DEHUMIDIFIER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an assembly consisting of a device for absorbing moisture from room air and a hygroscopic air dehumidifier.

[0002] Such devices are widespread in the prior art. Devices of this type absorb moisture from the room air and collect it in the form of water or an aqueous solution in a collecting container. A hygroscopic dehumidifier, available, for example, in powder or granular form, is used for this purpose. Calcium chloride or magnesium chloride have proven particularly suitable as dehumidifiers. Examples of such devices are disclosed, in particular, in DE8816583U1, EP793060A1, and US Pat. No. 5,125,561.

[0003] However, the use of a dehumidifier in tablet form has proven easier to handle, particularly when filling or refilling said device with a dehumidifier. Such tablets are usually essentially cylindrical and are produced by a compression process, in particular from hygroscopic agents in powder or granulate form, such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride or a mixture. Examples of devices for receiving such tablets are shown in EP1779043B1, EP2594857A1 or GB2536404A. A large part of the surface of the tablet is available for absorbing moisture. The tablets are often placed on a base, as in GB2536404A. However, in this case, a film of moisture can form on the upper side of the tablet, reducing the surface available for absorption.EP1779043B1 and EP2594857A1 use various tablet support frames. A disadvantage of such solutions can be the relatively large dimensions of the devices due to the upright position of the tablets. Another device for dehumidifying air using calcium chloride is known from US2026935A.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved device of the type mentioned at the outset.

[0005] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0006] Advantageous further developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0007] The basic idea of ​​the present invention is the use of an assembly consisting of a device for absorbing moisture from room air, as well as a tablet containing a hygroscopic air dehumidifier having a top side and a bottom side, wherein the device has a collecting container for collecting a solution resulting from the absorption, wherein the collecting container comprises a base for placing the device on a substrate; a cover arranged above the collecting container, which surrounds an interior space; and a holding device arranged in the interior space for arranging the tablet, preferably above its bottom side, wherein the design of the holding device and the shape of the tablet are coordinated with one another in such a way that the top side of the tablet, which is preferably arranged with the bottom side on the holding device, lies in a plane that runs obliquely to the substrate during intended use.

[0008] For example, device designs are conceivable in which the collecting container has a base with a support plane on which the device is placed on the substrate. Support means, such as feet, can also be used that lie in a support plane that, during use, corresponds to the plane of the substrate. Thus, during intended use, the said upper side of the tablet lies in a plane that runs diagonally to the support plane of the device and, after placement on a substrate, across said support plane, also diagonally to the substrate. Such an assembly can enable particularly effective absorption.Due to the aforementioned slanted shape of the upper side with respect to the substrate, the tablet has a gradient when used as intended, which can, for example, promote the drainage of the solution formed by the absorption of moisture on the upper side and possibly also on the underside of the tablet. In this way, for example, the surface can be prevented from becoming covered by a film of moisture, which can lead to increased effectiveness. Embodiments are also conceivable in which the time required for the formation of the first amount of solution in the collection container can be reduced, which can be an important indicator of the device's functionality for the user. In contrast to known dehumidifiers with upright tablets, the assembly according to the invention can significantly reduce the external dimensions.

[0009] According to the invention, a holding device is arranged in the interior space, which is preferably provided for arranging the tablet over its underside. Of course, the holding device can also enable the tablet to be arranged over other areas of the tablet. This holding device provides holding means for the tablet, which is preferably in contact at least in some areas with the underside or with sections that delimit the underside of the tablet. The holding device and also the tablet can be designed differently, but the design of the holding device and the shape of the tablet are coordinated with one another in such a way that the upper side of the tablet, preferably with the underside, arranged on the holding device, lies in a plane that runs obliquely to the substrate during intended use.

[0010] According to the invention, the use of a holding device for the tablet is provided, which is designed such that the underside of the tablet lies in a plane that runs obliquely to the substrate. Such a design is particularly suitable for tablets with an upper side that runs parallel to the underside. This is the case, for example, with a large number of the essentially cylindrical tablets available on the market. It is also conceivable to use tablets in which the upper side and the underside do not run parallel to one another, but in which the sum of the angle between the plane in which the underside of the tablet lies and the substrate and the angle between the plane in which the upper side of the tablet lies and the underside do not cancel each other out, so that the upper side of the tablet would be arranged parallel to the substrate.

[0011] The collecting container is preferably designed essentially as a closed collecting tray to prevent leakage of the solution resulting from the tablet dissolving due to the absorbed moisture, and has a cover surface on its upper side that is either molded onto it or designed as a separate part. The connection between the collecting tray and the cover surface is preferably designed to be tight. In addition, the cover surface preferably has a leakage barrier that allows a solution collected from the cover surface to drain into the collecting tray and that prevents the collected solution from leaking out of a tipped-over device. The design, in particular of the leakage barrier, can be according to the disclosure of EP1779043B1, which in this respect supplements the present disclosure.

[0012] The tablet used consists in particular of hygroscopic agents in powder or granulate form, such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride or a mixture, which are brought into said tablet form by a compression process. Of course, other additives and excipients, such as fragrances or dyes, can also be part of a mixture used. In particular, the features of a tablet and a production method for a tablet are conceivable as described in EP1426105A1, which supplements the present disclosure in this respect. The basic shape of the tablet is preferably cylindrical. However, angular basic shapes are also conceivable, in particular tablets with a triangular, square, or polygonal cross-section.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the upper side lies in a plane that extends at an angle in the range of 2° to 20°, preferably approximately 10°, to the substrate. This allows for effective drainage of the solution formed by absorption. Nevertheless, an assembly can be provided whose outer dimensions are limited.

[0014] A further advantage is the use of an assembly in which the tablet rests with at least regions of its underside on the holding device, wherein the holding device has positioning means for the tablet which are designed such that the underside of the tablet arranged on the holding device lies in a plane which runs obliquely to the substrate. Said positioning means come into contact with the surface of the tablet and only then enable the tablet to be arranged such that the underside of the tablet lies in a plane which runs obliquely to the substrate. Such a design is particularly suitable for tablets with an upper side which runs parallel to the underside. This is the case, for example, with a large number of the essentially cylindrical tablets available on the market.The positioning means can come into contact with the tablet both in the area of ​​the underside thereof and with other parts of the tablet, for example on protruding parts through the use of grooves or at openings or through-holes by means of a mandrel, for example. The use of positioning means can provide the user with assistance in operating the assembly, for example when refilling a device with a new tablet. In particular, the positioning means can be designed as pin- or surface-like guides for the tablet. The positioning means come into contact with the surface of the tablet and lead to an arrangement of the tablet such that the underside of the tablet lies in a plane that runs obliquely to the substrate.Particularly preferably, the design of the assembly is such that the underside of the tablet arranged on the holding device lies in a plane which extends at an angle in the range of 2° to 20°, preferably approximately 10°, to the substrate.

[0015] According to the invention, the holding device has support means for arranging the underside of the tablet, wherein the support means lie in a plane that runs obliquely to the substrate. In this way, the user can also be assisted in operating the assembly, for example when refilling a device with a new tablet. The support option for the underside of the tablet itself lies in a plane such that the underside of the tablet, by simply placing it on this support, which lies in a plane that runs obliquely to the substrate, automatically also lies in said plane and thus also runs obliquely to the substrate. The assembly is particularly preferably designed such that the support means of the holding device lie in a plane that runs at an angle in the range of 2° to 20°, preferably 5° to 15°, particularly preferably 10° to the substrate.

[0016] According to the invention, a plurality of support ribs, support webs, or support spikes are provided for arranging the underside of the tablet as support means. Support ribs, support webs, or support spikes can provide a support option for the tablet, wherein the surface covered by the support means is small compared to a support surface in order to provide as much free surface as possible for moisture absorption.

[0017] According to the invention, a plurality of support ribs, support webs, or support spikes are used, which extend into the interior at different heights. Of course, with a plurality of support ribs, support webs, or support spikes, it is also conceivable for some of the said support ribs, support webs, or support spikes to extend into the interior at the same height, provided that only some or at least one of the support ribs, support webs, or support spikes has a different height in order to provide an inclined support option for the underside of the tablet. Particularly preferably, the support ribs, support webs, or support spikes are arranged in such a way and have such different heights that their distal end points lie in a plane which runs at an angle in the range of 2° to 20°, preferably 5° to 15°, particularly preferably 10°, to the substrate.

[0018] Additionally, when using said support means, it may be advantageous to design the support means with a support surface for arranging the underside of the tablet in addition to the support ribs, support webs, or support mandrels. A flat support can enable particularly secure support of the tablet. Particularly preferably, the assembly is designed such that the support surface of the holding device lies in a plane that extends at an angle in the range of 2° to 20°, preferably 5° to 15°, and particularly preferably 10°, to the substrate.

[0019] A further advantage is the use of an assembly, wherein the holding device comprises a mandrel and wherein the tablet has a corresponding opening for receiving the mandrel, wherein the mandrel has positioning means for the tablet which are designed such that the underside of the tablet arranged on the holding device lies in a plane which runs obliquely to the substrate. The use of a mandrel enables the user to operate the device particularly easily. For example, when filling the device with a new tablet, the user only needs to place the latter with the opening on the mandrel in order to obtain an assembly according to the invention with the aforementioned advantages. The mandrel can be designed, for example, in the form of a cylinder, a cone or a truncated cone or a similar geometric shape and can come into flat contact with the surface of the tablet.Preferably, however, the mandrel has or is formed by protruding elements such as ribs or webs in order to keep the covered surface by the mandrel small in order to provide as much free surface as possible for the absorption of moisture.

[0020] In an advantageous further development, the mandrel can have at least one opening to allow ventilation of the tablet in the region of its opening and to further increase the free surface area of ​​the tablet available for moisture absorption. The at least one opening can also be designed in such a way that it allows a preferred dripping and / or flow direction for the solution resulting from the absorption.

[0021] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the mandrel has protruding spacer elements, in particular elongated ribs, which can extend in the direction of extension of the mandrel, to provide a support option for the tablet in the region of its opening in order to minimize the contact area between the tablet and the mandrel. In this case, the tablet is therefore attached to the mandrel only by small surface areas within the opening resting on said spacer elements, so that the free absorption surface is reduced as little as possible. The use of knobs, projections, or pins as spacer elements is also conceivable.

[0022] A further advantage is the use of an assembly in which the top side of the tablet lies in a plane parallel to a plane in which the bottom side lies. This type of combination is suitable for the use of holding devices that allow an inclined arrangement of the bottom side of the tablet, so that the top side, during intended use, lies in a plane that runs diagonally to the substrate. Such tablets can be essentially cylindrical in shape, as is the case, for example, with many of the tablets available on the market, which are particularly easy to manufacture.

[0023] Alternatively, it may prove advantageous to use an assembly wherein the top surface of the tablet lies in a plane that is oblique to a plane in which the bottom surface lies. Such a device is particularly suitable for tablets in which the top surface and bottom surface are not parallel to each other, so that said obliqueness of the top surface with respect to the substrate is enabled by the shape of the tablet, thus enabling the top surface to lie in a plane that is oblique to the substrate during intended use.However, such a combination may also be useful in conjunction with holding devices which allow an oblique arrangement of the underside of the tablet, whereby, however, the sum of the angle between the plane in which the underside of the tablet lies and the substrate and the angle between the plane in which the top side of the tablet lies and the underside do not cancel each other out, so that the top side of the tablet would be arranged parallel to the substrate.

[0024] Preferred embodiments of devices, tablets and systems according to the invention are shown in the accompanying figures.

[0025] It shows Figure 1 a sectional side view of an assembly according to the invention Figure 2 a sectional side view of an assembly not according to the invention Figure 3 a sectional side view of a further variant of an assembly according to the invention Figure 4a perspective view of the assembly Figure 3 , Figure 5 a perspective view of part of the assembly Figure 3 , Figure 6 a sectioned side view of the assembly Figure 3 ,

[0026] Figure 1shows a sectional side view of an assembly according to the invention consisting of a dehumidifier 1, a device for absorbing moisture from room air, and a tablet 100. The dehumidifier 1 is composed of several components made of a plastic material. The upper part of the dehumidifier 1 is formed by a cover 6. The cover 6 comprises an upper cover side 7 and a side wall 8. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cover 6 is designed as a single piece, but can also consist of several parts and, in particular, have movable folding or lid elements. The cover 6 encloses an interior space 11 in which a holding device 14 for the tablet 100 is provided.In the illustrated embodiment, the tablet 100 has a substantially cylindrical tablet body, more precisely the shape of a substantially right circular cylinder, and essentially consists of a hygroscopic dehumidifier that has been molded into said shape by a pressing process. The tablet 100 has a top side 101, a bottom side 102 opposite the top side and arranged parallel to it, and a casing 103. The outer surface forms the absorption surface, which serves to absorb moisture from the room air. To enable moisture absorption, the cover 6 has a plurality of ventilation slots 9 in its side wall 8, which are separated from one another by ribs 10.The same are also provided on the opposite side of the side wall 8 (not shown), with the ventilation slots 9 there being a projection of the ventilation slots 9 shown here in order to provide particularly good ventilation in the sense of a draft through the interior 11. The lower part of the dehumidifier 1 forms a collecting container 2, which encloses a collecting chamber 3 for a salt solution, which is created by the absorption of moisture from room air via the tablet 100. The collecting container 2 comprises a side wall 4 and a base 5 with which the dehumidifier 1 is placed on a substrate. For this purpose, the base 5 can have a circumferential and downwardly projecting edge or protruding feet to enable particularly secure standing on the substrate. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the base 5 is flat and lies flat on the substrate.The substrate plane - assuming a flat substrate - therefore lies in the plane in which the base 5 of the dehumidifier is located. Furthermore, a central part 12 is provided between the cover 6 and the collecting container 2. This central part 12 can comprise a leak protection device (not shown) that, on the one hand, allows the salt solution to flow from the tablet 100 provided in the interior space 11 into the collecting space 3. On the other hand, however, prevents the salt solution from leaking out of this collecting space 3, for example due to the dehumidifier 1 tipping over. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the central part 12 has only one channel 13, which enables communication between the interior space 11 and the collecting space 3 and ensures that said salt solution flows into the collecting space 3. In addition, the central part 12 has a holding device 14 for the tablet 100. The holding device 14 is arranged in the interior space 11.The holding device 14 has an upper support surface 15 on which the tablet 100 is placed with its underside 102. A support surface 15 does not necessarily mean a (large) area for placing the tablet 100. The support surface 15 can also be provided by individual sections or linear or point-shaped support areas and thus provide a support option for the underside 102 of the tablet 100. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the holding device 14 is designed in a wedge-like manner such that the support surface 15 runs at an angle α 10° obliquely to the plane in which the base 5 lies and thus also runs obliquely to the substrate. The tablet 100 is essentially cylindrical in design, as described above, and rests with its underside 102 on the support surface 15.The support surface 15 serves as a positioning means for the tablet 100, which is designed such that the underside 102 of the tablet 100 arranged on the holding device 14 also lies in the plane that runs obliquely to the substrate. Since the top side 101 of the tablet 100 is arranged parallel to the underside 102, the top side 101 necessarily runs obliquely to the substrate in the same way and thus at an angle α 10° to the substrate. Thus, the design of the holding device 14, through its wedge shape and the obliquely running support surface as well as the cylindrical shape of the tablet 100, is coordinated such that the top side 101 of the tablet 100 arranged with the underside 102 on the holding device 14 lies in a plane that runs obliquely to the substrate during intended use.In this way, for example, it is possible to prevent a film of moisture from accumulating on the top side 101 and sometimes also on the bottom side 102, which could sometimes lead to a reduction in the dehumidifier's effectiveness in absorbing moisture. Due to the slanted arrangement of the top side 101 of the tablet 100, the resulting saline solution can flow safely and reach the collecting chamber 3 of the collecting container 2 via the channel 13.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a sectional side view of an assembly which does not implement the present invention, consisting of the dehumidifier 1 and the tablet 100. The dehumidifier 1 essentially corresponds to the dehumidifier 1 of the assembly of Figure 1, so that the relevant description is intended to supplement the following. The upper part of the dehumidifier 1 is again formed by the cover 6, comprising the upper cover side 7 and the side wall 8. The cover 6 encloses the interior 11, in which the holding device 14 for the tablet 100 is provided. The tablet 100 again consists essentially of a hygroscopic dehumidifier, which has been brought into said shape by a pressing process. However, the tablet 100 differs from the tablet 100 in Figure 1 . In Figure 2A tablet 100 is used which has the shape of an essentially obliquely cut right circular cylinder. Thus, the tablet 100 also comprises an upper side 101, a lower side 102 opposite the upper side, and a casing 103. However, the upper side 101 and lower side 102 are not arranged parallel to one another, but rather run obliquely to one another. Here, too, the surface of the tablet 100 forms the absorption surface, which serves to absorb the moisture from the room air. The cover 6 again has a plurality of ventilation slots 9 in its side wall 8, which are separated from one another by ribs 10. The lower part of the dehumidifier 1 here also forms the collecting container 2 enclosing the collecting space 3 for the salt solution. The collecting container 2 comprises the side wall 4 and the base 5 with which the dehumidifier 1 is placed on a substrate. This is flat and lies flat on the substrate.The substrate plane - assuming a flat substrate - therefore lies in the plane in which the base 5 of the dehumidifier 1 is located. The central part 12 between the cover 6 and the collecting container 2 has the channel 13 to allow the salt solution to flow into the collecting chamber 3. In the illustrated embodiment, a region of the central part 12 serves as the holding device, providing a support surface 15 for the underside 101 of the tablet 100. The support surface 15 runs parallel to the plane in which the base 5 lies and thus also parallel to the substrate. The support surface 15 serves as a positioning means for the tablet 10 and is designed such that the underside 102 of the tablet 100 arranged on the holding device also lies in the plane that runs parallel to the substrate.Since the tablet 100 essentially has the shape of an obliquely truncated right circular cylinder, the upper side 101 runs obliquely to the lower side 102 and thus necessarily at an angle β 10° to the substrate. Thus, the design of the holding device, with its support surface 15 running parallel to the substrate, and the described shape of the tablet 100 are coordinated in such a way that the upper side 101 of the tablet 100, arranged with the lower side 102 on the holding device 14, lies in a plane that runs obliquely to the substrate during intended use. In this way, for example, the time required for the formation of the first amount of solution in the collecting container 2 can be reduced, since the salt solution formed on the upper side 101 can quickly flow towards the collecting chamber 3, which can be an important indicator for the user of the functionality of the dehumidifier 1.

[0028] Figure 3shows a sectional side view of a variant of an assembly according to the invention consisting of the dehumidifier 1 and the tablet 100. The dehumidifier 1 essentially corresponds to the dehumidifier 1 of the assembly from Figure 1 , so that the relevant description is intended to complement the following. However, Tablet 100 differs from Tablet 100 in Figure 1 . In Figure 3A tablet is used which has the shape of a substantially obliquely truncated right circular cylinder. Thus, the tablet 100 also comprises an upper side 101, a lower side 102 opposite the upper side, and a shell 103. However, the upper side 101 and lower side 102 are not arranged parallel to one another, but rather run obliquely to one another. In addition, the lower side 102 has an annular groove 107, which can be seen in the sectional view as a crenellated design of the lower side 102, as well as a central blind hole. The lower side 102 of the tablet 100 is placed on the support surface 15 of the holding device 14. The support surface 15 has a shape corresponding to the underside 102 and comprises protruding support ribs 29 which engage in the annular groove 107 and the central blind hole and, as positioning means for the tablet 100, enable an optimal arrangement of the tablet 10 in the interior 11.In the illustrated embodiment, the holding device 14 is wedge-shaped in such a way that the support surface 15 extends at an angle α 10° obliquely to the plane in which the base 5 lies and thus also obliquely to the substrate. Consequently, the underside 102 is also arranged obliquely to the substrate. The wedge shape of the holding device 14 is selected such that the angle α between the support surface 15 and the substrate is unequal to the angle between the top side 101 and the bottom side 102 of the tablet 100 in the form of an obliquely truncated right circular cylinder. This prevents the two angles from canceling each other out in the event of an unfavorable positioning of the tablet, so that the top side 101 would be arranged parallel to the substrate.The support surface 15 thus serves as a positioning means for the tablet 100, which is designed such that the underside 102 of the tablet 100 arranged on the holding device 14 also lies in the plane that runs obliquely to the substrate. The top side 101 of the tablet 100 is not arranged parallel to the underside 102. Nevertheless, the angle between the top side 101 and the underside 102 is unequal with respect to the angle between the support surface 15 and the substrate, so that the top side 101 necessarily runs obliquely to the substrate, in the illustrated embodiment at an angle γ of approximately 16°.Thus, the design of the holding device 14, with its wedge shape and the inclined support surface 15, as well as the described shape of the tablet 100, is coordinated such that the upper side 101 of the tablet 100, arranged with the underside 102 on the holding device 14, lies in a plane that runs obliquely to the substrate during intended use. In this way, for example, it can be prevented that a film of moisture collects on the upper side 101, which could sometimes lead to a reduction in the effectiveness of the dehumidifier in absorbing moisture. Due to the inclined arrangement of the upper side 101 of the tablet 100, the resulting salt solution can drain safely and reach the collecting chamber 3 of the collecting container 2 via the channel 13.

[0029] Figure 4shows a perspective view of another variant of an assembly according to the invention consisting of the dehumidifier 1 and the tablet . The dehumidifier 1 corresponds in its basic structure to the dehumidifier 1 of the assembly from Figure 1 , so that the relevant description should complement the following. Figure 4The dehumidifier 1 shown comprises an upper part with the cover 6. The cover 6 encloses an interior space 11 in which the tablet 100 concealed by the cover 6 is provided. The cover 6 has a substantially circular cross-section with a circumferential side wall 8. A locking means 20 is provided in the side wall 8 to release the connection between the cover 6 and the lower part of the dehumidifier 1. Furthermore, the cover 6 has an upper cover side 7 which is beveled. The cover side 7 comprises a funnel 25 which is designed in the form of a curvature extending from the wall area and directed towards the interior space. In order to enable absorption of the moisture by the tablet 100, the cover 6 has a plurality of ventilation slots 9 in its cover side 7, which are separated from one another by ribs 10.The ventilation slots 9 are arranged like a rotor and extend in a wave-like manner from the edge area towards the middle of the cover side 7 and follow the shape of the funnel 25. The lower part of the dehumidifier 1 forms the collecting container 3 enclosing the collecting space 3 for the salt solution, which is formed by the absorption of moisture from the room air via the . Figure 4concealed tablet 100 is formed. The collecting container 3 has a substantially circular container base 5, which includes a circumferential bottom edge 38 on the bottom side as a standing surface for a substrate and, in particular to increase stability, a curvature emanating from the bottom edge 38 and directed towards the cavity. Extending towards the upper part is a side wall 4, which is equipped on at least one side with an at least partially transparent or translucent viewing window with a scale 17 to enable the user to view the level of the salt solution in the collecting chamber 3.A central part 12 is provided between the cover 6 and the collecting container 3. The central part 12 has an annular element 19 which is designed such that an offset 18 is formed between the lower edge of the side wall 8 of the cover 6 and the central part 12, through which communication between the environment and the interior 11 can be enabled. In combination with the aforementioned ventilation slots 9, a passage for the room air can be made possible such that the room air entering the interior 11 flows past the tablet 100 and can escape again through the other opening in order to achieve particularly effective absorption of moisture. By arranging the offset 18 below the cover 6 and the ventilation slots 9 on the cover side 7, a chimney effect is also conceivable with a suitable design, which can further increase the absorption rate.

[0030] Figure 5shows a perspective view of a part of the assembly from Figure 4 . Compared to Figure 4 Here, the cover 6 has been removed so that the tablet 100 is visible in the interior 11. The tablet 100 is essentially cylindrical and has a shell 103 as well as an upper side 105 and an opposite lower side 102, which is not visible in the view shown. In the transition areas from the shell 103 to the upper side 101 and lower side 102, a chamfer 105 is provided, which can particularly simplify the handling of the tablet 100 for the user. In addition, the tablet 100 has a central through-bore 104, which extends from the upper side 101 to the opposite lower side through the tablet body. The tablet 100 is arranged on the central part 12 and is arranged, in particular, with the lower side on the holding device 14, which is a component of the central part 12, but in Figure 5is covered by the tablet 100. The central part 12 is arranged on the top side of the collecting container 3 and consists of the annular element 19, wherein the offset 18 described above is provided to provide a passage for the room air. The annular element 19 further has upwardly projecting holding elements 21 with slot-like receiving grooves 23 into which corresponding mounting means of the cover 6 can engage. Cutouts 22 are provided between adjacent projecting holding elements 21 to enable said passage.

[0031] Figure 6 shows a sectioned side view of the assembly from Figure 4through the section line AA. In the view shown, the cover 6 has been placed back on the middle part 12, which in turn is mounted on the collecting container 3. The cover 6 encloses the interior space 11 with the tablet 100 arranged there. The side wall 8 surrounds the interior space 11 and thus also the tablet 100. The offset 18 between the annular element 12 of the middle part 12 and the adjacent area of ​​the side wall 8 creates an intermediate space 24 through which the room air can penetrate into the interior space 11 to come into contact with the outer surface of the tablet 100. The outer surface serves as an absorption surface and is formed by the underside 102, the top side 101, the casing 103, the bevels 105 and the surface of the through-hole 104, provided it is not in contact with areas of the dehumidifier 1.With regard to the underside 102, it should also be emphasized that an annular groove 107 is provided here, which surrounds the through-hole 104 in order to enable precise positioning of the tablet 100 and to enlarge the absorption surface. The tablet 100 can absorb the moisture from penetrating room air, so that a saline solution forms, which drips downwards, i.e., towards the collection chamber 3 of the collection container 2. To enable safe collection of the saline solution, the central part 12 has a leak protection which, on the one hand, allows the saline solution to flow from the tablet 100 provided in the interior 11 into the collection chamber 3. On the other hand, however, prevents the saline solution from leaking out of this cavity, for example due to the dehumidifier 1 tipping over. The central part 12 has a funnel-like collecting surface for this purpose, which protrudes partially into the collection chamber 3.The collecting surface serves to collect the saline solution, which then flows through an upper drain opening 34 into a drain channel 13 and finally through a lower drain opening 35 into the collecting chamber 3. The funnel-like collecting surface and the drain channel 13 are constructed in such a way and, in particular, protrude into the cavity and are spaced from the side wall 4 in such a way that a backflow of the saline solution through the lower drain opening 35 is difficult or almost impossible, even if the dehumidifier 1 tips over. The collecting container 2 can be emptied via a drain opening 37, which can be closed by means of a plug 39.

[0032] The room air that previously penetrated the interior 11 and is now dehumidified can then escape through the ventilation slots 9 in the cover side 7. The ventilation slots 9 are separated from one another by the ribs 10 and are arranged in a rotor-like manner. They each extend in a wave-like manner from the edge region towards the center of the cover side 7, partially following the shape of the funnel 25 towards the interior 11. The funnel 25 opens into a sleeve 26, which can be engaged in the interior 11 with a coupling element 31 of a mandrel 30. The mandrel 30 is part of the middle part 12, forms part of the holding device 14 and extends from the funnel-like collecting surface, i.e. from the lower region of the middle part 12 into the interior 11 in the direction of the cover side 7. The mandrel 30 is designed such that it can be brought into engagement with the through-bore 104 of the tablet 100.With the cover 6 removed, the tablet 100 is placed with its through-bore 104 onto the mandrel 30, so that the mandrel is located in the through-bore 104. The cover can then be placed on, and the sleeve 26 can be engaged with the coupling element 31, thus securing the tablet 100 there. The mandrel 30 has a first surface 27 and a second surface 28 that intersect in a cross-like manner, with the intersection line extending from the underside of the central part 12 through the through-bore 104 of the inserted tablet 100 to the sleeve 26. By using the two surfaces 27, 28, a mandrel 30 can be provided which does not lie fully against the surface of the through-hole 104, but only at most against the outer end faces of the surfaces 27, 28 in the area of ​​the through-hole 104, in order to provide a particularly large free surface for the absorption of room air in this area as well.The first surface 27 also tapers towards the cover side 7 in such a way that the first surface 29 becomes narrower from the section arranged in the lower region of the middle part 12 to the opposite section facing the cover side 7. The end face of this tapered first surface 27 is used as a support area 32 for the surface of the tablet 100 in the region of the through-bore 104. Due to the described oblique profile, the tablet 100, when placed with the through-bore 104 on the mandrel 30, is positioned obliquely with respect to the substrate in such a way that the upper side 101, during intended use, lies in a plane which runs obliquely to the substrate at an angle α 10°.The support region 32 is thus used as a positioning means of the holding device 14 for the tablet 100, which is designed such that the underside 102 and thus also the top side 101 of the tablet 100 arranged on the holding device 14 lie in a plane that runs obliquely to the substrate. The holding device 14 further comprises further positioning means for the tablet 100. Thus, the first surface 27 has support edges 33 for the tablet 100 arranged on two sides of the mandrel 30. These are designed such that the tablet rests against or rests on the transition areas from the surface of the through-bore 104 to the underside 102 and / or against areas of the underside 102 in order to enable the said positioning of the tablet 100. The second surface 28 has the same, although this is not visible in the present sectional view.In addition, support ribs 29 are provided, projecting from the central part 14 toward the cover side 7, the height of which is adapted to the shape of the tablet 100 to be inserted and to the other positioning means such that the end faces of the support ribs 29 come into contact with the underside 102 in the region of the annular groove 107 and enable positioning. For the aforementioned oblique arrangement of the tablet, the support ribs 29 have different heights, so that the end faces that come into contact with the underside 102 of the tablet 100 lie in one plane, which runs at an angle α 10° to the substrate.The holding device 14 arranged in the interior 11 for arranging the tablet 100, in particular above its underside 102, is designed in this case and matched to the shape of the tablet 100 such that the upper side 101 of the tablet 100, arranged with the underside 102 on the holding device 14, lies in a plane that runs obliquely to the substrate during intended use. In this way, for example, coverage of the surface by a film of moisture can be avoided, which can lead to an increase in effectiveness. Embodiments are also conceivable in which the time required for the formation of the first amount of solution in the collecting container 2 can be reduced, which can be an important indicator for the user of the functionality of the dehumidifier 1. List of reference symbols

[0033] 1 Dehumidifier 25 funnel 2 Collection container 26 sleeve 3 Reception room 27 First area 4 side wall 28 Second area 5 Floor 29 Support rib 6 cover 30 mandrel 7 Cover page 31 coupling element 8 side wall 32 Support area 9 ventilation slot 33 Support edge 10 rib 34 Upper drain opening 11 Interior 35 Lower drain opening 12 Middle part 36 cap 13 channel 37 Spout opening 14 Holding device 38 floor edge 15 Support surface 39 Plug 16 angle 100 tablet 17 scale 101 Top 18 Offset 102 bottom 19 Ring-shaped element 103 Coat 20 Locking device 104 through hole 21 Protruding retaining element 105 chamfer 22 Excerpt 106 angle 23 Receiving groove 107 Annular groove 24 space

Claims

1. An assembly consisting of a device (1) for absorbing moisture from room air and a tablet (100) containing a hygroscopic dehumidifying agent that has an upper side (101) and an underside (102), the device (1) comprising a collecting vessel (2) for collecting a solution resulting from the absorption, the collecting vessel (2) comprising a base (5) for placing the device (1) on a substrate; a cover (6), which is arranged above the collecting vessel (2) and surrounds an interior space (11); and a holding device (14) arranged in the interior (11) for arranging the tablet (100) by means of its underside (102), the design of the holding device (14) and the shape of the tablet (100) matching one another in such a way that, when used as intended, the upper side (101) of the tablet (100) arranged with the underside (102) on the holding device (14) lies in a plane which runs obliquely to the substrate, characterized in that the holding device (14) comprises a support means (15, 29) for arranging the underside (102) of the tablet (100), the support means (15, 29) lying in a plane which runs obliquely to the substrate, the support means (15, 29) being formed by a plurality of support ribs (29) or support bars or support mandrels for arranging the underside (102), the support ribs (29) or support bars or support mandrels extending into the interior (11) at different heights.

2. The assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper side (101) lies in a plane which extends at an angle in the range of 2° to 20°, preferably 5° to 15°, particularly preferably 10°, to the substrate.

3. The assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device (14) comprises positioning means (15, 29, 32, 33) for the tablet (100), which are designed such that the underside (102) of the tablet (100) arranged on the holding device (14) lies in a plane which runs obliquely to the substrate.

4. The assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support means (15, 29) is formed by a support surface (15) for arranging the underside (102).

5. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device (14) comprises a mandrel (30) and in that the tablet (100) has a corresponding opening (104) for receiving the mandrel (30), the mandrel comprising positioning means (32, 33) for the tablet (100), which are designed such that the underside (102) of the tablet (100) arranged on the holding device (14) lies in a plane which runs obliquely to the substrate.

6. The assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the mandrel (30) is designed in the form of a cylinder or a cone or a truncated cone.

7. The assembly according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the mandrel (30) has at least one opening to allow ventilation of the tablet (100) in the region of its opening (104) and to further increase the free surface of the tablet (100) available for absorbing moisture.

8. The assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one opening is designed in such a way that it allows the solution resulting from the absorption to have a preferred dripping and / or flow direction.

9. The assembly according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the mandrel (30) has projecting spacer elements for providing a support option for the tablet (100) in the region of its opening (104) in order to minimize the contact area between the tablet (100) and the mandrel (30).

10. The assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the mandrel (30) the projecting spacer elements are designed as elongated ribs (27, 28), which can extend in the extension direction of the mandrel, or as knobs or as projections or as pins.

11. The assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper side (101) of the tablet lies in a plane which runs obliquely to a plane in which the lower side (102) lies.