JP7475888B2 - Humidity Control Device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a humidity control device.

A dehumidifier/humidifier with both dehumidifying and humidifying functions has been developed. For example, the dehumidifier/humidifier disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a housing, a dehumidifier section, a humidifier section, a dehumidifier tank, and a humidifier tank. The dehumidifier section cools the air passing through the inside of the housing with a heat exchanger and condenses the moisture contained in the air, thereby removing the moisture contained in the air and dehumidifying the air. The water generated in the dehumidifier section is sent to the dehumidifier tank. The humidifier section humidifies the air passing through the inside of the housing with a humidifier filter. The humidifier filter is provided in a humidifier tray, and water is supplied from the humidifier tray. Water is replenished from the humidifier tank to the humidifier tray. In the dehumidifier/humidifier disclosed in Patent Document 1, the humidifier tank and the dehumidifier tank are each provided independently in the housing.

JP 2017-53582 A

However, in a humidity control device such as the dehumidifier described in Patent Document 1, if both a humidifier tank and a dehumidifier tank are not installed, the control unit prohibits all operations. Therefore, even when dehumidification is possible, operations that perform dehumidification are inappropriately prohibited.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a humidity control device that can appropriately suppress the prohibition of dehumidification operation.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a humidity control device includes a first container, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, a second container, a detector, and a controller. The humidifier performs humidification. The first container stores first water. The dehumidifier performs dehumidification. The second container stores second water generated by the dehumidifier. The detector detects a physical quantity related to the first water. The controller determines whether or not to prohibit operation that performs the dehumidification based on the physical quantity.

The humidity control device of the present invention can appropriately suppress the prohibition of dehumidification operation.

1 is a perspective view showing an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. 1 is a perspective view showing an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a dehumidification tank and a humidification tank according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the dehumidification tank according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the humidification tank according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the humidifying tank shown in FIG. 5 when fixed inside the dehumidifying tank. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI shown in FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII shown in FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the humidifying tank shown in FIG. 5 when inserted into the dehumidifying tank. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a humidifying tank and a dehumidifying tank according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a humidifying unit, a humidifying tank, and a dehumidifying tank according to a third embodiment.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that in the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference symbols and will not be described repeatedly.

First Embodiment
An air conditioner 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the air conditioner 100. Figures 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams showing the interior of the air conditioner 100. In detail, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the interior of the air conditioner 100 in a dehumidification mode. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the interior of the air conditioner 100 in a humidification mode. Note that in the first embodiment, the drawings show an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis which are orthogonal to each other. The Z-axis is parallel to the vertical upward direction, and the X-axis and the Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the air conditioner 100 includes a housing 10, a control unit 20, a memory unit 21, a dehumidifier unit 30, a humidifier unit 40, a dehumidifier tank 60, a humidifier tank 70, and an air blower unit 80. The air conditioner 100 is an example of a humidity control device. The humidifier tank 70 is an example of a first container. The dehumidifier tank 60 is an example of a second container.

The air conditioner 100 is, for example, a free-standing air conditioner. In the first embodiment, the air conditioner 100 has a "dehumidification mode" and a "humidification mode." The "dehumidification mode" is a mode in which the air is dehumidified. The "humidification mode" is a mode in which the air is humidified.

The storage unit 21 includes a main storage device (e.g., a semiconductor memory) such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and may further include an auxiliary storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive). The main storage device and/or the auxiliary storage device store various control programs executed by the control unit 20.

The control unit 20 is a hardware circuit including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In detail, the control unit 20 controls the dehumidification unit 30, the humidification unit 40, and the memory unit 21 by executing a control program stored in the memory unit 21.

The housing 10 has a top plate 11, a bottom plate 12, a pair of side plates 13, a front panel 14, and a rear panel 15. The front panel 14, the rear panel 15, and the side plates 13 are each disposed between the top plate 11 and the bottom plate 12. The pair of side plates 13 are disposed opposite each other. One of the pair of side plates 13 is provided with an insertion opening 10b for inserting the dehumidification tank 60 and the humidification tank 70 into the interior 10a of the housing 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rear panel 15 is disposed opposite the front panel 14. The rear panel 15 is disposed on the negative side of the X-axis of the housing 10. The rear panel 15 has a plurality of suction ports 15a. Each of the plurality of suction ports 15a is an opening.

The top plate 11 is disposed opposite the bottom plate 12. The top plate 11 is disposed on the upper side of the housing 10. Specifically, the top plate 11 has an air outlet 11a, a cover member 11b, and an operation panel 11c. The air outlet 11a is an opening. The cover member 11b is a substantially plate-shaped member. The cover member 11b covers the air outlet 11a. The cover member 11b functions as a wind direction plate that determines the flow direction of the air discharged from the air outlet 11a. The operation panel 11c accepts instructions from the outside. Specifically, the operation panel 11c accepts information indicating either the dehumidification mode or the humidification mode.

The housing 10 further has a plurality of circulation sections 50 through which air flows. Specifically, the plurality of circulation sections 50 have a first chamber 51, a second chamber 52, a third chamber 53, a fourth chamber 54, and a fifth chamber 55.

The first chamber 51 is disposed on the negative side of the X-axis of the housing 10. The first chamber 51 communicates with the outside of the housing 10 via a plurality of suction ports 15a. The first chamber 51 has a filter 51a. The filter 51a is, for example, a deodorizing filter and/or a dust collecting filter.

The second chamber 52 is disposed on the positive side of the X-axis of the first chamber 51. The first chamber 51 and the second chamber 52 are in communication with each other. The dehumidification unit 30 is disposed inside the second chamber 52. The dehumidification unit 30 performs dehumidification. In detail, the dehumidification unit 30 is controlled by the control unit 20. Specifically, the dehumidification unit 30 is driven by the control unit 20 in the dehumidification mode as shown in FIG. 2, and is not driven by the control unit 20 in the humidification mode as shown in FIG. 3.

The third chamber 53 is disposed on the negative side of the Z axis of the housing 10. The first chamber 51 and the third chamber 53 are in communication with each other. The humidifying unit 40, the dehumidifying tank 60, and the humidifying tank 70 are disposed inside the third chamber 53. Specifically, the third chamber 53 has a storage space in which the dehumidifying tank 60 and the humidifying tank 70 are stored. The humidifying tank 70 stores the first water. The humidifying unit 40 humidifies the air with the first water in the humidifying tank 70. In detail, as shown in FIG. 3, the humidifying tank 70 is previously stored with the first water by the user in the humidifying mode. As shown in FIG. 2, the humidifying tank 70 is previously emptied by the user in the dehumidifying mode. The dehumidifying tank 60 stores the second water generated by the dehumidifying unit 30.

The fourth chamber 54 is disposed on the positive side of the X-axis of the housing 10. The fourth chamber 54 and the third chamber 53 are also connected to each other. The blower 80 is disposed in the fourth chamber 54.

The fifth chamber 55 is disposed on the positive side of the Z axis of the housing 10. The fourth chamber 54 and the fifth chamber 55 are in communication with each other. The second chamber 52 and the fifth chamber 55 are in communication with each other. The fifth chamber 55 is in communication with the outside of the housing 10 via the air outlet 11a.

Next, the air flow will be described in detail. The blower 80 has, for example, a fan and a motor. The motor rotates the fan. The fan generates a first airflow F1 and a second airflow F2. The first airflow F1 passes through the first chamber 51, the second chamber 52, and the fifth chamber 55 in this order. The second airflow F2 passes through the first chamber 51, the third chamber 53, the fourth chamber 54, and the fifth chamber 55 in this order.

Furthermore, the first airflow F1 and the second airflow F2 in the dehumidification mode will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, first, the user empties the humidification tank 70. Next, the user operates the dehumidification unit 30 by the control unit 20 using the operation panel 11c. As a result, the first airflow F1 is dehumidified by the dehumidification unit 30 when passing through the second chamber 52. Then, the dehumidification tank 60 stores the second water generated by the dehumidification unit 30. Furthermore, the second airflow F2 is not humidified by the humidification unit 40 when passing through the third chamber 53. Thus, dehumidified air is released from the air conditioner 100.

Next, the first airflow F1 and the second airflow F2 in the humidification mode will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 3, first, the user puts a predetermined amount of first water into the humidification tank 70. The user does not drive the dehumidification unit 30 by the control unit 20. As a result, the first airflow F1 is not dehumidified by the dehumidification unit 30 when passing through the second chamber 52. The second airflow F2 is humidified by the humidification unit 40 when passing through the third chamber 53. Thus, humidified air is released from the air conditioner 100.

Now, the dehumidification tank 60 and the humidification tank 70 of the air conditioner 100 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the air conditioner 100. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the dehumidification tank 60 and the humidification tank 70.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in the air conditioner 100, the dehumidification tank 60 and the humidification tank 70 can be attached to and detached from the housing 10 while they are integrated. Specifically, the dehumidification tank 60 and the humidification tank 70 can be pulled out in a first direction D1 toward the third chamber 53 of the housing 10 while they are integrated. The first direction D1 indicates the direction in which the dehumidification tank 60 and the humidification tank 70 are removed from the housing 10. The second direction D2 indicates the vertical upward direction. In this embodiment, the first direction D1 extends along the Y-axis direction. The second direction D2 extends along the Z-axis direction.

Next, the dehumidification tank 60 and the humidification tank 70 of the air conditioner 100 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the dehumidification tank 60. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the humidification tank 70. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, when removed from the housing 10, the dehumidification tank 60 and the humidification tank 70 can be separated. In other words, when removed from the housing 10, the dehumidification tank 60 and the humidification tank 70 can be attached to or detached from each other.

As shown in FIG. 6, the shape of the dehumidifying tank 60 is a substantially rectangular box. The top surface of the dehumidifying tank 60 is open. Specifically, the dehumidifying tank 60 has a second bottom surface 61 and a second wall portion 62. The second wall portion 62 has a first wall 63, a second wall 64, a third wall 65, a fourth wall 66, and a fifth wall 67. In addition, the second wall 64, the third wall 65, the fourth wall 66, and the fifth wall 67 are, for example, transparent in color.

The first wall 63, the second wall 64, the third wall 65, and the fifth wall 67 are generally planar. The fourth wall 66 has a curved surface that curves inward. The first wall 63 is disposed opposite the third wall 65. The first wall 63 has a handle 63a, a first window 63c, and a second window 63b. The first window 63c and the second window 63b are, for example, transparent in color. The first window 63c is disposed on the second direction D2 side of the second window 63b. The shape of the first window 63c may be different from the shape of the second window 63b. The second wall 64 is disposed opposite the fourth wall 66 and the fifth wall 67. The first wall 63 and the third wall 65 are located on the near side and the far side of the first direction D1, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 7, the humidification tank 70 has a generally rectangular box shape. The top surface of the humidification tank 70 is open. Specifically, the humidification tank 70 has a first bottom surface 71, a first wall portion 72, and a grip portion 78. The first wall portion 72 has a first wall 73, a second wall 74, a third wall 75, a fourth wall 76, and a fifth wall 77. The first wall portion 72 is, for example, transparent in color.

The first wall 73, the second wall 74, the third wall 75, and the fifth wall 77 are generally planar in shape. The fourth wall 76 has a curved surface that curves inward. The first wall 73 is disposed opposite the third wall 75. The second wall 74 is disposed opposite the fourth wall 76 and the fifth wall 77. The first wall 73 and the third wall 75 are located on the near side and the far side, respectively, in the first direction D1.

The gripping portion 78 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The gripping portion 78 extends along the first direction D1. One end of the gripping portion 78 is connected to the upper end of the first wall 73, and the other end of the gripping portion 78 is connected to the upper end of the third wall 75.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the humidifying tank 70 is disposed inside the dehumidifying tank 60. Specifically, the shape of the humidifying tank 70 is smaller than the shape of the dehumidifying tank 60. The height of the first wall portion 72 of the humidifying tank 70 is lower than the height of the second wall portion 62 of the dehumidifying tank 60. More specifically, at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the wall portion of the humidifying tank 70 is aligned along at least a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the wall portion of the dehumidifying tank 60. Specifically, the shape of the fourth wall 66 of the dehumidifying tank 60 and the shape of the fourth wall 76 of the humidifying tank 70 are similar.

In this embodiment, dehumidification is possible even if the humidification tank 70 is not attached to the housing 10. With reference to FIG. 8, the air conditioner 100 in the dehumidification mode will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the air conditioner 100 in the dehumidification mode. As shown in FIG. 8, the dehumidification tank 60 is disposed inside the third chamber 53. Note that the humidification tank 70 and the humidification section 40 are not disposed inside the third chamber 53.

Next, the first airflow F1 and the second airflow F2 in the dehumidification mode will be described in detail. First, the user uses the operation panel 11c to drive the dehumidification unit 30 via the control unit 20. As a result, the first airflow F1 is dehumidified by the dehumidification unit 30 as it passes through the second chamber 52. The dehumidification tank 60 then stores the second water dehumidified by the dehumidification unit 30. The second airflow F2 also passes through the third chamber 53. Thus, dehumidified air is released from the air conditioner 100.

The configuration of the air conditioner 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner 100. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the air conditioner 100 further includes a first detection unit 91 and a second detection unit 92. The first detection unit 91 is an example of a detection unit.

The first detection unit 91 is disposed at a predetermined position in the housing 10. Specifically, the first detection unit 91 is disposed in the third chamber 53 of the housing 10. The first detection unit 91 detects a first physical quantity related to the first water. The first physical quantity is an example of a physical quantity. For example, the first physical quantity includes information indicating whether or not a first amount (e.g., 100 ml) or more of the first water is present. The first amount is, for example, the amount of the first water that is capable of humidifying air.

The second detection unit 92 is disposed at a predetermined position in the housing 10. Specifically, the second detection unit 92 is disposed in the third chamber 53 of the housing 10. The second detection unit 92 detects a second physical quantity related to the second water. The second physical quantity includes information indicating whether or not a second amount or more of the second water is present. The second amount is, for example, the amount of the second water that the dehumidification tank 60 can contain.

The control unit 20 determines whether or not to prohibit dehumidifying operation based on the first physical quantity. Specifically, when the first physical quantity indicates that a first amount or more of first water is present, the control unit 20 determines that dehumidifying operation is to be prohibited. On the other hand, when the first physical quantity indicates that a first amount or more of first water is not present, the control unit 20 determines that dehumidifying operation is not to be prohibited. In this embodiment, even when the humidification tank 70 is not attached to the housing 10, the control unit 20 determines that the first physical quantity indicates that a first amount or more of first water is not present and that dehumidifying operation is not to be prohibited.

If the control unit 20 determines that dehumidification operation is to be prohibited, it issues a warning. For example, the control unit 20 may display a warning message on the display unit in the operation panel 11c, light up the operation button related to the dehumidification operation in the operation panel 11c in red or the like, or output a warning sound. The control unit 20 may also issue a warning if the operation panel 11c is operated after determining that dehumidification operation is to be prohibited.

As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 9, the control unit 20 determines whether or not to prohibit dehumidifying operation based on the first physical quantity. Therefore, when the humidification tank 70 is not attached to the housing 10, prohibiting dehumidifying operation can be appropriately suppressed even if dehumidifying operation can be performed. Furthermore, the first physical quantity includes information indicating whether or not a first amount of first water or more is present. Therefore, the control unit 20 can more appropriately determine to prohibit dehumidifying operation. Furthermore, the control unit 20 notifies the user that it has been determined that dehumidifying operation should be prohibited. Therefore, the user can recognize that the humidification tank 70 needs to be emptied.

Next, the humidification tank 70 and the dehumidification tank 60 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 12. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the humidification tank 70 shown in Fig. 5 when it is fixed inside the dehumidification tank 60. In detail, Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the dehumidification tank 60 and the humidification tank 70 shown in Fig. 5 cut along the XY plane. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII shown in Fig. 10. Note that the humidification tank 70 is omitted in Fig. 12.

10 and 11, the humidification tank 70 further includes a first detectable body 93 and a silver filter 95. The first detectable body 93 is an example of a detectable body. The first bottom surface 71 has a first recess 71a and a second recess 71b recessed downward. The first detectable body 93 is disposed in the first recess 71a. The first detectable body 93 is movable relative to the first bottom surface 71. Specifically, the first detectable body 93 rotates between an upper position and a lower position in the rotation direction RF. In detail, the first detectable body 93 includes polystyrene foam 93a and a magnet 93b. As a result, when the first water is present in the humidification tank 70 in a first amount or more, the first detectable body 93 is located in the upper position. On the other hand, when the first water is not present in the humidification tank 70 in a first amount or more, the first detectable body 93 is located in the lower position.

The silver filter 95 has a function for preventing deterioration of the accumulated first water, for example, a sterilization function using antibacterial metal ions, a sterilization function using chemicals, or a sterilization function using electrolysis. The shape of the silver filter 95 is, for example, approximately cylindrical. The silver filter 95 is disposed in the second recess 61b. As a result, even if the amount of first water in the humidification tank 70 is small, the silver filter 95 is submerged in the first water, and deterioration of the first water can be prevented.

The first detection unit 91 detects whether the first detectable object 93 is present within a predetermined range. The first detection unit 91 is, for example, a magnetic sensor, a Hall element, or a reed switch. The first detection unit 91 outputs a first detection signal to the control unit 20 when the first detectable object 93 is located in an upper position. That is, the first detection unit 91 outputs a first detection signal to the control unit 20 when the first water is present in an amount equal to or greater than the first amount. On the other hand, the first detection unit 91 does not output a first detection signal when the first detectable object 93 is located in a lower position. That is, the first detection unit 91 does not output a first detection signal when the first water is not present in an amount equal to or greater than the first amount.

When the first detection signal is input, the control unit 20 determines that the dehumidifying operation is prohibited. In detail, when the humidifying tank 70 is attached to the housing 10 and the first water is present in the humidifying tank 70 in a first amount or more, the first detectable object 93 is present within a predetermined range, and therefore the first detection signal is input to the control unit 20. As a result, the control unit 20 determines that the dehumidifying operation is prohibited. On the other hand, when the humidifying tank 70 is attached to the housing 10 and the first water is not present in the humidifying tank 70 in a first amount or more, the first detectable object 93 is not present within the predetermined range, and therefore the first detection signal is not input to the control unit 20. As a result, the control unit 20 determines that the dehumidifying operation is not prohibited. Also, when the humidifying tank 70 is not attached to the housing 10, the first detectable object 93 is not present within the predetermined range, and therefore the first detection signal is not input to the control unit 20. As a result, the control unit 20 determines that the dehumidifying operation is not prohibited.

As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 11, when the first detection signal is input, the control unit 20 determines that dehumidification operation is to be prohibited. Therefore, the configuration of the first detection unit 91 can be simplified.

10 and 12, the dehumidifying tank 60 further includes a second detectable object 94. The second detectable object 94 is disposed on the third wall 65. The second detectable object 94 is movable relative to the third wall 65. Specifically, the second detectable object 94 moves in the up-down direction DF between an upper position and a lower position. More specifically, the second detectable object 94 includes polystyrene foam 94a and a magnet 94b. As a result, when the second water is present in the dehumidifying tank 60 in an amount equal to or greater than the second amount, the second detectable object 94 is located in the upper position. On the other hand, when the second water is not present in the dehumidifying tank 60 in an amount equal to or greater than the second amount, the second detectable object 94 is located in the lower position.

The second detection unit 92 detects whether the second detectable object 94 is present within a predetermined range. The second detection unit 92 is, for example, a magnetic sensor, a Hall element, or a reed switch. The second detection unit 92 outputs a second detection signal to the control unit 20 when the second detectable object 94 is located in the upper position. That is, the second detection unit 92 outputs a second detection signal to the control unit 20 when the second water is present in the dehumidification tank 60 in an amount equal to or greater than the second amount. On the other hand, the second detection unit 92 does not output a second detection signal when the second detectable object 94 is located in the lower position. That is, the second detection unit 92 does not output a second detection signal when the second water is not present in the dehumidification tank 60 in an amount equal to or greater than the second amount.

When the second detection signal is input, the control unit 20 determines that the dehumidification tank 60 is full of water. In detail, when there is not a second amount of second water or more in the dehumidification tank 60, the second detectable object 94 is not within the predetermined range, and therefore the second detection signal is not input. As a result, the control unit 20 determines that the dehumidification tank 60 is not full of water. On the other hand, when there is a second amount of second water or more in the dehumidification tank 60, the second detectable object 94 is within the predetermined range, and therefore the second detection signal is input to the control unit 20. As a result, the control unit 20 determines that the dehumidification tank 60 is full of water. Therefore, the user discards the second water in the dehumidification tank 60 to the outside.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the humidification tank 70 further has a protruding portion 81 that protrudes outward from the upper end of the first wall portion 72. Specifically, the protruding portion 81 has a first protruding portion 81a, a second protruding portion 81b, a third protruding portion 81c, and a fourth protruding portion 81d. The first protruding portion 81a and the second protruding portion 81b protrude outward from the upper end of the second wall 74. The third protruding portion 81c protrudes outward from the upper end of the fourth wall 76. The fourth protruding portion 81d protrudes outward from the upper end of the fifth wall 77.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the humidifying tank 70 is attached to the dehumidifying tank 60, the lower surface of the protruding portion 81 comes into contact with the upper surface of the second wall portion 62 of the dehumidifying tank 60. This restricts downward movement of the humidifying tank 70 relative to the dehumidifying tank 60. As a result, rattling of the humidifying tank 70 relative to the dehumidifying tank 60 can be suppressed.

Next, the configuration for integrating the dehumidifying tank 60 and the humidifying tank 70 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 13. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the humidifying tank 70 inserted inside the dehumidifying tank 60. In detail, Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the dehumidifying tank 60 and the humidifying tank 70 shown in Fig. 5 cut along the XY plane.

6, the dehumidification tank 60 further has a second engagement portion 69 arranged on the second wall portion 62. In detail, the second engagement portion 69 protrudes inward from the upper end portion of the second wall portion 62. Specifically, the second engagement portion 69 has a first protrusion 69a, a second protrusion 69b, a third protrusion 69c, and a fourth protrusion 69d. The first protrusion 69a, the second protrusion 69b, and the third protrusion 69c each have a flat plate shape. The fourth protrusion 69d has an approximately flat plate shape. The fourth protrusion 69d may also have the same shape as the first protrusion 69a, the second protrusion 69b, and the third protrusion 69c. The first protrusion 69a and the second protrusion 69b are arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the first wall 63. The third protrusion 69c is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the fifth wall 67. The fourth protrusion 69d is disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the fourth wall 66.

As shown in FIG. 7, the humidification tank 70 further has a first engagement portion 79 arranged on the first wall portion 72. In detail, the first engagement portion 79 has a recess that is recessed inward from the first wall portion 72. Specifically, the first engagement portion 79 has a first recess 79a, a second recess 79b, a third recess 79c, and a fourth recess 79d. The first recess 79a and the second recess 79b are arranged on the second wall 74. The third recess 79c is arranged on the fifth wall 77. The fourth recess 79d is arranged on the fourth wall 76. The shape of the first recess 79a corresponds to the shape of the first protrusion 69a. The shape of the second recess 79b corresponds to the shape of the second protrusion 69b. The shape of the third recess 79c corresponds to the shape of the third protrusion 69c. The shape of the fourth recess 79d corresponds to the shape of the fourth protrusion 69d.

As shown in Figures 5 and 13, each of the first recess 79a, the second recess 79b, and the third recess 79c has a high wall portion 101 and a low wall portion 102. The height of the low wall portion 102 in the second direction D2 is lower than the height of the high wall portion 101 in the second direction D2. The low wall portion 102 is disposed on the opposite side of the high wall portion 101 in the first direction D1. The fourth recess 79d has a hollow portion 103 and a low plate portion 104. The low plate portion 104 is disposed on the opposite side of the hollow portion 103 in the first direction D1.

Next, a method for attaching the humidifying tank 70 and the dehumidifying tank 60 will be described in detail. The user places the first protrusion 69a in the first recess 79a, the second protrusion 69b in the second recess 79b, the third protrusion 69c in the third recess 79c, and the fourth protrusion 69d in the hollow portion 103. The user moves the humidifying tank 70 downward relative to the dehumidifying tank 60. When the humidifying tank 70 moves downward, the lower surface of the protruding portion 81 comes into contact with the upper surface of the second wall portion 62 of the dehumidifying tank 60. As a result, downward movement of the humidifying tank 70 relative to the dehumidifying tank 60 can be restricted.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 10, the user moves the humidification tank 70 in the first direction D1 relative to the dehumidification tank 60. When the humidification tank 70 moves in the first direction D1, the first protrusion 69a, the second protrusion 69b, the third protrusion 69c, and the fourth protrusion 69d are disposed on the low wall portion 102 or the low plate portion 104, and contact the high wall portion 101. That is, the first engagement portion 79 and the second engagement portion 69 are engaged with each other. As a result, when the first engagement portion 79 and the second engagement portion 69 are engaged with each other, the movement of the humidification tank 70 in the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 relative to the dehumidification tank 60 is restricted. Therefore, the humidification tank 70 can be fixed to the dehumidification tank 60. As a result, for example, when the humidification tank 70 and the dehumidification tank 60 are integrated and accidentally tipped over, the humidification tank 70 can be prevented from coming off the dehumidification tank 60 with a simple configuration.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 14, a method for restricting movement of the humidification tank 70 relative to the dehumidification tank 60 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 will be described in detail. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the interior of the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the housing 10 further has an adjustment unit 19. Specifically, the adjustment unit 19 is disposed in the third chamber 53.

The adjustment unit 19 adjusts the position of the humidification tank 70 relative to the housing 10. Specifically, the adjustment unit 19 is a rib. In more detail, the dehumidification tank 60 and the humidification tank 70 are pushed into the third chamber 53 of the housing 10 in the opposite direction to the first direction D1 while they are integrated. When the humidification tank 70 is pushed into the third chamber 53 in the opposite direction to the first direction D1, if the movement of the humidification tank 70 in the first direction D1 relative to the dehumidification tank 60 is insufficient, the adjustment unit 19 comes into contact with the gripping portion 78. As a result, the humidification tank 70 moves in the first direction D1 relative to the dehumidification tank 60.

Therefore, the humidification tank 70 is disposed at an appropriate position in the housing 10. Furthermore, the first detection unit 91 is disposed at a predetermined position in the housing 10. As a result, the first detection unit 91 can detect the position of the first detection target 93 with high accuracy.

Furthermore, the humidifying unit 40 arranged in the third chamber 53 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 5. It is preferable that the humidifying unit 40, the humidifying tank 70, and the dehumidifying tank 60 are detachable from the housing 10 in an integrated state. Specifically, the humidifying unit 40, the dehumidifying tank 60, and the humidifying tank 70 are detachable from the third chamber 53 of the housing 10 in an integrated state. According to this preferred example, the housing 10 only needs to have one storage space, so the air conditioner 100 can be made smaller.

More specifically, as shown in Figs. 2 to 5, the humidifier unit 40 has a filter unit. The filter unit is impregnated with the first water. For example, the filter unit is a rectangular sheet. The sheet is made of a material that is absorbent and breathable. The sheet is made of rayon, for example.

The humidifying unit 40 is housed in the humidifying tank 70. Specifically, one end of the humidifying unit 40 is connected to the first wall 73, and the other end of the humidifying unit 40 is connected to the third wall 75. The upper end of the humidifying unit 40 is in contact with the gripping portion 78, and the lower end of the humidifying unit 40 is in contact with the first bottom surface 71. As a result, air passes through the humidifying unit 40. Thus, humidified air is released from the humidifying unit 40. In addition, the humidifying unit 40 is disposed between the first detectable body 93 and the silver filter 95.

In addition, when the humidifying unit 40, the dehumidifying tank 60, and the humidifying tank 70 are removed from the housing 10, the dehumidifying tank 60 and the humidifying unit 40 can be separated. As a result, the humidifying unit 40 can be easily replaced.

Next, the dehumidification unit 30 disposed in the second chamber 52 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the dehumidification unit 30 includes an evaporator 31, a condenser 32, and a compressor.

Each of the evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 has a flow pipe through which the medium flows. The medium is, for example, a fluorocarbon. The material of the flow pipe is, for example, a metal. The flow pipe of the evaporator 31, the flow pipe of the condenser 32, and the compressor are connected.

The compressor compresses the medium in a low-temperature gas state to create a medium in a high-temperature gas state. The compressor then sends the medium in a high-temperature gas state to the circulation pipe of the condenser 32. The medium in a high-temperature gas state liquefies while transferring heat in the circulation pipe of the condenser 32, becoming a medium in a high-temperature liquid state. Furthermore, the medium in a high-temperature liquid state expands and becomes a medium in a low-temperature liquid state. The medium in a low-temperature liquid state is an example of a refrigerant. The medium in a low-temperature liquid state vaporizes while receiving heat in the circulation pipe of the evaporator 31, becoming a medium in a low-temperature gas state. The medium in a low-temperature gas state is then compressed again by the compressor. In this way, the medium circulates between the circulation pipe of the evaporator 31, the circulation pipe of the condenser 32, and the compressor.

The evaporator 31 exchanges heat between the air and the refrigerant to remove water vapor from the air. Specifically, the flow pipe of the evaporator 31 meanders within the second chamber 52. The evaporator 31 further has multiple metal plates between the flow pipes. As a result, the air flows through the second chamber 52 while contacting the flow pipes or the metal plates. Thus, the air transfers heat to the refrigerant, and the temperature of the air drops. As a result, water droplets based on the water vapor in the air adhere to the flow pipes or the metal plates. Thus, the evaporator 31 can effectively remove water vapor from the air.

The condenser 32 exchanges heat between the air and a medium in a high-temperature gas state to create air at a predetermined temperature. Specifically, the flow tube of the condenser 32 meanders within the second chamber 52. The condenser 32 further has multiple metal plates between the flow tubes. As a result, the air flows through the second chamber 52 while coming into contact with the flow tubes or the metal plates. Thus, the air receives heat from the medium in a high-temperature gas state, and the temperature of the air rises.

Second Embodiment
Next, an air conditioner 100 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a humidifying tank 70 and a dehumidifying tank 60. In the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment, the housing 10 has an adjustment unit 19, whereas, as shown in Fig. 15, the air conditioner 100 according to the second embodiment further includes a restricting member 90.

When the humidification tank 70 and the dehumidification tank 60 are integrated, the regulating member 90 is disposed between the wall of the humidification tank 70 and the wall of the dehumidification tank 60. Specifically, the regulating member 90 is disposed between the third wall 75 and the third wall 65. The regulating member 90 regulates the movement of the humidification tank 70 in the direction opposite to the first direction D1 relative to the dehumidification tank 60. Therefore, the humidification tank 70 can be more securely fixed to the dehumidification tank 60.

In detail, the restricting member 90 is formed, for example, in a funnel shape. Specifically, the restricting member 90 has a receiving portion 98 and a hole portion 99.

The receiving section 98 is disposed below the dehumidifying section 30. The receiving section 98 receives the second water generated by the dehumidifying section 30.

The hole 99 guides the second water received by the receiving portion 98 into the inside of the dehumidifying tank 60. As a result, the second water is stored in the dehumidifying tank 60. Therefore, the humidifying tank 70 can be more securely fixed to the dehumidifying tank 60 with a simple configuration, and the second water can be stored in the dehumidifying tank 60.

Therefore, when the dehumidification tank 60 is placed in an appropriate position on the housing 10, the humidification tank 70 is also placed in an appropriate position on the housing 10. Furthermore, the first detection unit 91 is placed in a predetermined position on the housing 10. As a result, the first detection unit 91 can accurately detect the position of the first detection target 93.

Third Embodiment
Next, an air conditioner 100 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the humidifying unit 40, the humidifying tank 70, and the dehumidifying tank 60. In the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment, the humidifying tank 70 is disposed inside the dehumidifying tank 60, whereas in the air conditioner 100 according to the third embodiment, the humidifying tank 70 and the dehumidifying tank 60 are arranged side by side, as shown in Fig. 16.

The above describes the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The drawings are mainly schematic views of each component for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present invention.

(1) As described with reference to Figs. 1 to 16, in the first to third embodiments, the first detection unit 91 and the second detection unit 92 are, for example, a magnetic sensor, a Hall element, or a reed switch that outputs a detection signal under a predetermined condition, but the present invention is not limited to this. The first detection unit 91 and the second detection unit 92 may be, for example, an infrared sensor. The infrared sensor detects information indicating the amount of the first water or the second water at a predetermined time interval. The control unit 20 calculates the amount of the first water based on the information indicating the amount of the first water, and determines whether or not to prohibit the operation that performs dehumidification. Specifically, if the control unit 20 calculates that there is no first water at all, it determines that the operation that performs dehumidification is not to be prohibited. On the other hand, if the control unit 20 calculates that there is even a small amount of first water, it determines that the operation that performs dehumidification is to be prohibited.

(2) As described with reference to Figs. 1 to 16, the first to third embodiments have a "dehumidification mode" and a "humidification mode", but the present invention is not limited to this. The air conditioner 100 may further have an "air purification mode" and/or a "clothes drying mode". The control unit 20 may then determine whether or not to prohibit operation in the "air purification mode" and/or the "clothes drying mode" based on the first physical quantity. For example, when the first physical quantity indicates that a first amount or more of first water is present, the control unit 20 determines that operation in the "air purification mode" and/or the "clothes drying mode" is to be prohibited.

(3) As described with reference to Figures 1 to 16, in the first to third embodiments, the control unit 20 notifies the user that dehumidification operation is prohibited, but the present invention is not limited to this. The control unit 20 may also prohibit dehumidification operation. For example, the control unit 20 may restrict the operation panel 11c so that it does not accept any information other than information indicating the humidification mode.

(4) As described with reference to Figures 1 to 16, in the first to third embodiments, the humidifier 40 is housed in the humidifier tank 70, but the present invention is not limited to this. The humidifier 40 does not have to be housed in the humidifier tank 70.

(5) As described with reference to Figures 1 to 16, in the first to third embodiments, the fan generates the first airflow F1 and the second airflow F2, but the present invention is not limited to this. The fan may be a centrifugal fan that generates one type of airflow that passes through both the dehumidification section 30 and the humidification section 40.

The present invention provides an air conditioner and has industrial applicability.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Housing 20 Control unit 30 Dehumidifying unit 40 Humidifying unit 60 Dehumidifying tank 62 Second wall 69 Second engagement unit 70 Humidifying tank 72 First wall 79 First engagement unit 81 Protruding portion 90 Restricting member 91 First detection unit 92 Second detection unit 100 Air conditioner D1 First direction

Claims (7)

A humidification unit that performs humidification;
a first container for containing a first water to be supplied to the humidifying section;
A dehumidification unit that performs dehumidification;
a second container that contains second water generated by the dehumidification unit and is different from the first container ;
A detection unit that detects the presence of the first water in the first container ;
a control unit that controls the dehumidification unit based on a detection result of the detection unit ,
The control unit prohibits operation of the dehumidification unit when the first water is present in the first container. The humidity control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit permits operation of the dehumidification unit when the first water is not present in the first container. The humidity control device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the control unit issues a notification when the first water is present in the first container . The first container and the second container further include a housing to which the first container and the second container are detachably attached,
The humidity control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit permits operation of the dehumidification unit when the first container is removed from the housing. The humidity control device according to claim 4 , wherein the first container and the second container are attached to the housing in a state where the first container is disposed within the second container. A humidification unit that performs humidification;
a first container for containing a first water to be supplied to the humidifying section;
A dehumidification unit that performs dehumidification;
A second container that contains second water generated by the dehumidification unit;
A detection unit that detects a physical quantity related to the first water;
a control unit that determines whether or not to prohibit the dehumidifying operation based on the physical quantity;
and a housing.
the first container is disposed within the second container;
The first container and the second container are detachable from the housing in an integrated state,
The humidity control device, in a state where the humidity control device is removed from the housing, is capable of separating the first container from the second container. The first container comprises:
The bottom surface and
A detection object movable relative to the bottom surface,
the housing has an adjustment unit that adjusts a position of the first container relative to the housing,
The humidity control device according to claim 6 , wherein the detection unit is disposed at a predetermined position in the housing and detects whether the object to be detected is present within a predetermined range.

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