JP4924585B2 - Humidity control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a humidity control apparatus using an adsorption element.

  In recent years, a humidity control apparatus using an adsorbing element has been widely used (for example, see Patent Document 1). The humidity control device described in Patent Document 1 is a desiccant type humidity control device that adsorbs moisture in the air with a rotating disk-shaped adsorption element and then heats the adsorption element with a heater to release and collect the moisture. Device.

In the humidity control apparatus as described above, a heater is disposed in the vicinity of the adsorption element, and a reflection plate is disposed on the opposite side of the adsorption element with the heater interposed therebetween. There are a reflector having a plurality of holes and a reflector having no holes. The former has a disadvantage in that the radiant heat of the heater leaks from the plurality of holes and the temperature of the outer wall on the opposite side of the heater is increased with the reflector interposed therebetween. The latter has a disadvantage that air between the reflector and the outer wall does not flow to the heater side.
JP 2003-38930 A

  The subject of this invention is providing the humidity control apparatus which can flow the air which exists between a reflecting plate and an outer wall to the heater side, suppressing the leakage of the radiant heat of a heater.

  The humidity control apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is a desiccant humidity control apparatus that recovers the moisture adsorbed by the adsorption member by heating with a heater, and includes an air circulation path forming wall and a reflector. The air circulation path forming wall directs air to the adsorption member via the heater. The reflector surrounds the heater inside the air circulation path forming wall and reflects the radiant heat of the heater. Moreover, the reflecting plate has an opening and an auxiliary reflecting portion. The opening allows communication between the space in which the heater is disposed and the space sandwiched between the air circulation path forming wall and the reflecting plate. The auxiliary reflecting portion is located between the opening and the air circulation path forming wall and reflects radiant heat leaking from the opening.

  In this humidity control device, the air that has entered between the reflector and the air circulation path forming wall flows to the heater side through the opening, so the reduction in the amount of air toward the heater is suppressed and the regeneration efficiency of the adsorption member is improved. To do. Moreover, since the auxiliary reflection part reflects the radiant heat of the heater leaking from the opening, the temperature rise of the air circulation path forming wall is suppressed.

  The humidity control apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is the humidity control apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the auxiliary reflection portion is formed by cutting a part of the reflection plate. In this humidity control apparatus, since the auxiliary reflecting portion is integrally formed with the reflecting plate, the processing cost is reduced.

  The humidity control apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention is the humidity control apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the opening is a hole generated when the auxiliary reflection part is formed. In this humidity control apparatus, since it is not necessary to provide a new opening in the reflector, material loss is reduced, and processing costs are reduced.

  A humidity control apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the humidity control apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the auxiliary reflection portion is a separate member that is separated and independent from the reflection plate. In this humidity control apparatus, since the shape of the auxiliary reflector can be freely set, the degree of freedom in designing the auxiliary reflector is increased.

  A humidity control apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the humidity control apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the auxiliary reflection portion guides the air passing through the space sandwiched between the air circulation path forming wall and the reflection plate to the opening. Inclined or curved.

  In this humidity control apparatus, the air that has entered between the reflector and the air circulation path forming wall efficiently flows to the heater side through the opening, so the amount of air toward the heater increases. As a result, the amount of air toward the adsorption member is also increased, and the regeneration efficiency of the adsorption member is improved.

  In the humidity control apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the decrease in the amount of air toward the heater is suppressed, and the regeneration efficiency of the adsorption member is improved. Moreover, since the auxiliary reflection part reflects the radiant heat of the heater leaking from the opening, the temperature rise of the air circulation path forming wall is suppressed.

  In the humidity control apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, the auxiliary reflecting portion is integrally formed with the reflecting plate, so that the processing cost is reduced.

  In the humidity control apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to newly provide an opening in the reflecting plate, so that material loss is reduced and processing costs are reduced.

  In the humidity control apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the shape of the auxiliary reflector can be freely set, so that the degree of freedom in designing the auxiliary reflector is increased.

  In the humidity control apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the air that has entered between the reflecting plate and the air circulation path forming wall efficiently flows to the heater side through the opening, so the amount of air toward the heater increases. As a result, the amount of air toward the adsorption member is also increased, and the regeneration efficiency of the adsorption member is improved.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

<Configuration of humidity control device>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a humidity control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, in the humidity control apparatus 1, an air cleaning unit 2, a dehumidifying unit 3, a humidifying unit 4, a blower 5 and a control unit 6 are housed in a main body 10. In the present embodiment, a handle 7 is provided at the upper part of the side surface of the main body 10 so that the user can easily move the humidity control device 1, and the lower surface of the main body 10 (the surface facing the indoor floor surface). A caster 8 is provided.

  The blower 5 is located on the side opposite to the air cleaning unit 2 with respect to the main body 10, and when viewed from the air cleaning unit 2 side, the air cleaning unit 2, the dehumidifying unit 3, the humidifying unit 4, and the blower 5 in this order. Are lined up. When the blower 5 is operating, air is sucked in from the air purification unit 2 side, and after passing through the dehumidifying unit 3, an air flow path A that passes through the humidifying unit 4 and reaches the blower 5 is formed.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper part of the main body of the humidity control apparatus. In FIG. 2, an air outlet 11 is provided in the upper portion of the main body 10, and air that has been purified and conditioned through the air flow path A is blown out from the air outlet 11. The air blowing direction can be changed by the louver 12 installed at the opening of the air outlet 11.

  The louver 12 includes a partition blade 120, a first wind direction adjusting blade 121, and a second wind direction adjusting blade 122. The first wind direction adjusting blade 121 and the second wind direction adjusting blade 122 intersect with the partition blade 120 and are supported by the partition blade 120 so as to be tiltable with respect to the vertical direction. The louver 12 is driven by a stepping motor 19. In FIG. 1, the louver 12 is in a closed state, but when the operation is started, it is automatically opened directly above by the stepping motor 19.

  Further, an operation panel 60 (see FIG. 1) is provided on the upper portion of the main body 10 and is protected by the cover 13. The control unit 6 (see FIG. 1) is located below the operation panel 60, and based on a signal input from the operation panel 60, the air cleaning unit 2, the dehumidifying unit 3, the humidifying unit 4, the blower 5, and the louver. 12 is controlled. The operation mode is switched by an operation switching button on the operation panel 60.

<Air purification unit 2>
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the air conditioning unit removed from the humidity control apparatus. In FIG. 3, the air purification unit 2 includes a decorative cover 21, a filter 22, a deodorizing catalyst 23, a dust sensor 24, and an odor sensor 25. The filter 22 and the deodorizing catalyst 23 are detachably accommodated in the accommodating portion 20 provided in the main body 10, and the deodorizing catalyst 23 is located on the downstream side of the air flow of the filter 22.

  The deodorization catalyst 23 absorbs odors and harmful gases from the air that has passed through the filter 22 and decomposes them. The dust sensor 24 is provided at the upper part of the side surface of the main body 10, and the odor sensor 25 is provided above the storage unit 20.

<Dehumidification unit 3>
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the dehumidifying unit. In FIG. 4, the dehumidifying unit 3 includes an adsorption element 31, a heater assembly 32, a regeneration fan 33, a blower pipe 34, and a heat exchange unit 35. The adsorbing element 31 is a honeycomb structure, and is formed into a disk-like and porous shape by a material kneaded by mixing zeolite powder, a binder, and an expansion agent. The binder is selected from thermoplastic resins such as modified PPE, polypropylene, polystyrene, and ABS resin, for example. The expansion agent expands at the time of forming the honeycomb structure and forms innumerable bubbles. For this reason, the adsorption | suction element 31 has high adsorptivity with respect to a water | moisture content.

  The heater assembly 32 is disposed at a location facing the downstream side surface of the adsorption element 31 with respect to the air flow path A, and has a fan-shaped attachment that can cover about one-sixth of the side surface of the adsorption element 31. It is attached by a member.

  The regeneration fan 33 is a blower that regenerates the adsorption performance of the adsorption element 31, and is attached so as to protrude from the upper side of the adsorption element 31 to the downstream side of the adsorption element 31 with respect to the air flow path A. The heater assembly 32 and the regeneration fan 33 are connected to each other by a first air pipe 34a so that air can flow. The air generated by the operation of the regeneration fan 33 reaches the heater assembly 32 through the first blower pipe 34a and is heated there to become high-temperature air.

  The blower pipe 34 includes a first blower pipe 34a, a second blower pipe 34b, a third blower pipe 34c, and a fourth blower pipe 34d. The high-temperature air heated by the heater assembly 32 travels along the thickness direction of the adsorption element 31 from the side surface of the opposite adsorption element 31 and comes out from the opposite side surface. The region through which the high-temperature air of the adsorption element 31 passes is heated by the high-temperature air and releases moisture to the high-temperature air.

  The high-temperature air that has passed through the adsorption element 31 becomes high-temperature and high-humidity air and enters the second blower pipe 34b. The 2nd ventilation pipe 34b is arrange | positioned so that the upstream side surface of the adsorption | suction element 31 may be covered with respect to the air flow path A so that the high temperature high humidity air which has passed the adsorption | suction element 31 can be collect | recovered completely. The second blower pipe 34b has a fan shape and covers about one-sixth of the side surface.

  The 3rd ventilation pipe 34c flows the high temperature, high humidity air which flows from the 2nd ventilation pipe 34b along the outer periphery of the radial direction outer side of the adsorption | suction element 31. FIG. The third blower pipe 34c is provided with a plurality of long holes 35a penetrating in the same direction as the air flow path A, and the air flowing through the air flow path A passes through the long holes 35a. Since the high-temperature and high-humidity air flowing through the third blower pipe 34c flows while contacting the inner wall surface of the long hole 35a, the air passing through the long hole 35a takes heat away from the high-temperature and high-humidity air. For this reason, the high-temperature and high-humidity air that contacts the inner wall surface of the long hole 35a is cooled, and the inner wall surface of the long hole 35a is condensed. The condensed water passes through a predetermined outlet and enters a water tank arranged below.

  The fourth air duct 34d communicates the third air duct 34c and the regeneration fan 33. The high-temperature and high-humidity air flowing through the third blower pipe 34c is sucked into the regeneration fan 33 through the fourth blower pipe 34d after contacting the wall surfaces of the plurality of long holes 35a and deprived of heat and moisture.

  FIG. 5 is a front view of the dehumidifying unit as viewed from the heater side. In FIG. 5, the dehumidifying unit 3 further includes a drive motor 36. The drive motor 36 has a pinion gear 361, and a driven gear 311 that meshes with the pinion gear 361 is provided on the outer periphery of the adsorption element 31. While the drive motor 36 is in operation, the adsorption element 31 rotates, contacts the air passing through the air flow path A, adsorbs moisture, and releases the moisture at a position facing the heater assembly 32. Then, it again comes into contact with the air passing through the air flow path A. For this reason, the adsorption | suction element 31 can repeat adsorption | suction and discharge | release of a water | moisture content.

<Humidification unit 4>
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a state in which the water tank and the vaporizing element are pulled out from the main body of the humidity control apparatus, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the humidification unit. 6 and 7, the humidification unit 4 includes a water tank 40, a vaporizing element 41, a water wheel 42, and a drive unit 43. The water tank 40 is a water source of moisture given to the air passing through the air flow path A, and is housed in the main body 10 so as to be removable. When the water in the water tank 40 is insufficient, the user pulls it out from the outlet 14 of the main body 10 and replenishes the water.

  The vaporizing element 41 is a vaporizing member that is formed into a disk shape with a nonwoven fabric and evaporates the water sent from the water tank 40 by rotating. The vaporizing element 41 has a first gear 411 on the outer periphery, and the first gear 411 is rotated by the drive unit 43. Since the vaporizing element 41 is disposed above the water level when the water tank 40 is full, the vaporizing element 41 is not in direct contact with the water in the water tank 40. The water amount sensor 44 is a sensor that detects the amount of water in the water tank 40, and is provided to prevent the water tank 40 from being full or drought.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the humidification unit viewed from the downstream side of the air flow of FIG. In FIG. 8, the water wheel 42 is rotatably supported by the water tank 40, pumps up water in the water tank 40 and discharges it toward the vaporizing element 41.

  As the water wheel 42 rotates, the concave portions 421a sequentially pass through the water in the water tank 40 and rise. When the recess 421a is submerged, water enters the inside, so that the inside of the recess 421a that has come out of the water is filled with water.

  As the concave portion 421a approaches the uppermost position, water in the concave portion 421a gradually flows out, and almost all of the water flows out when the uppermost position is passed. Since some momentum is added by gravity when water flows out, the water flows out toward the side surface of the vaporizing element 41 adjacent to the concave portion 421a.

  The water tank 40 can be taken out from the drawer opening 14 of the main body 10 by pulling out the pull-out type first door 10a, and the vaporizing element 41 can be taken out of the main body 10 by opening the rotary second door 10b. 15 can be taken out. As a result, the user can take out the water tank 40 to replenish water, wash the water tank 40 and the water wheel 42, or take out the vaporizing element 41 and replace it.

<Operation panel 60>
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the operation panel. In FIG. 9, on the operation panel 60, an operation on / off button 61, an operation switching button 62, an air volume selection button 63, a humidity selection button 64, a course selection button 65, a timer selection button 66, an auto louver button 67, and a recommendation Buttons 68 are provided, and by pressing each button, a signal corresponding to the pressed button is input to the control unit 6 disposed below the operation panel 60. The control unit 6 includes a microcomputer and a memory.

  For example, the operation on / off button 61 is a button for turning on / off the power supply to the humidity control apparatus 1. After the power plug is inserted into the outlet, the operation starts when the button is pressed, and the operation starts when the button is pressed again. Stop. The operation switching button 62 is a button for selecting an operation mode, and can select any one of “air cleaning”, “humidification”, and “dehumidification”.

  The above is the overall configuration of the humidity control apparatus 1 equipped with the dehumidifying unit 3, but the heater assembly 32 that could not be explained in the column of the dehumidifying unit 3 will be described in detail below.

<Heater assembly 32 of dehumidifying unit 3>
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembly including an adsorbing element, a heater assembly, and a second blower pipe, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the heater assembly of FIG. 10 and 11, the adsorption element 31 is sandwiched between the heater assembly 32 and the second blower pipe 34b. The heater assembly 32 includes a case 32 a, a flange 32 b, an air introduction port 32 c, a first heater 321, a second heater 322, and a reflection plate 38.

  The case 32a is a cup-type case having an outer shape. The flange 32b is a plate portion surrounding the case 32a. The air inlet 32c is formed on the side surface of the case 32a, and the first air duct 34a is connected to the air inlet 32c. The first heater 321 is located inside the case 32a and closer to the adsorption element 31, and consumes power of 320W. The second heater 322 is located inside the case 32a and farther from the adsorption element 31 than the first heater 321, and the power consumption is 180W. The reflection plate 38 is located between the second heater 322 and the inner surface of the case 32a, and reflects the radiant heat that is directed toward the inner surface of the case 32a out of the radiant heat generated from the first heater 321 and the second heater 322.

  Further, the reflecting plate 38 has an opening 381 and an auxiliary reflecting portion 382. The auxiliary reflecting portion 382 is a cantilever plate having one end fixed to the edge of the opening 381 and extending obliquely toward the inner surface of the case 32a. In the present embodiment, the opening 381 and the auxiliary reflecting portion 382 are formed integrally with the reflecting plate 38 by cutting and raising a part of the reflecting plate 38.

  Next, the flow of air flowing into the heater assembly 32 will be described. In FIG. 11, the air flow generated by the regeneration fan 33 flows into the case 32a through the air inlet 32c. A part of the air flow enters the second space 32e sandwiched between the inner surface of the case 32a and the reflector 38, and the other enters the first space 32d sandwiched between the reflector 38 and the adsorption element 31.

  The air flow that has entered the first space 32 d is heated by the first heater 321 and the second heater 322, rises in temperature, and travels toward the adsorption element 31. A part of the air flow entering the second space 32e sandwiched between the inner surface of the case 32a and the reflecting plate 38 proceeds along the second space 32e and finally toward the adsorption element 31, and the other part of the auxiliary reflecting portion 382. It proceeds along the inclination and enters the first space 32d through the opening 381.

<Features>
(1)
As described above, in the humidity control apparatus 1, the air that has entered the space sandwiched between the reflector 38 and the case 32 a travels along the auxiliary reflector 382, passes through the opening 381, and the first heater 321 and the second heater 321. It flows to the heater 322 side. As a result, a decrease in the amount of air toward the first heater 321 and the second heater 322 is suppressed, and the regeneration efficiency of the adsorption element 31 is improved. Moreover, since the auxiliary reflection part 382 reflects the radiant heat of the 1st heater 321 and the 2nd heater 322 which leak from the opening 381, the temperature rise of the case 32a is suppressed. Further, since the opening 381 and the auxiliary reflecting portion 382 are formed integrally with the reflecting plate 38 by cutting and raising a part of the reflecting plate 38, the processing cost is reduced.

(2)
The auxiliary reflecting portion 382 is inclined in a direction for guiding the air passing through the space sandwiched between the reflecting plate 38 and the case 32 a to the opening 381. As a result, the amount of air toward the first heater 321 and the second heater 322 increases, the amount of air toward the adsorption element 31 also increases, and the regeneration efficiency of the adsorption element 31 is improved.

<Modification>
In the above embodiment, the auxiliary reflecting portion 382 is a cantilever plate whose one end is fixed to the edge of the opening 381 and extends obliquely toward the inner surface of the case 32a, but is not limited thereto. For example, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly of a humidity control apparatus according to a modification. In FIG. 12, the auxiliary reflecting portion 482 of the reflecting plate 48 is parallel to the air flow passing through the second space 32 e. An area, a right-angle area substantially perpendicular to the air flow passing through the second space 32e, and a curved area that smoothly connects the two areas. The opening 481 and the auxiliary reflecting portion 482 are formed integrally with the reflecting plate 48 by cutting and raising a part of the reflecting plate 48.

  The air flow that has entered the second space 32e travels along the parallel region of the auxiliary reflector 482, is deflected substantially at a right angle in the curved region, and then travels along the right-angle region, passes through the opening 481, and passes through the first space 32d. Enter. A part of the radiant heat generated from the first heater 321 and the second heater 322 passes through the opening 481 toward the case 32a, but in the direction of the first heater 321 and the second heater 322 in the parallel region of the auxiliary reflector 482. Reflected. The radiant heat that is reflected by the auxiliary reflecting portion 482 and returns in the direction of the first heater 321 and the second heater 322 is greater than in the above embodiment.

<Others>
In the above embodiment and modification, the auxiliary reflecting portions 382 and 482 are integrally formed with the reflecting plates 38 and 48, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the auxiliary reflecting portions 382 and 482 may be configured by separate members that are separated and independent from the reflecting plates 38 and 48. In this case, it is necessary to fix the auxiliary reflectors 382 and 482 after forming the openings 381 and 481, but the shape of the auxiliary reflectors 382 and 482 can be freely set. Increase design freedom.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is useful for a desiccant humidity control apparatus that recovers the moisture adsorbed by the adsorbing member by heating with a heater.

The perspective view of the humidity control apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view of the main body upper part of a humidity control apparatus. The perspective view of the state which removed the air purification unit from the humidity control apparatus. The perspective view of a dehumidification unit. The front view which looked at the dehumidification unit from the heater side. The perspective view of the state which pulled out the water tank and the vaporization element from the humidity control apparatus. The perspective view of a humidification unit. The perspective view of the humidification unit seen from the downstream of the air flow of FIG. The perspective view of an operation panel. The perspective view of the assembly which consists of an adsorption element, a heater assembly, and a 2nd ventilation pipe. Sectional drawing in the BB line of the heater assembly of FIG. Sectional drawing of the heater assembly of the humidity control apparatus which concerns on a modification.

Explanation of symbols

1 Humidity control device 31 Adsorption element (adsorption member)
32a Case (Air circulation forming wall)
38 reflector 321 first heater 322 second heater 381, 481 opening 382, 482 auxiliary reflector

Claims (5)

A desiccant-type humidity control device that recovers the water adsorbed by the adsorbing member (31) by heating with the heaters (321, 322),
An air circulation path forming wall (32a) for directing air to the adsorption member (31) via the heaters (321, 322);
A reflector (38) that surrounds the heater (321, 322) inside the air circulation path forming wall (32a) and reflects the radiant heat of the heater (321, 322);
With
The reflector (38)
An opening (381) that communicates a space in which the heaters (321, 322) are disposed with a space sandwiched between the air circulation path forming wall (32a) and the reflection plate (38);
An auxiliary reflector (382) that is located between the opening (381) and the air circulation path forming wall (32a) and reflects the radiant heat leaking from the opening (381);
Having
Humidity control device. The auxiliary reflector (382) is formed by cutting and raising a part of the reflector (38).
The humidity control apparatus according to claim 1. The opening (381) is a hole generated when the auxiliary reflecting portion (382) is formed.
The humidity control apparatus according to claim 2. The auxiliary reflecting portion (382) is a separate member that is separated and independent from the reflecting plate (38).
The humidity control apparatus according to claim 1. The auxiliary reflecting portion (382) is inclined or curved in a direction to guide the air passing through the space sandwiched between the air circulation path forming wall (32a) and the reflecting plate (38) to the opening (381). Yes,
The humidity control apparatus according to claim 1.

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