JP7710130B2 - Air Conditioning System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioning system that conditions multiple spaces.

Traditionally, homes have been air-conditioned using central air conditioners. Furthermore, with the growing demand for energy-saving homes and stricter regulations, it is expected that the number of highly insulated and airtight homes will increase, and there is a demand for air-conditioning systems that are suited to these characteristics.

One such air conditioning system is a central air conditioning system that conditions the air transported from multiple indoor spaces (living rooms) to an air-conditioned room to a predetermined temperature and humidity level, and then transports the air to each of the multiple indoor spaces (living rooms) (e.g., Patent Document 1).

JP 2020-63899 A

In conventional whole-building air-conditioning systems, the air whose temperature and humidity have been adjusted inside the air-conditioned room is transported to each of several indoor spaces by a transport fan installed inside the air-conditioned room. Then, as the air inside the air-conditioned room becomes negative pressure as it is transported inside the air-conditioned room, air from the indoor spaces flows into the air-conditioned room through an intake opening installed in the air-conditioned room. The temperature and humidity of the air that flows in is adjusted inside the air-conditioned room. However, in addition to the intake opening, the air-conditioned room also has a drainage pipe for the humidifier that communicates with the outside, and there is a concern that when the air-conditioned room becomes negative pressure, outside air (e.g., foul-smelling air) will flow into the air-conditioned room through this drainage pipe via the humidifier.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides an air conditioning system that can prevent outside air from flowing in through the humidifier drainage pipe when transporting temperature and humidity regulated air from an air-conditioned room to a specified space, thereby keeping the air in the specified space clean.

To achieve this objective, the air conditioning system of the present invention comprises an air conditioning unit configured to be able to introduce air from the conditioned space, an air conditioner installed in the air conditioning unit to adjust the temperature of the air in the air conditioning unit, a humidifier installed in the air conditioning unit to humidify the air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner, a blower installed in the air conditioning unit to transport the temperature-adjusted and humidified air to the conditioned space, and a water receiver installed at the bottom of the humidifier. A drainage pipe that directs drainage water from the humidifier to the outside is connected to the water receiver. A water seal is installed in the drainage pipe to prevent outside air from flowing into the air conditioning unit through the drainage pipe when the pressure inside the air conditioning unit is reduced. This achieves the intended objective.

The present invention provides an air conditioning system that can prevent outside air from flowing in through the humidifier drainage pipe when transporting temperature and humidity-controlled air from an air-conditioned room to a specified space, thereby keeping the air in the specified space clean.

FIG. 1 is a schematic connection diagram of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidifier that constitutes an air conditioning system. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a component part of the humidifier that is involved in drainage. FIG. 4 is a schematic functional block diagram of a system controller in the air conditioning system. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the air conditioning process procedure. FIG. 6 is a control flow diagram for specifying the replacement frequency in the replacement control of the stored water in the water sealing section. FIG. 7 is a control flow diagram for replacing the stored water in the water sealing section.

The air conditioning system according to the present invention includes an air conditioning unit configured to be able to introduce air from a conditioned space, an air conditioner installed in the air conditioning unit and controlling the temperature of the air in the air conditioning unit, a humidifier installed in the air conditioning unit and humidifying the air temperature-controlled by the air conditioner, a blower installed in the air conditioning unit and transporting the temperature-controlled and humidified air to the conditioned space, a water receiver installed at the bottom of the humidifier, and a control unit that controls the operation of the humidifier . A drainage pipe that leads the drainage water from the humidifier to the outside is connected to the water receiver. A water seal unit that prevents outside air from flowing into the air conditioning unit through the drainage pipe when the pressure inside the air conditioning unit is reduced is installed in the drainage pipe. The control unit controls the humidifier to periodically drain water to pass water through the drainage pipe and replace the stored water stored in the water seal unit. The control unit determines whether the operation is in the cooling or heating mode based on the operating mode of the air conditioner, and when the operation is in the cooling mode, the control unit increases the frequency of replacement of the stored water in the water sealing unit compared to when the operation is in the heating mode.

With this configuration, when the air conditioning system transports temperature and humidity-controlled air from within the air conditioning unit to the conditioned space, the sealing portion prevents outside air (e.g., foul-smelling air) from flowing into the air conditioning unit from the drainage pipe of the humidifier, thereby keeping the air in the conditioned space clean.

The air conditioning system according to the present invention further includes a control unit that controls the operation of the humidifier. The control unit preferably controls the humidifier to periodically drain water to pass water through the water sealing section and replace the water stored in the water sealing section. This suppresses the growth of mold or bacteria caused by deterioration of the quality of the water stored in the water sealing section. As a result, when negative pressure is created inside the air conditioning unit, mold or bacteria in the water stored in the water sealing section is suppressed from flowing into the air conditioning unit. In other words, the air conditioning system can keep the air in the conditioned space clean.

In addition, in the air conditioning system according to the present invention, the control unit preferably determines whether the operation is in the cooling or heating mode based on the operation mode of the air conditioner, and when the operation is determined to be in the cooling mode, the control unit preferably increases the frequency of replacing the stored water in the water seal section compared to when the operation is determined to be in the heating mode. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress the proliferation of mold or bacteria during the cooling mode, when deterioration of the water quality of the stored water in the water seal section is likely to occur. In other words, the air conditioning system can more effectively suppress deterioration of the water quality of the stored water in the water seal section (maintain the sanitary state of the water seal section) based on the operation mode of the air conditioner.

In the air conditioning system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the drainage water from the humidifier is hypochlorous acid water. As a result, the water stored in the sealed water section becomes hypochlorous acid water, and the hypochlorous acid contained in the hypochlorous acid water more reliably suppresses the growth of mold or bacteria in the stored water. In other words, the air conditioning system can more effectively suppress the deterioration of the water quality of the stored water in the sealed water section by using the hypochlorous acid water used by the humidifier.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Also, each figure described in the embodiment is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the size and thickness of each component in each figure does not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratio.

(Embodiment 1)
First, an air conditioning system 20 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic connection diagram of the air conditioning system 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The air conditioning system 20 is configured with a plurality of transport fans 3 (transport fans 3a, 3b), a heat exchange fan 4, a plurality of dampers 5 (dampers 5a, 5b), a plurality of circulation ports 6 (circulation ports 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d), a plurality of living room exhaust ports 7 (living room exhaust ports 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d), a plurality of living room intake ports 8 (living room intake ports 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d), a living room temperature sensor 11 (living room temperature sensor 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), a living room humidity sensor 12 (living room humidity sensor 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), an air conditioner (air conditioner) 13, a humidifier 16, a dust collection filter 17, an input/output terminal 19, and a system controller 14 (corresponding to an air conditioning system controller).

The air conditioning system 20 is installed in a general house 1, which is an example of a building. The general house 1 has multiple (four in this embodiment) living rooms 2 (living rooms 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), and at least one air-conditioned room 18 that is independent of the living rooms 2. Here, the general house 1 (house) is a residence provided as a place for residents to live private lives, and the living rooms 2 generally include a living room, dining room, bedroom, private room, children's room, etc. The living rooms provided by the air conditioning system 20 may also include a toilet, bathroom, washroom, dressing room, etc. The living rooms 2 correspond to the "air-conditioned space" in the claims.

In the living room 2a, a circulation port 6a, a living room exhaust port 7a, a living room intake port 8a, a living room temperature sensor 11a, a living room humidity sensor 12a, a system controller 14, and an input/output terminal 19 are installed. In addition, in the living room 2b, a circulation port 6b, a living room exhaust port 7b, a living room intake port 8b, a living room temperature sensor 11b, and a living room humidity sensor 12b are installed. In addition, in the living room 2c, a circulation port 6c, a living room exhaust port 7c, a living room intake port 8c, a living room temperature sensor 11c, and a living room humidity sensor 12c are installed. In addition, in the living room 2d, a circulation port 6d, a living room exhaust port 7d, a living room intake port 8d, a living room temperature sensor 11d, and a living room humidity sensor 12d are installed.

On the other hand, the air-conditioning room 18 is equipped with the transport fan 3a, the transport fan 3b, the damper 5a, the damper 5b, the air conditioner 13, the dust collection filter 17, and the humidifier 16. More specifically, from the upstream side of the circulation path of the air flowing through the air-conditioning room 18, the air conditioner 13, the dust collection filter 17, the humidifier 16, the transport fan 3 (transport fans 3a and 3b), and the damper 5 (dampers 5a and 5b) are arranged in this order.

In the air conditioning room 18, the air (indoor air) transported from each room 2 through the circulation port 6 is mixed with the outside air (outdoor air) taken in and heat-exchanged by the heat exchange fan 4. The temperature and humidity of the air in the air conditioning room 18 are controlled by the air conditioner 13 and humidifier 16 installed in the air conditioning room 18, i.e., the air is conditioned to generate the air to be transported to the rooms 2. The air conditioned in the air conditioning room 18 is transported to each room 2 by the transport fan 3. Here, the air conditioning room 18 means a space with a certain size in which the air conditioner 13, humidifier 16, dust filter 17, etc. can be placed and the air conditioning of each room 2 can be controlled, but it is not intended as a living space and does not basically mean a room where residents stay. The air conditioning room 18 corresponds to the "air conditioning unit" in the claims.

Air from each room 2 is transported to the air-conditioned room 18 through the circulation port 6, and is also heat-exchanged through the heat exchange fan 4 through the room exhaust port 7 before being discharged outdoors. The air-conditioning system 20 performs ventilation using the first type of ventilation method by exhausting inside air (indoor air) from each room 2 through the heat exchange fan 4 while taking in outside air (outdoor air) into the room. The ventilation air volume of the heat exchange fan 4 can be set in multiple stages, and the ventilation air volume is set to meet the required ventilation volume stipulated by law.

The heat exchange fan 4 is configured with an intake fan (not shown) and an exhaust fan (not shown) inside, and by operating each fan, ventilation is performed while exchanging heat between the inside air (indoor air) and the outside air (outdoor air). At this time, the heat exchange fan 4 transports the heat-exchanged outside air to the air-conditioned room 18.

The transport fan 3 is provided on the wall (bottom wall) of the air-conditioning room 18. The air in the air-conditioning room 18 is transported by the transport fan 3 through the transport duct from the room air supply port 8 to the room 2. More specifically, the air in the air-conditioning room 18 is transported by the transport fan 3a to the rooms 2a and 2b located on the first floor of the general house 1, and by the transport fan 3b to the rooms 2c and 2d located on the second floor of the general house 1. The transport ducts connected to the room air supply port 8 of each room 2 are provided independently. The transport fan 3 corresponds to the "blower" in the claims.

When transporting air from the transport fan 3 to each room 2, the damper 5 adjusts the amount of air sent to each room 2 by adjusting the opening degree of the damper 5. More specifically, the damper 5a adjusts the amount of air sent to rooms 2a and 2b located on the first floor, and the damper 5b adjusts the amount of air sent to rooms 2c and 2d located on the second floor.

A portion of the air in each room 2 (rooms 2a to 2d) is transported to the air-conditioning room 18 through the corresponding circulation port 6 (circulation port 6a to 6d) via the circulation duct. Here, the air transported through the circulation port 6 is naturally transported to the air-conditioning room 18 as circulating air by the difference between the air volume (supply air volume) transported from the air-conditioning room 18 to each room 2 by the transport fan 3 and the air volume (exhaust air volume) exhausted to the outside from the room exhaust port 7 by the heat exchange fan 4. Note that the circulation ducts connecting the air-conditioning room 18 and each room 2 may be provided independently, or multiple branch ducts that are part of the circulation duct may be merged midway to be integrated into one circulation duct, which is then connected to the air-conditioning room 18.

As described above, each circulation port 6 (circulation ports 6a to 6d) is an opening for transporting indoor air from each room 2 (rooms 2a to 2d) to the air-conditioned room 18.

As described above, each room exhaust vent 7 (room exhaust vents 7a to 7d) is an opening for transporting indoor air from each room 2 (rooms 2a to 2d) to the heat exchange fan 4.

As described above, each room air supply port 8 (room air supply ports 8a to 8d) is an opening for transporting air from the air-conditioning room 18 to each room 2 (rooms 2a to 2d).

The room temperature sensor 11 (room temperature sensors 11a to 11d) is a sensor that acquires the room temperature (indoor temperature) of each corresponding room 2 (rooms 2a to 2d) and transmits it to the system controller 14.

The room humidity sensor 12 (room humidity sensors 12a to 12d) is a sensor that acquires the room humidity (indoor humidity) of the corresponding room 2 (rooms 2a to 2d) and transmits it to the system controller 14.

The air conditioner 13 corresponds to an air conditioner, and controls the air conditioning of the air-conditioned room 18. The air conditioner 13 cools or heats the air in the air-conditioned room 18 so that the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room 18 becomes a set temperature (air-conditioned room target temperature). Here, the set temperature is set based on the result of calculating the required heat amount from the temperature difference between the target temperature (room target temperature) set by the user and the room temperature.

The humidifier 16 is located downstream of the air conditioner 13 in the air-conditioned room 18, and when the humidity of the air in each room 2 (room humidity) is lower than the target humidity (room target humidity) set by the user, it humidifies the air in the air-conditioned room 18 so that the humidity becomes the target humidity. The humidity handled here is indicated as a relative humidity, but it may be handled as an absolute humidity by a specified conversion process. In this case, it is preferable to handle the entire handling in the air-conditioning system 20, including the humidity in the room 2, as an absolute humidity.

The dust collection filter 17 is a dust collection filter that captures particles suspended in the air introduced into the air-conditioned room 18. The dust collection filter 17 captures particles contained in the air transported into the air-conditioned room 18 through the circulation port 6, thereby making the air supplied indoors by the transport fan 3 clean air.

The system controller 14 is a controller that controls the entire air conditioning system 20. The system controller 14 is connected to each of the heat exchange fan 4, the transport fan 3, the damper 5, the room temperature sensor 11, the room humidity sensor 12, the air conditioner 13, and the humidifier 16 so that they can communicate with each other via wireless communication. The system controller 14 corresponds to the "control unit" in the claims.

The system controller 14 also controls the air conditioner 13, humidifier 16, air volume of the transport fan 3, and the opening degree of the damper 5 according to the room temperature and room humidity of each room 2 acquired by the room temperature sensor 11 and room humidity sensor 12, and the target temperature (room target temperature) and target humidity (room target humidity) set for each room 2a to 2d. Note that the air volume of the transport fan 3 may be controlled individually for each fan.

As a result, the air conditioned in the air conditioning room 18 is transported to each room 2 at the air volume set in each transport fan 3 and each damper 5. Therefore, the room temperature and room humidity of each room 2 are controlled to be the target temperature (room target temperature) and target humidity (room target humidity).

The system controller 14 is connected to the heat exchange fan 4, the transport fan 3, the damper 5, the room temperature sensor 11, the room humidity sensor 12, the air conditioner 13, and the humidifier 16 via wireless communication. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for complex wiring work. However, all of these, or some of these and the system controller 14, may be configured to be able to communicate via wired communication.

The input/output terminal 19 is connected to the system controller 14 so as to be able to communicate with it via wireless communication. The input/output terminal 19 accepts input of information necessary for constructing the air conditioning system 20 and stores it in the system controller 14, and obtains and displays the status of the air conditioning system 20 from the system controller 14. Examples of the input/output terminal 19 include mobile information terminals such as mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets.

The input/output terminal 19 does not necessarily need to be connected to the system controller 14 via wireless communication, but may be connected to the system controller 14 so as to be able to communicate via wired communication. In this case, the input/output terminal 19 may be realized, for example, by a wall-mounted remote controller.

Next, the configuration of the humidifier 16 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidifier 16 that constitutes the air conditioning system 20. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the components of the humidifier 16 that are involved in drainage.

The humidifier 16 is located downstream of the air conditioner 13 in the air conditioning room 18, and is a device for humidifying the air in the air conditioning room 18 by centrifugal water crushing. As shown in FIG. 2, the humidifier 16 is equipped with an intake port 31 that draws in air in the air conditioning room 18, an outlet port 32 that blows the humidified air into the air conditioning room 18, an air passage provided between the intake port 31 and the outlet port 32, and a liquid atomization chamber 33 provided in the air passage.

The intake port 31 is provided on the top surface of the housing that constitutes the outer frame of the humidifier 16 (the top surface of the housing toward the center), and the exhaust port 32 is provided on the top surface of the housing (the top surface of the housing toward the outer edge). The liquid atomization chamber 33 is the main part of the humidifier 16, and is where water is atomized using a centrifugal water crushing method.

Specifically, the humidifier 16 includes a rotary motor 34, a rotary shaft 35 rotated by the rotary motor 34, a centrifugal fan 36, a cylindrical water lift pipe 37, a water storage section 40, a first eliminator 41, a second eliminator 42, a filter 43, and a drain pan 44.

The lift pipe 37 is fixed to the rotating shaft 35 inside the liquid atomization chamber 33, and while rotating in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft 35, it pumps up water from a circular lift port provided vertically downward. More specifically, the lift pipe 37 has an inverted cone-shaped hollow structure with a circular lift port provided vertically downward, and the rotating shaft 35 is fixed vertically to the center of the top surface of the inverted cone above the lift pipe 37. The rotating shaft 35 is connected to the rotating motor 34 located vertically above the liquid atomization chamber 33, so that the rotational motion of the rotating motor 34 is transmitted to the lift pipe 37 through the rotating shaft 35, causing the lift pipe 37 to rotate.

The rise pipe 37 is provided with a number of rotating plates 38 formed on the top side of the inverted cone shape so as to protrude outward from the outer surface of the rise pipe 37. The rotating plates 38 are formed so as to protrude outward from the outer surface of the rise pipe 37 with a certain distance between adjacent rotating plates 38 in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 35. Since the rotating plates 38 rotate together with the rise pipe 37, it is preferable that they have a horizontal disk shape coaxial with the rotating shaft 35. The number of rotating plates 38 is set appropriately according to the target performance or the dimensions of the rise pipe 37.

The wall surface of the water lift pipe 37 is provided with a plurality of openings 39 that penetrate the wall surface of the water lift pipe 37. Each of the plurality of openings 39 is provided at a position that communicates the inside of the water lift pipe 37 with the upper surface of a rotating plate 38 that is formed so as to protrude outward from the outer surface of the water lift pipe 37.

The centrifugal fan 36 is disposed vertically above the water lift pipe 37 and serves to draw air into the device from the air conditioning room 18. The centrifugal fan 36 is fixed to the rotating shaft 35, just like the water lift pipe 37, and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft 35 to introduce air into the liquid atomization chamber 33.

The water storage section 40 is located vertically below the lift pipe 37 and stores the water that the lift pipe 37 pumps from the lift port. The depth of the water storage section 40 is designed so that a part of the lower part of the lift pipe 37, for example, a length of about one-third to one-hundredth of the cone height of the lift pipe 37, is immersed in the water storage section 40. This depth can be designed according to the required amount of water to be pumped. The bottom surface of the water storage section 40 is formed in a mortar shape toward the lift port. Water is supplied to the water storage section 40 by a water supply section (not shown). Water is drained from the water storage section 40 through a drain port 40a provided vertically below the rotating shaft 35. The drainage water flowing out from the drain port 40a is collected in a drain pan 44 provided on the entire bottom surface of the humidifier 16. The first eliminator 41 is a porous body through which air can flow, and is provided on the side (outer periphery in the centrifugal direction) of the liquid atomization chamber 33, and is arranged so that air can flow in the centrifugal direction. In the first eliminator 41, the water droplets discharged from the opening 39 of the water lift pipe 37 collide with the first eliminator 41, thereby atomizing the water droplets and collecting the water droplets contained in the air passing through the liquid atomization chamber 33. As a result, the air flowing through the humidifier 16 contains only vaporized water.

The second eliminator 42 is provided downstream of the first eliminator 41 and is arranged so that air can flow vertically upward. The second eliminator 42 is also a porous body through which air can flow, and collects water droplets from the water contained in the air passing through the second eliminator 42 by collision with the air that has passed through the first eliminator 41. In this way, the fine water droplets are doubly collected by the two eliminators, making it possible to collect water droplets with a larger particle size with greater precision.

The filter 43 is provided downstream of the second eliminator 42 and is positioned so that air flows vertically upward. The filter 43 has the role of collecting the fine scale components that have accumulated in the liquid atomization chamber 33 over a long period of use and are dispersed.

The drain pan 44 is provided on the entire bottom of the humidifier 16, including the area below the water storage section 40, and serves to collect wastewater flowing down from the water storage section 40. In addition, the drain pan 44 also serves to temporarily hold the leaked water or water that cannot be drained to the outside in the event of an abnormality in the humidifier 16, such as when a water leak occurs in the water supply pipe to the humidifier 16 or when poor drainage occurs due to clogging of the drain pipe 46 described below, thereby preventing water leakage from the humidifier 16 into the air-conditioning room 18. The drain pan 44 is connected to a drain pipe 46 that leads the collected wastewater to the outside. The drain pan 44 may be constructed integrally with the drain pipe 46, or may be constructed by connecting separate members. The drain pan 44 corresponds to the "water receiving section" in the claims.

The drain pipe 46 is a member for leading the wastewater collected by the drain pan 44 to the outside (outside the air-conditioning room 18). One end of the drain pipe 46 is connected to the bottom surface of the drain pan 44, and the other end, the external drain port 45, is connected to an external equipment drain pipe (not shown). Here, one end of the drain pipe 46 is configured as a recess (groove) formed on the bottom surface of the drain pan 44. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the recess (groove) extends from a position directly below the drain port 40a of the water storage section 40 in the drain pan 44 to the position of the outer edge. In addition, the recess (groove) has a downward slope from a position directly below the drain port 40a to the position of the outer edge in order to smoothly lead the wastewater collected by the drain pan 44 to the external drain port 45. In addition, a water seal section 47 is installed in the drain pipe 46 at a portion located on the outer edge of the drain pan 44 near the external drain port 45.

The water seal 47 is a component that serves to prevent external air (e.g., foul-smelling air) from flowing into the humidifier 16 (and ultimately into the air-conditioning chamber 18) via the drain pipe 46 when the pressure inside the air-conditioning chamber 18 is reduced by the blowing operation of the conveying fan 3. The water seal 47 also serves to prevent the temperature and humidity-adjusted air inside the air-conditioning chamber 18 from flowing out to the outside via the drain pipe 46. In other words, the water seal 47 can be considered a drain trap in the drain pipe 46.

More specifically, the water sealing section 47 is composed of a housing 47a, a storage section 47b, a partition plate 47c, and stored water 48 that serves as the sealing water.

The housing 47a constitutes the outer frame of the water sealing section 47. One side of the housing 47a is provided with an upstream opening through which the wastewater from the drain pan 44 flows in, and the other side of the housing 47a is provided with a downstream opening through which the wastewater flows out toward the external drain port 45. A drainage pipe 46 is connected to each opening.

The storage section 47b stores water 48 that serves as sealing water at the bottom of the housing 47a.

The partition plate 47c extends from the top to the bottom of the housing 47a, and is provided so that the tip of the partition plate 47c reaches into the stored water 48. In other words, the partition plate 47c divides the space above the water surface of the stored water 48 into an upstream side and a downstream side, and forms a flow path through which wastewater flows inside the stored water 48.

As described above, the water sealing section 47 has a U-shaped flow path formed therein by the partition plate 47c, and when the storage section 47b is filled with stored water 48, the U-shaped flow path is sealed and prevents air from passing through.

Next, the operating principle of humidification (water atomization) in the humidifier 16 will be described with reference to Figure 2. In Figure 2, the flow of air and the flow of water within the humidifier 16 are indicated by arrows.

First, when the operation of the humidifier 16 is started, the rotary motor 34 rotates the rotary shaft 35 at the first rotation speed R1, and the centrifugal fan 36 starts sucking air from the air-conditioning room 18 through the suction port 31. Then, the lift pipe 37 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotary shaft 35 at the first rotation speed R1. Then, as shown by the water flow indicated by the dashed arrow, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation causes the water stored in the water storage section 40 to be pumped up by the lift pipe 37. Here, the first rotation speed R1 of the rotary motor 11 (lift pipe 37) is set between 2000 rpm and 5000 rpm, for example, depending on the air flow rate and the amount of humidification of the air. Since the lift pipe 37 has an inverted cone-shaped hollow structure, the water pumped up by the rotation is pumped up along the inner wall of the lift pipe 37. The pumped water is then released in the centrifugal direction from the opening 39 of the pumping pipe 37 along the rotating plate 38, and is dispersed as water droplets.

The water droplets scattered from the rotating plate 38 fly through the space surrounded by the first eliminator 41 (liquid atomization chamber 33), collide with the first eliminator 41, and are atomized. Meanwhile, the air passing through the liquid atomization chamber 33 moves to the outer periphery of the first eliminator 41, as shown by the air flow indicated by the solid arrow, while containing the water crushed (atomized) by the first eliminator 41. Then, as the air flows through the air passage from the first eliminator 41 to the second eliminator 42, a vortex of the airflow is generated, and the water and air are mixed. Then, the air containing the water passes through the second eliminator 42 and the filter 43. As a result, the humidifier 16 can humidify the air sucked in through the suction port 31 and blow out the humidified air from the blowing port 32.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, the water stop and drain operations of the water storage section 40 in the humidifier 16 will be described.

In the humidifying device 16, the water lift pipe 37 is disposed at a predetermined position directly above the drainage outlet 40a of the water storage section 40. When the humidifying operation is started and the rotary motor 34 (the water lift pipe 37) rotates at the third rotation speed R3 (for example, 2000 rpm), the centrifugal force of the rotation generates a vortex (not shown) in the water of the water storage section 40 inside the water lift pipe 37. Then, the water lift pipe 37 forms a gap (not shown) that communicates between the tip opening of the water lift pipe 37 and the drainage outlet 40a at the center of the vortex generated by the rotation. As a result, the gap blocks the drainage outlet 40a, and the water of the water storage section 40 is prevented from flowing into the drainage outlet 40a. In other words, in the humidifying device 16, the water of the water storage section 40 can be prevented from being drained from the drainage outlet 40a during the humidifying operation (while the rotary motor 34 is rotating at the second rotation speed R2).

On the other hand, when the rotation of the rotary motor 34 (the lift pipe 37) is stopped, the gap disappears along with the vortex, and the water in the water storage section 40 flows into the drain outlet 40a. In other words, in the humidifier 16, by stopping the humidification operation (the rotation operation of the rotary motor 34), the water in the water storage section 40 can be drained from the drain outlet 40a and flow into the drain pan 44.

In this way, the humidifier 16 can prevent water from the water storage section 40 from being drained from the drain outlet 40a during humidification operation (stop water), without using a drain valve at the drain outlet 40a, and can drain water from the water storage section 40 from the drain outlet 40a into the drain pan 44 after humidification operation is stopped.

Next, the functions of the system controller 14 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a schematic functional block diagram of the system controller 14 of the air conditioning system 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, the system controller 14 includes a room target temperature and humidity acquisition unit 51, an air conditioning control unit 52, an air conditioner control unit 53, a rotary motor control unit 54, an air volume control unit 55, and a memory unit 56.

The room target temperature and humidity acquisition unit 51 acquires the room target temperature and room target humidity (hereinafter also referred to as the room target temperature and humidity) set by the input/output terminal 19 for the entire room 2. The room target temperature is set as a predetermined temperature range defined by a minimum temperature as the lower limit and a maximum temperature as the upper limit. The room target humidity is set as a predetermined humidity range defined by a minimum humidity as the lower limit and a maximum humidity as the upper limit. Here, a temperature equal to or higher than the room target temperature means a temperature equal to or higher than the maximum temperature as the upper limit, and a temperature lower than the room target temperature means a temperature lower than the minimum temperature as the lower limit. The same applies to the room target humidity. In this embodiment, the room target temperature and room target humidity can be set by the user, but may be set in advance as fixed values in the air conditioning system 20. The maximum temperature and minimum temperature and the maximum humidity and the minimum humidity acquired by the room target temperature and humidity acquisition unit 51 or set in advance are stored in the memory unit 56.

The air conditioning control unit 52 includes a temperature and humidity difference calculation unit 57 and a control condition determination unit 58.

The temperature and humidity difference calculation unit 57 calculates, for each room 2, the difference (temperature difference) between the room target temperature acquired by the room target temperature and humidity acquisition unit 51 or set in advance and the room temperature acquired by the room temperature sensor 11, and the difference (humidity difference) between the room target humidity acquired by the room target temperature and humidity acquisition unit 51 or set in advance and the room humidity acquired by the room humidity sensor 12.

The control condition determination unit 58 determines the control conditions for the air conditioner 13, the humidifier 16, the transport fan 3, and the damper 5 based on the temperature difference and humidity difference calculated for each room 2 by the temperature and humidity difference calculation unit 57.

In other words, the air conditioning control unit 52 determines the output of the air conditioner 13, the humidifier 16, the transport fan 3, and the damper 5 based on information about the temperature difference and humidity difference provided by the information about the room target temperature and humidity from the room target temperature and humidity acquisition unit 51 and the information about the room temperature and humidity from each sensor (room temperature sensor 11, room humidity sensor 12).

The air conditioning control unit 52 also automatically switches the operation mode from heating operation to cooling operation or from cooling operation to heating operation based on the date for switching between heating operation and cooling operation in the air conditioner 13 that was set when the air conditioning system 20 was installed. The set date for switching is determined based on the climatic conditions of the area in which the air conditioning system 20 is installed, and is stored in the memory unit 56.

The air conditioning control unit 52 also controls the replacement operation of the stored water 48 in the water sealing unit 47. As will be described in detail later, the air conditioning control unit 52 determines the output of the humidifier 16 based on information (operation mode information) related to the operation mode of the air conditioner 13.

The air conditioner control unit 53 controls the operating mode, blowing temperature, and air volume of the air conditioner 13 in the air-conditioned room 18 based on the control method determined by the air conditioning control unit 52.

The rotary motor control unit 54 controls the humidification amount of the humidifier 16 provided in the air-conditioned room 18 based on the control conditions determined by the air-conditioning control unit 52 by controlling the rotation speed of the rotary motor 34 provided in the humidifier 16.

The air volume control unit 55 controls the air volume of the transport fan 3 and the opening degree of the damper 5 provided for the room 2 based on the control conditions determined by the air conditioning control unit 52.

The storage unit 56 is a so-called memory that stores the predetermined temperature range, i.e., the maximum temperature and minimum temperature, and the humidity range, i.e., the maximum humidity and minimum humidity, acquired by the room target temperature and humidity acquisition unit 51 or set in advance. The storage unit 56 is also used when it is necessary to store numerical values or other information for control by the system controller 14.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, the air conditioning process executed by the system controller 14 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the air conditioning process procedure. Here, air conditioning process in winter in Japan is assumed, so in the air conditioning system 20, the air conditioner 13 raises the temperature of the air in the living room 2 while the humidifier 16 humidifies the air.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the air conditioning system 20, the heat exchange fan 4 is constantly operating for ventilation, just like a general whole-building air conditioning system, and even when air conditioning is not being performed, the transport fan 3 is set to the second airflow rate and the damper 5 is set to the second opening to send air (step S11). Here, the second airflow rate is an airflow rate that meets the required ventilation rate set by law in a house, and the air supplied into the air-conditioned room 18 by the heat exchange fan 4 is transported to the living room 2 by the transport fan 3. The second opening rate is set to, for example, full opening. Note that when only the heat exchange fan 4 is operating, the air conditioner 13 and the humidifier 16 are stopped.

When a user executes an air conditioning process, the system controller 14 first acquires the room target temperature and humidity (room target temperature and room target humidity) set on the input/output terminal 19 and stores them in the memory unit 56 (step S12). Here, the room target temperature and humidity is the temperature and humidity that the user feels comfortable at, and is the temperature and humidity common to all rooms.

After acquiring the room target temperature and humidity, the air conditioning control unit 52 acquires information about the room temperature and humidity from the room temperature sensor 11 and room humidity sensor 12 installed in each room 2 (step S13). Next, the air conditioning control unit 52 uses the temperature and humidity difference calculation unit 57 to calculate the temperature difference and humidity difference from the target from the acquired information about the room target temperature and humidity and the information about the room temperature and humidity (step S14).

Then, the control condition determination unit 58 determines the air-conditioning room target temperature and humidity (air-conditioning room target temperature and air-conditioning room target humidity) for the air in the air-conditioning room 18 based on the calculated temperature difference and humidity difference (step S15). Here, the air-conditioning room target temperature is set to a first temperature that is a temperature higher than the living room target temperature, and the air-conditioning room target humidity is set to a first humidity that is a humidity higher than the living room target humidity.

Then, the air conditioning control unit 52 determines the control conditions for the air conditioner 13, the humidifier 16, the transport fan 3, and the damper 5 based on the identified air-conditioned room target temperature and humidity, and executes each of them (step S16).

Specifically, the air conditioner control unit 53 starts the operation of the air conditioner 13 based on the control conditions from the air conditioning control unit 52, and executes temperature control so that the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room 18 becomes the air-conditioned room target temperature (first temperature). The rotary motor control unit 54 starts the rotation operation of the rotary motor 34 based on the control conditions from the air conditioning control unit 52, and rotates it at a first rotation speed R1 (2000 rpm to 5000 rpm) so that the humidity of the air in the air-conditioned room 18 becomes the air-conditioned room target humidity (first humidity). The air volume control unit 55 changes the air volume of the transport fan 3 and the opening degree of the damper 5 to a first air volume and a first opening degree, respectively, based on the control conditions from the air conditioning control unit 52. The first opening degree is set according to the temperature difference between the air temperature in the room 2 and the room target temperature, and is set to be widened if the temperature difference is large, and set to be narrowed if the temperature difference is small.

If a predetermined time T has elapsed during air conditioning operation from the step where the control conditions were changed (here, step S16) (Yes in step S17), the air conditioning control unit 52 acquires new information about the room temperature humidity from the room temperature sensor 11 and room humidity sensor 12 installed in each room 2 (return to step S13). On the other hand, if the predetermined time T has not elapsed (No in step S17), the air conditioning control unit 52 continues the air conditioning operation under the same control conditions (return to step S17). Here, the predetermined time T is the acquisition cycle time of the room temperature sensor 11 and room humidity sensor 12 for acquiring the room temperature humidity, and is set to, for example, 5 minutes.

In the air conditioning system 20 according to this embodiment, the above series of processes are used to control the room temperature and humidity in the room 2 so that it reaches the room target temperature and humidity.

Next, the replacement control of the stored water 48 in the water sealing section 47 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a control flow diagram that specifies the replacement frequency in the replacement control of the stored water 48 in the water sealing section 47. Figure 7 is a control flow diagram that shows the replacement control of the stored water 48 in the water sealing section 47.

First, the air conditioning control unit 52 specifies the replacement interval of the stored water 48 when controlling the replacement of the stored water 48 in the water sealing unit 47. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the air conditioning control unit 52 acquires information (operation mode information) related to the operation mode of the air conditioner 13 from the air conditioner 13 (step S21). The operation mode information includes information related to the period during which the air conditioner 13 performs cooling operation (cooling operation period) and the period during which the air conditioner 13 performs heating operation (heating operation period), as well as information related to the switching date for switching between the periods.

The air conditioning control unit 52 determines whether the air conditioner 13 is in the cooling operation period based on the acquired operation mode information (step S22). If the result of the determination is that the air conditioner 13 is in the cooling operation period (Yes in step S22), the stored water replacement timer Tc is set to a first time (step S23) and the process proceeds to the stored water replacement process. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S22 is that the air conditioner 13 is not in the cooling operation period, that is, if the air conditioner 13 is in the heating operation period (No in step S22), the stored water replacement timer Tc is set to a second time that is longer than the first time (step S24) and the process proceeds to the stored water replacement process.

Here, the first time in the cooling operation period is set to, for example, 12 hours, and the second time in the heating operation period is set to, for example, 24 hours. In other words, the stored water replacement timer Tc is set smaller in the cooling operation period than in the heating operation period, and the stored water 48 is replaced more frequently. In other words, when the air conditioning control unit 52 identifies the air conditioner 13 as being in the cooling operation period, the frequency of replacement of the stored water 48 in the water sealing unit 47 is increased compared to when the air conditioner 13 is identified as being in the heating operation period.

Next, we will explain the process of replacing the stored water.

As shown in FIG. 7, the air conditioning control unit 52 is capable of counting down the stored water replacement timer Tc, and repeats the countdown until the stored water replacement timer Tc reaches "0" (step S31). Then, when the stored water replacement timer Tc reaches "0", the stored water replacement process is started. Specifically, when the first time (12 hours) set in the cooling operation period or the second time (24 hours) set in the heating operation period has elapsed, the stored water replacement process is started.

When the stored water replacement process starts, the air conditioning control unit 52 determines whether the humidifier 16 is in humidification operation (step S32). If the result of the determination is that the humidifier 16 is in humidification operation (Yes in step S32), the humidifier 16 stops the humidification operation (step S33). This stops the water stop operation of the humidifier 16, so that the water stored in the water storage unit 40 of the humidifier 16 is drained from the drain outlet 40a. Then, after waiting for a predetermined drain time Tout (e.g., 1 minute) to elapse after the start of drainage, that is, waiting for all the water stored in the water storage unit 40 to be drained (step S34), the stored water replacement process is terminated. As a result, the drainage from the water storage unit 40 flows through the drain pan 44, the drain pipe 46, and the water sealing unit 47, and is led to the outside from the external drain outlet 45. At this time, the stored water 48 in the water sealing section 47 replaces the circulating wastewater, and the new replaced stored water 48 is stored in the water sealing section 47. In other words, even if the quality of the stored water 48 has deteriorated and mold or bacteria has grown, the stored water 48 on which mold or bacteria has grown is discharged to the outside together with the wastewater, and as a result, deterioration of the water quality of the stored water 48 in the water sealing section 47 is suppressed.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S32 is that the humidifier 16 does not perform humidification operation (No in step S32), the humidifier 16 starts supplying water to the water storage section 40 (step S35). Then, after waiting for a predetermined water supply time Tin (e.g., 2 minutes) to elapse from the start of water supply (step S36), the water supply is terminated (step S37). Here, the predetermined water supply time Tin is set to a time during which a volume of water sufficiently larger than the volume of the storage section 47b flows so that the stored water 48 in the sealed water section 47 is completely replaced. While water is being supplied to the water storage section 40 in step S36, the water stop operation of the humidifier 16 is stopped, that is, the lift pipe 37 is not rotating, so that the water supplied to the water storage section 40 is drained directly from the drain outlet 40a. Thereafter, when the drainage water from the water storage section 40 flows through the drain pan 44, the drainage pipe 46, and the water sealing section 47 and is discharged to the outside through the external drainage port 45, the stored water 48 stored in the water sealing section 47 is replaced with the drainage water that has flowed through, and the new stored water 48 that has replaced it is stored in the water sealing section 47.

As described above, the air conditioning system 20 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

(1) The air conditioning system 20 includes an air conditioning room 18 configured to be able to introduce air from the living room 2, an air conditioner 13 installed in the air conditioning room 18 and adjusting the temperature of the air in the air conditioning room 18, a humidifier 16 installed in the air conditioning room 18 and humidifying the air adjusted in temperature by the air conditioner 13, a transport fan 3 installed in the air conditioning room 18 and transporting the air adjusted in temperature and humidified to the living room 2, and a drain pan 44 installed at the bottom of the humidifier 16. A drain pipe 46 is connected to the drain pan 44, which directs wastewater from the humidifier 16 to the outside. A water seal unit 47 is installed in the drain pipe 46 to prevent outside air from flowing into the air conditioning room 18 through the drain pipe 46 when the pressure inside the air conditioning room 18 is reduced.

As a result, when the air conditioning system 20 transports temperature and humidity-adjusted air from the air conditioning room 18 to the living room 2, the water sealing section 47 prevents outside air (e.g., foul-smelling air) from flowing into the air conditioning room 18 from the drainage pipe 46 of the humidifier 16, thereby keeping the air in the living room 2 clean.

(2) The air conditioning system 20 includes an air conditioning control unit 52 of the system controller 14 that controls the operation of the humidifier 16. The air conditioning control unit 52 of the system controller 14 controls the humidifier 16 to periodically drain water to pass water through the water sealing unit 47 and replace the stored water 48 stored in the water sealing unit 47. This suppresses the growth of mold or bacteria caused by deterioration of the water quality of the stored water 48 stored in the water sealing unit 47. As a result, when negative pressure is applied inside the air-conditioned room 18, mold or bacteria in the stored water 48 in the water sealing unit 47 is suppressed from flowing into the air-conditioned room 18. In other words, the air conditioning system 20 can keep the air in the living room 2 clean.

(3) In the air conditioning system 20, the air conditioning control unit 52 of the system controller 14 determines whether the operation is in the cooling or heating mode based on the operation mode information of the air conditioner 13, and when the operation is determined to be in the cooling mode, the frequency of replacement of the stored water 48 in the water sealing unit 47 is increased compared to when the operation is determined to be in the heating mode. This makes it possible to more reliably suppress the proliferation of mold or bacteria during the cooling mode, when deterioration of the water quality of the stored water 48 in the water sealing unit 47 is likely to occur. In other words, the air conditioning system 20 can more effectively suppress deterioration of the water quality of the stored water 48 in the water sealing unit 47 (maintain the sanitary state of the water sealing unit 47) based on the operation mode of the air conditioner 13.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is in no way limited to the above embodiments, and it can be easily imagined that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. For example, the numerical values given in the above embodiments are merely examples, and it is of course possible to adopt other numerical values.

In the air conditioning system 20 according to the present invention, the liquid atomized in the humidifier 16 may be other than water, and may be, for example, a liquid such as hypochlorous acid water that has bactericidal or deodorizing properties. This allows the air conditioning system 20 to include hypochlorous acid in the air blown into the living room 2, making it easy to disinfect or sterilize the living room 2. When using hypochlorous acid water, it is preferable to operate the humidifier 16 continuously in order to disinfect or sterilize the living room 2 throughout the year.

In addition, because the wastewater discharged from the humidifier 16 becomes hypochlorous acid water, the stored water 48 stored in the sealed water section 47 also becomes hypochlorous acid water, so the hypochlorous acid contained in the hypochlorous acid water more reliably suppresses the growth of mold or bacteria in the stored water 48. In other words, the air conditioning system 20 can more effectively suppress the deterioration of the water quality of the stored water 48 in the sealed water section 47 by using the hypochlorous acid water used by the humidifier 16.

In this embodiment, it is shown as a living room, but a living room does not necessarily have to be occupied by a person and can be considered as one space. In other words, if a hallway or kitchen is separated to some extent, it can be considered as one space and corresponds to one living room.

The air conditioning system 20 according to this embodiment can be applied to a detached house or a complex such as an apartment building. However, when the air conditioning system 20 is applied to a complex, one system corresponds to a household unit, and each household is not considered to be one room.

The air conditioning system of the present invention is useful as it is capable of efficiently controlling the air conditioning of air supplied to multiple spaces (rooms) etc.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 General residence 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d Living room 3, 3a, 3b Transport fan 4 Heat exchange fan 5, 5a, 5b Damper 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d Circulation port 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d Living room exhaust port 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d Living room air supply port 11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d Living room temperature sensor 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Living room humidity sensor 13 Air conditioner 14 System controller 16 Humidifier 17 Dust collection filter 18 Air-conditioned room 19 Input/output terminal 20 Air-conditioning system 31 Intake port 32 Outlet 33 Liquid atomization chamber 34 Rotary motor 35 Rotating shaft 36 Centrifugal fan 37 Lifting pipe 38 Rotating plate 39 Opening 40 Water storage section 40a Drain outlet 41 First eliminator 42 Second eliminator 43 Filter 44 Drain pan 45 External drain outlet 46 Drain pipe 47 Water sealing section 47a Housing 47b Storage section 47c Partition plate 48 Stored water 51 Room target temperature and humidity acquisition section 52 Air conditioning control section 53 Air conditioner control section 54 Rotary motor control section 55 Air volume control section 56 Memory section 57 Temperature and humidity difference calculation section 58 Control condition determination section

Claims (2)

An air conditioning unit configured to be able to introduce air from a space to be air-conditioned;
an air conditioner that is installed in the air conditioning unit and adjusts the temperature of air in the air conditioning unit;
a humidifier that is installed in the air conditioning unit and humidifies the air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner;
A blower that is installed in the air conditioning unit and transports temperature-controlled and humidified air to the conditioned space;
A water receiving portion provided at the bottom of the humidifier;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the humidifier;
Equipped with
A drainage pipe for leading drainage water from the humidifier to the outside is connected to the water receiving portion,
The drain pipe is provided with a water seal portion that prevents outside air from flowing into the air conditioning unit through the drain pipe when the pressure inside the air conditioning unit is reduced ,
The control unit controls the humidifier to periodically drain water to pass through the drainage pipe and replace the water stored in the water sealing unit;
The control unit determines whether the air conditioner is in a cooling operation period or a heating operation period based on the operating mode of the air conditioner, and when the air conditioner is in a cooling operation period, the control unit increases the frequency of replacing the stored water in the water sealing section compared to when the air conditioner is in a heating operation period . 2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the wastewater from the humidifier is hypochlorous acid water.