Dehumidifier

Abstract

This technology provides a way to prevent leaked refrigerant from accumulating inside the unit. [Solution] The blower 6 is located in the first space 1a. The condenser brazing section 87 and the evaporator brazing section 88 are located in the second space 1b, and the compressor 7, the compressor brazing section 89, the compressor connection section 150, and the sensor 110 are located in the third space 1c. The first opening 140 connects the second space 1b to the outside of the main body case 1, and the second opening 142 connects the third space 1c to the outside of the main body case 1. The control unit 46 operates the compressor 7 if the sensor 110 does not detect refrigerant. The control unit 46 stops the compressor 7 if the sensor 110 detects refrigerant.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Dehumidifiers used in living spaces to reduce humidity in living spaces and the like are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a dehumidifier including a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a throttle device, and a blower, and provided with a refrigeration cycle using a flammable refrigerant. This device includes a refrigerant leak detector and a solenoid valve. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 8-178480 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In the device described in Patent Document 1, when a refrigerant leak is detected at the start of operation, the refrigerant is collected in order to suppress further refrigerant leakage. However, if the refrigerant leaks when the operation is stopped, the refrigerant may accumulate inside the main body. It is desired to suppress the possibility that accumulation of refrigerant in the main body results in an ignition concentration.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problem, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for suppressing accumulation of leaked refrigerant inside the main body. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, a dehumidifier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a main body case having an intake port and an outlet port, the internal space of which is divided into a first space, a second space, and a third space by a partition wall, a refrigeration cycle within the main body case comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator sequentially connected in a ring shape, using a flammable refrigerant with a global warming potential of 10 or less, a blower located in the first space that blows out air from the outlet after it has been drawn in from the intake port and passed through the evaporator and condenser, a first opening connecting the second space and the outside of the main body case, a compressor, a sensor located in the third space together with the brazed portion of the compressor and the wiring portion of the compressor for detecting the refrigerant, a second opening connecting the third space and the outside of the main body case, and a control unit for controlling the refrigeration cycle. Within the second space, the brazed parts of the evaporator and the condenser are located. The control unit operates the compressor when the sensor does not detect refrigerant, and stops the compressor when the sensor detects refrigerant.

[0007] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, as well as any conversion of the expressions of this disclosure between methods, apparatus, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also valid forms of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of leaked refrigerant inside the main unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view showing the dehumidifier according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the dehumidifier. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of the dehumidifier. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the dehumidifier. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the internal structure of the dehumidifier. [Figure 6]Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the operating procedure of the dehumidifier. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiments described below all represent preferred specific examples of this disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, as well as the steps (processes) and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Accordingly, among the components in the following embodiments, those components that are not described in the independent claims representing the highest-level concept of this disclosure will be described as arbitrary components. In addition, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each figure, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0011] Furthermore, while terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these terms are used solely to distinguish one component from others, and do not limit the components themselves.

[0012] In the following, this embodiment will be described in the order of (1) basic configuration and (2) configuration for diffusing leaked refrigerant. (1) Basic configuration Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the schematic configuration of the dehumidifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the dehumidifier 100. The dehumidifier 100 has a box-shaped main body case 1 as its outer shell, and the main body case 1 distinguishes the outside of the main body case 1 from the inside of the main body case 1. The main body case 1 includes two side parts 21, a front part 22, and a rear part 24, with the two side parts 21 facing opposite directions, and the front part 22 and the rear part 24 facing opposite directions. The main body case 1 has a front-to-back width that is smaller than its left-to-right width, and a top-to-bottom width that is larger than its left-to-right width. With respect to the main body case 1, the part that constitutes the front outer surface is called the "front part", the part that constitutes the outer surface opposite the front part is called the "rear part", the parts that constitute the left and right outer surfaces are called "side parts", and the part that constitutes the upper outer surface is called the "top part".

[0013] An operating section 25 is provided on the front of the top surface of the main unit case 1, for example, to receive input from the user and to display information about the dehumidifier to the user, such as the operating mode and the current humidity.

[0014] The intake port 2 is located on the front part 22 of the main body case 1. The intake port 2 is a rectangular opening on the front part 22 of the main body case 1 that draws in air from a direction perpendicular to the front part 22, and is equipped with a grid. The outlet port 4 is located on the upper rear side of the main body case 1. Above the outlet port 4 is a louver 31 that changes the direction of the air blown out from the outlet port 4. The opening area of ​​the outlet port 4 can be adjusted by opening and closing the louver 31.

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the dehumidifier 100. This figure is a cross-section of the dehumidifier along line AA in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic front view of the dehumidifier 100. The dehumidifier 100 comprises a refrigeration cycle 3, a blower 6, and a control unit 46. The refrigeration cycle 3 consists of a compressor 7, a condenser 8, an expander 9, and an evaporator 10 connected in a ring shape, and is a refrigeration cycle using a flammable refrigerant with a global warming potential of 10 or less. It is desirable for the refrigeration cycle 3 to use a refrigerant with a low ozone depletion potential and global warming potential, and that is readily available for mass production. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle 3 uses a flammable refrigerant with a global warming potential of 10 or less.

[0016] In the main case 1, the evaporator 10, condenser 8, and blower 6 are arranged in this order in the front-to-back direction. In this specification, the direction of the device is defined as the direction in which the dehumidifier is installed in a state in which it can normally operate. In the dehumidifier 100, the side on which the evaporator 10 is arranged relative to the condenser 8 is called the "front", the opposite side is called the "rear", and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction is called the left-to-right direction.

[0017] A view viewed from the front and rear may be referred to as "front view" and "rear view", a view viewed from the left and right may be referred to as "side view", and a view viewed from above may be referred to as "plan view". Further, the air flow generated by the action of the blower 6 may be referred to as "wind", and the upstream and downstream of the air flow may be referred to as "windward" and "leeward". These notations do not limit the use posture of the dehumidifier 100, and the dehumidifier 100 can be used in any posture.

[0018] The blower 6 includes a motor (not shown) and a fan (not shown) rotated by the motor to suck and discharge air. The blower 6 has an air inlet 67 which is an opening for sucking air, and an air outlet 68 which is an opening for discharging the air sucked from the air inlet 67. The air inlet 67 may be arranged on a surface facing the condenser 8. The air outlet 68 opens upward.

[0019] The blower 6 mainly acts on the condenser 8 and the evaporator 10 of the refrigeration cycle 3. Hereinafter, the condenser 8 and the evaporator 10 are referred to as the dehumidifying section 5. Specifically, the blower 6 sucks air that has passed through the dehumidifying section 5 of the refrigeration cycle 3 through the air inlet 67, and blows the air out of the blower 6 from the air outlet 68. Accordingly, the blower 6 blows air outside the main body case 1 sucked from the suction port 2 out of the main body case 1 through the air outlet 4 after passing the air through the dehumidifying section 5. It can also be said that air sucked from the suction port 2, which then passes through the evaporator 10 and the condenser 8, is blown out from the air outlet 4. This air passage is referred to as an air passage 34.

[0020] The air passage 34 communicates the suction port 2 and the air outlet 4. Under the action of the blower 6, sucked air 60 is sucked into the main body case 1 from the suction port 2, passes through the air passage 34, and is blown out from the air outlet 4. The air passage 34 further includes a first air duct 35 through which the air sucked from the suction port 2 by the blower 6 flows to the air outlet 4 via the evaporator 10. The air passage 34 may include another air duct in addition to the first air duct 35.

[0021] The control unit 46 includes a control board section 48 that constitutes an electronic circuit for controlling the refrigeration cycle 3 and the blower 6, and a control enclosed space section 47 that isolates the control board section 48 from its surroundings. The control enclosed space section 47 functions as an outer shell surrounding the control board section 48. The control enclosed space section 47 may be a rectangular box made of metal or resin.

[0022] The flow of refrigerant in refrigeration cycle 3 is described below. The refrigerant pushed out from compressor 7 flows through discharge refrigerant piping 81 as indicated by arrow M, and is supplied to the upper end 852 of the heat transfer tube 85 of condenser 8, flowing from top to bottom through the heat transfer tube 85 of condenser 8. The refrigerant pushed out from the lower end 853 of the heat transfer tube 85 of condenser 8 flows through refrigerant piping 82 as indicated by arrow N, and is supplied to expander 9. The refrigerant pushed out from expander 9 flows through refrigerant piping 83 as indicated by arrow P, and is supplied to the lower end 863 of the heat transfer tube 86 of evaporator 10. The refrigerant supplied to evaporator 10 flows from bottom to top through the heat transfer tube 86 of evaporator 10. The refrigerant pushed out from the upper end 862 of the heat transfer tube 86 of evaporator 10 flows through suction refrigerant piping 84 as indicated by arrow Q, and flows into compressor 7. Since refrigeration cycle 3 is well known, a detailed explanation is omitted. The evaporator 10 and condenser 8 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the airflow in the first air passage 35. The discharge refrigerant piping 81 and the suction refrigerant piping 83 are sometimes referred to as refrigerant piping 81 and 83.

[0023] The dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier 100 will now be explained. Intake air 60 is blown out of the main body case 1 from the outlet 4 via the evaporator 10, condenser 8, and blower 6. During this process, the intake air 60 is cooled in the evaporator 10, and moisture in the intake air 60 condenses, generating condensed water W1. The condensed water W1 drips down below the evaporator 10 and is collected in a funnel-shaped drain pan 12 located below the evaporator 10. The drain pan 12 is a tray that receives the condensed water W1 and is also called a water collection section. The condensed water W1 collected in the drain pan 12 flows through a drain section 15 leading from the drain pan 12 to the water storage tank 13, and flows into the water storage tank 13 located below the drain pan 12, where it is stored. The water storage tank 13 can be easily attached to and detached from the main body case 1.

[0024] The dry intake air 60 after condensation is blown out of the main case 1 through the outlet 4. By expelling the dry air, the dehumidifier 100 reduces the humidity of the surrounding space.

[0025] (2) Configuration for diffusing leaked refrigerant In the refrigeration cycle 3 of the embodiment, there is a possibility that the refrigerant may leak from brazed joints in the refrigerant flow path. Specifically, in the dehumidifier 100, as shown in Figure 2, the condenser 8 has a condenser brazed joint 87 where a heat transfer tube 85 extending from one end of the condenser 8 to the other end and folded back through which the refrigerant flows is brazed, and the evaporator 10 has an evaporator brazed joint 88 where a heat transfer tube 86 extending from one end of the evaporator 10 to the other end and folded back through which the refrigerant flows is brazed.

[0026] The upper end 852 of the heat transfer tube 85 of the condenser 8 is connected by brazing to the discharge refrigerant pipe 81 extending from the compressor 7, and the lower end 853 of the heat transfer tube 85 is connected by brazing to the refrigerant pipe 82 extending upstream of the expander 9. The symbol "87" indicates the condenser brazed joint 87 between the heat transfer tube 85 and the refrigerant pipes 81 and 82. Since refrigerant flows inside the condenser brazed joint 87, there is a possibility of refrigerant leakage from this part.

[0027] The upper end 862 of the heat transfer tube 86 of the evaporator 10 is connected by brazing to the suction refrigerant pipe 83 extending to the compressor 7, and the lower end 863 of the heat transfer tube 86 is connected by brazing to the refrigerant pipe 84 extending downstream to the expander 9. The symbol "88" indicates the evaporator brazed joint 88 between the heat transfer tube 86 and the refrigerant pipes 83 and 84. Since refrigerant flows inside the evaporator brazed joint 88, there is a possibility of refrigerant leakage from this part.

[0028] To prevent the leaked refrigerant from igniting, it is important to suppress the accumulation of the leaked refrigerant inside the main case 1. Figures 4 and 5 are also used to explain the configuration for this purpose. Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the dehumidifier 100. This figure is a cross-section of the plane along line BB in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the internal structure of the dehumidifier 100. In this embodiment, a first isolation wall 90 and a second isolation wall 96 are provided to partition the internal space of the main case 1 into a first space 1a, a second space 1b, and a third space 1c. The first isolation wall 90 and the second isolation wall 96 may be collectively referred to as isolation walls. The first isolation wall 90 partitions the second space 1b and the third space 1c from the first space 1a. This can also be said to partition the combination of the second space 1b and the third space 1c from the first space 1a. The second isolation wall 96 partitions the second space 1b and the third space 1c. The first isolation wall 90 mainly includes a transverse diaphragm 92 that extends horizontally and a longitudinal diaphragm 94 that extends vertically. The first space 1a, the second space 1b, and the third space 1c each refer to spaces isolated from the adjacent space within the internal space of the main case 1, and may include multiple discontinuous spaces.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the control unit 46, blower 6, condenser 8, and evaporator 10 are located in the first space 1a, while the condenser brazing section 87 and evaporator brazing section 88 are located in the second space 1b. The compressor 7, compressor brazing section 89, and compressor connection section 150 are located in the third space 1c. Specifically, the condenser brazing section 87 and evaporator brazing section 88 protrude from the second space 1b side of the vertical partition wall 94. The compressor connection section 150 is located on the upper surface of the compressor 7. The compressor connection section 150 is covered with an insulator. With this configuration, even if refrigerant leaks from either the condenser brazing section 87 or the evaporator brazing section 88, it will remain in the second space 1b and will hardly flow into the first space 1a. Similarly, even if refrigerant leaks from the compressor brazing section 89, it will remain in the third space 1c and will hardly flow into the first space 1a. Therefore, the possibility of the refrigerant becoming flammable near the control unit 46 and the blower 6, which are potential ignition sources, is reduced.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the control unit 46 has a controlled closed space 47 that isolates the control board 48 from its surroundings, further reducing the possibility of the refrigerant becoming flammable near the control board 48. It is not essential that the inner spaces of the first space 1a, the third space 1c, and the controlled closed space 47 are strictly isolated from each other. On the other hand, the second space 1b is isolated from the first space 1a, the third space 1c, and the controlled closed space 47.

[0031] The configuration of the first space 1a will be further explained. In addition to the condenser 8 and evaporator 10 mentioned above, the first space 1a also contains a drain pan 12 and a water storage tank 13. In particular, the evaporator 10 and condenser 8 are positioned above the drain pan 12. The drain pan 12 collects the condensed water dripping from the evaporator 10. The water storage tank 13 is located below the drain pan 12 and stores the condensed water collected by the drain pan 12.

[0032] Furthermore, a hollow, box-shaped tank case 130 is placed in the first space 1a, and the tank case 130 separates the space in the first space 1a where the evaporator 10 and condenser 8 are located from the tank space where the water storage tank 13 is housed. Part of the surface of the tank case 130 is part of the first isolation wall 90 and is located at the boundary between the first space 1a and the second space 1b. The tank case 130 supports the drain pan 12, and the evaporator 10 and condenser 8 are supported by the drain pan 12 and the first isolation wall 90.

[0033] If the second space 1b is closed, refrigerant leaking from the condenser brazing section 87 or the evaporator brazing section 88 may accumulate and its concentration may increase. Therefore, it is important to diffuse the leaked refrigerant. To this end, the dehumidifier 100 is provided with a first opening 140 that connects the second space 1b to the outside of the main body case 1. In particular, the first opening 140 is located below the drain pan 12. Through the first opening 140, leaked refrigerant in the second space 1b can go outside the main body case 1, and air from outside the main body case 1 can enter the second space 1b.

[0034] If the third space 1c is closed, refrigerant leaking from the compressor brazing section 89 may accumulate and its concentration may increase. Therefore, it is important to diffuse the leaked refrigerant. Accordingly, the dehumidifier 100 is provided with a second opening 142 that connects the third space 1c to the outside of the main body case 1. In particular, the second opening 142 is located below the drain pan 12 or the compressor connection section 150.

[0035] Furthermore, a connecting passage 27 is provided in the first isolation wall 90 (vertical partition wall 94) that connects the third space 1c and the first space 1a. Here, the opening of the connecting passage 27 on the first space 1a side is located closer to the discharge port 68 than to the intake port 67, and in particular downstream of the discharge port 68. Therefore, it can be said that the connecting passage 27 connects the third space 1c and the discharge port 68 of the blower 6. The connecting passage 27 is located above the drain pan 12 or the second opening 142.

[0036] Furthermore, a damper 120 capable of opening and closing the connecting passage 27 is provided at the opening of the connecting passage 27 on the first space 1a side. The damper 120 is connected to a damper operating unit 122. The damper operating unit 122 is a motor for opening and closing the damper 120 and is located in the first space 1a.

[0037] The sensor 110 is positioned within the third space 1c at or below the height of the second opening 142 and detects the refrigerant. Known technology may be used for the sensor 110. The sensor 110 is connected to the control unit 46 by wired or wireless communication. The control unit 46 is connected to the damper operating unit 122, the refrigeration cycle 3 (compressor 7), and the blower 6 by wired or wireless communication and controls the damper operating unit 122, the refrigeration cycle 3 (compressor 7), and the blower 6.

[0038] If the sensor 110 does not detect refrigerant, i.e., if there is no refrigerant leak, the control unit 46 outputs an instruction to operate the compressor 7, to have the damper operating unit 122 close the damper 120, and to operate the blower 6. The compressor 7, damper operating unit 122, and blower 6 receive the instruction from the control unit 46. In response to the instruction, the compressor 7 operates, the damper operating unit 122 closes the damper 120, and the blower 6 operates. Also, if the sensor 110 does not detect refrigerant, the control unit 46 outputs an instruction to control the louvers 31 so that the outlet 4 becomes the first opening area. The louvers 31 operate so that the outlet 4 becomes the first opening area. As a result, the first space 1a and the third space 1c become independent spaces, and the intake air 60 drawn in from the intake port 2 is blown out of the main body case 1 from the outlet 4 via the evaporator 10, condenser 8, and blower 6.

[0039] Meanwhile, when the sensor 110 detects refrigerant, i.e., when refrigerant is leaking, the control unit 46 outputs an instruction to stop the compressor 7, to have the damper operating unit 122 open the damper 120, and to maintain the operation of the blower 6. The compressor 7, damper operating unit 122, and blower 6 receive the instruction from the control unit 46. In response to the instruction, the compressor 7 stops, the damper operating unit 122 opens the damper 120, and the blower 6 continues to operate. Also, when the sensor 110 detects refrigerant, the control unit 46 outputs an instruction to control the louvers 31 so that the outlet 4 becomes the second opening area. The second opening area is smaller than the first opening area. The louvers 31 operate so that the outlet 4 becomes the second opening area. As a result, the first space 1a and the third space 1c are connected, and air from the blower 6 is blown out of the main body case 1 through the connecting passage 27 and the third space 1c to the outside of the main body case 1 through the second opening 142.

[0040] In other words, a portion of the air discharged from the blower 6 flows into the third space 1c from the communication passage 27, pushing out the refrigerant that has leaked into the third space 1c from the second opening 142. As a result, the accumulation of refrigerant in the third space 1c is reduced. Arrow 62 indicates the direction of the airflow due to the action of the blower 6. The statement that the third space 1c is in communication with the discharge port 68 of the blower 6 includes not only the case where the third space 1c is in direct communication with the discharge port 68, but also the case where the third space 1c is in communication with a space near the discharge port 68 that has a more positive pressure than the third space 1c due to the action of the blower 6.

[0041] The communication passage 27 is located above the second opening 142. In this case, since the refrigerant is heavier than air, it tends to accumulate at the bottom. Therefore, having the communication passage 27 above the second opening 142 allows for a smoother flow of gas from the communication passage to the opening when the device is stopped, and the leaked refrigerant is dispersed more quickly to the outside of the main body case 1.

[0042] The first opening 140 and the second opening 142 are located in the lower part of the main body case 1. In this specification, the lower part of the main body case 1 refers to the portion below the vertical bisector of the main body case 1. Since refrigerant is heavier than air, it tends to accumulate at the bottom, and by having the first opening 140 and the second opening 142 in the lower part of the main body case 1, the first opening 140 and the second opening 142 can be positioned near the area where refrigerant tends to accumulate. This enables the smooth output of refrigerant through the first opening 140 and the second opening 142, and the refrigerant diffuses rapidly.

[0043] In this embodiment, the intake port 2 and the second opening 142 are located on different sides of the main body case 1. In this case, the stagnant area of ​​the leaked refrigerant flow in the third space 1c can be reduced, so the leaked refrigerant can be quickly diffused to the outside of the main body case 1, reducing the possibility of the refrigerant becoming flammable. As an example, the intake port 2 is provided on the front part 22 of the main body case 1, and the second opening 142 is provided on the side part 21 of the main body case 1. The possibility of refrigerant exiting from the second opening 142 being sucked into the main body case 1 from the intake port 2 or the rear part 24 can be reduced. The second opening 142 may also be provided on the rear part 24 of the main body case 1.

[0044] The subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure comprises a computer. The functions of the subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure are realized by the computer executing a program. The computer comprises a processor as its main hardware component, which operates according to the program. The processor is of any type as long as it can realize its functions by executing the program. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or LSIs (Large Scale Integrations). Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be aggregated in one device or provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a ROM, optical disc, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0045] The operation of the dehumidifier 100 with the above configuration will now be explained. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the dehumidifier 100. If the sensor 110 does not detect refrigerant (N in S10), the control unit 46 operates the compressor 7 (S12), closes the damper 120 (S14), operates the blower 6 (S16), and sets the outlet 4 to the first opening area (S18). If the sensor 110 detects refrigerant (Y in S10), the control unit 46 stops the compressor 7 (S20), opens the damper 120 (S22), operates the blower 6 (S24), and sets the outlet 4 to the second opening area (S26).

[0046] In this embodiment, if refrigerant leaks from the condenser brazing section 87 or the evaporator brazing section 88, the refrigerant is diffused outside the main body case 1 through the first opening 140, thereby reducing the time the flammable area is created and preventing combustion. Furthermore, since the refrigerant is diffused outside the main body case 1 through the first opening 140, the accumulation of leaked refrigerant inside the main body can be suppressed. Also, since there is no ignition source in the second space 1b, combustion in the second space 1b can be prevented. Furthermore, when the sensor 110 detects that refrigerant has leaked from the compressor brazing section 89, the compressor 7 is stopped, so the refrigerant that has leaked into the third space 1c is diffused into the room, reducing the time the flammable area is created and preventing combustion. Also, since the refrigerant is diffused outside the main body case 1 through the second opening 142, the accumulation of leaked refrigerant inside the main body can be suppressed. In addition, since the third space 1c is smaller than when the second space 1b and the third space 1c are the same space, the sensor 110 reacts faster, improving safety.

[0047] Furthermore, when the sensor 110 detects that refrigerant has leaked from the compressor brazing section 89, the compressor 7 is stopped and the blower 6 is activated, so the leaked refrigerant is discharged from the second opening 142, thus preventing the leaked refrigerant from accumulating inside the main body. Also, since the second opening 142 is located below the compressor connection section 150, the second opening 142 can be positioned near an area where refrigerant, which is heavier than air, tends to accumulate. In addition, because the second opening 142 is positioned near an area where refrigerant, which is heavier than air, tends to accumulate, smooth exchange of refrigerant and outside air is possible through the second opening 142, the refrigerant is quickly diffused, and the possibility of the refrigerant becoming a flammable area in the third space 1c is reduced. Furthermore, although the compressor connection section 150 is covered with an insulator and therefore unlikely to be a source of ignition, the second opening 142 is located below the compressor connection section 150, thus reducing the possibility of the area around the compressor connection section 150 becoming a flammable area of ​​refrigerant.

[0048] Furthermore, when the sensor 110 detects that refrigerant has leaked from the compressor brazing section 89, it activates the blower 6, opens the damper 120, and blows air into the third space 1c, thereby blowing the refrigerant that has leaked into the third space 1c out of the main unit case, thus preventing the leaked refrigerant from accumulating inside the main unit.

[0049] Furthermore, by reducing the opening area of ​​the air outlet 4 with the louvers 31, the amount of air blown into the third space 1c via the connecting passage 27 can be increased. Also, because the amount of air blown into the third space 1c is increased, the refrigerant diffuses into the room more quickly, reducing the time that a flammable area is created in the third space 1c and preventing combustion. In addition, since the connecting passage 27 is provided above the second opening 142, the flow of gas from the connecting passage 27 to the second opening 142 can be made smoother. Also, because the flow of gas from the connecting passage 27 to the second opening 142 is made smoother, the leaked refrigerant can be diffused more quickly to the outside of the main body case 1, further reducing the possibility that the refrigerant will become a flammable area in the third space 1c. In addition, since the sensor 110 is placed at a low position, it is easier to detect the refrigerant that has accumulated below the third space 1c because it is heavier than air.

[0050] Furthermore, since the tank case 130 and the first isolation wall 90 are integrally formed, the strength with which the tank case 130 supports the first isolation wall 90 can be improved. Also, since a part of the tank case 130 is a part of the first isolation wall 90, the number of parts can be reduced. In addition, since the first isolation wall 90, the tank case 130, the drain pan 12, the evaporator 10, and the condenser 8 are integrally formed, the strength with which the evaporator 10 and the condenser 8 are supported can be improved. Furthermore, there is no need to add new parts to support the evaporator 10 and the condenser 8, and as a result, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0051] An overview of one aspect of this disclosure is as follows: (Item 1) The main body case (1) has an intake port (2) and an outlet port (4), and its internal space is divided into a first space (1a), a second space (1b), and a third space (1c) by a partition wall, Within the main body case (1), a compressor (7), a condenser (8), an expander (9), and an evaporator (10) are sequentially connected in a ring shape, forming a refrigeration cycle (3) using a flammable refrigerant with a global warming potential of 10 or less. A blower (6) is positioned within the first space (1a) and blows out air from the outlet (4) after it has been drawn in through the intake port (2) and passed through the evaporator (10) and the condenser (8), A first opening (140) that connects the second space (1b) with the outside of the main body case (1), The compressor (7), the brazed portion (89) of the compressor (7), and the wiring portion (150) of the compressor (7) are all located within the third space (1c) and include a sensor (110) for detecting the refrigerant. A second opening (142) connects the third space (1c) with the outside of the main body case (1), The system includes a control unit (46) that controls the refrigeration cycle (3), Within the second space (1b), the brazed portion (88) of the evaporator (10) and the brazed portion (87) of the condenser (8) are arranged. The control unit (46) operates the compressor (7) if the sensor (110) does not detect the refrigerant. The control unit (46) is a dehumidifier (100) that stops the compressor (7) when the sensor (110) detects the refrigerant.

[0052] (Item 2) The control unit (46) also controls the blower (6), The control unit (46) operates the blower (6) if the sensor (110) does not detect the refrigerant. The control unit (46) maintains the operation of the blower (6) when the sensor (110) detects the refrigerant, as described in item 1 of the dehumidifier (100).

[0053] (Item 3) The connection portion (150) of the compressor (7) is located on the upper surface of the compressor (7). The second opening (142) is a dehumidifying device (100) according to item 1, located below the connection portion (150) of the compressor (7).

[0054] (Item 4) A connecting passage (27) is provided in the aforementioned isolation wall and connects the third space (1c) and the discharge port (68) of the blower (6), The system further includes a damper (120) that opens and closes the aforementioned connecting passage (27), The control unit (46) also controls the damper (120), The control unit (46) closes the damper (120) if the sensor (110) does not detect the refrigerant. The control unit (46) opens the damper (120) when the sensor (110) detects the refrigerant, as described in item 1 of the dehumidifier (100).

[0055] (Item 5) The air outlet (4) is further provided with a louver (31) that can adjust the opening area, The dehumidifier (100) according to item 4, wherein the control unit (46) controls the louvers (31) when the sensor (110) detects the refrigerant, thereby reducing the opening area of ​​the air outlet (4) compared to when the sensor (110) does not detect the refrigerant.

[0056] (Item 6) The aforementioned passageway (27) is the dehumidifying device (100) described in item 4, which is positioned above the second opening (142).

[0057] (Item 7) The sensor (110) is a dehumidifier (100) according to item 1, which is positioned at or below the height of the second opening (142).

[0058] (Item 8) A water collection unit (12) is located within the first space (1a) and collects condensation water dripping from the evaporator (10), A water storage tank (13) is located within the first space (1a) and stores the condensation water collected by the water collection section (12), The first space (1a) further comprises a tank case (130) that separates the space in which the evaporator (10) and the condenser (8) are arranged from the tank space in which the water storage tank (13) is housed. The tank case (130) supports the water collection section (12), The isolation wall includes a first isolation wall (90) that separates the second space (1b) and the third space (1c) from the first space (1a), and a second isolation wall (96) that separates the second space (1b) and the third space (1c). A dehumidifying device (100) according to item 1, wherein a part of the tank case (130) is part of the first isolation wall (90).

[0059] (Item 9) The evaporator (10) and the condenser (8) are positioned above the water collection section (12). The first opening (140) is a dehumidifying device (100) described in item 8, located below the water collection section (12).

[0060] (Item 10) The evaporator (10) and the condenser (8) are supported by the water collection section (12) and the first isolation wall (90) in the dehumidification device (100) described in item 8.

[0061] The present disclosure has been explained above based on examples. These examples are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component or combination of processing steps, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] In the description of the embodiment, an example was shown in which the suction port 2 is provided on the front portion 22 of the main body case 1, but the invention is not limited to this. The suction port 2 may also be provided on the side portion 21 of the main body case 1.

[0063] In this embodiment, the dehumidifier 100 includes a communication passage 27, a damper 120, and a damper operating unit 122. However, it is not limited to this configuration; for example, the dehumidifier 100 does not need to include the communication passage 27, the damper 120, and the damper operating unit 122. This modified configuration simplifies the structure of the dehumidifier 100. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 Main unit case, 1a First space, 1b Second space, 1c Third space, 2 Intake port, 3 Refrigeration cycle, 4 Outlet port, 5 Dehumidification section, 6 Blower, 7 Compressor, 8 Condenser, 9 Expander, 10 Evaporator, 12 Drain pan, 13 Water storage tank, 15 Drain section, 21 Side panel, 22 Front panel, 24 Rear panel, 25 Operation panel, 27 Connecting passage, 31 Louver, 34 Air passage, 35 First air passage, 46 Control unit, 47 Control closed space section, 48 Control board section, 60 Intake air, 62 Arrow, 67 Intake port, 68 Discharge port, 81 Discharge refrigerant piping, 82 Refrigerant piping, 83 Intake refrigerant piping, 84 Refrigerant piping, 85, 86 Heat transfer tubes, 87 Condenser brazing section, 88 Evaporator brazing section, 89 Compressor brazing section, 90 First isolation wall, 92 Transverse bulkhead, 94 Vertical bulkhead, 96 Second isolation wall, 100 Dehumidifier, 110 Sensor, 120 Damper, 122 Damper operating section, 130 Tank case, 140 First opening, 142 Second opening, 150 Compressor wiring section, 852 Upper end, 853 Lower end, 862 Upper end, 863 Lower end.

Claims

1. A main body case having an intake port and an exhaust port, with the internal space divided into a first space, a second space, and a third space by a partition wall, Within the aforementioned main case, a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator are sequentially connected in a ring shape, and a refrigeration cycle using a flammable refrigerant with a global warming potential of 10 or less is provided. A blower is provided in the first space and blows out air from the outlet after it has been drawn in through the intake port, passed through the evaporator and the condenser, A first opening that connects the second space and the outside of the main body case, The compressor, the brazed portion of the compressor, and the connection portion of the compressor are all located within the third space and include a sensor for detecting the refrigerant. A second opening that connects the third space and the outside of the main body case, The system includes a control unit that controls the refrigeration cycle, Within the second space, the brazed portion of the evaporator and the brazed portion of the condenser are arranged. The control unit operates the compressor if the sensor does not detect the refrigerant. The control unit is a dehumidifier that stops the compressor when the sensor detects the refrigerant.

2. The control unit also controls the blower, If the sensor does not detect the refrigerant, the control unit operates the blower. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the control unit maintains the operation of the blower when the sensor detects the refrigerant.

3. The connection portion of the compressor is located on the upper surface of the compressor. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the second opening is located below the connection portion of the compressor.

4. A connecting passage is provided in the aforementioned isolation wall and connects the third space with the outlet of the blower, The system further includes a damper for opening and closing the aforementioned connecting passage, The control unit also controls the damper, The control unit closes the damper if the sensor does not detect the refrigerant. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the control unit opens the damper when the sensor detects the refrigerant.

5. The outlet is further provided with a louver that can adjust the opening area of ​​the outlet, The dehumidifier according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the louvers when the sensor detects the refrigerant, thereby reducing the opening area of ​​the air outlet compared to when the sensor does not detect the refrigerant.

6. The dehumidifying device according to claim 4, wherein the connecting passage is arranged above the second opening.

7. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is positioned at or below the height of the second opening.

8. A water collection unit is located within the first space and collects condensation water dripping from the evaporator, A water storage tank is located within the first space and stores the condensed water collected in the water collection section, The first space further comprises a tank case that separates the space in which the evaporator and the condenser are arranged from the tank space in which the water storage tank is housed. The tank case supports the water collection section, The isolation wall includes a first isolation wall that separates the second space and the third space from the first space, and a second isolation wall that separates the second space and the third space. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein a part of the tank case is a part of the first isolation wall.

9. The evaporator and the condenser are positioned above the water collection section. The dehumidifying device according to claim 8, wherein the first opening is located below the water collection section.

10. The dehumidifying device according to claim 8, wherein the evaporator and the condenser are supported by the water collection section and the first isolation wall.

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