor unit 41 includes an L-shaped outdoor heat exchanger 13, an outdoor fan (not shown) provided inside the outdoor heat exchanger 13, and an outdoor heat exchanger. It has a drain pan 43 installed below the vessel 13 and a machine room 42 arranged side by side with the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The drain pan 43 is a tray for collecting condensed water generated in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 during the heating operation, as in the first embodiment. However, the drain port 43 of the present embodiment
b is provided near the center of the drain pan 43 as compared with the drain port 43a of the first embodiment.

The structure of the humidifying unit 4 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and includes a fan 51 on the moisture absorbing side and a moisture absorbing element 52.
, A heater unit 53, and a humidifying side fan 54. Also, the case body of the humidifying unit 4
As shown in FIG. 8, an intake port 57 for taking in outside air is provided.
Is provided. In addition, the introduction pipe 56 is connected to the drain pan 4
3 is provided in communication with the drainage port 43b, and the lower end opening of the introduction pipe 56 forms a flow path toward the upper surface of the moisture absorbing element.

[Operation of Humidifying Unit] As in the case of the first embodiment, the operation of the humidifying unit 4 during the heating operation will be described.

During the heating operation, as described above, in the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air and evaporates, and the moisture in the outside air is condensed and adheres to the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. I do. The moisture (condensed water) in the outside air that adheres
It flows down on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 due to gravity and is collected in the drain pan 43. The condensed water collected in the drain pan 43 flows down from the drain port 43b to the moisture absorbing element 52 through the introduction pipe 56. Thus, the condensed water flowing down from the drain pan 43 is absorbed by the moisture absorbing element 52.

When the operation of the humidifying unit 4 is started by the control means 3, the fan 51 on the moisture absorption side is driven, and the arrow A
The outside air is sucked from the intake port 57 as shown in FIG. This air flow (outside air) comes into contact with the moisture absorbing element 52, and moisture in the outside air contained in the air flow is absorbed. Further, condensed water flowing down from the introduction pipe 56 is also collected in the moisture absorbing element 52. Therefore, in this case, the moisture absorbing element 52 includes
In addition to moisture separated from the outside air, condensed water will be absorbed.

Then, the moisture absorbing element 52 is heated by the heater unit 53, and the moisture (moisture and condensed water separated from the outside air) absorbed by the moisture absorbing element 52 is taken out, and the humidifying fan 54 is driven to take out the moisture. The collected water is supplied to the indoor unit together with the outside air via the pipe 55. The room is humidified by the humidified air.

Also in this embodiment, the condensed water can be used for humidification only by supplying the condensed water to the moisture absorbing element 52 through the introduction pipe 56, and there is no need to provide a separate structure such as a water absorption pump. Further, since the condensed water is supplied to the moisture absorbing element 52 in a liquid state, the humidification efficiency can be further improved as compared with the first embodiment in which the condensed water is indirectly used.

[Third Embodiment] [Configuration of Humidifying Unit] Next, a partially cutaway perspective view of a humidifying unit 4 of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment is shown in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line XX ′. The humidifying unit 4 is integrally mounted below the outdoor unit 41 as shown in FIG.

The outdoor unit 41 includes an outdoor heat exchanger 13 having an L-shape in plan view, an outdoor fan (not shown) provided inside the outdoor heat exchanger 13, and an outdoor heat exchanger, as in the above embodiment. 13, a drain pan 43 is provided below, and a machine room 42 is arranged alongside the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The drain pan 43 is a tray for collecting condensed water generated in the outdoor heat exchanger 13 during the heating operation, as in the above-described embodiment. The drain port 43c of the present embodiment is
Similarly to the drain port 43b of the second embodiment, the drain pan 4
3 is provided near the center.

The humidifying unit 4 of the present embodiment includes an introduction pipe 56 communicating with the drain 43 c of the drain pan 43, an evaporating dish 61 disposed below the lower end opening of the introduction pipe 56, and
An exhaust fan 62 is provided so as to cover a part of the upper surface of the evaporating dish 61. As shown in FIG. 10, the case body of the humidifying unit 4 is provided with an intake port 57 for taking in outside air. The introduction pipe 56 forms a flow path for supplying the condensed water collected in the drain pan 43 to the humidifying unit 4 as in the case of the above-described embodiment. The evaporating dish 61 temporarily stores condensed water supplied through the introduction pipe 56. The exhaust fan 62 is connected to the pipe 55
And exhausts the water vapor generated in the evaporating dish 61 to the pipe 55 together with the outside air.

[Operation of Humidifying Unit] The operation of the humidifying unit 4 during the heating operation will be described in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

During the heating operation, as described above, in the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air and evaporates, and the moisture in the outside air is condensed and adheres to the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 13. I do. The moisture (condensed water) in the outside air that adheres
It flows down on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger 13 due to gravity and is collected in the drain pan 43. The condensed water collected in the drain pan 43 flows down from the drain port 43c to the evaporating dish 61 through the introduction pipe 56.

When the operation of the humidifying unit 4 is started by the control means 3, the exhaust fan 62 is driven, and the outside air is sucked from the intake port 57 as shown by the arrow A. This air flow (outside air) passes through the surface of the evaporating dish 61 filled with condensed water, and is discharged to the pipe 55 by the exhaust fan 62. When this air flow passes through the surface of the evaporating dish 61,
The evaporated condensed water is sufficiently absorbed, and the humidified air containing water from the condensed water is discharged to the pipe 55. This humidified air humidifies the room.

In the present embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments, humidification using condensed water can be performed without using expensive components such as the moisture absorbing element 52 and the heater unit 53. Further, while the first and second embodiments require two fans, ie, the moisture absorption side fan 51 and the humidification side fan 54, in the present embodiment, only the exhaust fan 62 may be provided. Can be reduced. Also, as in the first and second embodiments, the heater unit 52
Power consumption can be further reduced.

[Fourth Embodiment] [Configuration of Humidifying Unit] Next, a partially cutaway perspective view of a humidifying unit 4 of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment is shown in FIG.
1 is shown. In the present embodiment, the humidifying unit 4 is an outdoor unit 4
1 and is integrally arranged above the first.

The structure of the outdoor unit 41 is the same as that of the above-described embodiment, but for convenience of explanation, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor fan,
The machine room and the like are not shown. This embodiment also includes a drain pan 43 as a tray for collecting condensed water generated in the outdoor heat exchanger during the heating operation. Further, a drain pump 71 is arranged so as to cover a part of the drain pan 43. Also, the drain pump 71
And a drain transfer pump 72 that forms a flow path to the moisture absorbing unit 52 disposed above. The drain pan 43 collects condensed water in the same manner as in the above embodiment. The drain pump 71 pumps up the collected condensed water and supplies the condensed water to the moisture absorbing element 52 via the drain transfer pump 72.

The structure of the humidifying unit 4 is the same as that of the first and second embodiments. The humidifying side fan 51, the humidifying element 52, the heater unit 53, and the humidifying side fan 54
And the main. The case body of the humidifying unit 4 is provided with an intake port 57 for taking in outside air. The upper end opening of the drain drain pump 72 is disposed so as to face the upper surface of the moisture absorbing element 52.

[Operation of Humidifying Unit] The operation of the humidifying unit 4 during the heating operation will be described in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

During the heating operation, as described above, in the outdoor heat exchanger, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air and evaporates, and the moisture in the outside air is condensed and adheres to the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger. The adhering moisture (condensed water) in the outside air flows down on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger by gravity and drains the drain pan 43.
Will be collected. The collected condensed water is supplied to the drain pump 7
1 and is conveyed to the inside of the humidification unit 4 via the drain conveyance pump 72. The pumped-up condensed water is supplied to the upper surface of the moisture absorption unit 52 from the upper end opening of the drain transfer pump 72, and the moisture absorption unit 52 absorbs the condensed water.

When the operation of the humidifying unit 4 is started by the control means 3, the fan 51 on the moisture absorption side is driven, and the arrow A
The outside air is sucked from the intake port 57 as shown in FIG. This air flow (outside air) comes into contact with the moisture absorbing element 52, and moisture in the outside air contained in the air flow is absorbed. Further, the condensed water supplied from the drain transfer pump 72 is also used as the moisture absorbing element 52
Is absorbed by Therefore, in this case, in addition to the moisture separated from the outside air, the condensed water supplied from the drain transfer pump 72 is also absorbed by the moisture absorbing element 52.

Then, the moisture absorbing element 52 is heated by the heater unit 53, the moisture absorbed by the moisture absorbing element 52 (the moisture separated from the outside air and the condensed water) is taken out, and the humidifying fan 54 is driven to take out. The collected water is supplied to the indoor unit together with the outside air via the pipe 55. This humidified air humidifies the room.

Also in this embodiment, since the liquid condensed water is directly supplied to the moisture absorbing element 52, the efficiency of humidification can be remarkably improved. Further, since the humidifying unit 4 is disposed above the outdoor unit 41, the humidifying unit 4 can be optionally added later.

[0060]

According to the air conditioner of the first aspect, the humidification is performed by using the condensed water. Therefore, the humidification efficiency is remarkably improved as compared with the case where only the moisture in the outside air is used. As a result, the number of rotations of the fan required for humidification can be suppressed low, noise can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced (which can contribute to energy saving).

According to the air conditioner of the second aspect, similarly to the air conditioner of the first aspect, the moisture absorbing element absorbs not only moisture in the outside air but also condensed water. The efficiency of humidification is remarkably improved as compared with the case where the above is performed. As a result, the number of rotations of the fan required for humidification can be suppressed low, noise can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced (which can contribute to energy saving). Further, according to the second aspect, since the humidification unit is disposed above the outdoor unit, it is easy to sell only the humidification unit as an option and to additionally install the humidification unit later.

According to the air conditioner of Invention 3, Invention 1
Like the air conditioner, the moisture absorbing element absorbs not only the moisture in the outside air but also the condensed water, so that the humidification efficiency is remarkably improved as compared with the case where the humidification is performed only by the outside air. As a result, the number of rotations of the fan required for humidification can be suppressed low, noise can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced (which can contribute to energy saving). Further, according to the third aspect, since the humidifying unit is disposed below the outdoor unit, the condensed water collected in the drain pan falls naturally and is supplied to the moisture absorbing element, and it is necessary to add a separate device such as a pump. There is no.

According to the air conditioner of the fourth aspect, since the humidification unit is disposed below the outdoor unit, condensed water generated in the outdoor unit can be taken into the humidification unit by gravity, and a complicated structure is provided. The condensed water can be used for humidification without the need. If condensed water is used for humidification, the efficiency of humidification by the humidification unit is significantly improved as compared with the case where moisture is taken only from outside air. As a result, the number of rotations of the fan required for humidification can be suppressed low, noise can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced (which can contribute to energy saving).

According to the air conditioner of the fifth aspect, similarly to the air conditioner of the fourth aspect, since the humidifying unit is disposed below the outdoor unit, condensed water generated in the outdoor unit is supplied to the humidifying unit by gravity. The condensed water can be used for humidification without providing a complicated configuration. If condensed water is used for humidification, the efficiency of humidification by the humidification unit is significantly improved as compared with the case where moisture is taken only from outside air. As a result, the number of rotations of the fan required for humidification can be suppressed low, noise can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced (which can contribute to energy saving). Further, according to the fifth aspect, the condensed water in the drain pan can be used for humidification only by supplying the condensed water from the introduction pipe to the water absorbing member, and there is no need to provide a mechanical device such as a water absorbing pump, which leads to an increase in cost. There is no fear.

In the air conditioner of the sixth aspect, similarly to the air conditioner of the fifth aspect, since the humidification unit is disposed below the outdoor unit, condensed water generated in the outdoor unit is taken into the humidification unit by gravity. Can be. Therefore, the condensed water can be used for humidification without providing a complicated configuration. If condensed water is used for humidification, the efficiency of humidification by the humidification unit is significantly improved as compared with the case where moisture is taken only from outside air. As a result, the number of rotations of the fan required for humidification can be suppressed low, noise can be reduced, and power consumption can be reduced (which can contribute to energy saving). Further, according to the sixth aspect, the gauze as the water absorbing member can sufficiently retain moisture, and the gauze is inexpensive, so that there is no possibility of an increase in cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioner to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the refrigerant circuit.

FIG. 3 shows the driving means.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram thereof.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the humidifying unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view thereof.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a humidifying unit according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view thereof.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a humidifying unit according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view thereof.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a humidifying unit according to a fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerant circuit 4 Humidifier unit 13 Outdoor heat exchanger 15 Indoor heat exchanger 41 Outdoor unit 43 Drain pan 43a, 43b, 43c Drain port 51 Moisture absorption side fan 52 Moisture absorption element 53 Heater 54 Humidification side fan 56 Inlet pipe 58 Gauze 61 Evaporating dish 62 Exhaust pump 71 Drain pump 72 Drain transfer hose

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Toshihiro Kizawa 1000-2 Oya, Okamoto-cho, Kusatsu-shi, Shiga Inside Daiga Industries Co., Ltd. Daikin Industries, Ltd. Shiga Works (72) Inventor Kozo Yoshinaga 1000-2 Oya, Okamotocho, Kusatsu-shi, Shiga 2 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Shiga Works F-term (reference) 3L055 AA10 BA10 CA04 DA20

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A refrigerant circuit (1) including an indoor heat exchanger (15) and an outdoor heat exchanger (13) for performing a cooling / heating process.
An indoor unit in which the indoor heat exchanger (15) is stored, an outdoor unit (41) in which the outdoor heat exchanger (13) is stored,
A humidifying unit (4) disposed outside the outdoor unit together with the outdoor unit (41) to separate moisture contained in the outside air and supply the humidified air to the indoor unit as the humidifying unit (4); 4) An air conditioner further utilizing condensed water adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger (13). 2. The humidification unit (4) is disposed above the outdoor unit (41), and has a moisture absorption side fan (51) for taking in outside air, and an outside air taken in by the moisture absorption side fan (51). A moisture absorbing element (52) for absorbing moisture therein; a heater (53) for heating the moisture absorbing element (52) to take out moisture; and a humidified air containing moisture taken out by the heater (53). And a humidification-side fan (54) for sending the condensed water collected in the drain pan (43) and the drain pan (43) to the indoor unit. A drain pump (71) for pumping, the drain pump (71) and the moisture absorbing element (5);
2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising: a drain conveyance hose (72) that is connected between the drainage hose and the moisture absorption element (52) to supply drain water to the moisture absorbing element (52). 3. The humidifying unit (4), wherein the outdoor unit (41) includes a drain pan (43) for collecting condensed water.
Is disposed below the outdoor unit (41), and has a moisture absorption side fan (51) for taking in outside air, and a moisture absorption side for absorbing moisture in outside air taken in by the moisture absorption side fan (51). An element (52); a heater (53) for heating the moisture absorbing element (52) to take out moisture; and sending out humidified air containing the moisture taken out by the heater (53) to the indoor unit (41). Humidifying fan (5
The air conditioner according to claim 1, comprising: 4); and an introduction pipe (56) for supplying condensed water collected in the drain pan (43) to the moisture absorbing element (52). 4. A refrigerant circuit (1) including an indoor heat exchanger (15) and an outdoor heat exchanger (13) and performing a cooling / heating process; an indoor unit in which the indoor heat exchanger (15) is housed; An outdoor unit (41) containing the outdoor heat exchanger (13)
A humidification unit (4) installed below the outdoor unit (41) and supplying humidified air obtained by using condensed water attached to the outdoor heat exchanger (13) to the indoor unit; Air conditioner equipped with. 5. The humidification unit (4), wherein the outdoor unit (41) includes a drain pan (43) for collecting condensed water.
Is an introduction pipe (56) connected to the drain pan (43).
A moisture absorption side fan (51) for taking in outside air; a moisture absorption element (52) for absorbing moisture in the outside air taken in by the moisture absorption side fan (51); and heating the moisture absorption element (52). A heater (53) for taking out moisture by heating, a humidifying fan (54) for sending moisture taken out by the heater (53) into a room, and an air flow generated by the moisture absorbing fan (51). The air conditioner according to claim 4, further comprising a water absorbing member (58) for holding condensed water supplied from the introduction pipe (56). 6. An air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein said water absorbing member (58) is a gauze (58).