Patent ID: 12253276

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a ventilation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is a front perspective view of a ventilation apparatus installed indoors according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.2is a rear perspective view of the ventilation apparatus, andFIG.3is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation apparatus.

Referring toFIGS.1to3, the ventilation apparatus10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a housing11having ventilation components and air conditioning components therein, a duct flange20mounted on the front and rear surfaces of the housing11, and an air duct30coupled to the duct flange20.

In detail, the housing11includes a front cover111, a rear cover113positioned at the rear of the front cover111, and a side cover112connecting the edges of the front cover111and the rear cover113. The side cover112forms both side surfaces, an upper surface, and a lower surface of the housing11.

The inner space of the housing11is divided into an upper ventilation portion11aand a lower air conditioning portion11bby a separation wall12. Various components necessary for performing a ventilation function are disposed in the ventilation portion11a, and various components necessary for performing a cooling or heating function are disposed in the air conditioning portion11b.

Outdoor air introduced into the housing11primarily passes through the ventilation portion11a, is guided to the air conditioning portion11b, and is then supplied to the indoor space. Indoor air introduced into the housing11passes through only the air conditioning portion11baccording to the operation mode and is then discharged back into the indoor space, or passes through the ventilation portion11aand is then discharged to the outside.

An outdoor air outlet1111and an indoor air inlet1112are formed in the front cover111. In a structure in which the air conditioning portion11bis formed below the ventilation portion11a, the outdoor air outlet1111and the indoor air inlet1112may be respectively formed at positions close to the lower end of the front cover11.

The outdoor air outlet1111mainly functions as an outlet through which outdoor air is discharged into the indoor space, but also functions as an outlet through which indoor air is discharged, depending on the operation mode. Therefore, it is noted that the outdoor air outlet1111can be broadly defined as an air discharge opening.

An outdoor air inlet1131and an indoor air outlet1132are formed in the rear cover113. In a structure in which the ventilation portion11ais formed above the air conditioning portion11b, the outdoor air inlet1131and the indoor air outlet1132may be respectively formed at positions close to the upper end of the rear cover113.

The outdoor air inlet1131and the outdoor air outlet1111, and the indoor air inlet1112and the indoor air outlet1132may be formed at positions along a diagonal direction of the housing11.

On the other hand, the duct flange20includes an outdoor air inlet flange21coupled to the outdoor air inlet1131, an outdoor air discharge flange22coupled to the outdoor air outlet1111, an indoor air inlet flange23coupled to the indoor air inlet1112, and an indoor air discharge flange24coupled to the indoor air outlet1132.

In addition, the air duct30includes an outdoor air inlet duct31coupled to the outdoor air inlet flange21, an outdoor air discharge duct32coupled to the outdoor air discharge flange22, an indoor air inlet duct33coupled to the indoor air inlet flange23, and an indoor air discharge duct34coupled to the indoor air discharge flange24.

The outdoor air discharge duct32and the indoor air inlet duct33are manufactured in the same shape, and can be freely coupled to the outdoor air discharge flange22and the indoor air inlet flange23without being limited to mounting positions.

As shown inFIG.1, when the ventilation apparatus10is attached to the upper side of the wall surface of the veranda or machine indoor space, an outdoor unit80provided with components other than air conditioning-related components installed in the air conditioning portion11bmay be disposed below the ventilation apparatus10. As a result, it is possible to efficiently utilize the space of the veranda or machine indoor space where the ventilation apparatus10is installed. In addition, since a length of a pipe constituting a refrigerant cycle for performing the air conditioning function can be minimized, heat loss through the pipe can be minimized.

In addition, since the outlets of the outdoor air discharge duct32and the indoor air inlet duct33are located at positions close to the ceiling, there is an advantage in that branch ducts branching from the outdoor air discharge duct32and the indoor air inlet duct33into a plurality of indoor spaces can be installed along the ceiling.

Hereinafter, components provided in the ventilation portion11aand components provided in the air conditioning portion11bwill be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG.4is a view showing the internal configuration of the ventilation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.5is a bottom perspective view of the ventilation portion.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, as described above, the housing11of the ventilation apparatus10according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is divided into a ventilation portion11aand an air conditioning portion11bby a separation wall12.

A ventilation module40is disposed inside the ventilation portion11a. In detail, the ventilation module40includes a total heat exchanger41that allows heat exchange between indoor air discharged to the outside and outdoor air introduced into the indoor space without being mixed.

The total heat exchanger41has a cross-section with a square or rhombus shape, and has a hexahedral shape in which an indoor air flow channel and an outdoor air flow channel are alternately stacked.

In the present embodiment, two of six surfaces of the total heat exchanger41in the form of a rectangle or a rhombus are defined as a front surface and a rear surface, and four surfaces connecting the front surface and the rear surface are defined as side surfaces.

The front surface of the total heat exchanger41is in close contact with the rear surface of the front cover111, and the rear surface of the total heat exchanger41is in close contact with the front surface of the rear cover113. In addition, four corners of the total heat exchanger41are installed to face the separation wall12and the upper surface and left and right sides of the side cover112.

In addition, partition walls16extend from the four corners of the total heat exchanger41, respectively. The four partition walls16extend toward the separation wall12and the upper surface and left and right sides of the side cover112, respectively. Specifically, two of the four partition walls16come into contact with the upper surface and one side surface of the side cover112. The remaining two partition walls come into contact with the upper surface and the side surface of the bypass duct, which will be described later.

By providing the four partition walls16, the inner space of the ventilation portion11ais divided again into four spaces. The four spaces include an outdoor air inlet space S1, an outdoor air discharge space S2, an indoor air inlet space S3, and an indoor air discharge space S4.

The ventilation module40includes at least one of a HEPA filter42and a pre-filter43. The HEPA filter42and the pre-filter43are mounted on one of the four side surfaces of the total heat exchanger41. Specifically, the HEPA filter42and the pre-filter43are mounted on the side surface communicating with the outdoor air inlet space S1among the four side surfaces of the total heat exchanger41. One surface of the HEPA filter42is mounted on the side surface of the total heat exchanger41, and the pre-filter43is mounted on the other surface of the HEPA filter42.

The total heat exchanger41, the HEPA filter42, and the pre-filter43are surrounded by one frame and can be mounted in the ventilation portion11ain the form of a module. The total heat exchanger41, the HEPA filter42, and the pre-filter43are independently provided to be slidably drawn out from the inside of the frame.

In addition, a mounting hole1113for insertion and separation of the ventilation module40may be formed in the front cover111. The mounting hole113may be shielded by a separate cover or door (not shown), and the cover or the door may be rotatably coupled to the front cover111.

On the other hand, the outdoor air inlet1131formed in the rear cover113is formed in a portion defining the rear surface of the outdoor air inlet space S1, and the indoor air outlet1132is formed in a portion defining the rear surface of the indoor air discharge space S4.

Accordingly, the outdoor air introduced into the outdoor air inlet1131passes through the ventilation module40and is then guided to the outdoor air discharge space S2. The outdoor air introduced into the outdoor air inlet1131sequentially passes through the pre-filter43, the HEPA filter42, and the total heat exchanger41.

An outdoor air communication hole121and an indoor air communication hole122are respectively formed in the separation wall12, and the outdoor air communication hole121and the indoor air communication hole122are respectively formed at positions adjacent to both side ends of the separation wall12.

An exhaust fan module62is disposed in the indoor air discharge space S4, and the outlet of the exhaust fan module62is connected to the indoor air outlet1132. A suction fan module61is disposed in the outdoor air discharge space S2, and the outlet of the suction fan module61is connected to the outdoor air communication hole121.

In addition, the bypass duct50is installed in the ventilation portion11a, and is connected to the indoor air discharge space S4across the indoor air inlet space S3and the outdoor air discharge space S2. That is, the bypass duct50extends from the indoor air inlet space S3to the side end of the outdoor air discharge space S2, extends upward along the side surface of the side cover112, and communicates with the indoor air discharge space S4. The structure of the bypass duct50will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings below.

On the other hand, a part of the components constituting the refrigerant cycle is accommodated in the air conditioning portion11b. For example, an evaporator64and an evaporating fan module63may be accommodated, and components of the refrigerant cycle excluding the evaporator64and the evaporating fan module63, that is, a compressor, a condenser, a four-way valve, an expansion valve, and the like may be accommodated in the outdoor unit80. Through the control of the opening degree of the four-way valve, the evaporator64may operate as a condenser to enable a heating operation.

A supply-side mullion14is erected on one of both side edges of the air conditioning portion11a, specifically, on the edge side where the outdoor air communication hole121is formed, and a discharge-side mullion15is erected on the edge where the indoor air communication hole122is formed. Accordingly, the outdoor air communication hole121is located at an upper end of an outdoor air supply passage114defined between one side surface of the side cover112and the supply-side mullion14. The indoor air communication hole122is located at an upper end of an indoor air discharge passage115defined between the other side surface of the side cover112and the discharge-side mullion15.

Each of the supply-side mullion14and the discharge-side mullion15may be defined as a wall, which may be erected vertically, for example, to connect the separation wall12and the lower surface of the side cover112. In particular, as shown, the lower portion of the discharge-side mullion15may be bent toward the supply-side mullion14and extend downward.

The space formed between the supply-side mullion14and the discharge-side mullion15may be partitioned into an upper space116and a lower space117by a separation plate13extending horizontally from the supply-side mullion14to the discharge-side mullion15.

An air passage from the upper space116to the lower space117after passing through the separation plate13is a passage through which outdoor air or indoor air cooled by the evaporator64flows, and can be defined as an air conditioning passage. Of course, when the refrigerant cycle operates as a heat pump cycle and the evaporator64functions as a condenser, the air flowing along the air conditioning passage is heated air. Accordingly, the passage connecting the upper space116and the lower space117may be defined as an air conditioning passage.

The evaporation fan module63may be seated on the upper surface of the separation plate13, and an evaporator communication hole131is formed in the separation plate13. The outlet of the evaporator fan module63is connected to the evaporator communication hole131.

As shown inFIG.8, the outdoor air outlet1111of the front cover111is formed to extend across the outdoor air supply passage114and the lower space117. Accordingly, both the air flowing along the outdoor air supply passage114and the air sent to the lower space117are discharged into the indoor space through the outdoor air outlet1111.

On the other hand, the indoor air inlet1112of the front cover111is designed to communicate only with the indoor air discharge passage115. Accordingly, the indoor air introduced through the indoor air inlet1112does not flow into the lower space117and rises only along the indoor air discharge passage115.

A bypass damper71is mounted at the inlet of the bypass duct50, a supply damper72is mounted on the supply-side mullion14, and an exhaust damper73is mounted on the exhaust-side mullion15.

The bypass damper71selectively opens or closes the inlet of the bypass duct50. Specifically, when the bypass damper71closes the inlet of the bypass duct50, the indoor air discharge passage115and the indoor air inlet space S3communicate with each other through the indoor air communication hole122. Conversely, when the bypass damper71opens the inlet of the bypass duct50, the indoor air discharge passage115and the bypass passage (to be described later) formed in the bypass duct50communicate with each other through the indoor air communication hole122.

In addition, when the supply damper72is opened, the outdoor air supply passage114and the upper space116communicate with each other, and when the exhaust damper73is opened, the upper space116and the indoor air discharge passage115communicate with each other.

FIG.6is a top perspective view of the bypass duct constituting the ventilation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.7is a bottom perspective view of the bypass duct.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, the ventilation apparatus10according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with the bypass duct50, and the bypass duct50extends along the bottom and side portions of the ventilation portion11a.

In detail, the bypass duct50includes a transverse portion51seated on the separation wall12, a side portion53that is bent from the side end of the transverse portion51and extends upward, and an upper portion54extending rearward from the upper end of the side portion53.

The front surface of the bypass duct50may be opened, and the front end portion of the bypass duct50may be in close contact with the rear surface of the front cover111. Alternatively, the front side of the bypass duct50may be closed by a front plate, and the front plate may be in close contact with the rear surface of the front cover111. The rear surface of the bypass duct50is in close contact with the front surface of the rear cover113.

The side surface of the transverse portion51is opened to define a bypass inlet501, and the side surface of the transverse portion51where the bypass inlet501is defined is spaced apart from the side cover112of the housing11by a predetermined distance.

The bypass damper71is mounted on the bypass inlet501, and the bypass damper71includes a damper frame712mounted on the side edge of the transverse portion51, a damper711rotatably connected to the upper end of the damper frame712, and a damper motor713that rotates the damper711. Like the bypass damper71, each of the supply damper72and the exhaust damper73also includes a damper frame, a damper, and a damper motor.

The damper711has a width corresponding to the height of the transverse portion51and a length corresponding to the front-and-rear direction width of the transverse portion51. The side surface of the transverse portion51and the side cover112are spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the width of the damper711. The space formed between the side surface of the transverse portion51and the side cover112is a passage through which the indoor air sucked through the indoor air inlet1112is guided to the indoor air inlet space S3, and can be defined as an indoor air discharge passage. When the damper711is in a vertical state, the bypass inlet501is closed, and when the damper711rotates to a horizontal state and the bypass inlet501is opened, the indoor air discharge passage is closed.

A suction fan module accommodation groove504for accommodating the suction fan module61is formed in a portion of the bypass duct50, and the suction fan module accommodation groove504is formed by cutting a portion of the transverse portion51and a portion of the side portion53of the bypass duct50. The cut surfaces of the transverse portion51and the side portion53defining the edge of the suction fan module accommodation groove504are closed.

On the other hand, the transverse portion51includes a bottom portion511seated on the separation wall12, an upper portion512spaced apart from the bottom portion511by a predetermined height, and a passage guide513connecting the bottom portion511and the upper portion512.

One side end of the bottom portion511defines the lower edge of the bypass inlet501and is spaced apart from the side cover112by a length corresponding to the width of the damper711. The indoor air communication hole122is formed in a portion of the separation wall12that closes the space between one side end of the bottom portion511and the side cover112.

As another method, the bottom portion511may be formed in the same size as the separation wall12, and as indicated by a dotted line, the indoor air communication hole122and the outdoor air communication hole121may be formed in the bottom portion511. In this case, the bottom portion511may replace the function of the separation wall12.

The passage guide513is formed at a position spaced a predetermined distance backward from the front end of the transverse portion51, so that a bypass passage502is formed between the front surface of the bypass duct50and the passage guide513.

In detail, the passage guide513extends forward from the rear end of the bypass inlet501, and then extends toward the side portion53and the upper portion54. When the passage guide513extends from the rear end to the front end of the bypass duct50, the passage guide513may extend to be inclined in a direction away from the side cover112or to be rounded with a predetermined curvature. In particular, the passage guide513may be formed to be rounded with a predetermined curvature at a corner portion where the side surface and the front surface of the bypass duct50meet each other.

In addition, the passage guide513may extend to the other end of the transverse portion51, that is, the side portion53, and may then extend to be gently rounded upward with a predetermined curvature.

On the other hand, the side portion53includes an outer bent portion531and an inner bent portion532. In detail, the outer bent portion531is a portion bent upward from the other end of the bottom portion511, that is, the opposite side end of the bypass inlet501, and is in close contact with the inner surface of the side cover112.

In addition, the inner bent portion532is bent upward from the other end of the upper portion512and extends upward. The portion where the inner bent portion532and the upper portion512meet each other may be curved with a predetermined curvature.

In addition, the front end of the upper portion54is in close contact with the front cover111, the rear end of the upper portion4is in close contact with the rear cover113, and a bypass outlet503is formed in a portion of the upper portion54. The passage guide513extends upward from the side portion53, is rounded to the rear, and is connected to the rear end of the bypass outlet503. Accordingly, the bypass outlet503may be understood as a discharge port of the bypass passage502.

In summary, the passage guide513includes a first guide extending from the rear end of the bypass inlet501toward the front end of the bypass duct50, a second guide bent from the front end of the first guide and extending to the side portion53, and a third guide extending roundly from the end of the second guide toward the upper rear side.

In addition, the bypass passage502may be described as including a suction area defined by the bypass inlet501and the first guide, a transfer area extending from the suction area to the side portion53, and a discharge area extending from the end of the transfer area to the bypass outlet503.

As shown inFIG.4, among the four partition walls16extending from the side edges of the total heat exchanger41, the partition wall partitioning the indoor air discharge space S4and the outdoor air discharge space S2is connected to the side portion53of the bypass duct50. Accordingly, the bypass outlet503communicates with the indoor air discharge space S4. The indoor air flowing along the bypass passage502is discharged only to the indoor air discharge space S4through the bypass outlet503, and is completely discharged to the outside of the ventilation apparatus10by the exhaust fan module62.

The bypass outlet503may be formed to have a length from the front end to the rear end of the upper portion54, and as shown, may be formed to have a length of about half of the upper portion54.

Hereinafter, the flow of indoor air and outdoor air made for each operation mode in the ventilation apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG.8is a view showing air flow w inside the ventilation apparatus in a total heat exchange ventilation mode.

Referring toFIG.8, when the total heat exchange ventilation mode is executed, both the suction fan module61and the exhaust fan module62operate, and the bypass damper71opens the indoor air discharge passage and blocks the bypass inlet501of the bypass duct50. The supply damper72and the exhaust damper73are closed. The expression that the supply damper72and the exhaust damper73are closed means that the outdoor air supply passage114and the indoor air discharge passage115do not communicate with the upper space116where the evaporation fan module63is accommodated.

In this state, when the suction fan module61is driven, outdoor air is introduced into the outdoor air inlet space S1through the outdoor air inlet duct31. The outdoor air introduced into the outdoor air inlet space S1passes through the ventilation module40and is then guided to the outdoor air discharge space S2.

The outdoor air guided to the outdoor air discharge space S2is sucked by the suction fan module61, and is then guided to the outdoor air supply passage114through the outdoor air communication hole121. The outdoor air guided to the outdoor air supply passage114is supplied to the indoor space through the outdoor air outlet1111and the outdoor air outlet duct32.

When the exhaust fan module62is driven, the indoor air is guided to the indoor air discharge passage115through the indoor air inlet duct33, and is guided to the indoor air inlet space S3through the indoor air communication hole122and the indoor air discharge passage.

The indoor air guided to the indoor air inlet space S3passes through the total heat exchanger41and is then guided to the indoor air discharge space S4. The outdoor air and the indoor air exchange heat while passing through the total heat exchanger41(waste heat recovery).

The indoor air guided to the indoor air discharge space S4is sucked by the exhaust fan module62and then discharged to the outside through the indoor air discharge duct34.

In winter, by the waste heat recovery process occurring in the ventilation module40, the outdoor air absorbs heat from the indoor air discharged to the outside and is then supplied to the indoor space, thereby preventing a sudden drop in the indoor temperature.

On the other hand, in summer, heat is emitted from the outdoor air to the indoor air discharged to the outside and supplied to the indoor space in a low temperature state, thereby preventing a sudden increase in the indoor temperature.

FIG.9is a view showing air flow inside the ventilation apparatus in a quick ventilation mode.

Referring toFIG.9, when the quick ventilation mode (or outdoor air cooling mode) is executed, the suction fan module61and the exhaust fan module62operate, and the evaporation fan module63does not operate.

In detail, the bypass damper71operates to close the indoor air discharge passage, while the bypass inlet501of the bypass duct50is opened. In addition, the supply damper72and the exhaust damper73are also maintained in a closed state.

When the suction fan module61operates in this state, as in the total heat exchange ventilation mode, the outdoor air sequentially passes through the outdoor air inlet duct31, the outdoor air inlet space S1, the ventilation module40, the outdoor air discharge space S2, the outdoor air supply passage114, and the outdoor air discharge duct32, and is then supplied to the indoor space.

When the exhaust fan module62operates, the indoor air passes through the indoor air inlet duct33, the indoor air discharge passage115, and the indoor air communication hole122, sequentially passes through the bypass inlet501of the bypass duct50, the bypass passage502, the bypass outlet503, the indoor air discharge space S4, and the indoor air discharge duct34, and is discharged to the outside.

In this case, since the indoor air does not pass through the total heat exchanger41, the outdoor air introduced into the indoor space is discharged into the indoor space at an outdoor temperature. Accordingly, when the quick ventilation mode is executed in autumn or winter, fresh outdoor air having a low temperature is supplied to the indoor space.

In addition, since the indoor air does not pass through the total heat exchanger41, oil, smoke, and other harmful substances scattered in the air during a cooking process are directly discharged to the outside during cooking in a kitchen, thereby minimizing contamination of the total heat exchanger41.

When the total heat exchange ventilation mode is executed during cooling in the kitchen, the inner circumferential surface of the total heat exchanger41is contaminated while the contaminated indoor air passes through the total heat exchanger41. As a result, the life of the total heat exchanger41may be shortened.

Accordingly, when the indoor air is heavily contaminated, the quick ventilation mode using the bypass duct50is executed to allow the indoor air to be quickly discharged to the outside and to minimize contamination of the total heat exchange element.

FIG.10is a view showing air flow inside the ventilation apparatus in a quick cooling mode.

Referring toFIG.10, when the quick cooling mode is executed, the suction fan module61and the exhaust fan module62are stopped and the refrigerant cycle operates so that the evaporator64and the evaporation fan module63operate. When the refrigerant cycle operates, a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant flows to the evaporator64.

In addition, the exhaust damper73operates to shield the indoor air discharge passage115and allow the indoor air discharge passage115and the upper space116to communicate with each other.

In this state, when the evaporation fan module63operates, indoor air is introduced into the indoor air inlet duct33and is then guided to the indoor air outlet passage115. The indoor air guided to the indoor air discharge passage115is guided to the upper space116and is guided to the lower space117through the evaporator fan module63and the evaporator communication hole131.

The temperature of the indoor air guided to the lower space117drops while passing through the evaporator64, and the indoor air is supplied back into the indoor space through the outdoor air outlet1111.

FIG.11is a view showing air flow inside the ventilation apparatus in a total heat exchange ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode.

Referring toFIG.11, when the total heat exchange ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode is executed, the total heat exchange ventilation mode and the outdoor air cooling mode are simultaneously performed.

The outdoor air cooling mode refers to an operation mode in which outdoor air introduced into the ventilation apparatus10is cooled while passing through the evaporator64and is then supplied to the indoor space.

In detail, the total heat exchange ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode is the same as the total heat exchange ventilation mode described with reference toFIG.8, except that the supply damper72is switched to close the outdoor air supply passage114. Accordingly, the outdoor air sucked by the suction fan module61does not flow along the outdoor air supply passage114after passing through the ventilation module40, but is guided to the upper space116in which the evaporation fan module63is accommodated. The outdoor air guided to the upper space116passes through the evaporator fan module63and the evaporator communication hole131and is guided to the lower space117. The outdoor air guided to the lower space117is cooled while passing through the evaporator64and is then supplied to the indoor space through the outdoor air discharge duct32.

The total heat exchange ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode may be used when a large amount of fresh outdoor air is required and waste heat recovery is required in a situation where the temperature difference between indoors and outside is relatively large.

For example, in a case where the indoor air quality is poor in summer and thus fresh outdoor air is needed, but the window cannot be opened due to the high outside temperature, when the total heat exchange ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode is executed, the introduced outdoor air exchanges heat with indoor air having a relatively low temperature while passing through the total heat exchanger41, and thus, the temperature of the outdoor air drops. In addition, the outdoor air whose temperature has dropped to a certain level is cooled to a temperature similar to that of the indoor space while passing through the evaporator64and is then supplied to the indoor space. Therefore, since the outdoor air with a large amount of oxygen is primarily cooled to a temperature lower than the outdoor temperature while passing through the total heat exchanger41, there is an advantage in that an excessive load is not applied to the evaporator64. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that an evaporator having a small capacity can be used.

In addition, when the refrigerant cycle is operated by a heat pump in winter so that the evaporator64acts as a condenser, the introduced outdoor air absorbs heat from the indoor air while passing through the total heat exchanger41and then passes through the condenser. Accordingly, the condenser is not overloaded.

FIG.12is a view showing air flow inside the ventilation apparatus in a quick ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode.

Referring toFIG.12, the quick ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode is the same as the quick ventilation mode described with reference toFIG.9, except that the supply damper72is switched to close the outdoor air supply passage114. Accordingly, the outdoor air sucked by the suction fan module61does not flow along the outdoor air supply passage114after passing through the ventilation module40, but is guided to the upper space116in which the evaporation fan module63is accommodated. The outdoor air guided to the upper space116passes through the evaporator fan module63and the evaporator communication hole131and is guided to the lower space117. The outdoor air guided to the lower space117is cooled while passing through the evaporator64and is then supplied to the indoor space through the outdoor air discharge duct32.

The quick ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode is an operation mode that can be usefully used when it is necessary to quickly discharge the indoor air to the outside because the indoor air is highly contaminated due to cooking and to introduce a large amount of fresh outdoor air, and when waste heat recovery is not required. In particular, the quick ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode can be said to be an operation mode that can be usefully used in late summer or early autumn when indoor air quality is low.

FIG.13is a view showing air flow inside the ventilation apparatus in a quick ventilation/mixed cooling mode.

Referring toFIG.13, the quick ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode is the same as the quick ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode described with reference toFIG.12, except that the exhaust damper73is switched at an angle less than 90 degrees so that the indoor air introduced through the indoor air inlet duct33flows into the total heat exchanger41and the upper space116.

In detail, when the quick ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode is executed, the outdoor air sucked by the suction fan module61flows along the indoor air discharge passage115and then flows into the bypass passage502and the upper space116. The indoor air flowing into the upper space116is guided to the lower space117by the evaporation fan module63. The indoor air guided to the lower space117is cooled while passing through the evaporator64and is then supplied to the indoor space through the outdoor air discharge duct32.

The quick ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode can be said to be an operation mode that is useful in summer when the indoor air quality rapidly deteriorates while cooking and the indoor temperature rapidly rises due to the use of cooking equipment.

That is, a part of the indoor air, which has deteriorated rapidly during the cooking process, does not pass through the total heat exchanger41and is quickly discharged to the outside, thereby minimizing contamination of the total heat exchanger41. In addition, since fresh outdoor air and a part of the indoor air sucked into the indoor air discharge passage115are supplied to the indoor space in a low temperature state, the indoor temperature decreases. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain an effect of improving indoor air quality.

Since a part of the indoor air flowing along the indoor air discharge passage115passes through the evaporator64and is supplied back into the indoor space, indoor air quality does not improve rapidly all at once, but this operation mode is maintained for a predetermined time, thereby obtaining an effect of improving indoor air quality.

FIG.14is a view showing air flow inside the ventilation apparatus in a total heat exchange ventilation/mixed cooling mode.

Referring toFIG.14, the total heat exchange ventilation/mixed cooling mode is the same as the total heat exchange ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode described with reference toFIG.11, except that the exhaust damper73is switched at an angle less than 90 degrees so that the indoor air introduced through the indoor air inlet duct33flows into the total heat exchanger41and the upper space116.

When the total heat exchange ventilation/mixed cooling mode is executed, the outdoor air sucked by fan module61flows along the indoor air discharge passage115and then flows into the bypass passage502and the upper space116. The indoor air flowing into the upper space116is guided to the lower space117by the evaporation fan module63. The indoor air guided to the lower space117is cooled while passing through the evaporator64and is then supplied to the indoor space through the outdoor air discharge duct32.

In the total heat exchange ventilation/mixed cooling mode operation, waste heat recovery occurs when the introduced outdoor air and the discharged indoor air exchange heat in the total heat exchanger41. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that a load is less applied to the evaporator64. In addition, since the introduced outdoor air and the discharged indoor air are cooled while passing through the evaporator64, there is an effect that the indoor temperature is lowered to the set temperature in a short time.

FIG.15is a view showing air flow inside the ventilation apparatus in a total heat exchange ventilation/quick cooling mixed mode.

Referring toFIG.15, the total heat exchange ventilation/quick cooling mixed mode is the same as the total heat exchange ventilation mode described with reference toFIG.8, except that a part of the discharged indoor air is branched into the upper space116of the air conditioning portion11b, is cooled while passing through the evaporator64, and is then supplied back into the indoor space.

In detail, the total heat exchange ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode ofFIG.11is an operation mode in which, in the total heat exchange ventilation mode ofFIG.8, only the introduced outdoor air passes through the evaporator64and is then supplied to the indoor space, the total heat exchange ventilation/mixed cooling mode ofFIG.14is a mode in which, in the total heat exchange ventilation mode ofFIG.8, a part of the introduced outdoor air and the discharged indoor air pass through the evaporator64and is then supplied to the indoor space, and the total heat exchange ventilation/quick cooling mixed mode ofFIG.15is a mode in which, in the total heat exchange ventilation mode ofFIG.8, only a part of the discharged indoor air passes through the evaporator64and is then supplied to the indoor space.

FIG.16is a view showing air flow inside the ventilation apparatus in a quick ventilation/quick cooling mixed mode.

Referring toFIG.16, the quick ventilation/quick cooling mixed mode is the same as the quick ventilation mode described with reference toFIG.9, except that a part of the discharged indoor air is branched into the upper space116of the air conditioning portion11b, is cooled while passing through the evaporator64, and is then supplied back into the indoor space.

In detail, the quick ventilation/outdoor air cooling simultaneous mode ofFIG.12is an operation mode in which, in the quick ventilation mode ofFIG.9, only the introduced outdoor air passes through the evaporator64and is then supplied to the indoor space, the quick ventilation/mixed cooling mode ofFIG.13is a mode in which, in the quick ventilation mode ofFIG.9, a part of the introduced outdoor air and the discharged indoor air pass through the evaporator64and is then supplied to the indoor space, and the quick ventilation/quick cooling mixed mode ofFIG.16is a mode in which, in the quick ventilation mode ofFIG.9, only a part of the discharged indoor air passes through the evaporator64and is then supplied to the indoor space.

FIG.17is a perspective view of a ventilation apparatus provided with an outdoor air discharge duct according to another embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.18is a cross-sectional view of the ventilation apparatus taken along line18-18ofFIG.17,FIG.19is an exploded perspective view of the outdoor air discharge duct, andFIG.20is a cross-sectional view of the outdoor air discharge duct.

Referring toFIGS.17to20, an outdoor air outlet1111is formed over an outdoor air supply passage114and a lower space117of an air conditioning portion11b. In other words, a supply-side mullion14partitions the outdoor air outlet1111into a left discharge space and a right discharge space.

An outdoor air discharge duct32aaccording to this embodiment looks like a single duct, but is a double duct including an inner duct321through which outdoor air passing through a total heat exchanger41flows, and an outer duct322through which indoor and/or outdoor air passing through the lower space117flows.

That is, two passages including an inner passage through which outdoor air passing through the total heat exchanger41flows and an outer passage through which indoor and/or outdoor air passing through the evaporator64flows are formed inside the outdoor air discharge duct32a.

Since the inner passage and the outer passage can be opened or closed independently, a ventilation function of supplying only outdoor air to the indoor space and a cooling function of supplying indoor and/or outdoor air passing through the evaporator to the indoor space are separable.

In detail, the outdoor air discharge duct32aincludes an outer duct322, an inner duct321inserted into the interior of the outer duct322, and a discharge cover323mounted on the discharge ends of the outer duct322and the inner duct321.

The outer duct322includes an outer duct body3221having a cylindrical shape, an outer diffuser3223extending from the discharge side end of the outer duct body3221, and an outer discharge cover3232for opening or closing the outer diffuser3223.

The inner duct321includes an inner duct body3211having a smaller diameter than the outer duct body3221, a guide duct3212extending from the inlet side end of the inner duct body3211, an inner diffuser3213extending from the discharge side end of the inner duct body3211, and an inner discharge cover3231for opening or closing the inner diffuser3213.

The guide duct3212has a semi-cylindrical shape, and a radius D1of the guide duct3212is designed to be smaller than a diameter D and a radius D2of the outer duct body3221. However, the radius of the guide duct3212may be appropriately set according to design conditions, that is, the formation position of the outdoor air outlet1111. For example, when the location of the outdoor air outlet1111is set so that the center of the outdoor air outlet1111is located on the supply-side mullion14, the radius of the guide duct3212may be formed to have the same size as the radius of the outer duct body3221.

The inlet end of the guide duct3212may have the same shape as the cross-sectional shape of the outdoor air discharge flange22communicating with the outdoor air supply passage114. Specifically, as shown inFIG.18, the arc portion of the guide duct3212is fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the outdoor air discharge flange22and the diameter portion of the guide duct3212is in contact with the front end of the supply-side mullion14, so that only outdoor air flowing along the outdoor air supply passage114is introduced into the guide duct3212.

A portion where the guide duct3212and the inner duct body3211meet each other is formed to be rounded with a predetermined curvature, thereby minimizing the flow resistance of the outdoor air introduced into the guide duct3212.

On the other hand, the outer circumferential surface of the inner duct body from the inner circumferential surface of the outer duct body3221, so that the air introduced into the outer duct body3221flows uniformly throughout the inner space of the outer duct body3221excluding the inner duct body3211.

A cutout portion3224is formed at the inlet side end of the outer duct body3221so that the guide duct3212is seated thereon, and a seating surface3222is formed at the end of the cutout portion3224. The seating surface3222is a portion on which the outlet side end of the guide duct3212is seated. The seating surface3222is formed to be rounded with a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the outlet side end of the guide duct3212, thereby minimizing a phenomenon in which air introduced into the outer duct body3221leaks into a contact portion between the guide duct3212and the outer duct body3221.

On the other hand, the outer discharge cover3232may have a ring shape, and the inner discharge cover3231may have a circular shape. The width of the outer discharge cover3232may be set as a value obtained by subtracting the radius of the outlet end of the inner diffuser3213from the radius of the outlet end of the outer diffuser3223.

On the other hand, a ventilation apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a housing including a front cover, a rear cover, and a side cover configured to connect edges of the front cover and the rear cover; a separation wall configured to separate an inner space of the housing into an upper ventilation portion and a lower air conditioning portion; a ventilation component installed in the ventilation portion; and an air conditioning component installed in the air conditioning portion, wherein the front cover includes: an indoor air inlet through which indoor air is introduced; and an air discharge opening through which indoor air and/or outdoor air is discharged, wherein the rear cover includes: an outdoor air inlet through which outdoor air is introduced; and an indoor air outlet through which indoor air is discharged, wherein the ventilation apparatus further includes: a supply-side mullion erected at a position close to one inner side end of the air conditioning portion; and a discharge-side mullion erected at a position close to the other inner side end of the air conditioning portion, wherein the inside of the air conditioning portion is divided into: an outdoor air supply passage formed between the supply-side mullion and one side surface of the side cover close to the supply-side mullion; an indoor air discharge passage formed between the discharge-side mullion and the other side surface of the side cover close to the discharge-side mullion; and an air conditioning passage formed between the supply-side mullion and the discharge-side mullion, wherein the air discharge opening is divided into a first portion communicating with the outdoor r air supply passage and a second portion communicating with the air conditioning passage by the supply-side mullion, and wherein a discharge duct through which air discharged from the outdoor air supply passage and air discharged from the air conditioning passage flow in a separated state is mounted in the air discharge opening.

The discharge duct includes: an inner duct having an inlet connected to the first portion; and an outer duct configured to accommodate the inner duct and having an inlet connected to the second portion.

The inner duct includes: a guide duct having one end connected to the first portion and extending in a semi-cylindrical shape; a cylindrical inner duct body extending from the other end of the guide duct; and an inner diffuser extending in a shape in which a diameter thereof increases from an end of the inner duct body.

The external duct includes: a cylindrical outer duct body having one end at which a cutout portion into which the guide duct is inserted is formed, and connected to the second portion; and an inner diffuser extending in a shape in which a diameter thereof increases from the other end of the outer duct body.

The inner diameter of the outer duct body is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the inner duct body, and air passing through the second portion flows into a space between the inner duct body and the outer duct body.

The discharge duct includes: a circular inner discharge cover configured to shield an outlet of the inner diffuser; and a ring-shaped outer discharge cover configured to shield a space between the outer diffuser and the inner diffuser.

The ventilation component includes: a hexahedral total heat exchanger disposed inside the ventilation portion in a front-and-rear direction so that an upper surface and a lower surface thereof are in close contact with the front cover and the rear cover, respectively; a plurality of partition walls extending from four side corners of the total heat exchanger to partition an inner space of the ventilation portion into four spaces; an exhaust fan module disposed in one of the four spaces; and a suction fan module disposed in another one of the four spaces.

The four spaces include: an outdoor air inlet space communicating with the outdoor air inlet; an outdoor air discharge space defined on an opposite side of the outdoor air inlet space with respect to the total heat exchanger and communicating with the outdoor air inlet; an indoor air discharge space communicating with the indoor air outlet; and an indoor air inlet space defined on an opposite side of the indoor air discharge space with respect to the total heat exchanger and communicating with the indoor air discharge space, wherein the exhaust fan module is disposed in the indoor air discharge space and has an outlet connected to the indoor air outlet, and wherein the suction fan module is disposed in the outdoor air discharge space.

The ventilation apparatus according to the present disclosure further includes a separation plate configured to connect the supply-side mullion and the discharge-side mullion to separate an inner space of the air conditioning portion into an upper space and a lower space, wherein the air conditioning component includes: an evaporation fan module disposed in the upper space; and an evaporator disposed in the lower space.

The outdoor air introduced into the outdoor air inlet sequentially passes through the outdoor air inlet space, the total heat exchange element, the outdoor air discharge space, the suction fan module, the outdoor air supply passage, the first portion, and the inner duct and is supplied to the indoor space.

The ventilation apparatus according to the present disclosure further includes: a supply damper provided on the supply-side mullion; and an exhaust damper provided on the discharge-side mullion, wherein the indoor air introduced into the air conditioning passage through the control of the opening degree of the exhaust damper and/or the outdoor air introduced into the air conditioning passage through the control of the opening degree of the supply damper sequentially pass through the second portion and the outer duct and are supplied to the indoor space.

The indoor air introduced into the indoor air inlet sequentially passes through the indoor air discharge passage, the indoor air inlet space, the total heat exchange element, the indoor air discharge space, and the indoor air outlet and is discharged to the outside.

A ventilation apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a housing including a front cover, a rear cover, and a side cover configured to connect edges of the front cover and the rear cover; a separation wall configured to separating an inner space of the housing into an upper ventilation portion and a lower air conditioning portion; a ventilation component installed in the ventilation portion; and an air conditioning component installed in the air conditioning portion, wherein the front cover includes: an indoor air inlet through which: indoor air is introduced; and an air discharge opening through which indoor air and/or outdoor air is discharged, and wherein the rear cover includes: an outdoor air inlet through which outdoor air is introduced; and an indoor air outlet through which indoor air is discharged, wherein the ventilation component includes: a hexahedral total heat exchanger disposed inside the ventilation portion in a front-and-rear direction so that an upper surface and a lower surface thereof are in close contact with the front cover and the rear cover, respectively; a plurality of partition walls extending from four side corners of the total heat exchanger to partition an inner space of the ventilation portion into four spaces; an exhaust fan module disposed in one of the four spaces; a suction fan module disposed in another one of the four spaces; and a bypass duct configured to bypass the total heat exchanger to guide indoor air introduced into the indoor air inlet to the air discharge opening.

The four spaces include: an outdoor air inlet space communicating with the outdoor air inlet; an outdoor air discharge space defined on an opposite side of the outdoor air inlet space with respect to the total heat exchanger and communicating with the outdoor air inlet; an indoor air discharge space communicating with the indoor air outlet; and an indoor air inlet space defined on an opposite side of the indoor air discharge space with respect to the total heat exchanger and communicating with the indoor air discharge space, wherein the exhaust fan module is disposed in the indoor air discharge space and has an outlet connected to the indoor air outlet.

The ventilation apparatus according to the present disclosure further includes: a supply-side mullion erected at a position close to one inner side end of the air conditioning portion; and a discharge-side mullion erected at a position close to the other inner side end of the air conditioning portion, wherein an outdoor air supply passage is defined between the supply-side mullion and one side surface of the side cover close to the supply-side mullion, and wherein an indoor air discharge passage is defined between the discharge-side mullion and the other side surface of the side cover close to the discharge-side mullion, and wherein an outdoor air communication hole is formed at one position of the separation wall partitioning the outdoor air supply passage and the outdoor air discharge space.

The suction fan module is disposed in the outdoor air discharge space, and an outlet of the suction fan module is connected to the outdoor air communication hole.

A bypass passage having an inlet communicating with the indoor air inlet space and an outlet communicating with the indoor air discharge space is formed inside the bypass duct.

The ventilation apparatus according to the present disclosure further includes a bypass damper configured to selectively open or close the inlet of the bypass passage.

The bypass duct includes: a transverse portion disposed on the separation wall and having an inlet formed at one side end; a side portion extending upward from the other side end of the transverse portion; and an upper portion formed on the upper end of the side portion and having the outlet formed therein.

The bypass passage is defined by a flow guide formed at a position spaced apart from the front side of the bypass duct and the front side of the bypass duct, and the flow guide includes: a first guide extending from the rear end of the inlet toward the front end of the bypass duct; a second guide bent from the end of the first guide and extending toward the side portion; and a third guide extending roundly from the end of the second guide toward the upper rear side.

The bypass passage includes a suction area defined by the inlet and the first guide, a transfer area extending from the suction area over the indoor air inlet space and the outdoor air discharge space, and a discharge area extending from the end of the transfer area to the outlet.

An indoor air communication hole is formed at one position of the separation wall partitioning the indoor air discharge passage and the indoor air inlet space, and the opening degree of the bypass damper is controlled so that the indoor air passing through the indoor air communication hole is guided to one of the indoor air inlet space and the bypass passage.

The ventilation apparatus according to the present disclosure further includes a separation plate configured to connect the supply-side mullion and the discharge-side mullion, wherein the air conditioning component includes an evaporation fan module disposed in a space above the separation plate, and an evaporator disposed in a space below the separation plate.