dehumidifier

Abstract

The present invention provides a dehumidifier that allows for the attachment and detachment of the tank while also having a circulation channel that uses condensed water to clean the internal components of the dehumidifier. [Solution] The dehumidifier according to the present disclosure comprises a main body, a dehumidifying means disposed inside the main body, a drain pan disposed below the dehumidifying means and receiving water generated by the dehumidifying means, a tank disposed below the drain pan and having a water storage section for storing water drained from the drain pan, and detachable from the main body, a flow path having a first flow path with a suction section located in the water storage section, a second flow path having a discharge section located above the drain pan, a connecting section connecting the first flow path and the second flow path, and a pump that draws water into the flow path from the suction section and discharges the water drawn into the flow path from the discharge section. When the tank is attached to the main body, the first flow path and the second flow path are in communication via the connecting section, and when the tank is removed from the main body, the first flow path and the second flow path are separated at the connecting section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dehumidifier.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which condensed water obtained by operating a condenser of an air conditioner is used for cleaning internal components such as the condenser. In Patent Document 1, for a vehicle air conditioner attached to the roof of a vehicle such as a bus, the condensed water generated by the evaporator of the air conditioner is stored and sprayed onto the surface of the condenser during the refrigeration cycle, making it possible to wash away adhered dust or foreign matter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A general dehumidifier is provided with a tank for storing dehumidified water in the dehumidifier body, and the drain pan is for guiding condensed water to the tank. Therefore, the amount of condensed water accumulating in the drain pan is small, and it has been difficult to use the condensed water accumulating in the drain pan for cleaning internal components. In addition, since the tank of the dehumidifier is detachable from the dehumidifier body, there is a problem that a circulation flow path as in Patent Document 1 cannot be fixed to the tank.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dehumidifier having a circulation flow path for cleaning internal components of the dehumidifier using condensed water while enabling detachment of the tank.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The dehumidifier according to this disclosure comprises a main body, a dehumidifying means disposed within the main body, a drain pan disposed below the dehumidifying means and receiving water generated by the dehumidifying means, a tank disposed below the drain pan and having a water storage section for storing water drained from the drain pan, and detachable from the main body, a flow path having a first flow path with a suction section located in the water storage section, a second flow path having a discharge section located above the drain pan, a connecting section connecting the first flow path and the second flow path, and a pump that draws water into the flow path from the suction section and discharges the water drawn into the flow path from the discharge section. When the tank is attached to the main body, the first flow path and the second flow path are in communication via the connecting section, and when the tank is removed from the main body, the first flow path and the second flow path are separated at the connecting section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a dehumidifier having a circulation channel that allows for the attachment and detachment of the tank while also cleaning the internal components of the dehumidifier using condensed water. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows a dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the area around the drain pan of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing a magnified view of the area around the tank of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the tank 30 removed from the main body 1 of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area near the heat exchanger of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area near the heat exchanger of a modified example of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 9]This is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the area near the internal flow path switching section of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area near the external flow path switching section of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Common or corresponding elements in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are simplified or omitted. Furthermore, the configurations shown in the embodiments below are examples of the technical ideas related to this disclosure, and can be combined with other known technologies, or multiple technical ideas described in this disclosure can be combined. In addition, it is possible to omit or modify parts of the configuration without departing from the gist of this disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing a dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 1, the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1 has a dehumidifying means and a blower fan 12 inside the main body 1. The blower fan 12 draws air into the main body 1, the dehumidifying means dehumidifies the air, and blows the dehumidified air out of the main body 1. The dehumidifying means consists of a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates, for example, having an evaporator 10 and a condenser 11, and the air passing through the evaporator 10 is dehumidified. The dehumidifier 100 of this embodiment is used when placed on the floor. In the following description, the orientation and positional relationship of each part will be specified assuming that the dehumidifier 100 is placed on a horizontal floor. The left side of Figure 1 corresponds to the front of the dehumidifier 100, and the right side of Figure 1 corresponds to the back of the dehumidifier 100.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the dehumidifier 100 of this embodiment comprises a main body 1, a dehumidifying means, a blower fan 12, and a tank 30. The main body 1 corresponds to the skeletal structure of the dehumidifier 100. The dehumidifying means, the blower fan 12, and the tank 30 are housed inside the main body 1. The main body 1 in the illustrated example has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but the shape of the main body 1 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0012] The main body 1 has an air intake 6 and an air outlet 7. In the illustrated example, the air intake 6 opens on the back of the main body 1, and the air outlet 7 opens on the top surface of the main body 1. An air passage 13 is formed inside the main body 1. The air passage 13 is a space that serves as a passage for air to flow from the air intake 6 to the air outlet 7. An air filter 14 is installed in the air intake 6.

[0013] The blower fan 12 is positioned in the air passage 13. When the blower fan 12 rotates, an airflow is generated such that air that flows into the main body 1 from the intake port 6 through the air filter 14 passes through the air passage 13 and then flows out to the outside of the main body 1 from the outlet port 7. The blower fan 12 is an example of a ventilation means.

[0014] The dehumidifier 100 includes a refrigerant circuit. This refrigerant circuit has an evaporator 10 which is a dehumidifying means, a condenser 11, a compressor (not shown), and refrigerant pipes (not shown) that connect these in a loop. The dehumidifying means of the present embodiment removes moisture in the air by operating the refrigeration cycle with the refrigerant circuit. The evaporator 10 and the condenser 11 are arranged in the air duct 13. The evaporator 10 and the condenser 11 correspond to heat exchangers that exchange heat between the air passing through the air duct 13 and the refrigerant. In the illustrated example, the condenser 11 is arranged on the upstream side of the air flow with respect to the blower fan 12, and the evaporator 10 is arranged on the upstream side of the air flow with respect to the condenser 11. The air flowing into the air duct 13 from the intake port 6 is first cooled by the evaporator 10. As a result, the moisture in the air condenses and dew forms on the surface of the evaporator 10. The liquid water that has dew-formed on the surface of the evaporator 10 flows downward due to gravity. In this way, the dehumidifying means discharges the moisture removed from the air as liquid water. The evaporator 10 evaporates the refrigerant by absorbing the heat of the air into the low-pressure refrigerant. The evaporated refrigerant flows into the compressor. The high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor flows into the condenser 11. The condenser 11 heats the air flowing in from the evaporator 10 with the heat of the high-pressure refrigerant. The high-pressure refrigerant cooled while passing through the condenser 11 is decompressed by a decompression device (not shown) and then flows into the evaporator 10.

[0015] The dehumidifying means is not limited to the refrigeration cycle type device as described above, and it is needless to say that other types of devices may be used. For example, the dehumidifying means may be, for example, a desiccant type device. The dehumidifying means in the case of the desiccant type includes an adsorbent that adsorbs moisture in the air, a heater, and a heat exchanger. The moisture adsorbed by the adsorbent is heated by the heater. The moisture heated by the heater is cooled and condensed by the heat exchanger.

[0016] The condensed water adhering to the evaporator 10 is collected via the lower drain pan 20 into the water storage section 31 of the tank 30 below the drain pan 20. On the upper part of the main body 1, there are provided an operation section 50 for the user to perform operations, a display section 60 for displaying the operation content, etc., a human presence sensor 70 for detecting a person near the dehumidifier 100, and control means 80 for controlling the operations of the blower fan and a pump 40 to be described later.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the drain pan 20 of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the drain pan 20 has a drain hole 21 through which the condensed water normally flows toward the tank 30, and an overflow hole 22 for flowing the condensed water into the tank 30 when the condensed water accumulates on the drain pan 20. The overflow hole 22 is disposed above the drain hole 21. The drain pan 20 has a drain pan float switch 23 provided near the overflow hole 22 for detecting a state where the condensed water is passing through the overflow hole 22. Drainage from the overflow hole 22 is performed, for example, when the drain hole 21 is clogged with dust or the like, the drainage function of the drain hole 21 deteriorates, and the water level on the drain pan 20 rises to the height where the overflow hole 22 is located. Above the drain pan 20, a drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 to be described later is disposed, and water is discharged from the drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 onto the drain pan 20. Note that the drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 may be connected to a part of the drain pan 20.

[0018] The tank 30 is configured to be detachable from the main body 1 by moving it in the front-rear direction of the dehumidifier 100. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the tank 30 of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the tank 30 has a water storage section 31, a tank-side flow path 32 corresponding to the first flow path, a connection section 33, a tray 34, a filter 35, a water level detection float 36, and a tank lid 37.

[0019] A water storage section 31 is formed inside the tank 30. The water storage section 31 has a first water storage section 31a, a second water storage section 31b, and a partition section 31c that separates the first water storage section 31a and the second water storage section 31b. The opening 37a of the tank lid 37 is located above the first water storage section 31a, and condensation water falling from the opening 37a is preferentially stored in the first water storage section 31a. The water storage section 31 is configured such that when a predetermined amount of condensation water accumulates in the first water storage section 31a, the condensation water flows into the second water storage section 31b. The predetermined amount is set, for example, by the height of the partition section 31c, and when the water level in the first water storage section 31a exceeds the height of the partition section 31c, the flow into the second water storage section 31b begins.

[0020] The tank-side flow path 32, connection part 33, receiving tray 34, and filter 35 are located on the first water storage section 31a side. The suction part 32a, which is one end of the tank-side flow path 32, is located in the first water storage section 31a. Condensed water accumulated in the first water storage section 31a passes through the filter 35 to remove dust and other debris, is then sucked into the tank-side flow path 32 from the suction part 32a, and supplied to the pump 40. The first water storage section 31a has a smaller capacity than the second water storage section 31b, and its height is longer than its horizontal dimension, so even a small amount of condensed water can raise the water level and supply it to the pump 40.

[0021] The connection section 33 is the part that connects the tank-side flow path 32 to the pump-side flow path 41, which corresponds to the second flow path. More specifically, the connection section 33 is the part that connects the other end of the tank-side flow path 32, that is, the end on the side that is not the suction section 32a, to the end of the pump-side flow path 41 on the pump suction port 41a side.

[0022] The connection portion 33 has a check valve 33a that functions as a water-stopping means. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the tank 30 removed from the main body 1 of the dehumidifier 100 of Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 4, the check valve 33a is configured to close the other end of the tank-side passage 32, that is, the end that connects to the pump-side passage 41, by the elastic force of a spring. Specifically, the check valve 33a closes the other end of the tank-side passage 32 so that when the tank 30 is removed from the main body 1, water accumulated in the water storage portion 31 does not flow out from the tank-side passage 32. The receiving tray 34 is provided below the connection portion 33 and has the function of receiving water that drips from the other end of the tank-side passage 32 when the tank 30 is removed from the main body 1 and returning it to the water storage portion 31. Note that the water-stopping means is not limited to the check valve 33a and may be other configurations.

[0023] The tank-side passage 32 is positioned to open toward the rear of the tank 30. By positioning it in this way, the tank-side passage 32 opens in the same direction as the attachment / detachment direction between the tank 30 and the main body 1. In other words, the connection direction between the tank-side passage 32 and the pump-side passage 41 is parallel to the attachment / detachment direction between the tank 30 and the main body 1. When the tank 30 is attached to the main body 1, the other end of the tank-side passage 32 is connected to the pump suction port 41a of the pump-side passage 41, and the tank-side passage 32 and the pump-side passage 41 are in communication. More specifically, when the tank 30 is attached to the main body 1, the pump suction port 41a pushes against the elastic force of the spring of the check valve 33a provided in the connection part 33, and is connected to the tank-side passage 32.

[0024] Furthermore, when the tank 30 is removed from the main body 1, that is, when the tank 30 is moved to the front, the tank-side flow path 32 and the pump-side flow path 41, which were connected at the connection part 33, are disconnected. Alternatively, a locking mechanism to restrict the removal of the tank 30 may be provided inside the main body 1, and the locking mechanism may be activated while the pump 40 is operating to prevent the tank 30 from being removed.

[0025] The pump 40 is located inside the main body 1 of the dehumidifier 100, below the evaporator 10 and condenser 11, and to the side of the location where the tank 30 is installed. As shown in Figure 2, the pump-side flow path 41 includes a drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 positioned above the drain pan 20. The drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 corresponds to the discharge section. The drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 is positioned at a different horizontal position from the drain hole 21 formed in the drain pan 20. Furthermore, the drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 is positioned at a different horizontal position from the overflow hole 22 formed in the drain pan 20. In other words, the drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 is positioned so as to not overlap with the drain hole 21 and the overflow hole 22 in terms of horizontal position.

[0026] When the pump 40 is operated by the control means 80, condensed water accumulated in the water storage section 31 of the tank 30 is pumped up from the pump suction port 41a and sent to the pump-side flow path 41. The condensed water sent to the pump-side flow path 41 is then discharged onto the drain pan 20 from the drain pan cleaning nozzle 42. The condensed water discharged onto the drain pan 20 flows over the drain pan toward the drain hole 21 and is drained downwards from the drain hole 21. By discharging the condensed water into the drain pan 20, dust and other debris adhering to the drain pan 20 are washed away with the water, cleaning the top surface of the drain pan 20 and the drain hole 21. Furthermore, by positioning the drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 at a different horizontal position from the drain hole 21 and the overflow hole 22, the condensed water flows over the top surface of the drain pan 20 before being drained, ensuring thorough cleaning of the top surface of the drain pan 20. Furthermore, the operation of the pump 40 is not limited to being controlled by the control means 80; for example, the user may manually drive the pump 40 by operating a switch or handle at the time they wish to clean.

[0027] The arrangement of the pump 40 is an example, and for example, the pump 40 may be provided inside the tank 30. In this case, a part of the flow path connected to the discharge port of the pump 40 becomes the tank-side flow path, i.e., the first flow path, and the other part of the flow path on the discharge side of the pump 40 becomes the pump-side flow path, i.e., the second flow path, and the end of the part of the flow path on the discharge side of the pump 40 is connected to the end of the other part at the connection part 33. In the case of a pump 40 provided inside the tank 30, for example, by attaching the tank 30 to the main body 1, the pump 40 inside the tank 30 and the control means 80 on the main body 1 side are electrically connected. Alternatively, the pump 40 inside the tank 30 may be configured to operate by contactless power supply.

[0028] The cleaning operation will now be explained. As a first example, the cleaning operation is performed after the dehumidification operation is completed. Specifically, if the user starts the dehumidification operation using the operation button 51 provided on the operation unit 50 of the dehumidifier 100, and the cleaning button 52 provided on the operation unit 50 is pressed before the operation is completed, the control means 80 will operate the pump 40 after the dehumidification operation is completed and spray condensed water from the drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 to clean the drain pan 20 for a certain period of time. Note that the method for setting the cleaning operation is not limited to pressing the cleaning button 52; it may be set by other methods as well.

[0029] As a second example, a cleaning operation is performed when the water level in the water reservoir 31 becomes full. Specifically, when the cleaning button 52 is pressed during dehumidification operation, the control means 80 stops the dehumidification operation, activates the pump 40, and sprays condensed water from the drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 to clean the drain pan 20 for a certain period of time, provided that the water level detection float 36 provided in the tank 30 detects that the water level in the water reservoir 31 is full.

[0030] As a third example, a cleaning operation is performed when the drain hole 21 of the drain pan 20 becomes clogged. Specifically, if the drain hole 21 becomes clogged with dust or the like during dehumidification operation, reducing the drainage function and causing the water level on the drain pan 20 to rise, the control means 80 detects that condensation water has started to flow out of the overflow hole 22 using the drain pan float switch 23. Based on this detection, the pump 40 is activated, and condensation water is sprayed from the drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 to clean the drain pan 20 for a certain period of time. By spraying condensation water, a water flow is generated in the drain pan 20, and this water flow clears the clog in the drain hole 21. Note that other methods may be used to detect the clog in the drain hole 21.

[0031] In the third example, dehumidification may be continued during the cleaning operation. Furthermore, if the water level detection by the drain pan float switch 23 continues even after the cleaning operation, meaning that the blockage of the drain hole 21 is not cleared, the control means 80 controls the flow rate of the pump 40 to increase, thereby increasing the flow rate and velocity of the water discharged onto the drain pan 20 and attempting to clear the blockage. If the blockage is not cleared even after these controls, the control means 80 stops the operation and displays an error on the display unit 60 to notify the user. On the other hand, if the water level detection by the drain pan float switch 23 is no longer detected, meaning that the blockage of the drain hole 21 is cleared, the control means 80 stops the operation of the pump 40 and terminates the cleaning operation.

[0032] The dehumidifier 100 may be equipped with means for stopping the operation of the pump 40 during the cleaning operation. For example, the control means 80 stops the pump 40 when it detects a person approaching the dehumidifier 100 using a human presence sensor 70 provided on the main body 1. This allows the dehumidifier 100 to be in a state where the tank 30 can be removed when a person approaches, eliminating the need for the approaching person to stop the unit or wait for it to stop, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0033] Embodiment 2. Next, Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7, focusing on the differences from Embodiment 1 described above, and simplifying or omitting common descriptions. Furthermore, elements common to or corresponding to those described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0034] Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier 100 of Embodiment 2. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier 100 of Embodiment 2 near the heat exchanger (evaporator 10 and condenser 11). Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a modified version of the dehumidifier 100 of Embodiment 2 near the heat exchanger (evaporator 10 and condenser 11). Note that in Figure 5, some parts such as the filter, fan, and control unit have been omitted.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the dehumidifier 100 of Embodiment 2 is equipped with a heat exchanger cleaning nozzle 43 in the pump-side flow path 41 instead of the drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 shown in Embodiment 1. The heat exchanger cleaning nozzle 43 corresponds to the discharge section. The heat exchanger cleaning nozzle 43 is positioned so as to be able to spray condensed water onto the evaporator 10 and condenser 11, which are the heat exchangers of the dehumidifying means, for example, above the evaporator 10 and condenser 11. In the case of a dehumidifier with multiple heat exchangers, any heat exchanger cleaning nozzle capable of spraying condensed water onto at least one heat exchanger is sufficient.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, when the pump 40 operates, condensed water is sprayed from the heat exchanger cleaning nozzle 43 through the pump-side flow path 41, cleaning the evaporator 10 and condenser 11. The condensed water sprayed onto the evaporator 10 and condenser 11 flows downwards, adsorbing dust and other particles attached to the surfaces of the evaporator 10 and condenser 11, and falls onto the drain pan 20. The condensed water that falls onto the drain pan 20 flows towards the drain hole 21 and is drained from the drain hole 21. As the condensed water flows towards the drain hole 21, the upper surface of the drain pan 20 is also cleaned. In other words, the dehumidifier 100 of Embodiment 2 can clean both the evaporator 10 and condenser 11 and the drain pan 20.

[0037] The cleaning operation can be performed after the dehumidification operation is completed, or when the water reservoir 31 of the tank 30 is detected to be full, similar to the first embodiment.

[0038] In Embodiment 2, after the operation is stopped, the pump 40 is activated and condensed water is sprayed from the heat exchanger cleaning nozzle 43 to clean the evaporator 10 and condenser 11 for a certain period of time. Also, when the water level detection float 36 installed in the tank detects that the tank is full, the dehumidification operation stops, and the pump operation is started in the same manner.

[0039] After cleaning the evaporator 10 and condenser 11, that is, after stopping the operation of the pump 40, the control means 80 operates the blower fan 12 to draw outside air into the main body 1 and perform a drying operation of the air passage. The drying operation may be performed for a predetermined time, or the drying operation may be terminated when temperature sensors provided in the evaporator 10 and condenser 11 detect that the temperature, which has decreased due to cleaning, has risen to a predetermined temperature.

[0040] Figure 7 shows a modified example of the evaporator 10 in Figure 6, where a vertical aluminum flat tube heat exchanger is used. As shown in Figure 7, the vertical aluminum flat tube type evaporator 10 has distribution headers 10a and 10b at the top and bottom. The heat exchanger cleaning nozzle 44, which corresponds to the discharge section, is provided in contact with or integrally connected to the upper header 10a. Providing the heat exchanger cleaning nozzle 44 in contact with the upper header 10a eliminates unnecessary gaps and suppresses the increase in size of the device. Also, if the heat exchanger cleaning nozzle 44 is integrally connected to the upper header 10a, the positioning work of the heat exchanger cleaning nozzle 44 can be omitted, improving assembly workability. Although Figure 7 shows the case where the evaporator 10 is of the vertical aluminum flat tube type, the condenser 11 may be configured similarly to clean both heat exchangers.

[0041] Embodiment 3. Next, Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9, focusing on the differences from the previously described embodiment, and simplifying or omitting common descriptions. Furthermore, elements common to or corresponding to those described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0042] Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier 100 of Embodiment 3. Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the internal flow path switching section 45 of the dehumidifier 100 of Embodiment 3. Note that some parts, such as the filter, fan, and operating section, are omitted in Figure 8.

[0043] As shown in Figure 8, this third embodiment has both the drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 shown in the first embodiment and the heat exchanger cleaning nozzle 43 shown in the second embodiment. By switching the flow path in the internal flow path switching unit 45, condensed water is sprayed from either nozzle to clean the drain pan 20 or the evaporator 10 and condenser 11. The flow path switching of the internal flow path switching unit 45 may be electrically operated by the control means 80, or it may be possible to switch it manually by the user.

[0044] The internal flow path switching unit 45 may be configured to allow condensation water to flow to both the drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 and the heat exchanger cleaning nozzle 43 simultaneously, rather than just one of them. Alternatively, the internal flow path switching unit 45 may be configured to change the flow rate of condensation water flowing to each nozzle by changing the opening of the flow path connected to each nozzle. In this way, cleaning can be performed according to the degree of soiling of the heat exchanger and the drain pan, respectively. Furthermore, the control means 80 can change the flow rate of condensation water sprayed from each nozzle according to the amount of condensation water stored in the water storage unit 31.

[0045] In the above example, the internal flow path switching unit 45 corresponds to an discharge volume changing means that can change either or both the amount of water discharged from the heat exchanger cleaning nozzle 43, which corresponds to the first discharge unit, and the amount of water discharged from the drain pan cleaning nozzle 42, which corresponds to the second discharge unit. The control means 80 corresponds to a control means that controls the internal flow path switching unit 45 according to the amount of condensation water stored in the water storage unit 31.

[0046] During dehumidification operation, spraying condensed water onto the evaporator 10 and condenser 11 may affect the dehumidification performance, so the spraying from the heat exchanger cleaning nozzle 43 may be restricted. For example, if the drain pan float switch 23 detects condensed water during dehumidification operation, the operation of the pump 40 may be started on the condition that the internal flow path switching unit 45 is switched to connect to the drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 side, as shown in Figure 9.

[0047] Embodiment 4. Next, Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11, focusing on the differences from the previously described embodiment, and simplifying or omitting common descriptions. Furthermore, elements common to or corresponding to those described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0048] Figure 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier 100 of Embodiment 4. Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area around the external flow path switching section 46 of the dehumidifier 100 of Embodiment 4. Note that some parts, such as the filter, fan, and control section, are omitted in Figure 10.

[0049] As shown in Figure 10, Embodiment 4 includes, in addition to the internal flow path switching unit 45 shown in Embodiment 3, an external flow path switching unit 46 for draining condensation water to the outside of the main body 1 of the dehumidifier 100.

[0050] As shown in Figure 11, by switching the external flow path switching unit 46, the condensed water sent from the pump 40 can be discharged to the outside of the dehumidifier 100 through the external drainage unit 47. The external drainage unit 47 is detachably fitted with an external drainage unit cover 48. With the external drainage unit cover 48 removed, a hose or the like can be attached to the external drainage unit 47, allowing the condensed water to be drained to a location away from the dehumidifier 100 via the hose or the like.

[0051] The external flow path switching unit 46 switches between a first drainage path that discharges water from the drain pan cleaning nozzle 42 or the heat exchanger cleaning nozzles 43 and 44, and a second drainage path that discharges water from the external drainage unit 47.

[0052] The control means 80 controls the switching of the external flow path switching unit 46 and the operation of the pump 40 according to the water level in the water storage section 31 of the tank 30. For example, when the water level in the water storage section 31 is full or at a predetermined level before fullness, the external flow path switching unit 46 is switched to connect to the flow path on the external drainage section 47 side, which corresponds to the third flow path, and the pump 40 is operated to discharge condensed water to the outside. Then, when the water level falls below the predetermined level, the operation of the pump 40 is stopped. At this time, the external flow path switching unit 46 may also be switched to connect to the cleaning nozzles 42 and 43 side.

[0053] By switching the external flow path switching unit 46 to the external drainage unit 47 and operating the pump 40, the condensed water accumulated in the water storage unit 31 of the tank 30 can be discharged to the outside, allowing for continuous dehumidification. By providing the external flow path switching unit 46 and switching the pump-side flow path 41, it is possible to achieve both cleaning of internal components and continuous dehumidification. However, if there is insufficient condensed water accumulated in the water storage unit 31, a sufficient cleaning effect may not be obtained. Therefore, it is desirable to keep a predetermined amount of condensed water constantly accumulated in the water storage unit 31 (first water storage unit 31a) without discharging all of the condensed water to the outside.

[0054] The switching of the flow path of the external flow path switching unit 46 may be electrically operated by the control means 80, or it may be possible to switch it manually by the user. Furthermore, although Embodiment 4 shows a dehumidifier 100 equipped with an internal flow path switching unit 45 and an external flow path switching unit 46, the external flow path switching unit 46 can also be applied to the dehumidifier 100 without the internal flow path switching unit 45 in Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0055] Furthermore, two or more features from the multiple embodiments described above that can be combined may be implemented in combination.

[0056] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0057] (Note 1) The main unit and A dehumidifying means arranged inside the main body, A drain pan is positioned below the dehumidifying means and receives the water generated by the dehumidifying means, A tank is located below the drain pan and has a water storage section for storing the water drained from the drain pan, and is detachable from the main body, A flow path having a first flow path with a suction section located in the water storage section, a second flow path with a discharge section located above the drain pan, and a connecting section connecting the first flow path and the second flow path, A pump that draws the water into the flow path from the suction section and discharges the water drawn into the flow path from the discharge section, Equipped with, When the tank is attached to the main body, the first flow path and the second flow path become connected via the connecting portion. When the tank is removed from the main body, the first flow path and the second flow path become separated at the connection point. Dehumidifier. (Note 2) The dehumidifier according to Appendix 1, wherein the direction in which the tank is attached to and detached from the main body is parallel to the direction in which the first flow path and the second flow path are connected at the connection part. (Note 3) The aforementioned connection part is provided in the tank, The tank has a water-stopping means for stopping the drainage from the first channel when the tank is removed from the main body. A dehumidifier as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2. (Note 4) The water storage section comprises a first water storage section and a second water storage section. The suction section is located in the first water reservoir section. In the first water storage section, water is stored preferentially over the water in the second water storage section. A dehumidifier as described in any one of the items in Appendix 1 to Appendix 3. (Note 5) The discharge unit is arranged to discharge the water onto the drain pan. The drain pan has a drain hole for draining the water to the tank side, The discharge section and the drain hole are positioned so as not to overlap in the horizontal direction. A dehumidifier as described in any one of the items in Appendix 1 to Appendix 4. (Note 6) The aforementioned flow path has a third flow path having an external drainage section that communicates with the space outside the main body, The system includes an external flow path switching unit that switches between a first drainage path that discharges water from the discharge section in the aforementioned flow path and a second drainage path that discharges water from the external drainage section. A dehumidifier as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 5. (Note 7) The pump is equipped with control means for controlling the operation of the pump, The control means controls the operation of the pump according to the amount of water stored in the water reservoir of the tank. A dehumidifier as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 6. (Note 8) The second flow path has a plurality of discharge sections, The plurality of discharge units include a first discharge unit that discharges the water to the dehumidifying means and a second discharge unit that discharges the water to the drain pan. Discharge volume changing means capable of changing either or both the amount of water discharged from the first discharge section and the amount of water discharged from the second discharge section, The system includes a control means for controlling the discharge rate changing means according to the amount of water stored in the water storage section of the tank, A dehumidifier as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 7. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1 Main unit, 6 Intake port, 7 Outlet port, 10 Evaporator, 10a Distribution header, 10a Upper header, 11 Condenser, 12 Blower fan, 13 Air passage, 14 Air filter, 20 Drain pan, 21 Drain hole, 22 Overflow hole, 23 Drain pan float switch, 30 Tank, 31 Water storage section, 31a First water storage section, 31b Second water storage section, 31c Partition section, 32 Tank-side flow path, 32a Suction section, 33 Connection section, 33a Check valve, 34 Receiving tray, 35 Filter, 36 Water level detection float, 37 Tank lid, 37a Opening, 40 Pump, 41 Pump-side flow path, 41a Pump suction port, 42 43 Drain pan cleaning nozzle, 44 Heat exchanger cleaning nozzle, 45 Internal flow path switching unit, 46 External flow path switching unit, 47 External drainage unit, 48 External drainage unit cover, 50 Operation unit, 51 Operation button, 52 Cleaning button, 60 Display unit, 70 Human presence sensor, 80 Control means, 100 Dehumidifier

Claims

1. The main unit and A dehumidifying means arranged inside the main body, A drain pan is positioned below the dehumidifying means and receives the water generated by the dehumidifying means, A tank is located below the drain pan and has a water storage section for storing the water drained from the drain pan, and is detachable from the main body, A flow path having a first flow path with a suction section located in the water storage section, a second flow path with a discharge section located above the drain pan, and a connecting section connecting the first flow path and the second flow path, A pump that draws the water into the flow path from the suction section and discharges the water drawn into the flow path from the discharge section, Equipped with, When the tank is attached to the main body, the first flow path and the second flow path become connected via the connecting portion. When the tank is removed from the main body, the first flow path and the second flow path become separated at the connection point. Dehumidifier.

2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the direction in which the tank is attached to and detached from the main body is parallel to the direction in which the first flow path and the second flow path are connected at the connection part.

3. The aforementioned connection part is provided in the tank, The tank has a water-stopping means for stopping the drainage from the first channel when the tank is removed from the main body. A dehumidifier according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The water storage section comprises a first water storage section and a second water storage section. The suction section is located in the first water reservoir section. In the first water storage section, water is stored preferentially over the water in the second water storage section. A dehumidifier according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The discharge unit is arranged to discharge the water onto the drain pan. The drain pan has a drain hole for draining the water to the tank side, The discharge section and the drain hole are positioned so as not to overlap in the horizontal direction. A dehumidifier according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The aforementioned flow path has a third flow path having an external drainage section that communicates with the space outside the main body, The system includes an external flow path switching unit that switches between a first drainage path that discharges water from the discharge section in the aforementioned flow path and a second drainage path that discharges water from the external drainage section. A dehumidifier according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The pump is equipped with control means for controlling the operation of the pump, The control means controls the operation of the pump according to the amount of water stored in the water reservoir of the tank. A dehumidifier according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The second flow path has a plurality of discharge sections, The plurality of discharge units include a first discharge unit that discharges the water to the dehumidifying means and a second discharge unit that discharges the water to the drain pan. Discharge volume changing means capable of changing either or both the amount of water discharged from the first discharge section and the amount of water discharged from the second discharge section, The system includes a control means for controlling the discharge rate changing means according to the amount of water stored in the water storage section of the tank, A dehumidifier according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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