dehumidifier

Abstract

This product provides a dehumidifier with a design that offers excellent maintainability and reduces the noise of condensation dripping into the tank. [Solution] The dehumidifier according to the present disclosure is a dehumidifier equipped with a tank below the drain pan, the tank comprising a tank lid and a tank water guide section, the tank lid having a water storage opening, the tank water guide section being positioned on the bottom surface of the tank, the water storage opening and the tank water guide section overlap at least a portion with respect to their horizontal position, the tank water guide section has corners formed on its outer circumference to guide condensation water, and the upper end of the tank water guide section is positioned higher than the liquid level when the tank is full.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dehumidifier. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 below discloses a drain water storage device comprising: a dew receiving portion that receives drain water from an evaporator of a refrigeration cycle; and a drain tank that stores drain water dripped from a drain port provided in the dew receiving portion, wherein the drain water storage device is provided with a boss erected on a bottom portion of the drain tank, and a float that is slidably held by the boss and receives drain water dripped from the drain port, and a sound deadening material is provided on a surface of the float that receives the drain water. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-023006 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Conventional drain water storage devices have problems such as complicated structures including a sliding mechanism between the float and the boss, and poor maintainability.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dehumidifier that has a configuration with excellent maintainability and can reduce the dripping noise of condensed water dripped into a tank. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] The dehumidifier according to this disclosure is a dehumidifier equipped with a tank below a drain pan, the tank comprising a tank lid and a tank water guide section, the tank lid having a water storage opening, the tank water guide section being located on the bottom surface of the tank, the water storage opening and the tank water guide section overlap at least a portion with respect to their horizontal position, the tank water guide section has corners formed on its outer circumference to guide condensation water, and the upper end of the tank water guide section is located higher than the liquid level of the tank when it is full. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a dehumidifier with a configuration that offers excellent maintainability and can reduce the sound of condensation dripping into the tank. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the tank. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the tank with the tank lid removed. [Figure 4] This is a top view of the tank. [Figure 5] This is a magnified perspective view of the area around the water storage opening. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a modified example of the tank water intake section. [Figure 7] This figure shows other variations of the tank water intake section. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view along the groove. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified tank lid and tank water intake section. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the tank with its handle extended. [Figure 11] This is a side view showing the handlebars in the extended position. [Figure 12] This is a side view showing the handle in the retracted position. [Figure 13]This is a perspective view showing the drain opening with the cover open. [Figure 14] This is a side cross-sectional view taken at the location of the drainage opening. [Figure 15] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view taken at the location of the drainage opening. [Figure 16] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the comparative example, cut at the location of the drainage opening. [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. 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. Furthermore, 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 schematic cross-sectional view of a dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 1, the dehumidifier 1 is equipped with a tank 3 below the drain pan 2. The dehumidifier 1 is equipped with a dehumidifying means (not shown) above the drain pan 2. The housing (not shown) of the dehumidifier 1 has an intake port for drawing in indoor air and an outlet port for blowing air into the room. The dehumidifying means removes moisture from the airflow from the intake port to the outlet port. The dehumidifying means may be a refrigeration cycle type equipped with a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, another condenser, and a pressure reducing device. In that case, water droplets condensed on the evaporator drip into the drain pan 2 by gravity.

[0011] It goes without saying that the dehumidifying means is not limited to the refrigeration cycle type apparatus described above, and apparatuses of other types may also be used. For example, the dehumidifying means may be, for example, a desiccant type apparatus. The desiccant-type dehumidifying means comprises an adsorbent that adsorbs moisture in 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.

[0012] The tank 3 comprises a tank lid 4 and a tank water guide part 5. The tank lid 4 is provided with a water storage opening 6. The tank water guide part 5 is disposed on the bottom surface of the tank 3. The water storage opening 6 and the tank water guide part 5 are disposed such that at least portions thereof overlap each other in terms of horizontal position. A plurality of ribs 7 project outward from the tank water guide part 5. The upper end of the tank water guide part 5 is located at a position higher than the liquid level height 22 when the tank 3 is full.

[0013] Condensed water dropped onto the drain pan 2 then flows through the drain pipe 8 to the upper surface of the tank lid 4. The condensed water that has flowed to the upper surface of the tank lid 4 enters the tank 3 through the water storage opening 6 and comes into contact with the tank water guide part 5. Corner portions formed between adjacent ribs 7 of the tank water guide part 5 are shaped to guide the condensed water that has entered the tank 3 from the water storage opening 6. Therefore, the condensed water dropped onto the tank water guide part 5 flows down along the corner portions between the ribs 7 due to surface tension. Hence, the splashing noise of the condensed water can be reliably reduced. Additionally, since the tank water guide part 5 has a simple structure, it is excellent in maintainability.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the tank 3. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the tank 3 with the tank lid 4 removed. In the example shown in Fig. 3, four ribs 7 protrude, and the four ribs 7 are arranged to form a cross shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the tank water guide section 5. Since the upper end of the tank water guide section 5 is located at a position higher than the liquid level height 22 in a full water state, condensed water is stored in the tank 3 via the tank water guide section 5 until the tank becomes full, thereby reducing water falling noise. Fig. 4 is a top view of the tank 3. Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the water storage opening 6. As shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 5, a slope that slopes downward toward the water storage opening 6 is formed on the upper surface of the tank lid 4. Furthermore, grooves 9, 10, 11, and 12 that slope downward toward the water storage opening 6 are formed on the upper surface of the tank lid 4. Condensed water passing through the grooves 9, 10, 11, and 12 makes it possible to stabilize the falling position of the condensed water.

[0015] The shape of the tank water guide section 5 is not limited to a cross shape. For example, the tank water guide section 5 may have a shape in which at least one rib is provided on the outer periphery of a cylindrical protrusion. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a modified example of the tank water guide section 5. As shown in Fig. 6, the tank water guide section 5 may be formed with one rib 5b protruding from a shaft portion 5a. In this example, a corner portion is formed at the base of the rib 5b. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another modified example of the tank water guide section 5. As shown in Fig. 7, the tank water guide section 5 may have at least one groove portion 5c formed in the shaft portion 5a. In this example, forming the groove portion 5c guides condensed water along the groove portion 5c. The groove portion 5c may be formed over the entire height direction of the shaft portion 5a, or may be formed only in the upper portion thereof.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, in this embodiment, the central axis AX1 of the water storage opening 6 and the central axis AX2 of the tank water guide section 5 are misaligned. Also, the position of the corners, which are shaped to guide condensation water, is misaligned with the central axis AX1 of the water storage opening 6. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the central axis of the water storage opening 6 is misaligned with the corners, which are the intersections of the multiple ribs 7. The amount of condensation water flowing over the tank lid 4 is greatest when flowing along the groove 11, depending on the positional relationship with the drain pipe 8. The corners, which are the intersections of the multiple ribs 7, are misaligned so as to be closer to the downstream end of the groove 11. This allows the condensation water flowing along the groove 11 to more reliably hit the corners of the tank water guide section 5. Therefore, the sound of dripping condensation water can be more reliably reduced.

[0017] The tank water intake section 5 can be installed at any position away from the side of the tank 3. This allows the water storage opening 6 to be positioned near the center of the tank lid 4. When the water storage opening 6 is positioned in the center, water leakage from the water storage opening 6 becomes less likely when the user carries the tank 3 to empty condensed water.

[0018] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the tank 3 has a drainage opening 13. The drainage opening 13 is an opening that serves as an outlet for the user to dispose of the condensed water accumulated in the tank 3.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, the tank 3 is equipped with a float 14. A magnet 15 is connected to the float 14. The float 14 is rotatable around an axis 16. When there is little condensation in the tank 3, the float 14 is stationary with its floating side lower than the magnet side. As condensation accumulates in the tank 3, the floating side is pushed up by the condensation, causing the float 14 to tilt so that its top surface is horizontal. When the magnet 15 on the float 14 separates from the water level sensor on the main body of the dehumidifier 1, which is located above the tank 3, the dehumidifier 1 recognizes that the tank 3 is full. When the tank 3 is full, the dehumidifier 1 stops operating.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the tank water intake section 5 has a tapered shape, with its dimensions increasing towards the bottom. This ensures the rigidity of the tank water intake section 5. It also makes it easier to remove the part from the mold during molding.

[0021] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along grooves 11 and 12. As shown in Figures 5 and 8, a notch 17 is formed at the upper end of the water storage opening 6, which is connected to grooves 11 and 12. The notch 17 reduces the flow velocity of condensation water passing through the water storage opening 6 of the tank lid 4. Therefore, the condensation water passing through the notch 17 is guided to reliably drip into the tank water guide section 5.

[0022] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified tank lid 4 and tank water guide section 5. As shown in Figure 9, in the modified tank lid 4 and tank water guide section 5, the upper end of the tank water guide section 5 is inserted into the water storage opening 6. The upper end of the tank water guide section 5 is positioned higher than the lower end of the water storage opening 6. The upper end of the tank water guide section 5 is in contact with or close to the inner circumference of the water storage opening 6. Even with this modification, condensation water flowing into the water storage opening 6 can be reliably directed to the tank water guide section 5. Therefore, the sound of dripping condensation water can be reliably reduced.

[0023] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the tank 3 with the handle 18 extended. Figure 11 is a side view showing the handle 18 extended. Figure 12 is a side view showing the handle 18 retracted. The handle 18 is the part that the user grips when emptying the water from the tank 3. When the handle 18 is held, its vertical orientation is restricted. The tank lid 4 is made of a soft material. The tank lid 4 seals the entire circumference of the tank 3. At the shaft portion of the handle 18, a seal is formed on the inside of the handle 18. In this embodiment, the tank 3 can be carried while maintaining a horizontal position when emptying the water, making it less likely for water to leak from the tank 3.

[0024] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the drain opening 13 with its lid open. Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view taken at the location of the drain opening 13. The drain opening 13 is located inside the seal of the tank lid 4. As shown in Figure 14, the drain opening 13 is located inside the edge of the tank 3. That is, the seal portion 20 of the drain opening 13 is located inside the seal portion 19 of the tank lid 4. By placing the drain opening 13 on the inside and sealing the entire circumference in this way, water leakage from the tank 3 is less likely. In contrast, if the drain opening 13 is located at the edge of the tank 3, if the sealing force is strong, it will be inconvenient to use when emptying the water, and if the sealing force is weak, water is likely to leak when carrying the tank.

[0025] Figure 15 is a schematic side cross-sectional view taken at the location of the drainage opening 13. As shown in Figure 15, in this embodiment, even if the lid of the drainage opening 13 opens when the water in the tank 3 sloshes around during water disposal, it is possible to reliably prevent water from leaking out of the drainage opening 13.

[0026] Figure 16 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the comparative example, cut at the position of the drainage opening 13. In the comparative example, the drainage opening 21 is located adjacent to the edge of the tank 3. As shown in Figure 16, in this comparative example, when the water in the tank 3 sloshes around during drainage, if the lid of the drainage opening 21 opens, water will leak out of the drainage opening 21.

[0027] Furthermore, two or more features from the multiple embodiments described above that can be combined may be implemented in combination.

[0028] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0029] (Note 1) A dehumidifier equipped with a tank below the drain pan, The tank comprises a tank lid and a tank water intake section. The tank lid is provided with an opening for storing water. The tank water intake section is located at the bottom of the tank. The water storage opening and the tank water intake section overlap in at least part with respect to their horizontal position. The tank water guide section has corners formed on its outer circumference to guide condensed water. The upper end of the tank water intake section of the dehumidifier is located higher than the liquid level of the tank when it is full. (Note 2) The dehumidifier according to Appendix 1, wherein the aforementioned corner is formed by a rib. (Note 3) A dehumidifier as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the central axis of the water storage opening is offset from the corner portion. (Note 4) The upper surface of the tank lid has a groove that slopes downward toward the water storage opening. The dehumidifier according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the upper end of the water storage opening is provided with a notch that connects to the groove. (Note 5) The dehumidifier described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the tank water intake section has a tapered shape that increases in size towards the bottom. (Note 6) The dehumidifier described in Appendix 1, wherein the upper end of the tank water intake section is inserted into the water storage opening. (Note 7) The tank lid is provided with a drainage opening. The dehumidifier according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, wherein the drainage opening is provided inside the edge of the tank. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0030] 1 Dehumidifier, 2 Drain pan, 3 Tank, 4 Tank lid, 5 Tank water intake section, 5a Shaft section, 5b Rib, 5c Groove section, 6 Water storage opening, 7 Rib, 8 Drain pipe, 9, 10, 11, 12 Grooves, 13 Drain opening, 14 Float, 15 Magnet, 16 Shaft, 17 Notch, 18 Handle, 19 Seal section, 20 Seal section, 21 Drain opening, 22 Liquid level

Claims

1. A dehumidifier equipped with a tank below the drain pan, The tank comprises a tank lid and a tank water intake section. The tank lid is provided with an opening for storing water. The tank water intake section is located at the bottom of the tank. The water storage opening and the tank water intake section overlap in at least part with respect to their horizontal position. The tank water guide section has corners formed on its outer circumference to guide condensed water. The upper end of the tank water intake section of the dehumidifier is located higher than the liquid level of the tank when it is full.

2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned corner is formed by a rib.

3. The dehumidifier according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the central axis of the water storage opening and the corner portion are offset.

4. The upper surface of the tank lid has a groove that slopes downward toward the water storage opening. The dehumidifier according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the upper end of the water storage opening is provided with a notch that is connected to the groove.

5. The dehumidifier according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the tank water intake section has a tapered shape that increases in size towards the bottom.

6. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the upper end of the tank water intake section is inserted into the water storage opening.

7. The tank lid is provided with a drainage opening. The dehumidifier according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the drainage opening is provided inward from the edge of the tank.

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