JP7464145B2 - Dehumidifier - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a dehumidifier.

Patent document 1 describes a dehumidifier. This dehumidifier has an air purification function, and the user can select either an operation that emphasizes the air purification effect or an operation that emphasizes the dehumidification effect.

The dehumidifier shown in Patent Document 1 dehumidifies air drawn in from an air intake by passing it through a heat exchanger. A filter is placed between the air intake and the heat exchanger, so as not to cover the front side of the heat exchanger, i.e., a portion of the air flow upstream from the heat exchanger. A shutter capable of blocking the air flow is provided in the portion of the heat exchanger where the filter does not cover the front side. The shutter is selectively positioned to cover a portion of the passage to the heat exchanger, or to not cover the passage.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-211913

In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the filter is arranged between the air intake and the heat exchanger so as not to cover a part of the heat exchanger, so that the ventilation area of the filter is smaller than that of the heat exchanger. As a result, the air before dehumidification passes through the part with the small ventilation area, and the pressure loss of the filter (hereinafter simply referred to as "pressure loss") becomes large. Also, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the shutter is open, the air that does not pass through the filter passes through only a part of the heat exchanger. Therefore, because the air that has passed through the filter and the air that has not passed through the filter pass through the heat exchanger, the speed distribution of the air flow deteriorates and the dehumidification efficiency is poor.

This disclosure has been made to solve the problems described above. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a dehumidifier that reduces pressure loss in the air passage and improves dehumidification performance.

The dehumidifier according to the first aspect of the present disclosure comprises:
A housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein;
A blowing means for generating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet;
An air cleaning means disposed inside the housing;
A dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing for removing moisture from the airflow;
A dehumidifier comprising:
a first air passage formed inside the housing, the first air passage passing through the air cleaning means and leading to the dehumidifying means;
a second air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning means;
an airflow restricting means for restricting the flow of the airflow in the second air passage;
having
The inlet of the second air passage is located on the outer circumferential side of the air cleaning means,
an outlet of the second air passage is located closer to the center of the air cleaning means than the inlet ,
The airflow in the first air passage and the airflow in the second air passage after passing through the air cleaning means join together and flow into the dehumidifying means .

A dehumidifier according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes:
A housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein;
A blowing means for generating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet;
An air cleaning means disposed inside the housing;
A dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing for removing moisture from the airflow;
A dehumidifier comprising:
a first air passage formed inside the housing, the first air passage passing through the air cleaning means and leading to the dehumidifying means;
a second air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning means;
an airflow restricting means for restricting the flow of the airflow in the second air passage;
having
The intake port is located on a front surface of the housing,
The suction port has a square or rectangular projected shape when viewed from the front side of the housing,
The inlets of the second air passages are adjacent to the outer sides of both left and right edge portions of the air intake port and are formed symmetrically.
When viewed from the front side of the housing, an evaporator constituting the dehumidifying means is located substantially inside an outer edge of a projected shape of the suction port,
The airflow in the first air passage and the airflow in the second air passage after passing through the air cleaning means join together and flow into the dehumidifying means .

A dehumidifier according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes:
A housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein;
a blowing means for generating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet; and an air cleaning means disposed inside the housing.
A dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing for removing moisture from the airflow;
A dehumidifier comprising:
a first air passage formed inside the housing, the first air passage passing through the air cleaning means and leading to the dehumidifying means;
a second air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning means;
an airflow restricting means for restricting the flow of the airflow in the second air passage;
having
At the position where the airflow flowing through the first air passage after passing through the air purification means and the airflow passing through the second air passage join together, a straightening member having a number of ventilation windows is arranged so as to cross just before an evaporator constituting the dehumidifying means , and the airflow that has passed through the straightening member flows into the dehumidifying means .

According to the present disclosure, by providing a second air duct that does not pass through the air purification means, and guiding the air to be dehumidified to the second air duct during dehumidification operation, pressure loss can be reduced compared to dehumidification operation using only the first air duct, and operating noise can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 3 . FIG. 4 is the same cross-sectional view as FIG. 3, but with added dimensions. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken at the same position as FIG. 5, with the main components virtually separated to clarify the dimensions of each portion. FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view of an evaporator. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the sizes of the HEPA filter and the activated carbon filter that constitute the air purification means. 4 is a diagram illustrating the dimensions of the inlet portion of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment when viewed from the front side. FIG. 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the airflow restricting means of the first embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing main control-related components of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing operation steps during dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing operation steps during an air cleaning operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. 1 is a flowchart showing operation steps during dehumidification and air purification operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. 1 is a flowchart showing basic operation steps of a main control device when starting operation of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the air flow of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during air purification operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during air cleaning operation of the dehumidifier of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a simplified partial perspective view of a dehumidifier according to a third embodiment. 22 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the front case portion of the dehumidifier of FIG. 21 taken along line CC. FIG. 22 is a front view of the air inlet frame used in the dehumidifier of FIG. 21 .

Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The same reference numerals in each drawing indicate the same or corresponding parts. Furthermore, in this disclosure, duplicated explanations will be simplified or omitted as appropriate. Note that this disclosure may include any combination of possible configurations among those described in the following embodiments.

Embodiment 1.
1 to 20 show a dehumidifier according to the first embodiment. The size and position of the structure of the dehumidifier may differ between the illustrated example and the actual one. For convenience of explanation, some parts may be omitted from the drawings.

Figure 1 is a front view of the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line B-B shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of Figure 3.

In this disclosure, the dehumidifier 1 will be described, in principle, based on the state in which the dehumidifier 1 is placed on a horizontal surface such as a floor. Note that the following description will be given on the assumption that the surface on which the suction port 11 is present is the front surface. However, when the dehumidifier 1 is actually used, the surface on which the suction port 11 is formed is the rear surface.

First, FIG.
The dehumidifier 1 includes a case 10. The case 10 constitutes a part of a housing 3 that forms the outer shell of the dehumidifier 1. The housing 3 has a bottom plate 4 to which a plurality of wheels 20, which will be described later, are attached. The case 10 and the bottom plate 4 form the housing 3 in the shape of a hollow box.

The bottom plate 4 may have wheels (casters) 20 arranged at positions spaced apart from each other on the front, back, left and right sides for moving the dehumidifier 1. Heavy objects such as the electric compressor 6 described below are placed on the bottom plate 4. For this reason, a metal plate having greater strength (rigidity) than the case 10 is used for the bottom plate 4.

Case 10 is assembled into a single box shape by fastening the ends of multiple metal sheets together with fasteners (not shown) such as screws. Alternatively, case 10 is assembled into a single box shape by fastening multiple members formed by integral molding using thermoplastic resin (plastic) material with fasteners (not shown) such as screws.

In the first embodiment, the case 10 has a rear case 10B and a front case 10F. The rear case 10B is a member that forms the rear portion of the case 10. The front case 10F is a member that forms the front portion of the case 10. The front case 10F is fixed to the rear case 10B by fasteners (not shown), such as screws.

A flat upper case 10U is connected to the upper ends of the rear case 10B and the front case 10F. The upper case 10U is composed of a front section 10UF and a rear section 10UB. The front section 10UF and the rear section 10UB abut against each other from the front and rear to form a single flat surface. This surface serves as the ceiling surface of the case 10 itself.

The case 10 is formed with an intake port 11 and an exhaust port 12. The intake port 11 is an opening for taking in air from the outside of the case 10 to the inside. The exhaust port 12 is an opening for sending air from the inside of the case 10 to the outside.

In the first embodiment, the air inlet 11 is formed in the shape of a square window in the center of the front case 10F. The air outlet 12 is formed in the ceiling surface of the case 10. The air outlet 12 is opened by opening the entire rear part 10UB of the upper case 10U upward to a certain angle with the front end as a fulcrum, as shown in FIG.

As shown in Figure 1, the suction port 11 is square when the housing 3 is viewed from the front. This suction port 11 may be rectangular or circular. The suction port 11 may directly use a square window formed in the front case 10F of the housing 3, or a picture frame may be fitted inside the window and the inside of the frame may be used as the suction port 11.

The dehumidifier 1 is provided with an inlet cover 11A that covers the inlet 11. The inlet cover 11A is formed, for example, in a lattice shape. Alternatively, the inlet cover 11A may be a fine shutter (louver shape) throughout. This inlet cover 11A prevents foreign matter from entering the inside of the case 10 through the inlet 11. The inlet cover 11A is detachably fixed to the rear case 10B, for example, by a fastener such as a screw.

The suction port cover 11A is provided with a "net" on its entire surface to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter. Alternatively, the suction port cover 11A may be formed by integral molding using a plastic material. The suction port cover 11A can prevent, for example, large foreign matter (paper waste, fiber waste from clothing, etc.) that has been blown up into the air from invading the inside of the housing 3. However, this suction port cover 11A has a small pressure loss and is poor at purifying the air of fine particles, etc., and is not a type of air purifying means described later. The "air purifying means" in this embodiment refers to the activated carbon filter 42 and the HEPA filter 41.

In Fig. 1, reference numeral 11A1 denotes a vertical bar that constitutes the suction port cover 11A. In Fig. 1, reference numeral 11A2 denotes a horizontal bar that constitutes the suction port cover 11A. These vertical bars 11A1 and horizontal bars 11A2 define a number of ventilation windows 5 in the suction port cover 11A.

In FIG. 1, the reference numeral 6 denotes an electric compressor. The electric compressor 6 may be of any type, such as a reciprocating type or a rotary type. This electric compressor 6 has a motor (not shown) and forcibly circulates a refrigerant in a refrigerant pipe (also called a "refrigerant circuit") 22 connected to an evaporator 31 and a condenser 32, which will be described later. In other words, the electric compressor 6 compresses and supplies a refrigerant to a refrigeration cycle formed by connecting the evaporator 31, the condenser 32, etc., with the refrigerant pipe 22.

The motor (not shown) of the electric compressor 6 can change its rotation speed per unit time by the power supplied from the drive circuit 27 described below. If the rotation speed is changed, the refrigerant supply capacity can be changed, and the cooling capacity can be increased or decreased (adjusted). The main control device 18 specifies the drive frequency for the drive circuit 27 and controls the rotation speed of the motor (not shown) of the electric compressor 6.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 7 denotes a water tank. Drain water generated on the external surface of the evaporator 31 during dehumidification operation drips directly into the water tank 7. Alternatively, the drain water is guided into the water tank 7 by a guide plate such as a gutter. The water tank 7 can be removed from the housing 3 through an outlet (not shown) formed on the side of the rear case 10B or case 10. The outlet is covered by a door (not shown) that can be opened and closed except when the water tank 7 is being removed.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
The dehumidifier 1 is equipped with a louver 13.
In this embodiment 1, the louver 13 is formed of only one piece at the rear part 10UB of the upper case 10U as described above. The louver 13 may be formed of several plate-shaped members. The louver 13 is for adjusting the direction in which the air is blown out from the air outlet 12. The louver 13 is disposed near the air outlet 12 so as to be able to open and close freely.

The position of the louvers 13 is changed by a connected louver drive motor (not shown). The louver drive motor (not shown) changes the inclination angle of the louvers 13 relative to the air outlet 12 in several stages or more. This makes it possible to adjust the direction of the air (airflow AF) blown out from the air outlet 12. The operation of the louver drive motor (not shown) is controlled by a drive signal from a control board (not shown). The control board (not shown) is housed in a board box 16 formed of a metal plate or a non-flammable heat-resistant plastic case.

The dehumidifier 1 is equipped with an operation notification unit 15. The operation notification unit 15 is composed of an input operation unit 17 (see FIG. 11) and a notification unit 23 (see FIG. 11) for the user to operate the dehumidifier 1. The notification unit 23 displays the state of the dehumidifier 1 to the user with visible information such as characters. The notification unit 23 can also notify by voice. An operation display board 8 that controls the operation notification unit 15 is arranged inside the case 10 facing the operation notification unit 15. An operation switch that starts/stops the operation of the dehumidifier 1 is arranged on the operation display board 8. The operation display board 8 may be composed of two or more boards, an operation board 8A on which the circuit components of the input operation unit 17 described later are mounted, and a display board 8B on which the circuit components related to the display unit 23D are mounted.

The operation display board 8 has an operation mode changeover switch 17S (see Figure 11) that switches the operation mode to one of three types: "dehumidification operation mode", "air purification operation mode" or "dehumidification air purification operation mode".

The operation display board 8 has an alarm section 23 (see FIG. 11) and an input operation section 17. In the alarm section 23, a liquid crystal display section 23D capable of displaying information is arranged below the front section 10UF (upper wall surface) of the upper case 10U in the operation alarm section 15. The display information of the display section 23D is displayed above the upper case 10U through the front section 10UF. The operating conditions, operating state, etc. of the dehumidifier 1 are displayed to the outside of the housing 3 via the display section 23D of the operation alarm section 15. The operation display board 8 is arranged horizontally near the inner ceiling section of the front case 10F.

A power supply board (not shown) and a board box 16 housing one or more control boards are arranged in the space below the operation display board 8. A drive circuit 28 for the fan 21 and a drive circuit (inverter circuit) 27 for the electric compressor 6, which will be described later, are mounted on the control board.

As a means for sending air, a fan 21 (rotating blades) is provided at the rear inside the case 10. The fan 21 is a device that takes in air into the inside of the case 10 and sends the taken-in air to the outside of the case 10. The fan 21 rotates to generate an airflow AF that flows from the intake port 11 to the exhaust port 12 in the air path leading from the intake port 11 to the exhaust port 12.

Motor 21A is housed inside case 10. Motor 21A is a device that rotates fan 21. In embodiment 1, fan 21 and motor 21A are disposed at the rear of housing 3. In other words, they are disposed on the rear side of dehumidifier 1. Motor 21A is connected to the rotation center of fan 21 via rotating shaft 21b extending horizontally. The rotation operation of motor 21A is controlled by drive circuit 28 (see Figure 11), which will be described later. In other words, the start and stop of rotation and the rotation speed of motor 21A are each controlled by drive circuit 28.

The fan 21 is a sirocco fan (multi-blade fan) whose center of rotation is fixed by the rotating shaft 21B. The fan 21 draws air from the front into the inside of the fan case 36 (described later) and blows the air out through the air outlet 12.

The fan case 36 surrounds the fan 21 and the motor 21a. A bellmouth portion 37 is formed on the front wall of the fan case 36 at a position corresponding to the fan 21. The bellmouth portion 37 is a large circular opening with a rim that is curved significantly toward the downwind side. The bellmouth portion 37 smoothly draws in the airflow that has passed through the condenser 32.

The dehumidifier 1 includes an evaporator 31, a condenser 32, an electric compressor 6, and a pressure reducing device (not shown) as an example of a dehumidification means for removing moisture contained in the air. The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32, together with the electric compressor 6 and the pressure reducing device (not shown), form a refrigerant circuit.

The evaporator 31, condenser 32, electric compressor 6, and pressure reducing device (not shown) are housed inside the case 10. The evaporator 31 and condenser 32 are each installed vertically so as to block the front side of the bellmouth portion 37 as shown in Figure 2. The electric compressor 6 is installed at the bottom of the case 10 as shown by the dashed line in Figure 1.

In Figure 2, reference numeral 38 denotes a flat-plate-shaped straightening member, which is formed entirely from, for example, a thermoplastic material. As shown in Figure 4, this straightening member 38 is formed with a frame 38B that intersects vertically and horizontally, and a number of ventilation windows 38A are formed between the frames 38B. In other words, each ventilation window 38A is an opening that is independent of the others. The ventilation windows 38A are regularly arranged in the horizontal and vertical directions throughout the straightening member 38.

The front, rear, left and right surfaces of the frame 38B are flat guide surfaces of a certain length D5 (see FIG. 4) to guide the airflow AF in a straight line. The length D5 is set to one dimension (e.g., 12 mm) within a range of 10 mm to 15 mm. The aperture (opening area) of the ventilation window 38A is set uniformly over the entire straightening member 38.

This straightening member 38 faces the front surface of the evaporator 31, which is a part of the heat exchanger described later, across the first space 33. In other words, the straightening member 38 faces the evaporator 31 at a predetermined distance D3 (see Figures 5 and 6).

In addition, the straightening member 38 faces the rear surface of the activated carbon filter 42, which is part of the air purification filter (air purification means) described later, across the second space 34. In other words, the straightening member 38 faces the rear surface of the activated carbon filter 42 at a predetermined distance D4.

The evaporator 31, the electric compressor 6, the condenser 32, and the pressure reducing device (not shown) are connected in sequence via refrigerant piping (not shown), etc. The refrigerant from the electric compressor 6 flows in the refrigerant circuit formed by the evaporator 31, the electric compressor, the condenser 32, and the pressure reducing device (not shown).

The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 are heat exchangers for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the air. The electric compressor 6 described in FIG. 1 is a device that compresses the refrigerant. The pressure reducing device (not shown) is a device that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The pressure reducing device (not shown) is, for example, an expansion valve or a capillary tube.

The dehumidifier 1 also includes a HEPA filter 41 and an activated carbon filter 42, which are air purification filters for purifying the air, as an example of an air purification means for removing dust and odors from the air. The HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are stored inside the case 10. In the first embodiment, the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are stored inside the front case 10F, between the suction port 11 and the straightening member 38.

The HEPA filter 41 is a filter that captures fine dust particles in the air. The activated carbon filter 42 is a filter that deodorizes odors in the air. As described above, the activated carbon filter 42 is positioned at a predetermined distance D4 (the "second space 34" described below) from the front of the straightening member 38.

With the suction port cover 11A removed from the front case 10F, the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 can be inserted through the suction port 11 to a position in front of the straightening member 38. The HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 can be installed inside the case 10 in a removable manner.

The straightening member 38 also serves as a protective member to prevent the user from touching the evaporator 31 when the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are removed from the rear case 10B. Therefore, even if the user presses the evaporator 31 from the front, the finger or the like will not touch the evaporator 31.

In the first embodiment, an air passage is formed inside the case 10, leading from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12. The airflow AF flowing inside the air passage flows in the following order: from the air inlet 11, through the air inlet cover 11A, the HEPA filter 41, the activated carbon filter 42, the evaporator 31, the condenser 32, and the fan 21. A series of air passages is formed so that the air entering from the air inlet 11 flows through the air purifying filter (the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42) and from the heat exchanger (the evaporator 31, etc.) to the fan 21.

Here, the upstream side and downstream side are defined using the airflow AF flowing through the air passage leading from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12. For example, the side where the air inlet 11 is located relative to the heat exchanger (evaporator 31, etc.) is defined as the upstream side. Also, the side where the air outlet 12 is located relative to the heat exchanger (evaporator 31, etc.) is defined as the downstream side.

2, the reference numeral 62 denotes a dust sensor. This dust sensor 62 is disposed at the top inside the case 10. A small-diameter opening 62A (not shown) is provided in the case 10 in the vicinity of the dust sensor 62, so that the dust sensor 62 can communicate with the outside of the case 10. Dust detection information is acquired by the dust sensor 62 and the main control device 18 described later, and the amount and concentration of dust in the indoor space in which the dehumidifier 1 is installed can be measured. The dust sensor 62 has the ability to detect particles of, for example, 0.1 μm. The detection result of the dust sensor 62 is acquired by the main control device 18, and the acquired dust detection information can be displayed on the display unit 23D arranged on the operation display board 8.

2, the reference numeral 63 denotes a gas sensor 63. This gas sensor 63 is disposed inside the case 10 at a position below the suction port 11. A small-diameter opening 63A (not shown) is provided in the wall of the case 10 near the gas sensor 63 to communicate between the outside of the case 10 and the gas sensor 63. Gas detection information is acquired by the gas sensor 63 and the main control unit 18, and the odor of the air in the room can be measured. The measurement results of the gas sensor 63 are acquired by the main control unit 18, and this acquired gas detection information can be displayed on the display unit 23D disposed on the operation display board 8.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 26 denotes a wireless communication unit (wireless communication module) housed near the ceiling inside the case 10. The wireless communication unit 26 is configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with local network equipment such as a wireless router (not shown) installed in the home or office where the dehumidifier 1 is located. The wireless communication unit 26 may also be connected to an Internet line (not shown) via the local network equipment.

Therefore, the wireless communication unit 26 can send and receive information to and from an information processing terminal device (not shown) such as a smartphone in a remote location and other communication devices via an Internet line. The local network equipment may be a command device that controls the total amount of power used in a home or office, or an integrated management device that collects and links information on multiple electrical devices, and may also be called an "access point."

As shown in Figure 2, the rotating shaft 21B of the motor 21A extends horizontally. HL is a horizontal center line that passes through the center of this rotating shaft 21B. The position of this center line HL is at the center of the suction port 11 in the vertical direction. In other words, the rotating shaft 21B is located at half the height of the suction port 11, which has a height dimension H1.

Next, reference will be made to FIG.
3, bypass air passages 43 are provided adjacent to the left and right of the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42. The bypass air passages 43 are spaces provided inside the front case 10F across the entire area of the air intake 11 in the height direction.

As shown in Fig. 3, the bypass air passage 43 is an air passage extending rearward from the air inlet 11. In other words, it is a narrow passage extending from the front to the rear . In Fig. 3, reference numeral 46 denotes an air tunnel extending rearward from the rim of the air inlet 11. The air tunnel 46 is entirely formed of a thin metal member or a thermoplastic plastic member.

The gap between the front end of the air tunnel 46 and both left and right sides of the HEPA filter 41 serves as the inlet 43A of the bypass air passage 43. Conversely, the rear end of the air tunnel 46 comes into contact with the outer peripheral end of the straightening member 38 so that the airflow AF does not leak to the outside midway. The gap between the rear end of the air tunnel 46 and both left and right sides of the activated carbon filter 42 serves as the outlet 43B of the bypass air passage 43.

As is clear from the above explanation, the air passage leading from the intake 11 to the exhaust 12 is composed of two air passages, the main air passage 44 and the bypass air passage 43. The main air passage (also called the "first air passage") 44 is an air passage that runs from the intake 11 through the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 to the straightening member 38. The bypass air passage (also called the "second air passage") 43 is an air passage that runs from the intake 11 to the straightening member 38 without passing through the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42.

The main air passage 44 and the bypass air passage 43 join just before the straightening member 38. In FIG. 3, W5 is the opening dimension of the suction port 11. In other words, it is the width dimension. In this embodiment 1, W5 is 315 mm. HL in FIG. 3 is the center line that passes through the center of the rotating shaft 21B of the motor 21A, as shown in FIG. 2.

In Fig. 3, reference numeral 51 denotes an airflow restriction means that performs an opening and closing operation to essentially open and close the inlet 43A of the bypass air passage 43 and restrict the flow of the bypass airflow AF2. The airflow restriction means 51 are disposed on the left and right sides of the air intake 11, and will be described in detail in Fig. 4.

Next, reference will be made to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part E in Fig. 3.
4, the bypass airflow 43 is an airflow path in which the airflow AF flows downstream without passing through the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42. In contrast to the bypass airflow 43, the main airflow path 44 is an airflow path in which the airflow AF passes through the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42.

The bypass air passages 43 are formed on the right and left sides of the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42. In other words, the bypass air passage 43 and the main air passage 44 are adjacent to each other and arranged in parallel in the front-to-rear direction.

Also, while there is a wall fixed by the air tunnel 46 on the outside of the bypass air duct 43, there is no wall inside where the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are present. In other words, there is no fixed object at the boundary between the bypass air duct 43 and the main air duct 44. However, the airflow passing through the bypass air duct 43 (hereinafter referred to as the "bypass airflow"; reference numeral AF2 is used) and the airflow passing through the main air duct 44 (hereinafter referred to as the "main airflow"; reference numeral AF1 is used) do not merge inside the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42.

As shown in Figure 4, the bypass air duct 43, which is an air duct that does not pass through the air purification filter, and the main air duct 44, which is an air duct that passes through the air purification filter, are arranged adjacent to each other, thereby making it possible to configure a compact air duct inside the dehumidifier 1 and to reduce the size of the dehumidifier 1. When viewing the dehumidifier 1 from the front (front), it is desirable to set the vertical (up-down) height dimension of the bypass air duct 43 to be approximately the same as the vertical (up-down) length of the HEPA filter 41. The relationship between these dimensions will be explained in detail in Figures 5 and 6.

The bypass airflow AF2 flowing in the bypass air duct 43 and the main airflow AF1 flowing in the main air duct 44 merge in the space downstream of the activated carbon filter 42, i.e., in the first space 33 that is a distance D3 away from the straightening member 38, and the second space 34 that is a distance D4 away from the straightening member 38.

In other words, the bypass airflow AF2 and the main airflow AF1 join just before the evaporator 31, which is located downstream of the activated carbon filter 42, and then flow through one air passage inside the case 10. The main airflow AF1 that flows through the main air passage 44 and passes through the parts close to the left and right ends of the activated carbon filter 42 joins with the bypass airflow AF2 as it passes through the left and right ends of the airflow straightening member 38 immediately after passing through the activated carbon filter 42.

In the configuration described above, the first space 33 and the second space 34 are provided, but it is sufficient if the airflows flowing through the bypass air passage 43 and the main air passage 44 can join together before the evaporator 31. For this reason, at least the first space 33 is sufficient. If the first space 33 cannot be secured to be sufficiently large, the second space 34 can be provided. For example, if it is expected that the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42, which are subjected to air resistance when the main airflow AF1 passes through, will move downstream or bend and come into contact with the straightening member 38, it is preferable to provide the second space 34.

A wind guide surface 46A is formed downstream of the bypass airflow AF2 in the wind tunnel 46. A pair of left and right wind guide surfaces 46A are provided in the wind tunnel 46 at a position that connects to the straightening member 38. As shown in FIG. 4, when viewed in a plan view, the wind guide surfaces 46A are inclined symmetrically (at the same angle) so as to approach the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42.

The air guide surface 46A guides the bypass airflow AF2 that has passed through the bypass air passage 43 toward the center of the windward front surface of the heat exchanger (evaporator 31, etc.). In other words, it has the function of slightly changing the direction of the bypass airflow AF2 on the side of the center line HL that passes through the center of the rotating shaft 21B of the motor 21A.

The air guide surface 46A shown in Figure 4 is composed of a single, flat inclined surface. The direction in which the bypass airflow AF2 is guided can be adjusted by adjusting the normal direction (inclination angle) of this inclined surface. In addition, since the air guide surface 46A is composed of a single surface with no unevenness along the way, there is little resistance when the bypass airflow AF2 flows, and no unnecessary turbulence is generated.

In addition, the air guide surface 46A may be configured with a curved surface. By adjusting the curvature of the curved surface, the spread of the bypass airflow AF2 guided by the air guide surface 46A can be adjusted. In this way, the air guide surface 46A that guides the bypass airflow AF2 in a predetermined direction (the direction of the center line HL in FIG. 3) is provided in a part of the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) on the upwind side of the heat exchanger (evaporator 31, etc.), so that the bypass airflow AF2 passing through the bypass air passage 43 can be efficiently caused to flow into the heat exchanger, improving the dehumidification efficiency.

Continuing with reference to FIG.
The bypass air passage 43 is provided with an airflow restriction means 51. The airflow restriction means 51, as shown in detail in Fig. 10, has a plate-shaped flap or partition plate that opens and closes the inlet 43A of the bypass air passage 43. This flap or partition plate will be referred to collectively as a shutter 51S.

The shutter 51S is disposed downstream of the air inlet cover 11A. One end of the shutter 51S is supported by a rotating shaft 51E (see FIG. 10). The shutter 51S is fixed at an open position and a closed position by a driving motor 51B (see FIG. 10) which serves as an opening/closing means, and is driven to maintain a stopped state even at a specific position between the open position and the closed position. The airflow restriction means 51 has a function of determining whether the bypass airflow AF2 flows into the bypass air passage 43, and an adjustment function of increasing or decreasing the amount of the bypass airflow AF2 flowing through the bypass air passage 43.

Reference is now made to Figure 5, which shows the same cross-sectional view as Figure 3, but with added dimensions.
D1 indicates the thickness (depth dimension) of the condenser 32 in the front-rear direction, and is 51 mm. D2 indicates the thickness (depth dimension) of the evaporator 31 in the front-rear direction, and is 38 mm. The evaporator 31 has two rows (two layers) of refrigerant pipes 22 arranged in the front-rear direction. Since the refrigerant pipes 22 are arranged in two layers, the cooling capacity is higher than that of a single layer. In each figure, for the sake of simplicity, the evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 are not drawn in a size proportional to their actual thickness, but are drawn in the same size in these figures.

D4 is the opposing gap (distance) between the activated carbon filter 42 and the rectifying member 38, and is 15 mm. Note that this opposing gap D4 does not need to be always completely uniform over the entire rectifying member 38. If the activated carbon filter 42 is partially curved downstream due to the passage of the airflow AF, the opposing gap D4 may be slightly smaller in that portion.

D3 is the facing interval (distance) between the straightening member 38 and the evaporator 31, and is 10 mm. As shown in Fig. 7, the evaporator 31 has an innumerable number of thin metal plates 31F for heat exchange, called plate fins, arranged at minute intervals (pitch) of 1 mm or less, and the refrigerant pipes 22 are arranged to pass through them. The facing interval D3 is the distance between the thin plates 31F and the straightening member 38.

W1 is the effective width dimension of the main air passage 44, excluding the portion closed by the airflow restricting means 51 from the width dimension (frontage dimension) of the suction port 11, and is set to 255 mm. W5 is the width dimension (frontage dimension) of the suction port 11, and is set to 315 mm.

Next, Fig. 6 will be described. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken at the same position as Fig. 5, in which the main components are virtually separated to clarify the dimensions of each portion.
W2 is the width dimension of the evaporator 31, which is set to 270 mm. W3 is the width dimension of the condenser 32, which is also set to 270 mm.

W4 is the aperture (diameter) of the opening of the bellmouth portion 37, which is set to 230 mm. BL is a horizontal reference line extending in the front-to-rear direction that passes through the center point (vertical and horizontal) of the opening of the bellmouth portion 37.

W6 is the width dimension of the window 47A of the rear wind tunnel 47 (see FIG. 4) that surrounds the left and right sides of the straightening member 38, and is set to 270 mm. The straightening member 38 is fitted into this window 47A. H2 is the height dimension of the window 47A of the rear wind tunnel 47. This height dimension H2 is 252 mm, the same as the height dimension H3 of the evaporator 31.

The condenser 32 and evaporator 31 each have a width of 270 mm. The condenser 32 and evaporator 31 are arranged close to each other in the front-to-rear direction, and when viewed from the front, they appear to be stacked in the same position. The width dimension W6A of the straightening member 38 is also close to the dimension W6 of 270 mm, as it fits into the window 47A. The three parts, the straightening member 38, evaporator 31, and condenser 32, are aligned in a line in the front-to-rear direction in accordance with the position of the window 47A of the rear wind tunnel 47.

In addition, the three parts, the straightening member 38, the evaporator 31, and the condenser 32, are aligned in a line in the front-to-rear direction in line with the reference line BL. When viewed from the suction port 11, the four parts, the straightening member 38, the evaporator 31, the condenser 32, and the bellmouth portion 37, are aligned so as to overlap on a single straight line (the reference line BL).

Furthermore, the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are positioned so that they overlap in a straight line above the reference line BL. Therefore, the airflow FA drawn in from the intake port 11 flows linearly from front to rear within a range centered on the reference line BL, regardless of whether it passes through the bypass air duct 43 or the main air duct 44, so air duct resistance is reduced and operating efficiency can be improved.

As is clear from the above explanation, the horizontal reference line BL is a straight line passing through the center point of the opening of the bellmouth portion 37, and at the same time, is a straight line passing through the center points of the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42. For this reason, the reference line BL is also called the center line of the air purification means (the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42).

The reference line BL is located at a position coinciding with the center line HL that passes through the center of the rotating shaft 21B. The centers of the straightening member 38, the evaporator 31, the condenser 32, the HEPA filter 41, and the activated carbon filter 42 are each located on the reference line BL. In other words, the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are each arranged so that they are symmetrical on both sides of the reference line BL.

Next, a description will be given of Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a simplified perspective view of the evaporator 31. Fig. 7 shows the relationship between the lateral width dimension W6 of the flow straightening member 38 and the evaporator 31.
In Fig. 7, W2 is the width dimension of the evaporator 31, which is set to 270 mm as described above. The refrigerant pipe 22 penetrates the evaporator 31 in two stages (two layers), from the front to the back. The refrigerant pipe 22 penetrates the evaporator 31 in a serpentine manner from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position. Part of the refrigerant pipe 22 protrudes in a bent shape as shown in Fig. 7.

The protrusion amount L2 of the refrigerant pipe 22 shown in Figure 7 is 14 mm on the right side of the evaporator 31, but is 26 mm on the left side. The height dimension H3 of the evaporator 31 is 252 mm.

On the other hand, the width dimension W6 of the window 47A of the rear wind tunnel 47 surrounding the left and right sides of the straightening member 38 is set to 270 mm as mentioned above. OB is the center point (second center point) from the left to right and from the top to the bottom when the evaporator 31 is viewed from the front. CL1 is a horizontal center line that crosses horizontally the second center point OB of the evaporator 31. CV1 is a vertical center line that crosses vertically the second center point OB of the evaporator 31. D2 is the depth dimension of the evaporator 31, which is 38 mm as mentioned above.

Next, we will explain Figure 8. Figure 8 is a perspective view explaining the sizes of both the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 that make up the air purification means.

FIG. 8A will be described.
The activated carbon filter 42 is composed of a filter body 42A that exhibits the functions of collecting dust and absorbing odorous components, and a frame body 42B that protects the entire periphery of the filter body 42A. The filter body 42A itself is flexible, but being integrated with the frame body 42B gives it a certain degree of rigidity, making it easy for the user to handle when replacing the filter.

W8 is the width dimension of the frame body 42B, which is set to 255 mm. In other words, the width dimension W8 of the frame body 42B is set to the same size as the width dimension W1 (255 mm) of the actual main air passage 44, as described in Figures 5 and 6.

H4 is the height dimension of the frame 42B, which is set to 252 mm. In other words, it is the same size as the (inner) height dimension H2 of the window 47A of the rear wind tunnel 47 described in FIG. 7. This height dimension H4 is also the same size as the height dimension H3 of the evaporator 31.

D6 is the depth dimension of frame body 42B. In other words, it is the "thickness" when viewed from the left-right direction, and is set to one dimension between 5 mm and 15 mm (for example, 10 mm). The filter body 42A has the same depth dimension as frame body 42B. The depth dimension of the activated carbon filter 42 is determined by the depth dimension D6 of frame body 42B. When frame body 42B is viewed from the front, the thickness of frame body 42B alone is about a few mm.

Next, FIG. 8B will be described.
The HEPA filter 41 is composed of a filter body 41A that exhibits a dust collecting function and a frame body 41B that protects the entire periphery of the filter body 41A. The filter body 41A itself is flexible, but being integrated with the frame body 41B gives it a certain degree of rigidity, making it easy for the user to handle when replacing the filter.

W9 is the width dimension of the frame body 41B, which is set to 255 mm. In other words, the width dimension W9 of the frame body 41B is set to the same size as the width dimension W1 (255 mm) of the actual main air passage 44, as described in Figures 5 and 6.

H5 is the height of the frame 41B, which is set to 252 mm. That is, this is the same as the (inner) height H2 of the window 47A of the rear wind tunnel 47 described in FIG. 7. This height H5 is also the same as the height H3 of the evaporator 31.
D7 is the depth dimension of the frame 41B. In other words, it is the "thickness" when viewed from the left-right direction, and is set to one dimension (e.g., 30 mm) between 20 mm and 40 mm. The filter body 41A has the same depth dimension as the frame 41B. The depth dimension of the HEPA filter 41 is determined by the depth dimension D7 of the frame 41B. When the frame 41B is viewed from the front, the thickness of the frame 41B alone is about several mm.

Next, we will explain Figure 9. Figure 9 is a dimensional explanatory diagram of the suction port 11 portion of the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1 when viewed from the front side. Figure 9 is a front view from the same position as Figure 1, but in order to show the dimensional relationship, the size of the suction port 11 etc. is shown in a dashed frame.

In Figure 9, CL1 is a horizontal center line that crosses the center point (first center point) OA of the suction port 11 when the case 10 is viewed from the front. CV2 is a vertical center line that passes through the center point (first center point) OA of the suction port 11.

H1 is the substantial maximum dimension in the height direction of the suction port 11, as explained in Figure 2, and is 270 mm. W1 is the substantial width dimension of the main air passage 44, as explained in Figures 5 and 6, and is set to 255 mm. W5 is the width dimension (opening dimension) of the suction port 11, and is set to 315 mm. W7 is the width dimension of the inlet portions of the bypass air passages 43 provided on the left and right sides of the suction port 11, and each is set to 30 mm.

When viewed from the front, the position of the first center point OA in Figure 9 and the position of the second center point OB in Figure 7 are completely overlapping and in the same position. In other words, the second center point OB is located on a horizontal line that passes through the first center point OA from the front.

Next, a description will be given of Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the airflow restricting means 51 according to the first embodiment.
One end of the flap-shaped or flat-plate-shaped shutter 51S is supported by a rotating shaft 51E of a motor 51B (e.g., a stepping motor). In Fig. 10, the shutter 51S is in an "open position" OP, retracted laterally from the bypass air passage 43 as shown by the dashed line. When the shutter 51S is driven by the motor 51B, it moves to a position (closed position CL) where it closes the bypass air passage 43, which has a height dimension H1 (270 mm) and a width dimension W7 (30 mm) of the inlet 43A. In other words, when it moves to the maximum extent, it maintains its closed state at the closed position CL.

The shutter 51S is not required to completely close the inlet 43A of the bypass air passage 43 in the closed position CL. Even if a small gap occurs around the shutter 51S in the closed position CL, it does not cause a problem in terms of the basic performance of the dehumidifier 1. A seal member made of a resilient silicone rubber material or the like may be provided at the inlet 43A, and the shutter 51S may be made to adhere closely to the seal member to improve airtightness when closed.

In Figure 10, reference numerals 51C and 51D are sensors that electrically detect whether the shutter 51S is in the open position OP or the closed position CL. The sensors 51C and 51D are, for example, optical sensors such as infrared sensors or magnetic detection sensors. The detection signals of these sensors 51C and 51D are input to the open/close detection unit 53 and are ultimately input as open/close detection signals to the main control device 18 described below (see Figure 11).

Next, we will explain Figure 11. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the main control-related parts of the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1. Note that sensors 51C and 51D described in Figure 10 are omitted from the illustration.

The main control device 18 has the function of controlling the entire dehumidifier 1. The main control device 18 includes an electronic circuit board on which electronic components such as a drive circuit, a power circuit, and sensors that control the operation of each part of the dehumidifier 1 are mounted, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 24 such as a microcomputer mounted on the electronic circuit board, and storage devices such as ROM and RAM. The CPU 24 includes a timer unit 24T for performing a time measurement function such as operation time.

The main control device 18 receives an input command signal corresponding to the operation of the input operation unit 17, and issues a command signal to the drive circuit (inverter circuit) 27 of the electric compressor 6. It also issues a command signal to the drive circuit 28 to control the operation of the motor 21A of the fan 21. Furthermore, the main control device 18 issues a command signal to the drive circuit 29 to control the airflow restriction means 51.

The main control device 18 issues command signals for transmitting and receiving information to the wireless communication unit 26. In addition, when the wireless communication unit 26 is not constantly in use, the main control device 18 also issues a command signal to stop the supply of power to the wireless communication unit 26 and a command signal to start the supply of power.

In addition, when the main control device 18 receives a user command from the input operation unit 17, it may issue a command to connect to an Internet line (not shown) via the local network equipment described below, and obtain the necessary "control data" and "alert data" (which will be described later) from outside.

Furthermore, based on detection signals from the open/close detector 53, the room temperature sensor 35, the dust sensor 62, the humidity sensor 61, and the gas sensor 63, the main control device 18 controls the drive circuit (inverter circuit) 27 and the drive circuit 29 of the airflow restriction means 51. The airflow restriction means 51 that receives drive commands from the drive circuit 29 includes the shutter 51S (see FIG. 10) and the motor 51B.

The input operation unit 17 has an operation mode changeover switch 17S. The notification unit 23 has a display unit 23D and a voice notification unit 23V.

The main control device 18 has a storage means 25 that stores various "operation programs" and data such as parameters used to control the dehumidifier 1 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "control data"), and display data for the display screen and data for voice notification used by the display unit 23D and the voice notification unit 23V (hereinafter collectively referred to as "alert data"). Note that the above-mentioned "operation programs" are also called control programs, but hereinafter will be referred to uniformly as "programs".

The main control device 18 functions as a host computer (main computer) that performs integrated control of the entire dehumidifier 1. One or more microcomputers (also called "sub-control devices" or "slave microcomputers") that are subordinate to the main control device 18 may be further provided to control the input operation unit 17, the notification unit 23, or the drive circuit 27 of the electric compressor 6. The sub-control devices may be dedicated to processing information on input operations, providing notifications, and controlling the drive of the electric compressor 6.

Each circuit, part, and device component shown in FIG. 11 is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. The functions of each of these circuits can be distributed and integrated, and the specific form is not limited to that shown. All or part of each function can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on the function, operating conditions, etc.

The functions of the timer unit 24T, the drive circuit 29, and the open/close detection unit 53 are realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit that realizes each function may be dedicated hardware, or may be one or more processors that execute a program stored in the storage means 25.

In addition, a dedicated processing unit may be provided that intensively collects detection data from various sensors, such as the room temperature sensor 35, the dust sensor 62, and the temperature sensor and gas sensor 63 for monitoring the temperatures of important parts of the dehumidifier 1 (e.g., the electric compressor 6), and determines whether the operating state is appropriate and whether there are any abnormalities, and the like, and inputs a determination signal from the processing unit to the main control device 18. In this case, the processing unit may be dedicated hardware, or may be realized by a processor that executes a program stored in the storage means 25.

Furthermore, each function of the main control unit 18 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the storage means 25, which is a memory. The CPU (processor) 24 realizes each function of the main control unit 18 by reading and executing the programs stored in the storage means 25.

The storage means 25 is typically a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.

Furthermore, some of the data and programs in the memory means 25 may be stored in an external recording medium (such as a storage server) rather than being stored in the dehumidifier 1. In this case, the dehumidifier 1 accesses the external recording medium (storage server) via the wireless communication unit 26 by wireless or wired communication to obtain the necessary data and program information.

Furthermore, the operating programs of the main control device 18, the input operation unit 17, the notification unit 23, etc. may be updated to improve them as needed at the request of the user or the manufacturer of the dehumidifier 1. In this case, the dehumidifier 1 may obtain a correction program via the wireless communication unit 26, for example.

As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment 1, the dehumidifier 1 has a humidity sensor 61 (see Figure 3). The humidity sensor 61 is arranged inside the case 10. An opening (not shown) is provided near the humidity sensor 61 in the case 10 to allow the humidity sensor 61 to communicate with the outside of the case 10. Humidity detection information is acquired by the humidity sensor 61 and the main control unit 18, and the indoor humidity can be measured. The measurement results of the humidity sensor 61 are displayed by the display unit 23D which receives a display command from the main control unit 18.

In Fig. 11, reference numeral 19 denotes a power supply unit that receives AC power from a commercial power source 40 and supplies power of a specified voltage to each component. This power supply unit 19 receives, for example, 200V or 220V, 50Hz or 60Hz power from the commercial power source 40, converts it into AC power or DC power of multiple voltages such as 5V, 15V, 220V, etc., and supplies it to the main control device 18, drive circuit 27, notification unit 23, drive unit 29, etc.

The input operation unit 17 is provided with a power switch operation button (not shown) that allows the user to open and close (ON-OFF) the main power switch (not shown) located between the power supply unit 19 and the commercial power supply 40.

In Figure 11, reference numeral 13A denotes a drive circuit for opening and closing the louver 13 provided on the ceiling of the case 10, and reference numeral 13M denotes a motor that receives power from the drive circuit 13A and opens and closes the louver 13.

Next, the operation of the dehumidifier 1 in embodiment 1 will be described. In embodiment 1, several pre-set "operation modes" are stored in the memory means 25 of the main control device 18.

Examples of the "operation mode" include a "dehumidification operation mode", an "air purification operation mode", and an "automatic dehumidification and air purification operation mode". Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation steps during the dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation steps during the air purification operation of the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation steps during the dehumidification and air purification operation of the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1 .

When the dehumidifier 1 is not operating, the main control device 18 controls the compressor 6 drive motor (not shown), and the louver 13 drive motors 13M and 21A to all stop. In other words, no power is supplied to the compressor 6 drive motor (not shown), motor 13M, and motor 21A.

Therefore, the louvers 13 and the shutters 51S respectively maintain the air outlet 12 and the inlet 43A of the bypass air duct 43 in a closed state.

Next, a case where the "dehumidification operation mode" is started will be described with reference to FIG.
The "dehumidification operation mode" is an operation mode for dehumidifying the room. For example, the user can start the operation of the dehumidifier 1 by turning on the operation switch (main power switch) of the input operation unit 17 to start the main control device 18.

When the dehumidification operation mode is selected with the operation mode changeover switch 17S, the dehumidifier 1 starts dehumidification operation by following the steps shown below.

First, the main control unit 18 starts supplying electricity to the motor 13M for driving the louvers so that the louvers 13 open the air outlet 12, and controls the open position of the louvers 13 (step S001).

For example, a stepping motor is used for motor 13M, which rotates in a specified direction at a fixed angle in response to the drive signal from drive circuit 13A. The mechanical structure inside motor 13M makes highly accurate positioning possible even with open-loop control. Motor 13M moves in step angles according to the number of pulses from drive circuit 13A. This allows louver 13 to be kept open to a specified angle (for example, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, or 75 degrees).

Next, the main control unit 18 issues a command signal to the drive circuit 29 so that the shutter 51S opens to the open position OP (see Figure 10), and provides drive power to the motor 51B to control the open position.

For example, a stepping motor is used for the motor 51B, so that the shutter 51S rotates in a predetermined direction by a certain angle in response to a drive signal from the drive circuit 29. This rotation action opens the inlet 43A of the bypass air passage 43 (step S002).

The issuance of a drive command from the main control device 18 to the drive circuit 29 is also transmitted by a signal to the open/close detection unit 53, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 10. When the open/close detection unit 53 receives the signal, it starts up the sensors 51C and 51D.

When the bypass air duct 43 is closed, one of the sensors corresponding to the closed position CL detects that the shutter 51S changes from a "present state" to a "not present state" in a specified position.

The other sensor corresponding to the open position OP detects that the shutter 51S has changed from a "not present" state to a "present" state in the specified position. This enables the main control device 18 to determine that the shutter 51S has reliably opened the bypass air passage 43.

As mentioned above, a stepping motor is used for the motor 51B, so the shutter 51S rotates in a predetermined direction at a constant angle in response to a drive signal from the drive circuit 29. Therefore, the open/close detection unit 53 and the sensors 51C and 51D may be omitted.

In this embodiment 1, emphasis is placed on the opening and closing operation of the shutter 51S, which is related to the basic functions of the dehumidifier 1, and an opening and closing detection unit 53 and sensors 51C, 51D are provided to ensure safe operation even if there is some defect in the opening and closing.

Next, after determining the open state of the shutter 51S in step S002, the main control device 18 controls the motor 21A to rotate and drive so that the fan 21 rotates at a preset high rotation speed (step S003). The main control device 18 also controls so that the drive motor (not shown) of the electric compressor 6 is driven. This causes the electric compressor 6 to start compressing the refrigerant (step S004).

The main control unit 18 grasps the humidity using the humidity sensor 61. The humidity sensor 61 starts detecting the humidity of the air around the humidity sensor 61 and transmits the detection data to the main control unit 18. This causes the main control unit 18 to determine whether the humidity is 50% or higher (step S005). If the humidity is 50% or higher, the drive motor of the electric compressor 6 continues to drive to perform dehumidification operation (S006), and after a certain period of time, the process returns to step S005.

On the other hand, if the humidity is determined to be 50% or less in step S005, the main controller 18 controls the motor for driving the electric compressor 6 to stop driving, and the refrigerant compression operation of the electric compressor 6 stops (step S007). At this time, the main controller 18 controls the motor 21A of the fan 21 to continue rotating and driving the motor 21A, and after a certain period of time, the process returns to step S005.
In the above description, the threshold value for humidity detection by the humidity sensor 61 is set to 50% as an example of whether or not the dehumidification operation mode can be operated (criterion for determination), but the threshold value may be a value other than this.

Next, the "air cleaning operation mode" will be described with reference to FIG.
The "air purification operation mode" is an operation mode for purifying indoor air. For example, when a user turns on the main power switch of the input operation unit 17 and selects the air purification operation mode with the operation mode changeover switch 17S, the dehumidifier 1 starts the air purification operation in the following steps.

First, the main control device 18 sends a start signal to the drive circuit 13A to cause the louver 13 to open the air outlet 12, and starts the operation of the motor 13M for driving the louver. Then, the louver 13 is opened to a predetermined position (step S101).

Next, the main control device 18 drives the motor 21A to rotate, and controls the fan 21 to rotate at a preset high rotation speed (step S102). The main control device 18 issues measurement commands to the dust sensor 62 and the gas sensor 63. The dust sensor 62 and the gas sensor 63 each start detecting dust and gas in the air around the sensor, and send the results to the main control device 18. The main control device 18 determines the level of contamination of the air from the acquired data (step S103 ).

If it is determined in step S103 that the air is not polluted, the main control device 18 issues a command to the drive circuit 28 to change the rotation speed of the fan 21, which is operated at a preset high rotation speed, to a preset low rotation speed. The drive circuit 28 controls the motor 21A to reduce the rotation speed per unit time (step S104), performs air purification operation (low) (step S105), and returns to step S103 after a certain period of time.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the air is highly polluted, the main control device 18 performs air purification operation (strong) to continue the strong operation of the fan 21, which has been operating at the strong rotation speed since the stage of step S102 (step S106). In other words, it does not issue a command to the drive circuit 28 to change the rotation speed, and returns to step S103 after a certain period of time.

Next, the "dehumidifying and air cleaning operation mode" will be described with reference to FIG.
The dehumidification/air cleaning operation mode switches the operation mode of the dehumidifier 1 between the dehumidification operation mode, the air cleaning operation mode, etc., depending on the indoor humidity and air pollution state. For example, when a user turns on the main power switch of the input operation unit 17 and selects the dehumidification/air cleaning operation mode with the operation mode changeover switch 17S, the dehumidifier 1 starts the dehumidification/air cleaning operation as follows.

First, the main control device 18 issues a drive command to the drive circuit 28, and controls the motor 13M for driving the louvers so that the louvers 13 open the air outlet 12 (step S201). Next, the main control device 18 issues a drive command to the drive circuit 29 so that the shutter 51S opens, and controls the motor 51B for opening and closing the shutter 51S. This opens the inlet 43A of the bypass air passage 43 (step S202).

When the main control device 18 determines that the shutter 51S has been opened to a predetermined position, it issues a predetermined drive command to the drive circuit 28 to drive the motor 21A. The drive circuit 28 controls the rotation speed of the motor 21A so that the fan 21 rotates at a preset high rotation speed (step S203).

The main control device 18 also starts the operation of the motor 6M (not shown) for driving the electric compressor 6, and controls the motor 6M to operate at a predetermined rotation speed. This causes the electric compressor 6 to start compressing the refrigerant (step S204).

The humidity sensor 61 starts detecting the humidity of the air around the humidity sensor 61 and transmits the humidity detection data to the main control unit 18. The main control unit 18 determines whether the humidity is 50% or higher (step S205).

If the humidity is 50% or higher, the motor 6M (not shown) for driving the electric compressor 6 continues to operate. The dust sensor 62 and the gas sensor 63 start detecting dust and gas in the air around the respective sensors, and determine the degree of air pollution (step S206). If the air is not very polluted, the operations of steps S202, S203, and S204 continue, and dehumidification operation is performed (step S207). Then, after a certain time has elapsed from step S206, the process returns to step S205.

If the air is highly polluted, the main control device 18 controls the motor 51B for driving the airflow restriction means 51 to close the shutter 51S. Then, the inlet 43A of the bypass air passage 43 is closed (step S208), the dehumidification air purification operation is performed at "high" (step S209), and after a certain time has elapsed since step S206, the process returns to step S205.

In step S205, if the humidity is below 50%, the main control unit 18 controls the motor 6M for driving the electric compressor 6 to stop driving, and the refrigerant compression operation of the electric compressor 6 stops (step S210).

In this state, the main control unit 18 controls the dust sensor 62 and the gas sensor 63 to begin detecting dust and gas in the air surrounding each sensor, and determines the level of air pollution (step S211).

If the air is only slightly polluted, the motor 21A is controlled so that the fan 21 rotates at a preset low rotation speed (step S212), and circulation operation is performed, which only blows air without dehumidifying (step S213), and after a certain period of time, the process returns to step S205.

If the air is highly polluted, the main control device 18 issues a close command signal to the drive circuit 29 to close the shutter 51S. The drive circuit 29 starts the operation of the drive motor 51B, and moves the shutter 51S to the closed position CL.

The above operation closes the inlet 43A of the bypass air passage 43 (step S214). The fan 21 maintains the "strong operation" mode of step S203 and performs "strong" air purification operation (step S215). After a certain time has elapsed from step 214 or step S215, the process returns to step S205 in the dehumidification operation mode of FIG. 12. Note that, although the humidity threshold of the humidity sensor 61 in step S205 is set to 50% as a criterion for switching to the dehumidification operation mode or the air purification operation mode, the threshold may be other values.

In this way, by providing an airflow restriction means 51 that opens and closes the inlet 43A of the bypass duct 43, the appropriate duct for performing dehumidification operation and air purification operation can be easily selected from either the bypass duct 43 or the main duct 44, resulting in a dehumidifier 1 that is easy to use.

Next, a description will be given of Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing basic operation steps of main control device 18 when dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1 starts operating.
First, the main power switch (not shown) is turned on and the operation mode changeover switch 17S is operated using the input operation unit 17. In this way, an operation mode such as "dehumidification operation" or "air purification operation" is selected.

Then, power supply from the power supply unit 19 begins to be supplied to the main control device 18. The main control device 18 checks whether or not there is an abnormality in its own internal configuration.
If no abnormality is found in the initial abnormality determination, a command signal to open the louvers 13 is issued to the drive circuit 13A (step S300).

In step S300, the louver 13 is quickly rotated by the motor 13M to the predetermined open position. The main control device 18 also issues an opening command signal to the drive circuit 29 to open the shutter 51S. Then, the timer unit 24T starts measuring the elapsed time from this point (step S301).

The motor 51B of the airflow restriction means 51 is started to be driven by the drive circuit 29. The motor 51B rotates the shutter 51S about the shaft 51E to the open position OP by a range of approximately 90 degrees. This opens the inlet 43A of the bypass air passage 43.

Next, the main control device 18 waits for the arrival of an open detection signal from the open/close detection unit 53 and determines whether the inlet 43A of the bypass air passage 43 is open (step S302). If the result of the determination in step S302 is "Yes", a command signal to start blowing air is issued to the drive circuit 28. In this case, the command for the blowing strength is "high", and the operation of the fan 21 is started in the "high" operating mode determined by the rated blowing capacity (step S303).

On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S302 is "No", the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, if the time elapsed since step S301 does not exceed a predetermined "reference response time" (e.g., 10 seconds), the process returns to step S302 again to determine whether the door is open or closed based on the open detection signal from the open/close detection unit 53.

In the process of step S304, if the time elapsed since step S301 exceeds the "standard response time" (e.g., 10 seconds), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the airflow restriction means 51 for some reason, and the notification unit 23 notifies the user that the shutter 51S will not open. For example, the display unit 23D notifies the user by text or a figure. Also, the audio notification unit 23V issues an audio notification such as "The bypass air duct is not opening properly." Then, after a certain time has elapsed from the time of such notification (e.g., 30 seconds), the main power switch is automatically turned off and operation is automatically terminated (step S305).

In addition, instead of step S305, the notification unit 23 may notify the user to only operate the device without using the bypass air duct 43, and if no input is subsequently made from the input operation unit 17, the power may be automatically cut off as in step S305.

Next, the air flow during the aforementioned dehumidification operation and air purification operation in the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the air flow in the dehumidifier 1. Figure 17 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during the dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier 1. Figure 18 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during the air purification operation of the dehumidifier 1. The arrows in Figures 17 to 18 indicate the air flow (airflow AF) when the dehumidifier 1 is operating.

During dehumidification operation, after the louvers 13 and shutter 51S open, the motor 21A is driven and the fan 21 starts to rotate. After that, the electric compressor 6 starts operating. When the fan 21 rotates, an airflow AF is generated inside the case 10, flowing from the suction port 11 to the air outlet 12. At this time, the shutter 51S is open, so the inlet 43A of the bypass air duct 43 is open. The air that passes through the suction port cover 11A branches into the bypass air duct 43 and the main air duct 44.

Between bypass air passage 43 and main air passage 44, the air passage area when dehumidifier 1 is viewed from the front is larger in main air passage 44. As described in Fig. 9, the projected area of main air passage 44 when dehumidifier 1 is viewed from the front is determined by height dimension H1 and width W1. As described above, H1 is 270 mm and W1 is 255 mm, and the product of these two is the projected area.

On the other hand, the width W7 of the bypass air passage 43 is 30 mm (see FIG. 9). The height dimension H1 of the bypass air passage 43 is 270 mm. In other words, the projected area of one bypass air passage 43 is determined by the product of the height dimension H1 and the width W7 (30 mm).

Because the main air passage 44 is provided with a HEPA filter 41 and an activated carbon filter 42 having a certain thickness or more, the airflow AF passes through the main air passage 44 with a larger pressure loss. Therefore, the amount of the bypass airflow FA2 passing through the bypass air passage 43 is larger than the amount of the main airflow FA1 passing through the main air passage 44.

In the main air duct 44, the airflow (main airflow AF1) that has passed through the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 merges with the bypass airflow AF2 that has passed through the bypass air duct 43 near the straightening member 38.

The bypass airflow AF2 is an airflow that reaches the vicinity of the straightening member 38 without passing through the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42. The bypass air passage 43 has an airflow guide surface 46A in the air tunnel 46 that constitutes a part of the bypass air passage 43, which guides the airflow toward the center of the evaporator 31. Therefore, the airflow AF1 that has traveled straight from the front through the bypass air passage 43 changes course toward the center line HL (see Figures 2 and 3) that passes through the center of the rotating shaft 21b on the windward side of the evaporator 31, which is part of the heat exchanger.

In other words, the airflow AF1 changes course toward the horizontal reference line BL that extends in the front-rear direction and passes through the center point of the opening of the bellmouth portion 37 (see FIG. 4). As a result, near the straightening member 38, the bypass airflow AF2 that has passed through the bypass air passage 43 and the main airflow AF1 that has passed through the left and right peripheral parts of the main air passage 44 are mixed and flow into the evaporator 31.

The bypass airflow AF2 has a larger air volume per unit time than the main airflow AF1 passing through the main air passage 44. Furthermore, the bypass airflow AF2 has a faster wind speed than the main airflow AF1. Therefore, if the bypass air passage 43 does not have an air guide surface 46A that guides the air toward the center of the heat exchanger, not only will the pressure loss increase, but the wind speed balance when flowing into the heat exchanger will be poor, resulting in poor heat exchange efficiency.

In the space downstream of the activated carbon filter 42, the evaporator 31, which is a part of the heat exchanger, and the straightening member 38 are arranged to face each other across the first space 33 (distance D3, 10 mm). Also, the activated carbon filter 42, which is a part of the air purification filter, and the straightening member 38 are arranged to face each other across the first space 33 (distance D3, 10 mm). Therefore, the bypass airflow AF2 that has passed through the bypass air passage 43 and the main airflow AF1 that has passed through the main air passage 44 are mixed in the second space 34 and the first space 33. This allows the airflow AF flowing into the evaporator 31 to be distributed in a balanced manner and supplied to the evaporator 31, improving the heat exchange efficiency.

The practical range for the spacing D3 of the first space 33 is between 10 mm and 15 mm. If this spacing D3 is made larger, the size of the housing 3 in the depth direction will increase. The practical range for the spacing D4 of the second space 34 is between 15 mm and 20 mm. If this spacing D4 is made larger, the size of the housing 3 in the depth direction will increase.

Furthermore, since the bypass air ducts 43 are arranged in parallel on both the left and right sides of the main air duct 44, the bias in the air volume flowing into the evaporator 31, which is part of the heat exchanger, can be reduced compared to when the bypass air duct 43 is arranged on only one side of the main air duct 44, and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

Air (airflow AF) passing through the evaporator 31 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 31. As described above, the refrigerant that flows through the evaporator 31 is decompressed by a pressure reducing device (not shown) installed midway through the refrigerant circuit (not shown) through which the refrigerant from the compressor 6 flows. Therefore, the refrigerant that flows through the evaporator 31 is at a lower temperature than the air taken into the case 10. The refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 31 absorbs heat from the air passing through the evaporator 31.

As described above, the airflow AF passing through the evaporator 31 absorbs heat by the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 31. That is, the airflow AF passing through the evaporator 31 is cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 31. This causes moisture contained in the airflow AF passing through the evaporator 31 to condense, resulting in condensation. The moisture in the condensed air is removed from the air as liquid water. The removed water is stored, for example, in a water storage tank 7 (see FIG. 1) provided inside the case 10. This water storage tank 7 can be removed to the outside of the case 10.

The air that has passed through the evaporator 31 is sent to the condenser 32. Heat exchange takes place between the air passing through the condenser 32 and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant piping of the condenser 32. The refrigerant flowing through the condenser 32 is cooled by the air passing through the condenser 32. The air passing through the condenser 32 is heated by the refrigerant flowing through the condenser 32.

The air that has passed through the condenser 32 is dry compared to the air outside the dehumidifier 1. This dry air passes through the fan 21. The air that has passed through the fan 21 is sent out from the air outlet 12 to the upper part of the case 10. In this way, the dehumidifier 1 dehumidifies the air that has been introduced. The dehumidifier 1 can also supply dry air to the outside of the housing 3.

During air purification operation, after the louvers 13 open, the motor 21A is driven with the shutter 51S closed, and the fan 21 begins to rotate. When the fan 21 rotates, an airflow AF is generated inside the case 10, flowing from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12. At this time, the shutter 51S is closed, so the inlet 43A of the bypass air duct 43 is closed. The air that passes through the air inlet cover 11A passes only through the main air duct 44, because the bypass air duct 43 is closed (only the main airflow AF1 is supplied downstream).

When the fan 21 operates, negative pressure is created inside the case 10, and air is introduced into the main air duct 44. A HEPA filter 41 and an activated carbon filter 42 are arranged in this main air duct 44, so the pressure loss is greater than during dehumidification operation. Therefore, when the same amount of air flows as during dehumidification operation, the rotation speed of the fan 21 is higher and the load on the motor 21A is also greater, resulting in louder operating noise (such as the noise of the fan 21). However, since the airflow AF1 passes only through the main air duct 44, the air blown out from the air outlet 12 of the dehumidifier 1 is cleaner than during dehumidification operation. In addition, odorous components are also removed by the action of the activated carbon filter 42.

The air that passes through the main air passage 44 flows into the evaporator 31. The air flow after flowing into the evaporator 31 is the same as in the case of dehumidification operation.

Summary of embodiment 1.
A dehumidifier 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes:
A housing 3 (case 10) in which an intake port 11 and an exhaust port 12 are formed;
A blowing means (fan 21) that generates an air flow AF from the suction port 11 to the air outlet 12;
Two filters 41 and 42 as air cleaning means disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10);
The device is provided with an evaporator 31 that is disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10) and serves as a dehumidifying means for removing moisture from the airflow AF.
Inside the housing 3 (case 10),
a first air passage (main air passage 44) through which the airflow AF passes through filters 41 and 42 and reaches the evaporator 31;
a second air passage (a bypass air passage 43) through which the airflow AF reaches the evaporator 31 without passing through the filters 41 and 42;
and an airflow restricting means for changing the opening degree (airflow passage cross-sectional area) of the second air passage (bypass air passage) from fully open to fully closed to control the amount of the bypass airflow.
An inlet 43A of the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) is located on the outer periphery side of the filters 41 and 42,
An outlet 43B of the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) is located closer to the center of the filters 41, 42 (closer to the center line BL) than the inlet 43A.

According to this embodiment, during dehumidification operation, air flows through the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) that does not pass through the filters 41 and 42, so the number of revolutions of the fan 21 can be reduced and noise generation can be reduced compared to when all air is circulated through the filters 41 and 42. In addition, air from the bypass air passage 43 can be guided to the downstream evaporator 31 for heat exchange.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the air purification means has a configuration including a first filter 41 that collects dust from the airflow AF, and a second filter 42 (such as an activated carbon filter) that collects odor components from the airflow AF. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a dehumidifier 1 that can remove dust and odors.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first filter 41 is disposed upstream of the airflow AF, and the second filter 42 is disposed downstream of the airflow AF in contact with or in close proximity to the first filter 41. This configuration minimizes the depth dimension of the air passage upstream of the evaporator 31, preventing the size of the housing 3 (case 10) of the dehumidifier 1 from becoming larger.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment,
The housing 3 has an intake port 11 on the front surface thereof.
When the suction port 11 is viewed from the front of the housing 3, the projection surface including the suction port 11 and the inlet 43A of the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) is larger than the projection surface of the first filter 41 and the second filter 42. That is, as described in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) is wider in the left-right direction than the left-right end faces of the first filter 41 and the second filter 42 by the width dimension W7 (30 mm) of the second air passage (bypass air passage 43). Therefore, during dehumidification operation, air can be directly supplied from the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) to the evaporator 31 without passing through the filters 41 and 42. In addition, this configuration does not sacrifice the areas of the first filter 41 and the second filter 42, so that the air purification effect is not impaired.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the suction port 11 is viewed from the front of the housing 3, the inlet 43A of the second air passage is located outside both the left and right edges of the suction port 11. That is, when the suction port 11 is viewed from the front of the housing 3, the inlet 43A of the second air passage is located to the right of the right edge of the suction port 11 or to the left of the left edge. Therefore, during dehumidification operation, air can be directly supplied from the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) to the evaporator 31 without passing through the filters 41 and 42. In addition, this configuration does not sacrifice the area of the first filter 41 and the second filter 42, so the air purification effect is not impaired.

The opening area of the inlet 43A of the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) was equal to the opening area of the outlet 43B. This allows the air passage to have low air passage resistance, and during dehumidification operation, a large amount of air can be directly supplied from the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) to the evaporator 31.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the inlet 43A of the second air duct is connected in a straight line from the inlet 43A to the outlet 43B. That is, as described in FIG. 4, the second air duct (bypass air duct 43) is such that the inlet 43A can be seen in a straight line from the outlet 43B, so that during dehumidification operation, a large amount of air can be directly supplied to the evaporator 31 from the second air duct (bypass air duct 43).

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first filter, which is the HEPA filter 41, is characterized by a structure that maintains a predetermined thickness whether or not the air to be dehumidified passes through the first air passage. That is, as explained in FIG. 8, the first air passage (main air passage 44) does not deform significantly, and ventilation can be maintained.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the overlapping first filter 41 and second filter 42 constitutes the inner wall surface of the second air passage (bypass air passage 43). Therefore, a dedicated wall separating the first filter 41 and the second filter 42 is not required to form the second air passage (bypass air passage 43), so the configuration can be simplified and it is also advantageous in terms of cost.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a straightening member 38 is provided on the opposite side of the air purifying means (first filter 41 and second filter 42) from the intake port 11, with the opposing distance from the evaporator 31 maintained at a certain dimension (distance D3) or more (see FIG. 5). Therefore, in the space 34 of distance D4, the bypass airflow AF2 flowing from the bypass air passage 43 and the main airflow AF1 flowing from the main air passage 44 join in the space downstream of the second filter 42, that is, the second space 34 having a distance D4 from the straightening member 38 as the starting point, and the first space 33 separated by distance D3. With this configuration, the distribution of the airflow in the upstream stage leading to the evaporator 31 can be further averaged.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the straightening member 38 is characterized by being a flat plate-shaped structure having a large number of ventilation windows 38A (see Figs. 3 and 4). Therefore, the main airflow AF1 and the bypass airflow AF2 from the first filter 41 and the second filter 42 can be further averaged at the upstream stage leading to the evaporator 31. It is even better if the inner surfaces of the many mutually independent ventilation windows 38A are flat guide surfaces over a certain length (D5), as explained in Fig. 4.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a straightening member 38 is provided on the opposite side of the intake port 11 between the first filter 41 and the second filter 42, with the opposing distance between the filters 41, 42 maintained at a certain dimension (distance D4) or more. Therefore, the main airflow AF1 and the bypass airflow AF2 from the first filter 41 and the second filter 42 can be further averaged at the upstream stage leading to the evaporator 31.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a straightening member 38 is provided to prevent the first filter 41 and the second filter 42 from moving toward the evaporator 31 side due to the main airflow AF1 passing through them. In other words, the straightening member 38 has a rigid structure and is installed so as to cross the entire upstream side of the evaporator 31, so that the first filter 41 and the second filter 42 can be prevented from moving downstream or being deformed by the main airflow AF1 passing through them. This makes it possible to prevent performance degradation caused by deformation or movement.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the distance D3 of the first space 33, which is the distance between the straightening member 38 and the evaporator 31, is set to a range of 10 mm to 15 mm. This makes it possible to average the main airflow AF1 and the bypass airflow AF2 at the upstream stage leading to the evaporator 31.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the suction port 11 is present on the front surface of the housing 3 (case 10), and when the suction port 11 side is viewed from the front of the housing 3, the inlets 43A of the second air passage are arranged on both the left and right sides of the suction port 11. Due to this configuration, during dehumidification operation, air can be directly supplied from the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) to the evaporator 31 without passing through the filters 41 and 42. In other words, compared to the case where the bypass air passage 43 is arranged on one side of the main air passage 44, the bias of the airflow from the bypass air passage 43 flowing into the evaporator 31 can be reduced, and the airflow flowing into the evaporator 31 can be balanced. In addition, this configuration does not sacrifice the areas of the first filter 41 and the second filter 42, so the air purification effect is not impaired.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the airflow restriction means 51 is an opening/closing means that can select either a state of passing the bypass airflow AF2 in the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) or a state of blocking it. With this configuration, as explained in FIG. 10, the airflow restriction means 51 can be configured by a shutter 51S that moves between an open position OP and a closed position CL, and a motor 51B that is a drive source for opening and closing the shutter 51S, etc. Therefore, the airflow restriction means 51 can be easily installed inside the case 10, where the installation space is limited.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the airflow restriction means 51 is characterized by having a shutter 51S that can select whether to pass or block the bypass airflow AF2 in the second air passage 43. Therefore, the airflow restriction means 51 can be easily installed inside the case 10, where the installation space is limited.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the airflow restriction means 51 is configured to open and close the shutter 51S upon receiving an electrical signal. This eliminates the need for the user to manually open and close the shutter 51S, reducing the burden on the user associated with dehumidification operation.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the dehumidifier 1 has a first drive unit (drive circuit 28) that controls the operation of the fan 21 of the blowing means, a refrigerant supply unit (compressor 6) that supplies refrigerant to the dehumidifying means (evaporator 31, etc.), a second drive unit (motor 51B) that changes the position of the shutter 51S, and a control device (main control device 18) that receives a user's command and controls the first drive unit (drive circuit 28). The control device (main control device 18) issues a command to the drive unit (motor 51B) to open the shutter 51S. Therefore, the user does not need to manually open and close the shutter 51S, and the burden on the user associated with the dehumidifying operation can be reduced.

When the control device (main control device 18) receives a command from the user while the fan 21 is operating, or detects that certain "environmental conditions" have been met, it controls the second drive unit (motor 51B) to open the shutter 51S.

Note that the "environmental conditions" referred to here means, for example, "the humidity in the room (space) in which the dehumidifier 1 is installed exceeds 50%" as explained in the first embodiment. Furthermore, as explained in FIG. 14, it may also be, for example, "the humidity exceeds 50% and the degree of air pollution is low".

Because of this configuration, the user does not need to manually open and close the shutter 51S, but can automatically open the shutter 51S by making a specified input to the input operation unit 17. This reduces the burden on the user associated with dehumidification operation.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the dehumidifier 1 according to the following second example is disclosed.
The dehumidifier 1 according to the second embodiment is
A housing 3 (case 10) in which an intake port 11 and an exhaust port 12 are formed;
A blowing means (fan 21) that generates an air flow AF from the suction port 11 to the air outlet 12;
Two filters 41 and 42 as air cleaning means disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10);
The device is provided with an evaporator 31 that is disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10) and serves as a dehumidifying means for removing moisture from the airflow AF.
Inside the housing 3,
a first air passage (main air passage 44) through which the airflow AF passes through filters 41 and 42 and reaches the evaporator 31;
a second air passage (bypass air passage 43) through which the airflow AF reaches the evaporator 31 without passing through the filters 41 and 42;
and an airflow restricting means for controlling the amount of the bypass airflow by changing the opening degree (airflow passage cross-sectional area) of an inlet of the second air passage (bypass air passage) from fully open to fully closed.
The suction port 11 is present on the front surface of the housing 3,
The suction port 11 has a square or rectangular projected shape when viewed from the front side of the housing 3.
The inlets 43A of the second air passage are adjacent to the outsides of both left and right side edges of the suction port 11 and are formed symmetrically.
When viewed from the front side of the housing 3, the evaporator 31 is located substantially inside the outer edge of the projected shape of the air inlet 11.

Because of this configuration, during dehumidification operation, air flows through the second air duct (bypass air duct 43) which does not pass through the air purification means where pressure loss is large, so the rotation speed of the fan 21 can be reduced compared to when all air is diverted to the air purification means, thereby reducing noise generation.

Moreover, when the air inlet 11 is viewed from the front of the housing 3, the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) is configured to extend symmetrically further outward than the left and right end faces of the air inlet 11. This allows the bypass airflow AF2 to be supplied to the evaporator 31 in a balanced manner from both sides without sacrificing the air filtering (purification) area of the air purification means (filters 41, 42).

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the evaporator 31 is characterized in that the projected shape seen from the front side of the housing 3 is a square or rectangle, and is provided with a large number of heat exchange fins having minute gaps through which the airflow AF passes. Therefore, when the evaporator 31 is seen from the front side, the bypass airflow AF2 can be supplied in a well-balanced manner from the bypass air passage 43 to the heat exchange fin portions at the right and left ends.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the evaporator 31 has a width dimension W2 (270 mm, see FIG. 7) as viewed from the front side of the housing 3 that is larger than the width dimensions W8, W9 (both 255 mm, see FIG. 8) of the air purification means (filters 41, 42) and smaller than the width dimension (opening dimension) W1 (315 mm, see FIG. 6) of the intake port 11. Therefore, when viewed from the front side of the evaporator 31, the bypass airflow AF2 and the main airflow AF1 can be efficiently supplied from the bypass airflow 43 and the main airflow 44 to the heat exchange plate fins 31F at the right and left ends.

Furthermore, in this first embodiment, a dehumidifier 1 according to the following third embodiment is disclosed.
The dehumidifier 1 according to the third embodiment is
A housing 3 (case 10) in which an intake port 11 and an exhaust port 12 are formed;
A blowing means (fan 21) that generates an air flow AF from the suction port 11 to the air outlet 12;
Two filters 41 and 42 as air cleaning means disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10);
The device is provided with an evaporator 31 that is disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10) and serves as a dehumidifying means for removing moisture from the airflow AF.
Inside the housing 3,
a first air passage (main air passage 44) through which the airflow AF passes through filters 41 and 42 and reaches the evaporator 31;
a second air passage (bypass air passage 43) through which the airflow AF reaches the evaporator 31 without passing through the filters 41 and 42;
and an airflow restricting means 51 for controlling the bypass airflow AF2.
At the position where the main airflow AF1 that has passed through the first air passage and the bypass airflow AF2 that has passed through the second air passage join together, a straightening member 38 having a number of ventilation windows 38A defined by a frame 38B is disposed so as to cross just before reaching the evaporator 31.

Because of this configuration, during dehumidification operation, air flows through a second air duct (bypass air duct 43) that does not pass through the filters 41 and 42, so the rotation speed of the fan 21 can be reduced and noise generation can be reduced compared to when all air is circulated through the filters 41 and 42.

Furthermore, the presence of the straightening member 38 can prevent the distribution of the airflow AF in the upstream stage leading to the evaporator 31 from concentrating only on a local portion of the evaporator 31. In other words, the airflows of the first air passage and the second air passage can be efficiently passed to the downstream evaporator 31 side, improving the dehumidification efficiency.

Embodiment 2.
19 and 20 show a dehumidifier 1 according to a second embodiment.
Fig. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during the dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier 2 of embodiment 2. Fig. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during the air cleaning operation of the dehumidifier 2 of embodiment 2. Note that parts that are the same as or equivalent to the configuration of embodiment 1 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 18 are given the same reference numerals.

In this embodiment 2, the position of the bypass duct 43 shown in embodiment 1 is changed and provided below the intake port 11.

In embodiment 1, the bypass air duct 43 is arranged on both the left and right sides of the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42, and the bypass air duct 43 and the main air duct 44 are arranged parallel to each other on the left and right sides of the air intake 11.

In contrast, in the second embodiment, the bypass air passage 45 is disposed below the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42, and the bypass air passage 45 and the main air passage 44 are disposed parallel to each other below the air intake 11. In the second embodiment, no bypass air passages are provided on either the left or right side of the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42.

In the second embodiment, below the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42, there is a bypass air passage 45 having a width dimension (W1) corresponding to the width dimension of the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42. The bypass air passage 45 is a space provided inside the front case 10F, and is a part of the air passage leading from the air intake 11 to the air outlet 12.

Because of this configuration, for example, if the width of each of the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 is 255 mm, the width W7 of the bypass air passage 43 is about 255 mm in embodiment 2, not 30 mm in embodiment 1. Instead, the vertical dimension of the inlet 43A is set to about 30 mm.

The bypass airflow AF2 flows downstream through the bypass airflow 43 without passing through the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42. The airflow path in which the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are arranged is referred to as a main airflow path 44.

The bypass air passage 43 and the main air passage 44 are arranged in a vertical positional relationship in the front-to-rear direction. In this way, the bypass air passage 43 is arranged adjacent to the lower side of the main air passage 44, so that the left-to-right dimension of the dehumidifier 1 can be reduced.

When the dehumidifier 1 is viewed from the front, it is desirable to set the horizontal (left-right) length of the bypass air duct 45 to be approximately the same as the horizontal (left-right) length of the bypass air duct 45 of the HEPA filter 41. Note that the "front of the dehumidifier 1" here is defined for the convenience of explaining this second embodiment, and differs from the case where the dehumidifier 1 is actually used.

The bypass air passage 43 and the main air passage 44 are connected to the space downstream of the activated carbon filter 42, i.e., the second space 34, the straightening member 38, the first space 33, and the outside of the case 10 via the air outlet 12.

That is, similar to the configuration described in the first embodiment, the straightening member 38 faces the front surface of the evaporator 31, which is a part of the heat exchanger, across the first space 33. In other words, the straightening member 38 faces the evaporator 31 at a predetermined distance D3 (see Figures 5 and 6).

In addition, the straightening member 38 faces the rear surface of the activated carbon filter 42 across the second space 34. In other words, the straightening member 38 faces the rear surface of the activated carbon filter 42 at a predetermined distance D4.

The main airflow AF1 that passes through the main air passage 44 and the bypass airflow AF2 that passes through the bypass air passage 43 merge just before the straightening member 38 that is positioned downstream of the activated carbon filter 42 to form a single air passage.

An air tunnel 46 is installed extending rearward from the edge of the intake port 11 so as to cover the lower end faces of the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 at a distance.

The gap between the front end of the air duct 46 and the lower end face of the HEPA filter 41 serves as the inlet 43A of the bypass air duct 43. A single air guide surface 46A is provided at the rear end of the air duct 46. The air guide surface 46A is intended to redirect the bypass airflow AF2 traveling through the bypass air duct 43 upward (in the direction of the elevation angle) and guide it toward the center of the evaporator 31 (the second center point OB shown in FIG. 7).

The air guide surface 46A is configured, for example, as a flat surface. The direction in which the bypass airflow AF2 is guided can be adjusted by adjusting the normal direction of this flat surface. The air guide surface 46A may also be configured as a curved surface. The spread of the guided bypass airflow AF2 can be adjusted by adjusting the curvature of the curved surface.

The bypass air passage 43 is provided with a shutter 51S for opening and closing the air passage. The shutter 51S is made of a plate-shaped member. The shutter 51S is arranged downstream of the air intake cover 11A. The shutter 51S is supported, for example, by a shaft (not shown) on the opposite side to the HEPA filter 41, that is, on the lower end side of the plate-shaped shutter 51S, and is driven by a motor 51B (not shown) for driving the opening and closing means. The rotation angle of the motor 51B is controlled by the main control device 18 (not shown). For this reason, it is convenient to use a stepping motor for this motor 51B.

The shutter 51S opens and closes the inlet 43A of the bypass air passage 43. The shutter 51S is driven by a drive motor 51B (not shown) around a rotating shaft 51E (not shown) from a position where the bypass air passage 43 is closed, in the downstream direction of the bypass airflow AF2, to a position where the bypass air passage 43 is opened. Since the shutter 51S is made of a single plate-shaped member and there is a single rotating shaft 51E driven by the opening/closing means drive motor 51B, a dehumidifier 1 is obtained that is simply configured and easy to control opening and closing.

In this second embodiment, a gas sensor 63 is also installed, although not shown. This gas sensor 63 is disposed inside the case 10, at a position below the suction port 11 or near the suction port 11, on the right or left side of the suction port 11. An opening (not shown) that communicates with the outside of the case 10 is provided in the wall of the case 10 near the gas sensor 63. The opening is intended to make it easier for the gas sensor 63 to sense the indoor air surrounding the dehumidifier 1.

As described in the first embodiment, the gas sensor 63 transmits gas detection data to the main control device 18, which can then determine the odor level of the air in the room based on the gas detection data. Also, as in the first embodiment, the main control device 18 can display the measurement results of the gas sensor 63 on the display unit 23D.

The operation of the dehumidifier 2 of the second embodiment is similar to that of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment, and includes a dehumidification operation mode, an air purification operation mode, and a dehumidification air purification operation mode. The opening/closing control and the opening degree control of the shutter 51S in the dehumidification operation mode, the air purification operation mode, and the dehumidification air purification operation mode are similar to the opening/closing control of the shutter 51S of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment. The opening degree refers to the flow rate of the bypass airflow AF2 flowing through the bypass air passage 43, expressed as a percentage in the range of 100% to 0% (when closed), for example, an opening rate at an intermediate stage such as 80%, 70%, 50%, or 30%.

Summary of embodiment 2.
In this embodiment 2, the following dehumidifier 2 is disclosed. The dehumidifier 2 exemplified in this embodiment 2 is as follows:
A housing 3 (case 10) in which an intake port 11 and an exhaust port 12 are formed;
A blowing means (fan 21) that generates an air flow AF from the suction port 11 to the air outlet 12;
Two filters 41 and 42 as air cleaning means disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10);
The device is provided with an evaporator 31 that is disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10) and serves as a dehumidifying means for removing moisture from the airflow AF.
Inside the housing 3,
a first air passage (main air passage 44) through which the airflow AF passes through filters 41 and 42 and reaches the evaporator 31;
a second air passage (bypass air passage 43) through which the airflow AF reaches the evaporator 31 without passing through the filters 41 and 42;
and an airflow restricting means for controlling the amount of the bypass airflow in the second airflow path.
The inlet 43A of the second air passage is located on the lower outer circumferential side of the filters 41 and 42,
An outlet 43B of the second air passage 43 is located closer to the center of the filters 41 and 42 (closer to the center line BL) than the inlet 43A.

With this configuration, during dehumidification operation, air flows through the second air duct (bypass air duct 43) that does not pass through the filters 41 and 42, so the fan rotation speed can be reduced and noise generation can be reduced compared to when all air is circulated through the filters 41 and 42.

Furthermore, in this second embodiment, the following dehumidifier 2 is disclosed.
The dehumidifier 2 is
A housing 3 (case 10) in which an intake port 11 and an exhaust port 12 are formed;
A blowing means (fan 21) that generates an air flow AF from the suction port 11 to the air outlet 12;
Two filters 41 and 42 as air cleaning means disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10);
The device is provided with an evaporator 31 that is disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10) and serves as a dehumidifying means for removing moisture from the airflow AF.
Inside the housing 3,
a first air passage (main air passage 44) through which the airflow AF passes through filters 41 and 42 and reaches the evaporator 31;
a second air passage (bypass air passage 43) through which the airflow AF reaches the evaporator 31 without passing through the filters 41 and 42;
and an airflow restricting means for controlling the amount of the bypass airflow in the second airflow path.
At the position where the main airflow AF1 that has passed through the first air passage 44 and the bypass airflow AF2 that has passed through the second air passage 43 join together, a straightening member 38 having a number of ventilation windows 38A defined by a frame 38B is disposed so as to cross just before reaching the evaporator 31.

With this configuration, during dehumidification operation, air flows through the second air duct (bypass air duct 43) that does not pass through the filters 41 and 42, so the rotation speed of the fan 21 can be reduced and noise generation can be reduced compared to when all air is circulated through the filters 41 and 42.

Furthermore, the presence of the straightening member 38 can prevent the distribution of the airflow AF in the upstream stage leading to the evaporator 31 from concentrating only on a local portion of the evaporator 31. In other words, the airflows AF1 and AF2 in the first air passage (main air passage 44) and the second air passage (bypass air passage 43), respectively, can be efficiently passed to the downstream evaporator 31 side, improving the dehumidification efficiency.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the second air duct (bypass air duct 43) is disposed below the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42, and the second air duct (bypass air duct 43) and the main air duct 44 are disposed in parallel in an up-down positional relationship, so that the left-right dimension (width) of the dehumidifier 1 can be reduced.

In addition, the shutter 51S is driven by the motor 51B for driving the opening/closing means, centering on the rotating shaft 51E, from a position where the bypass air passage 43 is closed, in the downstream direction, to a position where the bypass air passage 43 is opened. Since the shutter 51S is made of a single plate-shaped member, and there is only one rotating shaft 51E that drives the shutter 51S by the motor 51B for driving the opening/closing means (see FIG. 10), a dehumidifier 1 is obtained that is simply configured and easy to control opening and closing.

In the second embodiment, the bypass air passage 43 is disposed adjacent to the lower side of the main air passage 44. The air guide surface 46A provided in the bypass air passage 43 is configured to change the airflow that has passed through the bypass air passage 43 from the horizontal direction to an upward direction (elevation angle direction) and guide it toward the center of the evaporator 31. The bypass air passage 43 may be disposed adjacent to the upper side of the main air passage 44. In this case, the air guide surface 46A provided in the bypass air passage 43 may be configured to change the airflow that has passed through the bypass air passage 43 from the horizontal direction to a downward direction (depression angle direction) and guide it toward the center of the evaporator 31.

Embodiment 3.
Figures 21 to 23 show a dehumidifier 1 of a third embodiment. Figure 21 is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the dehumidifier. Figure 22 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the front case portion of the dehumidifier 1 of Figure 21, taken along line CC. Figure 23 is a front view of the intake frame used in the dehumidifier 1 of Figure 21. Note that parts that are the same as or equivalent to the configurations of the respective embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 20 are designated by the same reference numerals.

This embodiment 3 is a modification of the configuration of the components that make up the bypass air duct 43 shown in embodiment 1.

As shown in Figure 21, an air intake frame 50, which is square when viewed from the front (front) side, is fitted into the front case 10F in which the air intake 11 is formed. The entire air intake frame 50 is formed as a single unit from a thermoplastic plastic material.

When the intake frame 50 is viewed from the front (front) side, as shown in Fig. 23, the right peripheral wall 50R is connected to the left peripheral wall 50L by the upper wall portion 50T and the lower wall portion 50U. Furthermore, the right bypass air passage 43 is formed between the upper wall portion 50T, the lower wall portion 50U, and the right peripheral wall 50R.

Figure 22 (A) shows the suction port frame 50 installed in the front case 10F, but the suction port cover 11A is not attached, as indicated by the dashed line.

Figure 22 (B) shows the state before the suction port frame 50 is installed in the front case 10F. This allows the cross-sectional shapes of the suction port frame 50 and the front case 10F to be clearly seen. Note that in Figure 22 (B), the suction port cover 11A is not yet attached, as indicated by the dashed line.

The left bypass air passage 43 is formed between the upper wall portion 50T, the lower wall portion 50U, and the left peripheral wall 50L. The sizes (calibers) of the inlets 43A and outlets 43B of the two left and right bypass air passages 43 are set to the same dimensions.

Reference numeral 50B denotes a step (recess) formed at the front end of the peripheral walls 50L, 50R, for fitting the suction port cover 11A. In other words, this step 50B allows the suction port cover 11A to be removably installed on the case 10 so that it does not protrude forward beyond the front surface of the front case 10F.

As described above, one of the characteristic configurations of this embodiment 3 is that right-side peripheral walls 50R1, 50R2 and left-side peripheral walls 50L1, 50L2 are formed as partition walls that continue from the edge of the suction port 11 to the downstream side of the airflow AF, and the partition walls (peripheral walls 50R1, 50R2, 50L1, 50L2) separate the space from the inlet 43A to the outlet 43B of the bypass air duct 43 into two spaces.

One of these spaces becomes the first air passage, and the other space becomes the second air passage (bypass air passage 43). In other words, instead of forming the bypass air passage 43 using the outer peripheral end faces of the two filters 41, 42 as described in the first and second embodiments, a bypass air passage 43 of a predetermined size is defined and formed inside the air intake frame 50.

Summary of embodiment 3.
As described above, in the third embodiment, the air inlet frame 50 is incorporated into the front case 10F to form the bypass airflow passage 43.
That is, unlike the first and second embodiments, the bypass air passage 43 is not formed by utilizing the outer peripheral end faces of the two filters 41 and 42 .
Therefore, a bypass air passage 43 is formed whose air permeability is not affected by the positions and shapes of the outer peripheral end faces of the filters 41 and 42. In other words, when the filters 41 and 42 are once removed for replacement or inspection and then reinstalled and operated, there is a concern that the air permeability of the bypass air passage 43 may decrease if the installation positions of the filters 41 and 42 change.

In contrast, with the configuration of this embodiment 3, even if the installation positions of the filters 41 and 42 are changed, there is no concern that the ventilation of the bypass air passage 43 will be directly affected. Therefore, the desired ventilation can be ensured even with long-term use. This makes it possible to maintain stable dehumidification performance. Other advantages are the same as those described in the embodiments 1 and 2.

The dehumidifier disclosed herein can be used, for example, to dehumidify indoor air.

1 dehumidifier,
2 dehumidifiers,
3. Housing,
5 windows,
6 electric compressor,
7 water tanks,
8 Operation display board 10 Case,
10F front case,
10B Rear case,
11 suction port,
11A Intake port cover,
11A1 Vertical bar,
11A2 crosspiece,
12 Air outlet,
13 louvers,
15 Operation notification unit,
16 PCB box,
17 input operation unit,
17S Operation mode changeover switch 18 Main control device,
19 power supply unit,
20 wheels,
21 Fan,
21A motor,
22 refrigerant piping,
23 Notification Department,
23D display unit,
23V voice notification unit,
24 CPU,
24T timer section,
25 Storage means 26 Wireless communication unit,
27 drive circuit,
28 Drive circuit,
29 Drive circuit,
31 evaporator,
32 condenser,
33 First space,
34 Second space,
35 room temperature sensor,
36 Fan case,
37 Bellmouth part,
38 Straightening member,
41 HEPA filter,
42 Activated carbon filter,
43 bypass air duct,
44 Main air duct,
46 Wind tunnel,
46A wind guide surface,
50 suction port frame,
50B step portion,
50R1 Peripheral wall (partition wall),
50R2 Peripheral wall (partition wall),
50L1 Peripheral wall (partition wall),
50L2 Peripheral wall (partition wall),
51 air flow restriction means,
51B motor,
51C sensor,
51D sensor,
51S shutter,
53 Open/close detection unit,
61 humidity sensor,
62 dust sensor,
63 Gas sensor.

Claims (53)

A housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein;
a blowing means for generating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet; and an air cleaning means disposed inside the housing.
A dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing for removing moisture from the airflow;
A dehumidifier comprising:
a first air passage formed inside the housing, the first air passage passing through the air cleaning means and leading to the dehumidifying means;
a second air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning means;
an airflow restricting means for restricting the flow of the airflow in the second air passage;
having
The inlet of the second air passage is located on the outer circumferential side of the air cleaning means,
an outlet of the second air passage is located closer to the center of the air cleaning means than the inlet ,
a first airflow path and a second airflow path, the first airflow path and the second airflow path having passed through the air cleaning means, respectively, joining together and flowing into the dehumidifying means; The dehumidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that the air purification means has a first filter that collects dust from the airflow and a second filter that collects odor components from the airflow. the first filter is disposed upstream of the second filter in the airflow;
3. The dehumidifier according to claim 2, wherein the second filter is disposed in contact with or adjacent to the first filter. The intake port is located on a front surface of the housing,
A dehumidifier as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that when the suction port is viewed from the front of the housing, a projection surface including the suction port and the inlet is larger than the projection surfaces of the first filter and the second filter. The intake port is located on a front surface of the housing,
5. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein when the suction port is viewed from the front of the housing, the inlet is located outside both left and right side edges of the suction port. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the opening area of the inlet is equal to the opening area of the outlet. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second air passage is formed linearly from the inlet to the outlet. A partition wall is formed continuously from the edge of the suction port to the downstream side of the air flow,
The partition wall divides the space from the inlet to the outlet of the second air passage into two spaces,
One of the two spaces is the first air passage,
5. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the other of the two spaces is the second air passage. the first filter is a HEPA filter,
5. The dehumidifier according to claim 2, wherein the first filter is structured to maintain a predetermined thickness whether or not the air to be dehumidified passes through the first air duct. The dehumidifier according to claim 3, characterized in that the outer peripheral surface of the overlapping first filter and the second filter constitutes the inner wall surface of the second air passage. Each of the first filter and the second filter includes a filter body and a frame body that covers an outer peripheral edge portion of the filter body,
4. The dehumidifier according to claim 3, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the frame constitutes an inner wall surface of the second air passage. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a straightening member is provided on the opposite side of the air purifying means from the suction port, the distance between the straightening member and the evaporator constituting the dehumidifying means being maintained within a certain range. The dehumidifier according to claim 12, characterized in that the straightening member is a flat plate-shaped structure having a number of ventilation windows. The dehumidifier according to claim 13, characterized in that the ventilation window is surrounded by a frame having a flat guide surface with a length of at least a predetermined dimension in the direction of the air flow. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a straightening member is provided on the opposite side of the air purifying means from the suction port, the distance between the air purifying means being maintained within a certain range. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a straightening member is provided on the opposite side of the air purifying means to the suction port, so that the distance between the air purifying means and the evaporator constituting the dehumidifying means is maintained within a certain range, and so that the air purifying means is prevented from moving toward the evaporator by the air flow. The dehumidifier according to claim 12 or 16, characterized in that the certain range is between 10 mm and 15 mm. The intake port is located on a front surface of the housing,
The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the suction port is viewed from the front of the housing, the inlets are arranged on both the left and right sides of the suction port. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the airflow restricting means is an opening/closing means that can select either a state of passing the airflow in the second air passage or a state of blocking the airflow. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the airflow restriction means is a means capable of controlling the amount of air passing through the second air passage in multiple stages. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the airflow restriction means has a shutter that can control the amount of airflow passing through the second air passage. The dehumidifier according to claim 21, characterized in that the airflow restriction means has a motor with a position control function that changes the position of the shutter in response to an electrical signal. A first drive unit that controls the operation of the air blowing means;
a refrigerant supplying means for supplying a refrigerant to the dehumidifying means;
A second drive unit that changes the position of the shutter;
23. The dehumidifier according to claim 21 or 22, further comprising a control device that receives a command from a user and controls the first driving unit. The dehumidifier according to claim 23, characterized in that the control device controls the second drive unit to change the position of the shutter when it receives a command from a user during the operation of the air blowing means or detects that a predetermined environmental condition is met. A housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein;
a blowing means for generating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet; and an air cleaning means disposed inside the housing.
A dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing for removing moisture from the airflow;
A dehumidifier comprising:
a first air passage formed inside the housing, the first air passage passing through the air cleaning means and leading to the dehumidifying means;
a second air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning means;
an airflow restricting means for restricting the flow of the airflow in the second air passage;
having
The intake port is located on a front surface of the housing,
The suction port has a square or rectangular projected shape when viewed from the front side of the housing,
The inlets of the second air passages are adjacent to the outsides of both left and right edge portions of the air intake port and are formed symmetrically.
When viewed from the front side of the housing, an evaporator constituting the dehumidifying means is located substantially inside an outer edge of a projected shape of the suction port,
a first airflow path and a second airflow path, the first airflow path and the second airflow path having passed through the air cleaning means, respectively, joining together and flowing into the dehumidifying means; The dehumidifier according to claim 25, characterized in that the second air passages are arranged symmetrically on both the left and right sides of the air purification means. The dehumidifier according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the evaporator has a square or rectangular projected shape when viewed from the front side of the housing, and is provided with a large number of heat exchange fins with minute gaps between them in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the airflow passes. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the evaporator has a width dimension, as viewed from the front side of the housing, equal to or greater than the width dimension of the air purifying means. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that the air cleaning means has a first filter that collects dust from the airflow and a second filter that collects odor components from the airflow. The dehumidifier according to claim 29, characterized in that the first filter is disposed upstream in the direction of the airflow, and the second filter is disposed downstream in contact with or adjacent to the first filter. The intake port is located on a front surface of the housing,
A dehumidifier as described in claim 29 or 30, characterized in that when the suction port is viewed from the front of the housing, a projection surface including the suction port and the inlet is larger than the projection surfaces of the first filter and the second filter. the first filter is a HEPA filter,
32. The dehumidifier according to claim 29, wherein the first filter is structured to maintain a predetermined thickness whether or not the airflow passes through the first filter. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that the outer peripheral surface of the overlapping first filter and the second filter constitutes the inner wall surface of the second air passage. Each of the first filter and the second filter includes a filter body and a frame body that covers an outer peripheral edge portion of the filter body,
32. The dehumidifier according to claim 29, wherein an outer peripheral surface of the frame constitutes an inner wall surface of the second air passage. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 25 to 31, characterized in that a straightening member is provided on the opposite side of the air purifying means from the suction port, the distance between the straightening member and the evaporator constituting the dehumidifying means being maintained within a certain range. The dehumidifier according to claim 35, characterized in that the straightening member is a flat plate-shaped structure having a number of ventilation windows. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 25 to 31, characterized in that a straightening member is provided on the opposite side of the air purifying means from the suction port, the distance between the air purifying means being maintained within a certain range. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 25 to 31, characterized in that a straightening member is provided on the opposite side of the air purifying means to the suction port, so that the distance between the air purifying means and the evaporator constituting the dehumidifying means is maintained within a certain range, and so that the air purifying means is prevented from moving toward the evaporator. The dehumidifier of claim 38, characterized in that the certain range is between 10 mm and 15 mm. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 25 to 31, characterized in that the airflow restricting means is a means capable of controlling the amount of airflow passing through the second air passage in multiple stages. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 25 to 31, characterized in that the airflow restricting means is a means capable of selectively selecting either a state of passing the airflow through the second air passage or a state of blocking the airflow. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 25 to 31, characterized in that the airflow restricting means has a shutter capable of controlling the amount of airflow passing through the second air passage. The dehumidifier according to claim 40, characterized in that the airflow restriction means has a shutter capable of controlling the amount of airflow passing through, and a motor with a position control function that changes the position of the shutter in response to an electric signal. A first drive unit that controls the operation of the air blowing means;
a refrigerant supplying means for supplying a refrigerant to the dehumidifying means;
A second drive unit that changes the position of the shutter;
44. The dehumidifier according to claim 42 or 43, further comprising a control device that receives a command from a user and controls the first drive unit. The dehumidifier according to claim 44, characterized in that the control device controls the second drive unit to change the position of the shutter when it receives a command from a user during the operation of the air blowing means or detects that a predetermined environmental condition is met. A housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein;
a blowing means for generating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet; and an air cleaning means disposed inside the housing.
A dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing for removing moisture from the airflow;
A dehumidifier comprising:
a first air passage formed inside the housing, the first air passage passing through the air cleaning means and leading to the dehumidifying means;
a second air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning means;
an airflow restricting means for restricting the flow of the airflow in the second air passage;
having
a straightening member having a number of ventilation windows is disposed at a position where the airflow flowing through the first air passage after passing through the air cleaning means and the airflow passing through the second air passage join together, the straightening member being disposed immediately before an evaporator constituting the dehumidifying means , and the airflow having passed through the straightening member flows into the dehumidifying means . The dehumidifier according to claim 46, characterized in that a gap is formed between the straightening member and the air cleaning means. The dehumidifier according to claim 46 or 47, characterized in that a gap is formed between the straightening member and the evaporator. The dehumidifier according to claim 46, characterized in that the straightening member is a flat plate-shaped structure in which the ventilation windows are regularly arranged. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 46 to 49, characterized in that the ventilation window is surrounded by a frame having a flat guide surface with a length of a predetermined dimension or more in the direction of the air flow. The dehumidifier according to claim 50, characterized in that the frame has a continuous guide surface of a certain length in the direction of the air flow, and the ventilation window is defined by the guide surface. The dehumidifier according to any one of claims 46 to 50, characterized in that the air cleaning means has a first filter that collects dust from the airflow and a second filter that collects odor components from the airflow. The dehumidifier according to claim 52, characterized in that the first filter is disposed upstream of the airflow from the second filter, and the second filter is disposed in contact with or in close proximity to the first filter.

Images