Dehumidifier with sealed casing

Abstract

The dehumidification device (1) comprises: a box (3) having an inlet (5) and an outlet (6) communicating with the interior of a sealed casing (2); a heating module controllable to generate heat; a desiccant (8) configured to adsorb moisture when not heated by the heating module (7) and to return the adsorbed moisture by desorption when heated by the heating module (7); a movable plug (9) movable to alternately open and close the inlet (5) and the outlet (6); a biasing spring (10) configured to move the movable plug (9) when the heating module (7) does not heat the desiccant (8); and a shape memory alloy spring (11) configured to move the movable plug (9) when the heating module (7) heats the desiccant (8), wherein the shape memory alloy spring (11) can be heated by the heating module (7) simultaneously with the desiccant (8). The dehumidifier (1) is suitable for dehumidifying any type of sealed casing, is cost-effective in design and power consumption, and is easy to implement due to its small size and simple design.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dehumidifying apparatus for a sealed casing, the apparatus being particularly suited for use in removing moisture from a headlamp casing of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In many fields of operation, there is a need to place elements of equipment in a sealed casing for different purposes. For example, a sealed casing can be used to protect the equipment from external threats. However, a sealed casing, especially when used outdoors, is prone to moisture buildup inside the casing, which can have a detrimental effect on the device housed in the casing.

[0003] For example, a vehicle headlamp includes a sealed casing with glass and a light source inside the sealed casing. Typically, such headlamps are not completely sealed. Therefore, moisture can get inside the headlamp casing. This moisture is harmful to the electrical components of the headlamp. Condensation can also form on the lens or glass of the headlamp. This condensation can affect the operation of the headlamp and lead to reduced efficiency.

[0004] The solution is to use a device for removing moisture from the headlamp. Typically, such a device comprises a desiccant that adsorbs moisture from the air and a heat source that heats the desiccant. Upon heating, the desiccant releases the previously adsorbed moisture by desorption. The device also comprises a shutter that alternately opens and closes an opening so that the space in the device that contains the desiccant communicates with the inside and the outside of the headlamp casing. The shutter is driven in a rotary motion by an electric motor.

[0005] Nevertheless, this solution requires a complex electrical implementation and high power consumption, so that this solution is not entirely satisfactory. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The aim of the present disclosure is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a dehumidification device with a closed casing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the disclosure of this specification, a dehumidification device includes: a box defining a chamber with at least one inlet and one outlet, the inlet being configured to put the chamber in communication with an interior of a hermetic casing and the outlet being configured to put the chamber in communication with an exterior of the hermetic casing; and a heating module controllable to generate heat; a desiccant configured to adsorb moisture in the chamber when the desiccant is not heated by a heating module and to desorb back the adsorbed moisture when the desiccant is heated by a heating module; at least one removable plug that is alternately movable between at least a first position and a second position, said removable plug being configured to open the inlet and close the outlet in the first position and to close the inlet and open the outlet in the second position; a biasing spring configured to move the movable plug to the first position when the heating module does not heat the desiccant; - a shape memory alloy spring that can be heated by a heating module simultaneously with the desiccant, the shape memory alloy spring being configured to move the movable plug to a second position when the heating module heats the desiccant; At least:

[0008] Therefore, the dehumidifier of the present invention is suitable for dehumidifying any type of sealed casing in which the moving parts are actuated by shape memory alloy springs. Such a dehumidifier is cost-effective in design and power consumption, and easy to implement due to its small size and simple design.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the portable plug of the dehumidifier comprises: a suction flap configured to open the inlet when the removable plug is in a first position and to close the inlet when the removable plug is in a second position; a release flap configured to close the outlet when the removable plug is in a first position and to open the outlet when the removable plug is in a second position; Equipped with.

[0010] According to a particular embodiment, the suction flap of the movable plug comprises a first sealing surface configured to be pressed against or separated from an inlet wall of a box including the inlet and adapted to be moved according to a translational movement along a first translational axis substantially perpendicular to the inlet wall in order to open or close, respectively, said inlet, the release flap of the movable plug is configured to be pressed against or moved away from an outlet wall of the box containing the outlet and is provided with a second sealing surface adapted to be moved according to a translational movement along a second translational axis substantially perpendicular to the outlet wall to open or close said outlet, respectively.

[0011] According to another particular embodiment, the suction flap is integrated with the detachment flap, said suction flap and said detachment flap being configured such that the first translation axis coincides with the second translation axis, thus the movable plug is moved to the first and second positions according to a single translation direction.

[0012] In a non-limiting example, the portable plug includes a first housing and the heating module includes a first guiding feature. A biasing spring is configured to be received within the first housing and attached to the guiding feature, the biasing spring being capable of bearing against the heating module to urge the portable plug into the first position.

[0013] In another non-limiting example, the heating module includes a second housing and the movable plug includes a second guiding feature, and the shape memory alloy spring is configured to be housed within the second housing and attached to the guiding feature, and the shape memory alloy spring can bear against the heating module to urge the movable plug to the second position.

[0014] Additionally, the heating module can include at least a resistive element configured to generate heat and a heat sink configured to dissipate heat generated from the resistive element, the resistive element including at least a flexible printed circuit having a positive temperature coefficient ink, and a desiccant attached to the heat sink such that the heat sink is capable of transferring heat generated from the resistive element to the desiccant.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the second housing of the heating module is made of a thermally conductive material and is coupled to a heat sink, and the second housing can transfer heat generated from the heating module to the shape memory alloy spring.

[0016] In a non-limiting example, the heat sink of the heating module has a flat shape.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the desiccant corresponds to at least one desiccant pad. Furthermore, the desiccant may be arranged around the heat sink of the heating module. Preferably, the desiccant is arranged in surface contact with the heat sink of the heating module.

[0018] In a non-limiting example, a dehumidifier includes at least a first sealing element and a second sealing element disposed on a movable plug. Second sealing element is capable of sealing the outlet when the movable plug is in a first position, First sealing element can seal the inlet when the movable plug is in the second position.

[0019] Additionally, the dehumidifier box may be circular in shape.

[0020] The disclosure herein further relates to a vehicle headlamp comprising at least a sealed casing that houses a light source, the vehicle headlamp comprising a dehumidifying device, in particular the dehumidifying device being arranged on the vehicle headlamp to dehumidify the sealed casing, the box chamber being in communication with the inside of the sealed casing via the inlet and with the outside of the sealed casing via the outlet.

[0021] The disclosure of the present specification, together with its features and advantages, will become more apparent from reading the description given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a dehumidification device in a sealed casing, with a movable plug in a first position. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a dehumidification device in a sealed casing, with the movable plug in a second position. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a dehumidifier with a sealed casing. [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a headlamp with a dehumidifying device for the sealed casing of the headlamp. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The following description is given with reference to the figures mentioned above.

[0024] The present invention relates to a dehumidifying device 1 for a sealed casing 2, as shown in a particular embodiment in Figures 1 to 3. The dehumidifying device 1 is suitable for use in dehumidifying, i.e. removing moisture or preventing the generation of moisture, in any sealed casing. The dehumidifying device 1 is particularly suitable for implementation in a vehicle headlamp 29, as shown in a particular embodiment in Figure 4.

[0025] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the dehumidification device 1 comprises a box 3 defining a chamber 4 therein. The box 3 comprises an inlet 5 and an outlet 6. In one embodiment, the inlet 5 and the outlet 6 are arranged through two opposing walls, namely an input wall 15 opposite an output wall 17. The inlet 5 is arranged through the input wall 15 of the box 3, and the outlet 6 is arranged through the output wall 17 of the box 3. The inlet 5 and the outlet 6 may correspond to vents through which air, in particular humid air, may pass. In different embodiments, these vents may be a single opening or multiple openings having different sizes and shapes.

[0026] The inlet 5 is arranged to put the chamber 4 in communication with the interior of the sealed casing 2. The outlet 6 is arranged to put the chamber 4 in communication with the exterior of the sealed casing 2, for example with the outdoor environment.

[0027] As used herein, an environment in communication with another environment means that there is an exchange of fluids, such as water vapor, air, etc., between the two environments.

[0028] The dehumidifier 1 further comprises a heating module 7 configured to generate heat. The dehumidifier 1 further comprises a desiccant 8 capable of adsorbing and desorbing moisture. The desiccant 8 is configured to be heated by the heating module 7. In particular, the desiccant 8 is configured to adsorb moisture in the chamber 4 when not heated by the heating module 7. The humid air contained in the sealed casing 2 can pass through the inlet 5 into the chamber 4, as shown by the arrow H1 in FIG. 1. The desiccant 8 is also configured to release the adsorbed moisture by desorption when heated by the heating module 7. The moisture released from the desiccant 8 fills the air in the chamber 4 with this moisture. The humid air in the chamber 4 can pass through the outlet 6 outside the sealed casing, as shown by the arrow H2 in FIG. 2.

[0029] The dehumidifier 1 further comprises a movable plug 9 configured to alternately open and close the inlet 5 and the outlet 6. To this end, the movable plug 9 is adapted to be movable to at least two different positions. The movable plug 9 is adapted to be movable to a first position in which the inlet 5 is opened and the outlet 6 is closed, as shown in Fig. 1. The movable plug 9 is also adapted to be movable to a second position in which the inlet 5 is closed and the outlet 6 is opened, as shown in Fig. 2.

[0030] The dehumidification device 1 includes a biasing spring 10 and a shape memory alloy spring 11 that can move the movable plug 9. The biasing spring 10 is configured to move the movable plug 9 to a first position. The shape memory alloy spring 11 is configured to move the movable plug 9 to a second position. The shape memory alloy spring 11 can be heated by the heating module 7 simultaneously with the desiccant 8.

[0031] In fact, a shape memory alloy spring is a spring that can have at least two different states depending on its temperature: for example, it can be deformed at low temperature (ambient temperature) and can return to a "memorized" shape when heated to a certain temperature.

[0032] When the desiccant 8 is not heated by the heating module 7, the shape memory alloy spring 11 is also not heated by the heating module 7. Therefore, the shape memory alloy spring 11 is in a deformed state. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, the biasing spring 10 is configured to have a stiffness capable of exerting a force on the movable plug 9 that is greater than the force exerted by the shape memory alloy spring 11. As a result, the movable plug 9 moves to the first position.

[0033] When the desiccant 8 is heated by the heating module 7, the shape memory alloy spring 11 is also heated by the heating module 7. Thus, the shape memory alloy spring 11 is in a state of returning to a preset ("memorized") shape. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2 in a specific embodiment, the shape memory alloy spring 11 has a stiffness that allows it to exert a force on the movable plug 9 that is greater than the force exerted by the biasing spring 10. As a result, the movable plug 9 moves to the second position.

[0034] In this case, both the biasing spring 10 and the shape memory alloy spring 11 are compression springs. However, in other embodiments, the biasing spring 10 and the shape memory alloy spring 11 can correspond to any other type of spring capable of moving the movable plug 9 to the first position and / or the second position.

[0035] The above-described dehumidifier 1 provides an apparatus suitable for dehumidifying any type of sealed casing in which the moving parts are actuated by shape memory alloy springs. Such a dehumidifier 1 is cost-effective in design and power consumption. It is also easy to implement due to its small size and simple design.

[0036] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the removable plug 9 comprises an adhesive flap 12 and a detachment flap 13. The adhesive flap 12 is configured to open the inlet 5 when the removable plug 9 is in a first position (Figure 1) and to close the inlet 5 when the removable plug 9 is in a second position (Figure 2). The detachment flap 13 is configured to close the outlet 6 when the removable plug 9 is in the first position and to open the outlet 6 when the removable plug 7 is in the second position.

[0037] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the heating module 7 is integrated into the chamber 4 of the box 3. Preferably, the heating module 7 is arranged in a central position between two opposing walls of the box 3, the inlet wall 15 and the outlet wall 17. The inlet 5 is arranged through the inlet wall 15. The outlet 6 is arranged through the outlet wall 17. The heating module 7 may have a face 31 facing towards the inlet wall 15 and a face 32 facing towards the outlet wall 17.

[0038] Heating module 7 may include fastening elements for fastening within box 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, heating module 7 may include tabs 48 protruding from face 31. Box 3 may include rails 49 within chamber 4 configured to allow tabs 48 to slide within rails 49 to position and secure heating module 7 within chamber 4.

[0039] The movable plug 9 is configured such that the suction flap 12 and the desorption flap 13 are each arranged on different sides of the heating module 7. The suction flap 12 is arranged between the face 31 and the inlet wall 15. The desorption flap 13 is arranged between the face 32 and the outlet wall 17.

[0040] Furthermore, the suction flap 12 can be provided with a sealing surface 14 facing towards the inlet wall 15. The sealing surface 14 can be pressed against the inlet wall 15 to close the inlet 5 or can be moved away from the inlet wall 15 to open this inlet 5. Similarly, the detachment flap 13 can be provided with a sealing surface 16 facing towards the outlet wall 17. The sealing surface 16 can be pressed against the outlet wall 17 to close the outlet 6 or can be moved away from the outlet wall 17 to open this outlet 6.

[0041] On the one hand, the suction flap 12 is configured to be pressed against or away from the inlet wall 15 according to a translational movement along the translational axis A1-A1. Preferably, the translational axis A1-A1 is substantially perpendicular to the inlet wall 15.

[0042] On the other hand, the detachment flap 13, following a translational movement along the translational axis A2-A2, is pressed against the outflow wall 17 or Outflow Wall 17 Preferably, the translation axis is A2-A2 is substantially perpendicular to the outflow wall 17.

[0043] In a preferred variation of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the suction flap 12 is integrated with the release flap 13. The suction flap 12 can include a hollow extension 33. The release flap 13 can include a bracket extension 34. The bracket extension 34 of the release flap 13 has a shape configured to fit into the hollow extension 33 of the suction flap 12, so that the suction flap 12 and the release flap 13 can be clipped together.

[0044] Since the suction flap 12 is integrated with the detachment flap 13, they can move together along the same direction, so that in this preferred embodiment the suction flap 12 and the detachment flap 13 move according to a single translational direction, i.e. the translational axis A1-A1 of the suction flap 12 coincides with the translational axis A2-A2 of the detachment flap 13.

[0045] In a particular embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, translational movement of the movable plug 9 can be achieved as described below.

[0046] The biasing spring 10 is arranged between the face 32 of the heating module 7 and the mobile plug 9. On the one hand, the mobile plug 9 comprises a support surface 35 facing the face 32 of the heating module 7 and directed towards the interior of the chamber 4. The support surface 35 comprises the housing 18. In this particular embodiment, the housing 18 corresponds to a cylindrical recess. On the other hand, the heating module 7 comprises, on its face 32, a support surface 36 with a guiding shape 19. In this particular embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the guiding shape 19 corresponds to a cylindrical shape protruding perpendicularly from the support surface 36.

[0047] The biasing spring 10 is configured to be arranged between the housing 18 and the guiding feature 19. In particular, a first end 37 of the biasing spring 10 is accommodated inside the housing 18 and seats on a support surface 35. A second end 38 of the biasing spring 10 is attached to the guiding feature 19 and seats on a support surface 36. The housing 18 is aligned with the guiding feature 19. This alignment is configured such that the biasing spring 10 thus arranged can urge the movable plug 9 according to the translation axis A1-A1 into the first position.

[0048] The shape memory alloy spring 11 is arranged between the face 32 of the heating module 7 and the mobile plug 9. On the one hand, the heating module 7 comprises a housing 20 on its face 32. In the particular embodiment shown in figures 1 to 3, the housing 20 corresponds to a blind hole having a blind end 39. On the other hand, the mobile plug 9 comprises a support surface 40 with a guiding shape 21. In this particular embodiment, the guiding shape 21 corresponds to a cylindrical shape protruding perpendicularly from the support surface 40.

[0049] The shape memory alloy spring 11 is configured to be disposed between the housing 20 and the guiding feature 21. In particular, a first end 41 of the shape memory alloy spring 11 is accommodated inside the housing 20 and seats on the non-through end 39. A second end 42 of the shape memory alloy spring 11 is attached to the guiding feature 21 and seats on the support surface 40. The housing 20 is aligned with the guiding feature 21. This alignment is configured such that the shape memory alloy spring 11 thus disposed can push the movable plug 9 to the second position according to the translation axis A2-A2.

[0050] In a particular embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the dehumidification device 1 comprises a guide pin 46. The guide pin 46 is fixed to the box 3 in the chamber 4. In particular, the guide pin 46 is arranged on the inlet wall 15, such that the guide pin 46 protrudes towards the movable plug 9 along the directions of the translation axes A1-A1 and A2-A2. The movable plug 9 comprises a guide housing 47 on the sealing surface 14 of the suction flap 12. The movable plug 9 comprises a guide housing 47. 47 is configured to be aligned with the guide pin 46 such that the guide housing 47 of the movable plug 9 can be mounted on the guide pin 46 and the movable plug 9 is guided translationally along the guide pin 46.

[0051] The heating module 7 may comprise a resistive element 22 capable of generating heat. In particular, the resistive element 22 comprises a flexible printed circuit 24 having at least a positive temperature coefficient ink 25. The flexible printed circuit 24 having a positive temperature coefficient ink 25 may be -Self-regulating heating element provides fast temperature response. -Heat can be spread evenly, The flexibility of the flexible printed circuit 24 allows for a variety of shapes and sizes, making it easier to implement; -Can be made from a wide range of materials, It can have many advantages.

[0052] The heating module 7 also comprises a heat sink 23 configured to dissipate heat generated by the resistive element 22. The heat sink 23 may correspond to a standard thermally conductive element on which the resistive element 22 is placed.

[0053] The desiccant 8 is attached to a heat sink 23 , which is capable of transferring heat generated from the resistance element 22 to the desiccant 8 .

[0054] The heating module 7 can be controlled by a sensor arranged inside the hermetic casing 2. Such a sensor, for example a humidity sensor, can be used to activate the heating module 7 when the hermetic casing 2 needs to be dehumidified.

[0055] In a specific embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the housing 20 of the heating module 7 in which the shape memory alloy spring 11 is housed is made of a thermally conductive material. The housing 20 is coupled to a heat sink 23 so that the housing 20 can transfer heat generated from the heating module 7 to the shape memory alloy spring 11. This allows the heat sink 23 to heat the shape memory alloy spring 11 through the housing 20 while heating the desiccant 8.

[0056] In a preferred variant of the above embodiment, the heat sink 23 of the heating module 7 has a flat shape.

[0057] Additionally, the desiccant 8 may correspond to a desiccant pad 26. In particular, the desiccant 8 may be disposed about the periphery of the heat sink 23. In certain configurations, the desiccant 8 may be disposed in surface contact with the heat sink 23.

[0058] 1 to 3, the desiccant 8 corresponds to a number of rectangular shaped desiccant pads 26. In this embodiment, the heat sink 23 of the heating module 7 is flat and arranged substantially perpendicular to the translation direction (translation axes A1-A1 and A2-A2) of the mobile plug 9. The desiccant pads 26 are arranged directly on either side of the heat sink 23 corresponding to the faces 31 and 32 of the heating module 7.

[0059] In addition, the dehumidification device 1 comprises sealing elements capable of sealing the inlet 5 and the outlet 6. In particular, the movable plug 9 comprises a sealing element 27 arranged on its sealing surface 14 and a sealing element 28 arranged on its sealing surface 16. The sealing element 27 is configured to seal the inlet 5 when the movable plug 9 is in the second position. The sealing element 28 is configured to seal the inlet 5 when the movable plug 9 is in the second position. 1st position is configured to seal the outlet 6 when

[0060] The sealing elements 28 and 29 may correspond to standard interfaces such as flat seals, ring-type seals, lip seals, etc.

[0061] The dehumidifier 1 may include filter elements disposed at the inlet 5 and the outlet 6. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a filter 50 may be disposed at the outlet 6. The filter 50 may be configured to prevent foreign matter from entering the interior of the chamber 4 of the dehumidifier 1. The filter 50 may also be configured to allow moisture inside the chamber 4 to pass therethrough and be discharged to the outside of the sealed casing 2.

[0062] In addition, the box 3 of the dehumidifier 1 may have a circular shape. The box body 3 may also have fastening elements 43 for fastening the dehumidifier 1 to a hermetic casing 2 intended for dehumidification. The fastening elements 43 may be configured to fasten the box 3 by means of bolts as shown in the embodiment of figures 1 to 3 or by means of clip elements. In other embodiments, the fastening elements 43 may be configured such that the circular shape of the box 3 is screwed directly into the shape of the hermetic casing 2 provided for that purpose.

[0063] The box 3 may comprise a sealing element 51 arranged between the box 3 and the hermetic casing 2, as shown diagrammatically in Figures 1 and 2. For example, the sealing element 51 may be arranged on the outside of the circular shape of the box 3. The sealing element 51 is configured to provide an air-tight seal at the interface between the assembly of the box 3 and the hermetic casing 2.

[0064] The present invention also relates to a vehicle headlamp 29, as shown in a particular embodiment in FIG. 4. The vehicle headlamp 29 comprises a hermetic casing 2 housing a light source 30. For example, the hermetic casing 2 may comprise a wall 44 and a glass 45 intended to face towards the outside of the vehicle. The vehicle headlamp 29 comprises a dehumidifying device 1 as disclosed above. In particular, the dehumidifying device 1 is arranged on the hermetic casing 2, such that the chamber 4 of the box 3 communicates with the inside of the hermetic casing 2 via an inlet 5 and with the outside of the hermetic casing 2 via an outlet 6. For example, the dehumidifying device 1 may be fixed to the wall 44 of the hermetic casing 2, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4.

[0065] In a particular embodiment, the dehumidification device 1 may comprise one or more sensors arranged inside the sealed casing 2 of the vehicle headlamp 29. The sensor or sensors may be configured to determine the humidity inside the sealed casing 2. The sensor or sensors may be configured to activate the heating module 7 when the sealed casing 2 needs to be dehumidified, for example when the humidity reaches a predetermined maximum humidity.

[0066] The dehumidifier 1 operates as follows.

[0067] In a first step, the heating module 7 is not activated. The dehumidification device 1 is configured such that the chamber 4 is in communication with the interior of the sealed casing 2. In this first step, the movable plug 9 is in a first position, which means that the inlet 5 is open and the outlet 6 is closed. The desiccant 8 is able to adsorb moisture present in the air of the sealed casing 2, as shown diagrammatically by the arrow H1 in FIG.

[0068] In the second step, the heating module 7 is activated. The heating module 7 generates heat, which is transferred to the desiccant 8 and the shape memory alloy spring 11. The shape memory alloy spring 11 returns to its "memorized" shape and pushes the movable plug 9 to the second position. The inlet 5 is closed by the movable plug 9, and the outlet 6 is opened. Thus, the chamber 4 communicates with the outside of the sealed casing 2. The desiccant 8 heated by the heating module 7 releases the adsorbed moisture by desorption. The desorbed moisture can be discharged to the outside of the sealed casing 2, as shown diagrammatically by the arrow H2 in FIG. 2.

[0069] In the third step, the heating module is deactivated. The desiccant 8 and the shape memory alloy spring 11 are no longer heated by the heating module 7. The shape memory alloy spring 11 returns to its deformed shape and the biasing spring 10 can push the movable plug 9 back to the first position. The dehumidification device 1 returns to the configuration of the first step, where the chamber 4 communicates with the interior of the sealed casing 2. The desiccant 8 is again ready to adsorb moisture from the interior of the sealed casing 2.

[0070] This step is then repeated.

[0071] The above-described dehumidification device 1 has many advantages: A device is provided which is suitable for dehumidifying any type of closed casing.

[0072] In particular, dehumidifier 1 -Low design costs, -Easily designed into a variety of sizes and shapes, especially small and circular shapes; -Translational movement of the sealing element allows efficient sealing; - it is particularly easy to implement physically and electrically, -Less amount of desiccant required, -Low power consumption, -No noise, These advantages include: [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1 Dehumidifier 2. Sealed casing 3. Box 5 Entrance 6 exit 7 Heating Module 8. Desiccants 9 Mobile Plug 10. Spring 11 Shape memory alloy spring

Claims

1. A dehumidification device (1) in a sealed casing (2), comprising: a box (3) defining a chamber (4) with at least one inlet (5) and one outlet (6), said inlet (5) being configured to put said chamber (4) in communication with the interior of said hermetic casing (2) and said outlet (6) being configured to put said chamber (4) in communication with the exterior of said hermetic casing (2); a heating module (7) controllable to generate heat; a desiccant (8) configured to adsorb moisture inside the chamber (4) when said desiccant (8) is not heated by said heating module (7) and to return the adsorbed moisture by desorption when said desiccant (8) is heated by said heating module (7); at least one movable plug (9) that is alternately movable between at least a first position and a second position, said movable plug (9) being configured to open said inlet (5) and close said outlet (6) in said first position and to close said inlet (5) and open said outlet (6) in said second position; a biasing spring (10) configured to move the movable plug (9) to the first position when the heating module (7) does not heat the desiccant (8); a shape memory alloy spring (11) capable of being heated by the heating module (7) simultaneously with the desiccant (8), the shape memory alloy spring (11) being configured to move the movable plug (9) to the second position when the heating module (7) heats the desiccant (8); At least The movable plug (9) comprises: - a suction flap (12) configured to open said inlet (5) when said mobile plug (9) is in said first position and to close said inlet (5) when said mobile plug (9) is in said second position; a detachable flap (13) configured to close said outlet (6) when said removable plug (9) is in said first position and to open said outlet (6) when said removable plug (9) is in said second position; A dehumidification device (1).

2. said suction flap (12) comprises a first sealing surface (14) configured to be pressed against or moved away from an inlet wall (15) of said box (3) containing said inlet (5) and to be moved according to a translational movement along a first translational axis (A1-A1) substantially perpendicular to said inlet wall (15) in order to open or close, respectively, said inlet (5); The dehumidification device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the detachment flap (13) comprises a second sealing surface (16) configured to be pressed against or moved away from an outlet wall (17) of the box (3) containing the outlet (6) and to be moved according to a translational movement along a second translational axis (A2-A2) substantially perpendicular to the outlet wall (17) in order to open or close, respectively, the outlet (6).

3. The dehumidification device (1) of claim 2, wherein the adsorption flap (12) is integrated with the detachment flap (13), and the adsorption flap (12) and the detachment flap (13) are configured such that the first translational axis (A1-A2) coincides with the second translational axis (A2-A2), so that the movable plug (9) is moved to the first position and the second position according to a single translational direction.

4. - said mobile plug (9) comprises a first housing (18), - said heating module (7) comprises a first guiding shape (19), 3. The dehumidification device (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the biasing spring (10) is configured to be accommodated inside the first housing (18) and mounted on the guiding shape (19), and the biasing spring (10) is supported by the heating module (7) so as to push the movable plug (9) to the first position.

5. - said heating module (7) comprises a second housing (20), - said mobile plug (9) comprises a second guiding shape (21); The dehumidification device (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the shape memory alloy spring (11) is configured to be housed inside a second housing (20) and mounted on the guiding shape (21), and the shape memory alloy spring (10) is supported by the heating module (7) to push the movable plug (9) to the second position.

6. The heating module (7) a resistive element (22) comprising a flexible printed circuit (24) having at least a positive temperature coefficient ink (25), said resistive element (22) being configured to generate heat; a heat sink (23) configured to dissipate heat generated by said resistive element (22); At least A dehumidification device (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the desiccant (8) is attached to the heat sink (23), and the heat sink (23) is adapted to transfer heat generated from the resistive element (22) to the desiccant (8).

7. The dehumidification device (1) of claim 5, wherein the second housing (20) of the heating module (7) is made of a thermally conductive material and is connected to the heat sink (23), such that the second housing (20) is capable of transferring heat generated from the heating module (7) to the shape memory alloy spring (11).

8. A dehumidification device (1) according to any of claims 5 and 7, wherein the heat sink (23) of the heating module (7) has a flat shape.

9. The dehumidification device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the desiccant (8) corresponds to at least one desiccant pad (26).

10. The dehumidification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the desiccant (8) is arranged around the heat sink (23) of the heating module (7).

11. 11. The dehumidification device (1) according to claim 6, 9 or 10, wherein the desiccant (8) is arranged in surface contact with the heat sink (26) of the heating module (7).

12. The dehumidification device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising at least a first sealing element (27) and a second sealing element (28) arranged on the movable plug (9), the first sealing element (27) configured to seal the outlet (6) when the movable plug (9) is in the first position, and the second sealing element (28) configured to seal the inlet (5) when the movable plug (9) is in the second position.

13. A dehumidification device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the box (3) is circular in shape.

14. A vehicle headlamp (29) comprising at least a sealed casing (2) housing a light source (30), The vehicle headlamp (29) comprises a dehumidifier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the dehumidifier (1) being arranged on the vehicle headlamp (29) to dehumidify the sealed casing (2), and the chamber (4) of the box (3) is in communication with the inside of the sealed casing (2) via the inlet (5) and in communication with the outside of the sealed casing (2) via the outlet (6).

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