Dehumidifier

Abstract

Room air dehumidifier, comprising a housing (10) with a base body (12) and an upper cover (14) for covering the base body (12), and a preferably elongated float (18), wherein the base body (12) is designed at least in sections as a liquid container (20) or has a liquid container (20), and wherein the float (18) extends at least in sections between the liquid container (20) and the cover (14) and is movable relative to the cover (14).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a room air dehumidifier, comprising a housing with a base body and an upper cover for covering the base body, wherein the base body is designed at least in sections as a liquid container or has a liquid container.

[0002] Corresponding room dehumidifiers, which are also referred to as room dehumidifiers or air dehumidification devices, are generally known.

[0003] For example, DE 20 2017 100 501 U1 discloses a dehumidification device that allows for visual inspection. A liquid level indicator unit is arranged laterally on an outer surface of the container, visible from the outside.

[0004] The disadvantage is that the fluid level is difficult to see, requiring the user to bend down to read it.

[0005] However, it is important to check the fluid level, otherwise the fluid will overflow or no further dehumidification will take place.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a room dehumidifier that allows easy reading of the fill level.

[0007] The solution to this problem is provided by the subject matter of the independent claim.

[0008] According to the invention, the room dehumidifier has a housing with a base body and an upper cover for covering the base body.

[0009] The housing, e.g., the base and / or the cover, preferably has holes. These holes allow moist room air to enter the housing.

[0010] The housing is preferably cylindrical. Alternatively, it can be of any shape, for example, spherical or cuboidal, e.g., cube-shaped.

[0011] For example, the housing comprises and / or is made of a plastic material.

[0012] The room dehumidifier has a float, preferably an elongated one.

[0013] The float is preferably designed as a buoyancy body. For example, the float may comprise or consist of a closed, air-filled component.

[0014] For example, the float comprises and / or consists of a plastic, cork and / or hard foam material, e.g. EPS.

[0015] The base body is designed, at least in part, as a liquid container or has a liquid container. For example, a preferably lower section of the base body itself can form the liquid container. Alternatively, the liquid container can be designed as a separate component that is placed in the housing.

[0016] The liquid that is held by the liquid container is preferably water and / or a calcium chloride-water solution.

[0017] The float extends at least partially between the liquid container and the cover and is movable relative to the cover, preferably in the vertical direction.

[0018] In this way, the float essentially creates a connection between the fluid reservoir and the cover. This allows a change in the fluid level in the reservoir to be transmitted to the cover area.

[0019] If the liquid level in the liquid container rises, the float moves upwards.

[0020] The float is clearly visible near the cover, eliminating the need to bend down to check the fluid level.

[0021] The float makes it easy to read the fill level.

[0022] Further developments of the invention can also be found in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the float is arranged centrally in the housing.

[0024] For example, the float is arranged coaxially and / or axially symmetrically to the axis of symmetry of the housing.

[0025] The float preferably extends centrally between the liquid container and the cover.

[0026] The visibility of the float in the area of the cover is increased by the central arrangement.

[0027] In principle, however, the float can be located anywhere in the housing.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the float is movable between an initial position in which the float protrudes as far as the top of the cover and an indicating position in which the float protrudes above the top of the cover.

[0029] In the display position, i.e. when the fill level is high, the float protrudes above the top of the cover.

[0030] The float is clearly visible in this indicator position, allowing the user to see at a glance that the fluid reservoir needs to be emptied.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the cover has a stop for the float.

[0032] The stop can, for example, be designed as a taper.

[0033] A corresponding counter-stop, e.g. a thickening, a flange and / or a projection, e.g. a ring, is provided on the float itself, which strikes the stop of the cover.

[0034] The stop prevents the float from moving too far upwards.

[0035] For example, the float can protrude a maximum of 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm or 6 mm above the top of the cover.

[0036] The float as a whole, or at least the portion of the float that extends beyond the top surface, may preferably be a different color than the top surface. This increases visibility.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the cover is designed as a removable lid.

[0038] For example, the lid can be attached to the base body.

[0039] With the cover removed, a dehumidifying agent can easily be introduced into the housing.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, an insert for a dehumidifying agent, preferably calcium chloride, is provided in the housing.

[0041] Preferably, the insert is stationary, i.e. not movable relative to the cover.

[0042] The insert preferably places the dehumidifier above the liquid container, preventing direct contact between the liquid and the dehumidifier.

[0043] Optionally, the dehumidifier can be a component of the room dehumidifier.

[0044] According to a further embodiment, the insert has a cylindrical guide section.

[0045] The guide section is preferably hollow inside.

[0046] In this way, the guide section can fulfil a dual function.

[0047] On the one hand, it can serve as a holder for donut-shaped dehumidifiers, which can be attached to the guide section.

[0048] On the other hand, the float can be guided inside the guide section.

[0049] The float can move relative to the guide section, preferably in a vertical direction.

[0050] According to a further embodiment, the guide section extends concentrically and / or coaxially to the float.

[0051] The guide section can thus surround the swimmer and / or guide it safely.

[0052] According to a further embodiment, the liquid container has an outlet.

[0053] The outlet can, for example, be designed as a side opening.

[0054] The collected liquid can be easily poured out.

[0055] Finally, the invention relates to a method for displaying a filling level of a room dehumidifier according to the invention.

[0056] In this case, a dehumidifying agent placed in the housing, preferably on an insert, reacts with moist air.

[0057] The resulting liquid is collected in the liquid container.

[0058] As the liquid level rises, the float moves upwards and protrudes over the top of the cover.

[0059] In this position, the float is clearly visible to the user. This lets them know that the fluid container is full and allows them to empty it, for example, via the outlet.

[0060] The upper cover, e.g. a lid, can then be removed and the insert can be filled with new dehumidifying agent.

[0061] All embodiments and components of the device described here are preferably designed to be operated according to the method described here. Furthermore, all embodiments of the device described here, as well as all embodiments of the method described here, can be combined with one another, preferably independently of the specific embodiment in whose context they are mentioned.

[0062] In general, it should be noted that terms like "a" or "an" do not necessarily mean "exactly one" or "exactly one," although this is also possible. The terms "a" or "an" can therefore be understood as "at least or exactly one" or "at least or exactly one." The use of the singular preferably includes the presence of the components in the plural, and vice versa.

[0063] It is noted that "vorzugsweise" and "vorzugt" can be translated as "preferably" in English. A feature introduced by "vorzugsweise" or "vorzugt" is purely optional, can be omitted, and does not constitute a limitation, for example, of the claims.

[0064] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a room dehumidifier according to the invention, Fig. 2 an exploded view of the room dehumidifier according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a sectional view of the room dehumidifier according to Fig. 1 in the starting position, and Fig. 4 a sectional view of the room dehumidifier according to Fig. 3 in the display position.

[0065] First, it should be noted that the illustrated embodiments are purely exemplary in nature. Individual features can be implemented not only in the combination shown, but also individually or in other technically feasible combinations. For example, the features of one embodiment can be combined in any way with features of another embodiment. The number, shape, and / or position of the holes and / or outlets is fundamentally arbitrary. Furthermore, the basic shape of the housing can vary.

[0066] If a figure contains a reference symbol that is not explained in the immediately corresponding description, reference is made to the corresponding preceding or following explanations in the figure description. Thus, the same reference symbols are used for identical or comparable components in the figures and these are not explained again.

[0067] Fig. 1 shows a room dehumidifier comprising a housing 10 with a base body 12 and an upper cover 14 designed as a lid for covering the base body 12.

[0068] Both the cover 14 and the base body 12 have slot-shaped holes 16 through which moist room air can flow into the interior of the housing 10.

[0069] A float 18 is arranged centrally in the housing 10. It extends to the top of the cover 14 and is movable relative to the cover 14.

[0070] Liquid can be collected in a liquid container 20 of the base body 12.

[0071] The collected liquid can be poured out via an outlet 22.

[0072] As in Fig. 2, an insert 24 for a dehumidifying agent 26 can be arranged inside the housing 10.

[0073] The insert 24 has a cylindrical guide section 28.

[0074] The dehumidifying agent 26 can be attached to the guide section 28. Furthermore, the float 18 can be guided inside the guide section 28.

[0075] The float 18 has an annular counter-stop 30 at an upper end region.

[0076] In Fig. 3 the float 18 is in the starting position.

[0077] The liquid container 20 is empty and the insert 24 is filled with dehumidifying agents 26.

[0078] Humid room air reacts with the dehumidifying agents 26 and the resulting liquid 32 is, as in Fig. 4, is collected in the liquid container 20.

[0079] As the liquid level rises, the float 18 also rises until it hits the counter-stop 30 against a stop 34 of the cover 14.

[0080] In this indicator position, the float 18 protrudes above the top of the cover 14. It is thus easy to see from the outside that the liquid container 20 is full and needs to be emptied. List of reference symbols 10 housings 12 basic bodies 14 Lid, top cover 16 holes 18 swimmers 20 liquid containers 22 Outlet 24 deployment 26 dehumidifiers 28 Guide Section 30 Counter stop 32 Liquid 34 stop QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2017 100 501 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Room air dehumidifier, comprising a housing (10) with a base body (12) and an upper cover (14) for covering the base body (12), and a preferably elongated float (18), wherein the base body (12) is designed at least in sections as a liquid container (20) or has a liquid container (20), and wherein the float (18) extends at least in sections between the liquid container (20) and the cover (14) and is movable relative to the cover (14). [2] Room dehumidifier according to claim 1, characterized by that the float (18) is arranged centrally in the housing (10). [3] Room dehumidifier according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the float (18) is movable between a starting position in which the float (18) projects as far as the top of the cover (14) and an indicating position in which the float (18) projects above the top of the cover (14). [4] Room dehumidifier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cover (14) has a stop (34) for the float (18). [5] Room dehumidifier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cover is designed as a removable lid (14). [6] Room dehumidifier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an insert (24) for a dehumidifying agent (26), preferably calcium chloride, is provided in the housing (10). [7] Room dehumidifier according to claim 6, characterized by that the insert (24) has a cylindrical guide section (28). [8] Room dehumidifier according to claim 7, characterized by that the guide section (28) extends concentrically and / or coaxially to the float (18). [9] Room dehumidifier according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the liquid container (20) has an outlet (22).

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