TWI669427B - dehumidifier - Google Patents

Abstract

The dehumidifier (100) includes a casing (1), a blower that blows air removed by the dehumidifier through the air outlet (4) to the outside of the casing (1), and decides to remove air from the air outlet (4). ) Wind direction changing section (10) in the direction of blowing, operation button (21d) for transmitting operation instructions, wind direction control device for controlling wind direction changing section (10) based on operation instructions received from operation buttons (21d), directing visible light toward the air Irradiation part (19) irradiated from blowing direction of blowing port (4), surface temperature detecting part (18) for detecting the presence of a person in the direction of blowing air from blowing port (4) to housing (1) And an irradiation control device that stops the irradiation unit (19) from irradiating visible light when a person is detected by the surface temperature detecting unit (18) when the irradiation unit (19) irradiates visible light.

Description

   dehumidifier   

The present invention relates to a dehumidifier.

Patent Document 1 describes a clothes dryer having a luminous body as an example of a dehumidifier that blows out dry air. The luminous body in Patent Document 1 irradiates light in a direction in which dry air is blown out. This allows the user to identify the direction in which the dry air is being blown out.

Advance technical literature

Patent Literature:

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-188188

In the aforementioned Patent Document 1, the user cannot arbitrarily change the direction in which the dry air is blown out. In the aforementioned Patent Document 1, the user must move the object to be blown by the dry air in accordance with the direction in which the clothes dryer blows dry air. In addition, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a user feels very dazzling when looking directly at the light emitting body. The dehumidifier described in Patent Document 1 is not easy for a user.

The present invention is to solve the problems described above. The purpose of the present invention is to obtain a better-used dehumidifier, which makes it easier for the user to identify the direction in which the dry air is blown out, and it is easier to change the direction in which the dry air is blown out to any direction.

The dehumidifier according to the present invention comprises: a casing having a blow-out port; a dehumidifying device provided inside the casing to remove moisture in the air; and blowing air after the moisture is removed by the dehumidifier to the outside of the casing through the blow-out port A wind direction determining device that determines the direction of blowing air from the air outlet; an operating device that transmits an operation instruction; a wind direction control device that controls the wind direction determining device based on the operating instruction received from the operating device; an irradiating device that directs visible light toward the air Irradiate from the blowing direction of the blowout port; the human detection device detects the person in the housing in the direction of blowing air from the blowout port; the irradiation control device, the human detection device if the irradiation device irradiates visible light When a person is detected, the irradiation device stops the irradiation of visible light.

The dehumidifier according to the present invention comprises: a casing forming an air outlet; a dehumidifying device provided inside the casing to remove moisture in the air; and air blown by the dehumidification device to remove moisture from the air to the outside of the casing through the air outlet Air blowing device; wind direction determining device that determines the direction of blowing air from the air outlet; operating device that transmits operation instructions; wind direction controlling device that controls the wind direction determining device based on the operating instruction received from the operating device; irradiation device that directs visible light toward the air from Illumination in the blowing direction of the blow-out port; human detection device to detect the person in the direction of blowing air from the blow-out port to the housing; the irradiation control device, if the human detection device detects the presence of a person when the irradiation device radiates visible light , The irradiation device is caused to reduce the luminosity of visible light to be irradiated.

The dehumidifier of the present invention includes: a wind direction determining device that determines the direction in which air is blown from the air outlet, an operating device that transmits an operation instruction, a wind direction control device that controls the wind direction determining device based on the operation instruction received from the operating device, and directs visible light toward the air Irradiation device that irradiates in the direction of blowing from the blowing port. Therefore, according to the present invention, a dehumidifier is obtained, which allows a user to easily recognize the direction in which the dry air is blown, and can easily change the direction in which the dry air is blown to any direction.

In addition, the dehumidifier of the present invention includes an irradiation control device, and when the presence of a person is detected by the human detection device when the irradiation device emits visible light, the irradiation device stops the irradiation of visible light. In addition, the dehumidifier of the present invention includes an irradiation control device, and when the presence of a person is detected by the human detection device when the irradiation device irradiates visible light, the irradiation device reduces the luminosity of the visible light to be irradiated. Therefore, according to the present invention, a better-used dehumidifier can be obtained.

1‧‧‧shell

2‧‧‧ wheels

3‧‧‧ Suction port

4‧‧‧ blowout

5‧‧‧ wind road

6‧‧‧fan motor

6a‧‧‧ send fan

7‧‧‧Dehumidifying section

8‧‧‧ Water storage department

9‧‧‧ filter

10‧‧‧Wind direction changing department

11‧‧‧ louver

11a‧‧‧axis

12‧‧‧1st motor

12a‧‧‧Gear

12b‧‧‧Gear

12c‧‧‧Gear

13‧‧‧ Left and right louvers

14‧‧‧The second motor

15‧‧‧ connecting rod

16‧‧‧Sensor Section

17‧‧‧ sensor housing

17a‧‧‧Sensor window

18‧‧‧Surface temperature detection section

19‧‧‧ Irradiation Department

19a‧‧‧light source

19b‧‧‧lens

20‧‧‧Control device

20a‧‧‧Action Control Department

20b‧‧‧Memory Department

20c‧‧‧Temperature determination section

20d‧‧‧Setting Department

20e‧‧‧ Irradiation Control Department

21‧‧‧Operation Department

21a‧‧‧Run button

21b‧‧‧Mode selection button

21c‧‧‧set button

21d‧‧‧operation buttons

22‧‧‧Buzzer

23‧‧‧Control device

30‧‧‧ Irradiated area

31‧‧‧ Clothing

100‧‧‧ Dehumidifier

101‧‧‧Dehumidifier

200‧‧‧ dedicated hardware

201‧‧‧ processor

202‧‧‧Memory

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a front view of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment.

[Fig. 3] A side view of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment.

[Fig. 4] A longitudinal sectional view of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment.

5 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a wind direction changing section according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a view of a sensor unit according to the first embodiment as viewed from the front.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a sensor section according to the first embodiment. FIG.

[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing functions of a control device according to the first embodiment.

[Fig. 9] A diagram schematically showing information of a reference value of a surface temperature stored in a memory section of Embodiment 1. [Fig.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a control device according to the first embodiment.

[Fig. 11] A diagram showing a dehumidifier during operation of Embodiment 1. [Fig.

[Fig. 12] A flowchart showing the control of the irradiation unit according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first mode of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment.

14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second mode of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment.

[Fig. 15] A flowchart showing the control of the irradiation unit according to the second embodiment.

16 is a perspective view of a dehumidifier according to a third embodiment.

17 is a block diagram showing functions of a control device according to a third embodiment.

[Fig. 18] A flowchart showing the control of the irradiation unit according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same symbols in the drawings indicate the same or equivalent parts. In this description, overlapping descriptions are simplified or omitted as appropriate. The present description may include all combinations of combinable configurations among the configurations described in the following embodiments.

Embodiment 1

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a side view of the dehumidifier 100 according to the first embodiment. 1, 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the appearance of the dehumidifier 100.

Here, the vertical direction on the paper surface in FIG. 2 is the vertical direction of the dehumidifier 100. In addition, the near direction of the paper surface in FIG. 2 is taken as the front direction of the dehumidifier 100. The depth direction of the paper surface in FIG. 2 is taken as the rear direction of the dehumidifier 100. In FIG. 2, the left direction on the paper surface is the right direction of the dehumidifier 100, and the right direction on the paper surface is the left direction of the dehumidifier 100.

The left-right direction on the paper surface in FIG. 3 is the front-rear direction of the dehumidifier 100. The vertical direction on the paper surface in FIG. 3 is the vertical direction of the dehumidifier 100. In FIG. 3, the near direction of the paper surface is the left direction of the dehumidifier 100, and the depth direction of the paper surface is the right direction of the dehumidifier 100.

4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the dehumidifier 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a cross section of the dehumidifier 100 at the A-A position in Fig. 2. FIG. 4 schematically shows the internal structure of the dehumidifier 100. The vertical direction on the paper surface in FIG. 4 corresponds to the vertical direction on the paper surface in FIG. 3.

The dehumidifier 100 includes a casing 1. The casing 1 is a part serving as an outer shell of the dehumidifier 100. The casing 1 is formed in a shape of, for example, a vertically long box that can stand on its own. The dehumidifier 100 may be provided with wheels 2. The wheels 2 are provided, for example, at the bottom of the casing 1. With this wheel 2, the user can easily move the dehumidifier 100.

A suction port 3 and a blow-out port 4 are formed in the casing 1. The suction port 3 is an opening for sucking air into the inside of the casing 1. The suction port 3 is formed, for example, at the rear of the casing 1. The air outlet 4 is an opening for blowing air from the inside of the casing 1 to the outside. The air outlet 4 is formed in, for example, an upper portion of the front face of the casing 1. The shape of the air outlet 4 is, for example, a rectangular shape extending in the left-right direction of the casing 1.

An air passage 5 is formed inside the casing 1. The air path 5 is a space from the suction inlet 3 to the air outlet 4. Dehumidifier 100 The dehumidifier 100 includes a blower 6a and a fan motor 6 as an example of a blower. The blower fan 6 a is a fan that generates an air flow in the air path 5 from the suction port 3 to the air outlet 4. The fan motor 6 is connected to the fan 6a. The fan motor 6 is a device that rotates the blower fan 6a.

The fan 6 a and the fan motor 6 are provided inside the casing 1. The air-supply fan 6a is arranged in the air path 5. In the air path 5 in this embodiment, air is caused to flow from the inlet 3 to the outlet 4 by the blower 6a. In the present embodiment, air is blown from the inside of the case 1 to the outside of the case 1 by the blowing fan 6a. Here, in the air path 5, the side where the suction port 3 is located is the upstream side, and the side where the air outlet 4 is located is the downstream side. That is, in this embodiment, air flows in the air path 5 from the upstream side to the downstream side.

The dehumidifier 100 includes a dehumidification unit 7 as an example of a dehumidifier that removes moisture from the air. The dehumidifier 7 is a device that condenses and discharges moisture in the air. For example, the dehumidifying section 7 causes the condensed water to drip downward in the form of liquid water. The dehumidifier 7 removes moisture from the air, that is, dehumidifies the air. The air that has been dehumidified by the dehumidifying section 7 is dry air.

The dehumidifier 7 is a device using a heat pump circuit, for example. The dehumidifier 7 of the heat pump circuit condenses the moisture in the air by the evaporator. The dehumidifier 7 may be, for example, a desiccant device. The desiccant type dehumidifier 7 includes an adsorbent that adsorbs moisture in the air, a heater, and a heat exchanger. The moisture adsorbed by the adsorbent included in the desiccant-type dehumidifier 7 is heated by a heater. The water heated by this heater is cooled and condensed by the heat exchanger.

The dehumidifying section 7 is provided inside the casing 1. The dehumidifying section 7 is arranged in the air passage 5. For example, the dehumidifier 7 is disposed between the suction port 3 and the blower 6a. The dehumidifying unit 7 of this embodiment is disposed on the upstream side of the blower fan 6a. In this embodiment, the suction port 3, the dehumidifying section 7, the blower fan 6a, and the blow-out port 4 are sequentially arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side.

The dehumidifier 100 according to the present embodiment includes a water storage unit 8 that stores water discharged from the dehumidification unit 7. The water storage unit 8 is, for example, a container-like member having an opened upper portion. The water storage section 8 is provided below the dehumidifying section 7 in the interior of the casing 1. The water storage unit 8 receives and stores water dripped from the dehumidification unit 7 through the opening in the upper part. The water storage unit 8 is provided so as to be attachable and detachable from the casing 1.

The dehumidifier 100 may include a filter 9. The filter 9 is provided inside the casing 1. The filter 9 is provided so as to cover the suction port 3 from the inside of the housing 1. The filter 9 prevents dust from entering the inside of the casing 1.

The dehumidifier 100 includes an airflow direction changing unit 10. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the wind direction changing unit 10 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 schematically shows a part of the cross section of the dehumidifier 100 at the B-B position in Fig. 3. The vertical direction on the paper surface in FIG. 5 corresponds to the vertical direction on the paper surface in FIG. 2.

The wind direction changing unit 10 is a device that determines a direction in which air is blown from the air outlet 4. Hereinafter, a direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet 4 is referred to as a blowing direction. When the wind direction changing unit 10 is moved, the blowing direction is changed. The blowing direction depends on the state of the wind direction changing unit 10. The wind direction changing unit 10 of this embodiment is an example of a wind direction determining device. The wind direction changing section 10 is arranged near the air outlet 4.

The wind direction changing section 10 includes a vertical louver 11 as an example of a first changing section that changes the direction in which air is blown from the air outlet 4 in the vertical direction. The up-and-down louver 11 is formed in the shape which cooperates with the air outlet 4. The up-and-down louver 11 of this embodiment is a rectangular frame-shaped member extending in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the up-down louver 11 includes three plate-shaped members extending in the left-right direction. The up-down louver 11 of this embodiment has a rectangular-shaped opening extending in the left-right direction. The up and down direction louver 11 is formed to be rotatable to change the direction of the opening up and down. The up-and-down louver 11 is attached to the housing 1 by a shaft 11 a extending in the left-right direction, for example. The up-and-down louver 11 is formed so as to be rotatable about the shaft 11a.

The wind direction changing unit 10 includes a first motor 12 for moving the louver 11 in the vertical direction. The first motor 12 is provided inside the casing 1, for example. The first motor 12 rotates the louver 11 in the vertical direction through the gear 12a, the gear 12b, and the gear 12c. When the up-down louver 11 is rotated, the direction of the opening of the up-down louver 11 is changed in the up-down direction. Thereby, the blowing direction is changed in the up-down direction.

Moreover, the wind direction changing part 10 has the left-right direction louver 13 as an example of a 2nd changing part which changes the direction which blows air from the air outlet 4 in the left-right direction. The left-right louver 13 is formed by a plate-like member extending in the up-down direction. For example, the left and right louver 13 has six plate-like members extending in the up and down direction. The six plate-shaped members extending in the up-down direction are arranged at equal intervals, for example.

The left-right louver 13 is arranged inside the frame-shaped up-down louver 11. For example, the left-right louver 13 is attached to the up-down louver 11 through an axis (not shown) along the vertical direction. The left-right direction louver 13 can be rotated around the above-mentioned axis in the vertical direction. In addition, for example, the up-down louver 11 and the left-right louver 13 are arranged such that the center of the left-right louver 11 in the left-right direction coincides with the center of the left-right louver 13 as a whole.

The wind direction changing unit 10 includes a second motor 14 for moving the louver 13 in the left-right direction. The second motor 14 is provided inside the casing 1. The wind direction changing unit 10 includes a link 15. This link 15 is connected to the rear part of the louver 13 in the left-right direction, for example. The link 15 is connected to the second motor 14. The left-right louver 13 and the second motor 14 are connected through a link 15.

When the second motor 14 is driven, the link 15 moves. When the link 15 moves, the left-right louver 13 rotates in conjunction with the link 15. For example, the left-right direction louver 13 makes the left-right direction louver 13 relative to the up-down direction louver 11 along the installed up-down direction. Rotate along the axis. By turning the louver 13 in the left-right direction, the air blowing direction is changed in the left-right direction.

The link 15 is formed to interlock with the louver 11 in the vertical direction. When the up-down louver 11 moves, the link 15 moves with this up-down louver 11. When the link 15 moves, the left-right louver 13 connected to the link 15 also moves. When the louver 13 in the left-right direction moves when the louver 11 in the up-down direction moves, it moves together with the link 15 that interlocks with the louver 11 in the vertical direction. In this way, the left-right direction louver 13 moves in the same direction as the up-down direction louver 11 moves.

The dehumidifier 100 includes a sensor unit 16. The sensor section 16 in the present embodiment is arranged inside the frame-shaped up-down louver 11. For example, the sensor unit 16 is arranged at a center position in the left-right direction of the up-down louver 11.

FIG. 6 is a view of the sensor unit 16 according to the first embodiment as viewed from the front. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the sensor section 16 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the sensor portion 16 at the C-C position in FIG. 6. The near direction of the paper surface in FIG. 6 is the front direction of the sensor portion 16. The up-down direction on the paper surface in FIG. 6 is the up-down direction of the sensor section 16. In FIG. 7, the right direction on the paper surface is the front direction of the sensor portion 16, and the left direction on the paper surface is the rear direction of the sensor portion 16. The up-down direction on the paper surface in FIG. 7 is the up-down direction of the sensor section 16.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sensor section 16 includes a sensor case 17. The sensor case 17 is a member that is an outer frame of the sensor portion 16. In one example, the sensor case 17 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The sensor case 17 is supported by, for example, a shaft extending in the vertical direction (not shown). The sensor case 17 is supported by, for example, a shaft extending in the left-right direction (not shown). The sensor case 17 can rotate around these axes.

For example, the sensor case 17 is connected to the link 15 at the center position in the left-right direction of the up-down louver 11. The sensor case 17 is connected to the left and right louvers 13 through a link 15. In addition, the sensor case 17 may be directly provided on the louver 13 in the left-right direction without transmitting through the link 15.

The sensor case 17 is provided so that the front surface of the sensor case 17 faces the air blowing direction. As described above, the sensor case 17 is mechanically connected to the link 15 or the left-right louver 13. The sensor case 17 is linked with the louver 13 in the left-right direction. The sensor case 17 moves in the same direction as the direction in which the louver 13 moves in the left-right direction.

In addition, as described above, the louver 13 in the left-right direction moves with the louver 11 in the vertical direction. When the sensor case 17 moves up and down the louver 11, the sensor case 17 is linked with the up and down louver 11. The sensor case 17 moves in the same direction as the direction in which the louver 11 moves up and down. In this way, even if the blowing direction has been changed, the front face of the sensor case 17 can be oriented to the changed blowing direction.

The sensor case 17 of this embodiment includes a sensor window 17a. The sensor window 17 a is formed on a front portion of the sensor case 17 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The sensor window 17a is formed of a material with high infrared transmittance. A material having a high infrared transmittance is, for example, silicon. Herein, the area to which the air blown from the air outlet 4 is blown is referred to as a blowing area. The sensor window 17a is arranged and formed so that infrared rays emitted from the air supply region penetrate.

The sensor section 16 includes a surface temperature detection section 18 as an example of a surface temperature detection device. The surface temperature detection unit 18 is a device that detects a surface temperature of a target region in a non-contact state. In the present embodiment, the surface temperature detection unit 18 detects the surface temperature of the object emitting the infrared rays by receiving infrared rays transmitted through the sensor window 17a. The surface temperature detection unit 18 detects the surface temperature of the air supply area. That is, the surface temperature detection unit 18 detects the surface temperature of the object to which the air blown from the blowout port 4 is blown.

The structure of the surface temperature detection unit 18 will be described in more detail. The surface temperature detection section 18 is provided inside the sensor case 17. The surface temperature detection section 18 is disposed on the back side of the sensor window 17a. For example, the surface temperature detection unit 18 uses a device that uses thermal power. The surface temperature detection section 18 that detects the surface temperature by the thermal starting power includes an infrared absorbing film and a thermistor.

The infrared absorbing film of the surface temperature detection section 18 absorbs infrared rays that have passed through the sensor window 17a. The infrared absorbing film has a heat sensitive portion. The heat-sensitive portion of the infrared absorbing film is heated because it absorbs infrared rays that have penetrated the sensor window 17a. The heat-sensitive portion of the infrared absorbing film serves as a warm contact. The thermistor of the surface temperature detection unit 18 detects the temperature of a portion other than the heat-sensitive portion of the infrared absorbing film. The part that is not the heat-sensitive part of the infrared absorbing film is a cold junction. The surface temperature detection unit 18 detects the surface temperature of a region emitting infrared rays absorbed by the infrared absorbing film from the temperature difference between the warm contact and the cold contact. In this way, the surface temperature detection unit 18 detects the surface temperature of the air supply region.

The air blowing area, which is the area to which the air blown from the air outlet 4 is blown, changes together with the air blowing direction. The surface temperature detection section 18 provided inside the sensor case 17 moves together with the sensor case 17. In addition, as described above, the sensor case 17 moves together with the up-down louver 11 and the left-right louver 13. That is, the surface temperature detection unit 18 moves together with the up-down louver 11 and the left-right louver 13. In addition, the sensor window 17 a formed on the front portion of the sensor case 17 also moves with the louver 11 and the louver 13 in the left-right direction. Thereby, even if the air supply area has been changed, the surface temperature detection unit 18 can detect the surface temperature of the changed air supply area.

The sensor unit 16 includes an irradiation unit 19 as an example of an irradiation device that irradiates visible light. The irradiation unit 19 includes a light source 19a and a lens 19b. The lens 19 b is provided on a front portion of the sensor case 17. For example, the lens 19b is arranged further below the sensor window 17a. The light source 19 a is provided inside the sensor case 17. The light source 19a is provided on the back side of the lens 19b.

The light source 19a is a device that irradiates visible light. The light source 19a is, for example, an LED. In addition, the light source 19a may be a laser diode. In this embodiment, the light source 19a emits visible light in the front direction. For example, the light source 19a emits visible light having a luminance of 1000 mcd or more. In addition, as an example, the light source 19a emits green visible light. Moreover, the color of the visible light emitted from the light source 19a is not limited to green. The color of the visible light emitted from the light source 19a may be orange or the like.

The lens 19b is a device that collects visible light irradiated by the light source 19a. The lens 19b is, for example, a plano-convex lens formed of an acrylic resin. The material of the lens 19b may be, for example, polycarbonate resin or glass. In addition, the lens 19b may be a Fresnel lens.

The portion between the light source 19a and the lens 19b in the sensor case 17 is formed of, for example, a member penetrated by visible light irradiated by the light source 19a. In addition, a portion between the light source 19 a and the lens 19 b in the sensor case 17 may be, for example, an opening. In this embodiment, the visible light emitted from the light source 19a in the front direction reaches the lens 19b.

The visible light emitted from the light source 19a is collected by the lens 19b. The visible light collected by the lens 19b is in a state where it is easily visually recognized indoors. The visible light collected by the lens 19 b is radiated toward the outside of the sensor case 17 and the case 1. The light source 19 a and the lens 19 b are provided so that visible light collected by the lens 19 b is radiated toward the front direction of the sensor case 17.

As described above, the front face of the sensor case 17 faces the air blowing direction. The visible light collected through the lens 19b is irradiated toward the air blowing direction. The light source 19 a and the lens 19 b are provided in the sensor case 17. The light source 19 a and the lens 19 b move with the sensor case 17. As described above, the sensor case 17 moves with the up-down louver 11 and the left-right louver 13. That is, the light source 19a and the lens 19b move with the up-down louver 11 and the left-right louver 13 together. Therefore, even if the blowing direction is changed, the visible light collected through the lens 19b is irradiated to the changed blowing direction. The user can confirm the blowing direction by visible light which can be easily visually recognized.

Here, an area irradiated with visible light collected through the lens 19 b is referred to as an irradiation area 30. In other words, the irradiated area 30 is an area irradiated with visible light that can be easily visually recognized.

The light source 19a and the lens 19b are arranged and formed so that at least a part of the irradiation area 30 is included in the air supply area. The user can confirm the ventilation area by viewing the irradiation area 30 illuminated by visible light. In addition, for example, the light source 19a and the lens 19b may be arranged and formed so that the entire irradiation area 30 is included in the air supply area. For example, the light source 19a and the lens 19b are provided so that, for example, the irradiation area 30 at a distance of 1 m from the housing is a circle having a diameter of 60 mm. The size and shape of the irradiation area 30 are not limited to this embodiment. The shape of the irradiation area 30 may be, for example, rectangular.

As described above, the surface temperature detection unit 18 of the present embodiment detects the surface temperature of the air supply region. The surface temperature detection unit 18 may also detect the surface temperature of an object included in the irradiation area 30. That is, the surface temperature detection unit 18 can also detect the surface temperature of an object irradiated with visible light. For example, the sensor window 17a may be arranged and formed so that infrared rays emitted from the irradiation area 30 penetrate. For example, the surface temperature detection unit 18 detects the surface temperature of the entire irradiation area 30.

The dehumidifier 100 according to the present embodiment includes a control device 20 and an operation unit 21. The control device 20 is connected to each device included in the dehumidifier 100. The control device 20 is a device that controls each device included in the dehumidifier 100. The control device 20 is provided inside the casing 1, for example.

The operation unit 21 is a device for a user to operate the dehumidifier 100. The operation section 21 is provided on, for example, the rear surface of the upper surface of the housing 1. For example, the operation unit 21 includes an operation button 21a, a mode selection button 21b, a setting button 21c, and an operation button 21d.

The operation button 21 a is a device for starting and stopping the operation of the dehumidifier 100. The mode selection button 21b is a device for selecting an operation mode of the dehumidifier 100. The control device 20 and the operation portion 21 are electrically connected. The operation button 21 a and the mode selection button 21 b of the operation unit 21 transmit signals corresponding to the operation of the user to the control device 20. The setting button 21c is a device for setting the dehumidifier 100. The setting button 21 c transmits a signal corresponding to a user's operation to the control device 20.

The operation button 21d is an example of an operation device that transmits an operation instruction. The operation button 21 d is a device for moving the wind direction changing unit 10. The operation button 21d is, for example, a cross button. The operation button 21d transmits a signal corresponding to a user's operation to the control device 20. Hereinafter, the signal transmitted from the operation button 21d to the control device 20 is also referred to as an operation instruction. When receiving the operation instruction, the control device 20 operates based on the received operation instruction. The operation button 21d may be a device other than the cross button.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing functions of the control device 20 according to the first embodiment. As described above, the control device 20 is electrically connected to the operation portion 21. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the control device 20 of this embodiment is electrically connected to the fan motor 6, the dehumidifying unit 7, the first motor 12, the second motor 14, and the irradiation unit 19. The operation unit 21 transmits a signal corresponding to a user's operation to the control device 20. The control device 20 controls the fan motor 6, the dehumidifying unit 7, the first motor 12, the second motor 14, and the irradiation unit 19 based on the received signals when the street receives a signal from the operation unit 21.

The control device 20 is electrically connected to the surface temperature detection unit 18 as shown in FIG. 8. The surface temperature detecting unit 18 converts the detected surface temperature information into an electric signal such as a voltage. The surface temperature detection unit 18 transmits the converted electric signal to the control device 20. The control device 20 controls the fan motor 6, the dehumidification unit 7, the first motor 12, the second motor 14, and the irradiation unit 19 based on an electric signal from the surface temperature detection unit 18.

As shown in FIG. 8, the control device 20 according to this embodiment includes an operation control unit 20 a, a memory unit 20 b, a temperature determination unit 20 c, a setting unit 20 d, and an irradiation control unit 20 e.

The operation control unit 20a controls the first motor 12 and the second motor 14 based on an operation instruction from the operation button 21d. As described above, when the first motor 12 and the second motor 14 are operated, the air supply direction is changed. The operation control unit 20a of this embodiment is an example of a wind direction control device for controlling a direction in which air is blown from the air outlet 4.

The storage unit 20b is an example of a storage device. For example, a plurality of operation modes are set in the storage unit 20b. For example, based on a signal from the mode selection button 21b, the motion control unit 20a executes processing of one operation mode from among the plurality of operation modes set in the memory unit 20b. The operation control unit 20a controls the fan motor 6, the dehumidifying unit 7, the first motor 12, the second motor 14, and the irradiation unit 19 based on a signal from the mode selection button 21b.

As an example, the first mode is included in the plurality of operation modes set in the memory unit 20b. The first mode is an operation mode in which the dried air is collectively supplied to a narrow range. When the dehumidifier 100 is operated in a state where the first mode is selected, the wind direction changing unit 10 is fixed without swinging. Thereby, for example, the dried air is concentratedly blown onto objects such as a small amount of shoes or a small amount of clothing 31.

An example is that the second mode is included in the plurality of operation modes set in the memory unit 20b. The second mode is a mode for suppressing the occurrence of dew condensation. When the dehumidifier 100 operates in a state where the second mode is selected, the surface temperature detection unit 18 detects a low-temperature place in the room, and blows dry air toward the low-temperature place. Thereby, the temperature in the indoor low-temperature place rises and dries. In this way, the occurrence of dew condensation can be suppressed.

The temperature determination unit 20 c performs determination based on the electric signal transmitted from the surface temperature detection unit 18. The temperature determination unit 20c is an example of determination means for performing various determinations. In the present embodiment, the reference value information of the surface temperature is stored in the storage section 20b. The temperature determination unit 20c determines the surface temperature based on the temperature information included in the electric signal from the surface temperature detection unit 18 and the reference value information stored in the storage unit 20b.

The storage unit 20b stores the reference value information of the surface temperature as a table. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the reference value information of the surface temperature stored in the storage unit 20b of the first embodiment. The storage unit 20b stores information of the first temperature Th1 and the second temperature Th2 as an example of the reference value of the surface temperature.

The first temperature Th1 and the second temperature Th2 are reference values for determining whether or not there is a person in the blowing direction of the casing 1. The first temperature Th1 and the second temperature Th2 are set based on a person's body temperature or the surface temperature of the skin. The first temperature Th1 is, for example, 35 ° C. The second temperature Th2 is, for example, 37 ° C. In addition, the first temperature Th1 and the second temperature Th2 may be set to a temperature lower than the body temperature of the person, taking into consideration the clothes and the like worn by the person.

Here, a temperature range from the first temperature Th1 as a lower limit value to the second temperature Th2 as an upper limit value is referred to as a first reference Tr1. In this embodiment, the temperature determination unit 20c determines whether the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 is within the first reference Tr1. This determination is a determination as to whether there is any person in the blowing direction of the casing 1. When the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 is within the first reference Tr1, the dehumidifier 100 of this embodiment stops the irradiation of visible light. The first reference Tr1 is an example of a reference temperature range for determining the presence or absence of a person.

The storage unit 20b may store information of the third temperature Th3 as an example of the reference value of the surface temperature. The third temperature Th3 is set to a temperature for determining whether or not an object such as washed clothes is dry. The temperature of objects such as washed clothes that contain moisture is lower than the surrounding air temperature. For example, the temperature of the dried object is equal to or higher than the surrounding air temperature. For example, the third temperature Th3 is set based on the air temperature. The third temperature Th3 is, for example, 20 ° C. Here, the temperature range with the third temperature Th3 as the lower limit value is the second reference Tr2. As shown in FIG. 9, the first reference Tr1 and the second reference Tr2 may be repeated. For example, the temperature determination unit 20c determines whether or not the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 is within the second reference Tr2. This determination is a determination as to whether the drying of the object is completed.

The setting section 20d sets the setting direction in the memory section 20b in response to a signal from the setting button 21c. When the irradiation unit 19 emits visible light, if the setting button 21c is pressed, a signal is transmitted to the setting unit 20d. When the setting unit 20d receives a signal from the setting button 21c, the setting unit 20d sets the direction in which the irradiating unit 19 emits visible light at this point in the memory unit 20b as the setting direction. In this embodiment, the setting button 21c and the setting portion 20d are examples of a setting device for setting a setting direction.

The irradiation control unit 20 e controls the irradiation unit 19. In this embodiment, the irradiation control unit 20e controls the light source 19a of the irradiation unit 19. The irradiation control unit 20e is an example of an irradiation control device. The irradiation control unit 20e controls the light source 19a based on the determination result of the temperature determination unit 20c.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a control device 20 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, each function of the operation control section 20a, the memory section 20b, the temperature determination section 20c, the setting section 20d, and the irradiation control section 20e of the control device 20 is realized by, for example, a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware 200. The processing circuit may include a processor 201 and a memory 202. The processing circuit may also be formed as a dedicated hardware 200, and then equipped with a processor 201 and a memory 202. In the example shown in FIG. 10, a part of the processing circuit is formed as dedicated hardware 200. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the processing circuit includes a processor 201 and a memory 202 in addition to the dedicated hardware 200.

The processing circuit having a part of at least one dedicated hardware 200 is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 201 and at least one memory 202, the functions of the operation control section 20a, the memory section 20b, the temperature determination section 20c, the setting section 20d, and the irradiation control section 20e of the control device 20 are Software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

The software and firmware are recorded as programs and stored in the memory 202. The processor 201 reads and executes the programs stored in the memory 202, thereby realizing the functions of each part. The processor 201 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processing device, a processing device, a calculation device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. The memory 202 is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM, or a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, or a compact disk (CD, CD), minidisc, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc.

As described above, the processing circuit can implement the functions of the operation control section 20a, memory section 20b, temperature determination section 20c, setting section 20d, and irradiation control section 20e of the control device 20 by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof . The configuration of the dehumidifier 100 is not limited to a configuration in which the operation is controlled by the single control device 20. The configuration of the dehumidifier 100 may be a configuration in which operations are controlled in cooperation by a plurality of devices.

Next, the operation of the dehumidifier 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a dehumidifier 100 during operation of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the control of the irradiation unit 19 according to the first embodiment. The control performed by the irradiation unit 19 based on the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12.

The dehumidifier 100 is used in a room such as a living room. The dehumidifier 100 starts operation when the user presses the operation button 21a. The operation button 21a pressed by the user transmits a signal to the motion control unit 20a. When the operation control unit 20a receives a signal from the operation button 21a, it drives the fan motor 6 and the dehumidifying unit 7.

When the fan motor 6 is driven, the fan 6a is rotated. The blower 6a generates airflow. As shown in FIG. 4, the blower fan 6 a sucks the indoor air P from the suction port 3 into the inside of the housing 1. The indoor air P is dehumidified by the dehumidifying section 7 and becomes dry air Q. The dry air Q is blown into the room from the air outlet 4 by the air flow generated by the blower 6a. As described above, the dehumidifier 100 starts operation (step S101).

The operation control unit 20 a causes the light source 19 a of the irradiation unit 19 to emit visible light when the fan motor 6 and the dehumidifying unit 7 are driven. The visible light emitted from the light source 19a collects light through the lens 19b. The visible light collected through the lens 19b is irradiated in the blowing direction of the dry air Q (step S102). In addition, the processing of step S101 and the processing of step S102 described above may be performed simultaneously or in the reverse order.

The blowing direction of the dry air Q depends on the state of the wind direction changing unit 10. The irradiating unit 19 irradiates visible light in this blowing direction. As shown in FIG. 11, the visible light irradiated in the blowing direction of the dry air Q illuminates the irradiation area 30. The user operates the operation button 21d while looking at the irradiation area 30. The operation button 21d transmits an operation instruction based on a user's operation to the motion control unit 20a.

The operation control unit 20a controls the first motor 12 and the second motor 14 based on the received operation instruction. Thereby, the up-down louver 11 and the left-right louver 13 are moved. By moving the louver 11 in the up-down direction and the louver 13 in the left-right direction, the air supply direction is changed. When the vertical louver 11 and the horizontal louver 13 move, the sensor unit 16 also moves together. The irradiation section 19 of the sensor case 17 provided in the sensor section 16 also moves together. The irradiating unit 19 moves to irradiate visible light toward the changed blowing direction. The irradiation area 30 moves in accordance with the change in the blowing direction (step S103).

The user of the dehumidifier 100 according to this embodiment can visually recognize the air supply area to which the dry air Q is blown by viewing the irradiation area 30 illuminated by visible light. The user operates the operation button 21d while viewing the irradiation area 30, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, so that the clothes 31 placed in advance are visible and illuminated. Thereby, the dry air Q is blown to the clothes 31 collectively. The user of the dehumidifier 100 according to this embodiment can easily recognize the blowing direction of the dry air Q by looking at the irradiation area 30.

The user can easily change the blowing direction of the dry air Q to an arbitrary direction by operating the button 21d. The user can move the irradiation area 30 toward the clothes 31 to be dried, and thereby can blow the dry air Q to the clothes 31 collectively. The user can dry the clothes 31 with the dry air Q without moving the clothes 31 previously air-dried in accordance with the position of the dehumidifier 100. According to this embodiment, a dehumidifier 100 can be obtained, which can more easily recognize the blowing direction of the dry air Q, and can more easily change the blowing direction of the dry air Q toward an arbitrary direction.

In addition, the surface temperature detection unit 18 of this embodiment detects the surface temperature of the air supply region when the dehumidifier 100 is operating. The surface temperature detection unit 18 transmits an electric signal including the detected surface temperature information to the control device 20. The temperature determination unit 20c of the control device 20 determines the surface temperature based on the temperature information included in the electric signal from the surface temperature detection unit 18 and the reference value information stored in the storage unit 20b. As described above, the temperature determination unit 20c of this embodiment determines whether or not the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 is within the first reference Tr1. This determination is a determination as to whether there is a person in the air blowing direction of the casing 1 (step S104).

For example, when there is no person in the casing 1 in the air blowing direction, the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 falls outside the first reference Tr1. When the temperature determination unit 20c determines that the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 falls outside the first reference Tr1, the processes after step S102 are executed again. When the temperature determination unit 20c determines that the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 falls outside the first reference Tr1, the irradiation control unit 20e causes the light source 19a to continuously emit light. Thereby, the irradiation unit 19 continues to irradiate with visible light.

In addition, for example, when there is a person in the air blowing direction of the casing 1, the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 falls within the first reference Tr1. When the temperature determination unit 20c determines that the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 is within the first reference Tr1, the irradiation control unit 20e stops the light source 19a from emitting light. Thereby, the irradiation of the visible light by the irradiation unit 19 is stopped (step S105).

If the visible light irradiation of the irradiation unit 19 is stopped in step S105, the determination of step S104 is performed again. When the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 falls outside the first reference Tr1 while the visible light irradiation of the irradiation unit 19 is stopped, the irradiation control unit 20e causes the light source 19a to start emitting light again. As a result, the irradiation unit 19 resumes irradiation of visible light. After the irradiation unit 19 restarts irradiation of visible light, the determination of step S104 is performed again. If the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 is within the first reference Tr1 in a state where the irradiation of visible light by the irradiation unit 19 is resumed, the process of step S105 is executed again to stop the visible light irradiation of the irradiation unit 19.

Next, the operation of the first mode of the dehumidifier 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first mode of the dehumidifier 100 according to the first embodiment. Step S201 of FIG. 13 corresponds to step S101 of FIG. 12. The dehumidifier 100 starts operation when the user operates the operation button 21a (step S201).

The user can also operate the mode selection button 21b after the operation of the dehumidifier 100 is started by the operation button 21a. The user operates the mode selection button 21b to select an operation mode (step S202).

The operation of the dehumidifier 100 in this first mode will be described below on the premise that the user has selected the first mode. The motion control unit 20a executes processing in the first mode set in the memory unit 20b based on a signal from the mode selection button 21b. The operation control unit 20a causes the irradiation unit 19 to irradiate visible light (step S203). This step S203 corresponds to step S102 in FIG. 12.

In the example shown in FIG. 13, when the processing in the first mode is performed, the irradiation unit 19 emits visible light. The irradiation unit 19 may start irradiation of visible light at the same time when the operation of the dehumidifier 100 is started. In addition, the irradiation unit 19 may start irradiation of visible light while the setting button 21c is being pressed, or after a certain period of time has elapsed after the setting button 21c is pressed.

The user operates the operation button 21d to change the blowing direction and the irradiation area 30 (step S204). This step S204 corresponds to step S103 of FIG. 12. Here, the user who has selected the first mode, for example, presses the setting button 21c while the clothes 31 are being illuminated by visible light. The setting button 21c pressed by the user transmits a signal to the setting unit 20d. When the setting unit 20d receives a signal from the setting button 21c, the setting unit 20d sets the direction in which the irradiating unit 19 emits visible light as the setting direction in the storage unit 20b. When the setting direction is set in the memory section 20b, the operation control section 20a controls the first motor 12 and the second motor 14 to fix the air blowing direction at this setting direction (step S205).

When the blowing direction is fixed in the set direction, the dry air Q continues to blow out in the set direction. The surface temperature detection unit 18 detects the surface temperature of the clothes 31 to which the dry air Q is blown. The surface temperature detection unit 18 transmits an electric signal including the detected surface temperature information to the control device 20. The temperature determination unit 20c of the control device 20 determines the surface temperature based on the temperature information included in the electric signal from the surface temperature detection unit 18 and the reference value information stored in the storage unit 20b. The temperature determination unit 20c determines whether the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 is within the second reference Tr2. This determination is a determination as to whether the drying of the object has been completed (step S206).

As described above, when the blowing direction is fixed in the set direction, the dry air Q continues to blow out in the set direction. The temperature determination unit 20c continues the determination of step S206 until the surface temperature of the clothes 31 to which the dry air Q blows falls within the second reference Tr2. The dry air Q continues to blow the clothes 31 until the surface temperature of the clothes 31 falls within the second reference Tr2. When the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection section 18 falls within the second reference Tr2, the operation control section 20a stops the fan motor 6, the dehumidifying section 7, and the irradiation section 19. This completes the operation of the dehumidifier 100 (step 207).

The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 is executed in parallel with the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12. Even when the first mode is selected, when the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 is within the first reference Tr1, the irradiation unit 19 stops the irradiation of visible light.

The user of the dehumidifier 100 according to this embodiment can blow the dry air Q in an arbitrary direction by operating the setting button 21c. The dry air Q is blown toward the specific laundry 31 without any effort. This reduces the waste of electricity costs caused by blowing air to things that do not have to be dried. In addition, the dehumidifier 100 according to this embodiment automatically ends the operation when the drying of the object is completed. As a result, waste of electricity bills is further reduced.

When the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 in the step S206 falls within the second reference Tr2, the process in step S202 may be executed again. In addition, the determination in step S206 may not be performed. For example, the dehumidifier 100 may end its operation after a certain period of time has elapsed after the processing of step S205 is performed.

Next, the operation of the second mode of the dehumidifier 100 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation in the second mode of the dehumidifier 100 according to the first embodiment. Step S301 in FIG. 14 corresponds to step S201 in FIG. 13. Step S302 in FIG. 14 corresponds to step S202 in FIG. 13. The description of steps S301 and S302 is omitted.

The operation of the dehumidifier 100 in this second mode is described below on the premise that the user has selected the second mode in step S302. The motion control unit 20a executes the processing of the second mode set in the memory unit 20b based on a signal from the mode selection button 21b. The operation control unit 20a irradiates the irradiation unit 19 with visible light (step 303). This step S303 corresponds to step S203 of FIG. 13. The user operates the operation button 21d to change the blowing direction and the irradiation area 30 (step S304). This step S304 corresponds to step S204 in FIG. 13.

When the processing in the second mode is performed, the surface temperature detection unit 18 detects not only the air supply area, but also the surface temperature in a range that the surface temperature detection unit 18 can detect. The operation control unit 20a controls the first motor 12 and the second motor 14 based on the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 so that the dry air Q is blown to a low-temperature place in the room (step S305). The low-temperature place is, for example, a place where the surface temperature is below a preset threshold. This threshold is set in the memory section 20b.

The surface temperature detection unit 18 detects a surface temperature of a low-temperature place to which the dry air Q is blown. The surface temperature detection unit 18 transmits an electric signal including the detected surface temperature information to the control device 20. The temperature determination unit 20c of the control device 20 determines the surface temperature based on the temperature information included in the electric signal from the surface temperature detection unit 18 and the reference value information stored in the storage unit 20b. The temperature determination unit 20c determines whether the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 is within the second reference Tr2. This determination is a determination as to whether or not the temperature of the low-temperature place to which the dry air Q is blown is slightly the same as the surroundings (step S306).

The temperature determination unit 20c continues the determination in step S306 until the surface temperature of the place to which the dry air Q blows falls within the second reference Tr2. When the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection section 18 falls within the second reference Tr2, the operation control section 20a stops the fan motor 6, the dehumidifying section 7, and the irradiation section 19. This completes the operation of the dehumidifier 100 (step 307). Thereby, there is no low-temperature part in the room, and the occurrence of dew condensation is suppressed.

When the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 falls within the second reference Tr2 in step S307, the process of step S305 may be executed again. When the second mode is selected, the dehumidifier 100 can also be operated so that all the low-temperature places in the room disappear.

The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 is executed in parallel with the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12. Even when the second mode is selected, when the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 is within the first reference Tr1, the irradiation unit 19 stops the irradiation of visible light.

The dehumidifier 100 according to the above embodiment stops the irradiation of visible light when there is a person in the blowing direction of the casing 1. Thereby, the visible light irradiated by the irradiation part 19 does not directly enter a user's eye. According to the above-mentioned embodiment, the dehumidifier 100 which is better for a user can be obtained.

The surface temperature detection unit 18 and the temperature determination unit 20c in the above embodiment are examples of a person detection device that detects a person. The dehumidifier 100 may include, for example, a sensor using a pyroelectric element as a human detection device. In addition, the dehumidifier 100 may be provided with a sensor that detects a person by ultrasonic waves or a sensor that detects a person by visible light, as a person detection device. The dehumidifier 100 may include a plurality of types of sensors. The dehumidifier 100 may include a plurality of sensors for detecting a specific type of person. The person detection device is constituted by a plurality of sensors, whereby a person can be detected with high accuracy without being affected by the environment such as temperature. In addition, at least one of the plurality of sensors for detecting a person may be provided on, for example, the right side of the housing 1. In addition, at least one of the plurality of sensors for detecting a person may be provided on, for example, the left side of the housing 1. By dispersively disposing a plurality of sensors for detecting a person, a range in which the plurality of sensors can detect the presence of a person can be made wider.

In the above embodiment, the presence or absence of a person is determined based on the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18. With this, it is possible to accurately determine the existence of a person. In addition, the surface temperature detection unit 18 for detecting a person can determine whether or not the drying of the objects such as the clothes 31 is completed. In the above embodiment, it is possible to obtain a more effective dehumidifier 100 without adding unnecessary components. In the above embodiment, the presence or absence of a person is determined based on the first reference Tr1 as an example of the reference temperature range. With this, more accurate determination No one exists.

It should be noted that information such as the second temperature Th2 may not be set in the memory unit 20b. The upper limit value of the first reference Tr1 may not be set. The temperature determination unit 20c may also determine, for example, whether the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 is equal to or higher than the first temperature Th1. This determination is a determination as to whether there is a person in the air blowing direction of the casing 1. For example, when there is no person in the casing 1 in the air blowing direction, the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 is less than the first temperature Th1. In addition, for example, when there is a person in the air blowing direction of the casing 1, the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 is equal to or higher than the first temperature Th1. As described above, the information of one of the first temperature Th1 and the second temperature Th2 may not be set in the memory unit 20b.

In addition, reference values such as the first temperature Th1, the second temperature Th2, and the third temperature Th3 may not be set to fixed values. Reference values such as the first temperature Th1, the second temperature Th2, and the third temperature Th3 may be calculated by the control device 20 based on, for example, the indoor air temperature. The dehumidifier 100 may be provided with a sensor or the like for measuring the indoor temperature. The indoor temperature can also be measured by the surface temperature detection unit 18.

In the above embodiment, the irradiating portion 19 and the surface temperature detecting portion 18 are provided in the sensor case 17 together. The irradiating section 19 may be provided at a place away from the surface temperature detecting section 18. The dehumidifier 100 may have a configuration in which the irradiation unit 19 and the wind direction changing unit 10 can operate independently. The dehumidifier 100 may include, in addition to the first motor 12 and the second motor 14 for operating the wind direction changing section 10, an element for operating the irradiation section 19 independently of the wind direction changing section 10. In addition, the control device 20 may cause the irradiation unit 19 provided at a position separated from the wind direction changing unit 10 to move in accordance with the operation of the wind direction changing unit 10.

The wind direction changing unit 10 as an example of the wind direction determining device may not include the vertical louver 11 and the horizontal louver 13. In addition to the above-mentioned embodiment, the wind direction changing unit 10 may have a mouthpiece-like structure that can be moved up, down, left, and right.

In the above embodiment, the operation keys 21 d of the operation unit 21 are provided on the housing 1. The user can change the blowing direction of the dry air Q by an easy operation of the operation button 21 d on the housing 1. In addition, the dehumidifier 100 may be provided with a remote controller provided with an operation button 21 d instead of the operation unit 21. Thereby, the user can operate the dehumidifier 100 at a position away from the casing 1. The dehumidifier 100 may include both the operation unit 21 and a remote controller.

The operation of drying the clothes 31 is described as an example in the above embodiment, but the object to be blown by the dry air Q is not limited to the clothes 31. The dehumidifier 100 may also be used when drying a humid place in a room such as a bathroom wall and a floor.

Implementation form

Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. The structure of the dehumidifier 100 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 10. The same configuration and operation as those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the control of the irradiation unit 19 according to the second embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 15, steps S401 to S404 are the same as steps S101 to S104 in the flowchart of FIG. 12 in the first embodiment. The description of steps S401 to S404 is omitted.

In step S404, as in step S104 of the first embodiment, a determination is made as to whether or not there is a person in the air blowing direction of the casing 1. In step S404, the temperature determination unit 20c determines whether or not the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 is within the first reference Tr1.

For example, when there is no person in the casing 1 in the air blowing direction, the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 falls outside the first reference Tr1. When the temperature determination unit 20c determines that the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 falls outside the first reference Tr1, the processes after step S402 are executed again. When the temperature determination unit 20c determines that the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 falls outside the first reference Tr1, the irradiation control unit 20e causes the light source 19a to continuously emit light. Thereby, the irradiation unit 19 continues to irradiate with visible light.

In addition, for example, when there is a person in the air blowing direction of the casing 1, the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 falls within the first reference Tr1. When the temperature determination unit 20c determines that the surface temperature detected by the surface temperature detection unit 18 is within the first reference Tr1, the irradiation control unit 20e reduces the light intensity of the visible light emitted by the light source 19a. Thereby, the luminosity of the visible light irradiated by the irradiation part 19 is reduced (step S405). According to this embodiment, no strong visible light is radiated to the user. For example, the glare feeling when a user views the front of the irradiation unit 19 is reduced. In addition, the amount of visible light incident on human eyes is reduced. According to this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a useful dehumidifier 100 can be obtained. The processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 according to this embodiment may be executed in parallel with the processing in the first mode or the processing in the second mode, as in the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3

Next, the third embodiment will be described. The basic structure of the dehumidifier 101 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the dehumidifier 100 according to the first and second embodiments. Regarding the dehumidifier 101, description of the same configuration and operation as those of the dehumidifier 100 according to the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the dehumidifier 101 according to the third embodiment. 17 is a block diagram showing the functions of the control device 23 according to the third embodiment. The dehumidifier 101 according to this embodiment includes a buzzer 22 as an example of a sound generating device. The buzzer 22 is provided on, for example, the upper surface of the casing 1. The arrangement of the buzzer 22 is not limited to this embodiment. In addition, as an example of the sound generating device, the buzzer 22 is electrically connected to the control device 23 of the dehumidifier 101 as shown in FIG. 17. The buzzer 22 is controlled by, for example, the operation control unit 20 a of the control device 23. The function of the control device 23 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the control device 20 according to the first embodiment, and is realized by a processing circuit.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing control of the irradiation unit according to the third embodiment. Steps S501 to S505 in the flowchart of FIG. 18 are the same as steps S101 to S105 in the flowchart of FIG. 12 in the first embodiment. The description of steps S501 to S505 is omitted.

In this embodiment, when the irradiation of visible light by the irradiating unit 19 is stopped in step S505, the buzzer 22 emits a sound. The control device 23 electrically connected to the buzzer 22 causes the buzzer 22 to operate. The dehumidifier 101 can notify the user of the possibility that the user will look directly at visible light by the buzzer 22 provided in the dehumidifier 101. In this embodiment, the possibility that the user directly looks at strong visible light is further reduced. According to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain a dehumidifier 101 which is more convenient for a user. The sound generating device provided in the dehumidifier 101 is not limited to the buzzer 22 as long as it can produce sound.

[Industrial possibilities]

The dehumidifier of the present invention can be used to dry any object, for example.

Claims (6)

A dehumidifier includes a casing that forms an air outlet; a dehumidifier that is disposed inside the casing to remove moisture from the air; and a blower that passes air that has been dewatered by the dehumidifier through the air outlet. Blowing to the outside of the casing; a wind direction determining device that determines the direction in which air is blown from the blowing outlet; an operating device that transmits an operation instruction to move the wind direction determining unit device; a wind direction controlling device based on the The operation instruction received by the operating device controls the wind direction determining device; the irradiating device irradiates visible light in a direction to blow air from the air outlet; the human detection device detects the existence of a direction in which air is blown from the air outlet to the casing. Person; an irradiation control device that stops the irradiation of visible light by the irradiation device if a person is detected by the human detection device when the irradiation device irradiates visible light. A dehumidifier includes a casing that forms an air outlet; a dehumidifier that is disposed inside the casing to remove moisture from the air; and a blower that passes air that has been dewatered by the dehumidifier to the air outlet. The outer direction of the casing is blown; the wind direction determining device determines the direction in which air is blown from the blowing outlet; the operating device transmits an operation instruction to move the wind direction determining unit device; the wind direction control device is based on the The operation instruction received by the operating device controls the wind direction determining device; the irradiating device irradiates visible light in a direction to blow air from the air outlet; the human detection device detects the presence of Person; an irradiation control device, if the presence of a person is detected by the human detection device when the irradiation device is irradiating visible light, the irradiation device reduces the luminosity of the visible light to be irradiated. According to the dehumidifier described in item 1 or 2 of the scope of patent application, the human detection device has a surface temperature detection device that detects a surface temperature of an object to which air is blown from the air outlet, and is based on the surface temperature The surface temperature detected by the detection device detects the person. For example, the dehumidifier described in item 3 of the patent application scope further includes a memory device that memorizes the upper and lower limit values of the reference temperature range. The person detection device, when When the temperature is within the above reference temperature range, a person is detected. According to the dehumidifier described in item 1 or 2 of the scope of patent application, the irradiation device is provided in the wind direction determining device and moves together with the wind direction determining device. According to the dehumidifier described in item 1 or 2 of the scope of patent application, the wind direction determining device includes: a first changing section that changes a direction in which air is blown from the air outlet, and a second changing section that changes air The direction of blowing from the outlet is changed in the left-right direction; the second changing part moves with the first changing part in the same direction as the moving direction of the first changing part; the irradiation device is together with the second changing part It moves in the same direction as the moving direction of the second changing portion.