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, the evaporator brazing section 88, and the sensor 110 are located in the second space 1b. The opening 26 connects the second space 1b to the outside of the main body case 1. The communication passage 27 connects the second space 1b to the discharge port 68 of the blower 6. The damper 120 opens and closes the communication passage 27. If the sensor 110 does not detect refrigerant, the control unit 46 operates the compressor 7, closes the damper 120, and operates the blower 6. If the sensor 110 detects refrigerant, the control unit 46 stops the compressor 7, opens the damper 120, and maintains the operation of the blower 6.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Dehumidifiers used in living spaces to reduce the humidity of the living space and the like are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a dehumidifier including a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, a throttling device and a blower, and comprising a refrigeration cycle using a flammable refrigerant. This apparatus comprises a refrigerant leakage detection device 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 apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when refrigerant leakage is detected at the start of operation, the refrigerant is collected in order to suppress further leakage of the refrigerant. However, if the refrigerant leaks when the operation is stopped, the refrigerant can accumulate in the main body. It is desired to suppress the possibility that accumulation of the 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 a 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 and a second space by a partition wall, a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator are sequentially connected in a ring shape within the main body case, and a flammable refrigerant with a global warming potential of 10 or less is used, a blower disposed in the first space and blowing out air from the outlet after it has been drawn in from the intake port and passed through the evaporator and condenser, a brazed portion of the evaporator and a sensor disposed in the second space together with the brazed portion of the condenser for detecting the refrigerant, an opening that connects the second space and the outside of the main body case, a connecting passage provided in the partition wall and connecting the second space and the outlet of the blower, a damper that opens and closes the connecting passage, and a control unit that controls the damper, the refrigeration cycle and the blower. If the sensor does not detect refrigerant, the control unit operates the compressor, closes the damper, and operates the blower. If the sensor detects refrigerant, the control unit stops the compressor, opens the damper, and maintains the operation of the blower.

[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 as aspects 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 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 from the front and rear may be referred to as "front view" and "rear view", a view from the left and right may be referred to as "side view", and a view from above may be referred to as "plan view". In addition, the air flow generated by the action of the blower 6 may be referred to as "air flow", and the upstream and downstream of the air flow may be referred to as "windward side" and "leeward side". These notations do not limit the usage 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 exhaust air. The blower 6 has an air suction port 67, which is an opening for sucking air, and a discharge port 68, which is an opening for discharging the air sucked from the air suction port 67. The air suction port 67 may be disposed on a surface facing the condenser 8. The discharge port 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 part 5. Specifically, the blower 6 sucks in air that has passed through the dehumidifying part 5 of the refrigeration cycle 3 through the air suction port 67, and blows the air out of the blower 6 from the discharge port 68. Thereby, the blower 6 sucks in air outside the main body case 1 from the suction port 2, and blows the air out of the main body case 1 from the air outlet 4 after the air passes through the dehumidifying part 5. It can also be said that the air sucked from the suction port 2 passes through the evaporator 10 and the condenser 8 and 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 with 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 also 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 unit 48 that constitutes an electronic circuit for controlling the refrigeration cycle 3 and the blower 6, and a closed control space unit 47 that isolates the control board unit 48 from the surroundings. The closed control space unit 47 functions as an outer shell surrounding the control board unit 48. The closed control space unit 47 may be a rectangular parallelepiped box made of metal or resin.

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

[0023] The dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier 100 will be described. Suction air 60 is blown out of the main body case 1 from the air outlet 4 via the evaporator 10, the condenser 8 and the blower 6. In this process, the suction air 60 is cooled by the evaporator 10, and moisture in the suction air 60 condenses to form condensed water W1. The condensed water W1 drops below the evaporator 10 and is collected by a funnel-shaped drain pan 12 arranged below the evaporator 10. The drain pan 12 is a tray that receives the condensed water W1, and is also called a water collection unit. The condensed water W1 collected in the drain pan 12 flows through the drain unit 15 extending from the drain pan 12 to the water storage tank 13, flows into the water storage tank 13 arranged below the drain pan 12, and is stored therein. 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. Figure 4 is 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. In this embodiment, an isolation wall 90 is provided to divide the internal space of the main case 1 into a first space 1a and a second space 1b. The isolation wall 90 mainly includes a horizontally extending lateral partition wall 92 and a vertically extending lateral partition wall 94. The first space 1a and the second space 1b refer to spaces isolated from the other 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. Specifically, the condenser brazing section 87 and evaporator brazing section 88 protrude from the vertical partition wall 94 towards the second space 1b. In addition, the compressor 7 is also located in the second space 1b to easily accommodate the condenser brazing section 87 and evaporator brazing section 88 in the second space 1b. 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 hardly flow into the first space 1a. Therefore, the possibility of the refrigerant becoming flammable near the control unit 46 and 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 second space 1b, and the controlled closed space 47 are strictly isolated from each other.

[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 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 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. Accordingly, the dehumidifier 100 is provided with an opening 26 that connects the second space 1b to the outside of the main body case 1. In particular, the opening 26 is located below the drain pan 12.

[0034] Furthermore, a connecting passage 27 is provided in the isolation wall 90 (vertical partition wall 94) that connects the second space 1b 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 second space 1b and the discharge port 68 of the blower 6. The connecting passage 27 is located above the drain pan 12.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The sensor 110 is positioned within the second space 1b at or below the height of the opening 26 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.

[0037] 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 second space 1b 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.

[0038] 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 open the damper 120 in the damper operating unit 122, 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 second space 1b are connected, and air from the blower 6 is blown out of the main body case 1 through the opening 26 via the connecting passage 27 and the second space 1b.

[0039] In other words, a portion of the air discharged from the blower 6 flows into the second space 1b through the communication passage 27, pushing out the refrigerant that has leaked into the second space 1b through the opening 26. As a result, the accumulation of refrigerant in the second space 1b is reduced. Arrow 62 indicates the direction of the airflow due to the action of the blower 6. The statement that the second space 1b is in communication with the discharge port 68 of the blower 6 includes not only the case where the second space 1b is in direct communication with the discharge port 68, but also the case where the second space 1b is in communication with a space near the discharge port 68 that has a more positive pressure than the second space 1b due to the action of the blower 6.

[0040] The communication passage 27 is located above the opening 26. 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 opening 26 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.

[0041] The opening 26 is located at the bottom of the main body case 1. In this specification, the bottom 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 opening 26 at the bottom of the main body case 1, the opening 26 can be positioned near the area where refrigerant tends to accumulate. This enables the smooth output of refrigerant through the opening 26, and the refrigerant diffuses rapidly.

[0042] In this embodiment, the intake port 2 and the opening 26 are located on different sides of the main body case 1. In this case, the stagnant area of ​​the leaked refrigerant flow in the second space 1b 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 opening 26 is provided on the side part 21 of the main body case 1. The possibility of refrigerant exiting from the opening 26 being sucked into the main body case 1 from the intake port 2 or the rear part 24 can be reduced. The opening 26 may also be provided on the rear part 24 of the main body case 1.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The operation of the dehumidifier 100 with the above configuration will now be explained. Figure 5 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).

[0045] In this embodiment, when the sensor 110 detects that refrigerant has leaked from the condenser brazing section 87 or the evaporator brazing section 88, the compressor 7 is stopped, the damper 120 is opened, and the blower 6 is operated, allowing the refrigerant to be discharged outside the main body case 1. Furthermore, since the refrigerant is discharged outside the main body case 1, the accumulation of leaked refrigerant inside the main body can be suppressed. Also, since the refrigerant is discharged outside the main body case 1, the refrigerant that has leaked into the second space 1b is diffused into the room, reducing the time that a flammable area is created and preventing combustion. In addition, by reducing the opening area of ​​the outlet 4 with the louvers 31, the amount of air blown into the second space 1b via the connecting passage 27 can be increased. Furthermore, since the amount of air blown into the second space 1b is increased, the refrigerant is diffused into the room more quickly, reducing the time that a flammable area is created in the second space 1b and preventing combustion.

[0046] Furthermore, since the sensor 110 is positioned at a low location, it is easier to detect the refrigerant that has accumulated below the second space 1b because it is heavier than air. Also, since the damper operating unit 122 is positioned in the first space 1a, the possibility of the connection part of the damper operating unit 122 becoming an ignition source is reduced. Also, since the opening 26 is positioned below the drain pan 12, it is easier to discharge the refrigerant that has accumulated below the second space 1b because it is heavier than air to the outside of the main body case 1. Also, since the communication passage 27 is provided above the drain pan 12, it is easier to discharge the refrigerant that has accumulated below the second space 1b because it is heavier than air to the outside of the main body case 1.

[0047] Furthermore, since the tank case 130 and the isolation wall 90 are integrally formed, the strength with which the tank case 130 supports the isolation wall 90 can be improved. Also, since a part of the tank case 130 is a part of the isolation wall 90, the number of parts can be reduced. In addition, since the 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.

[0048] 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) and a second space (1b) by a partition wall (90), 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), The brazed portion (88) of the evaporator (10) and the brazed portion (87) of the condenser (8) are arranged in the second space (1b) and a sensor (110) for detecting the refrigerant, An opening (26) that connects the second space (1b) and the outside of the main body case (1), A connecting passage (27) is provided in the aforementioned isolation wall (90) and connects the second space (1b) and the discharge port (68) of the blower (6), A damper (120) opens and closes the aforementioned connecting passage (27), The system includes a control unit (46) that controls the damper (120), the refrigeration cycle (3), and the blower (6), If the sensor (110) does not detect the refrigerant, the control unit (46) operates the compressor (7), closes the damper (120), and operates the blower (6). The control unit (46) is a dehumidifying device (100) that, when the sensor (110) detects the refrigerant, stops the compressor (7), opens the damper (120), and maintains the operation of the blower (6).

[0049] (Item 2) The air outlet (4) is further provided with a louver (31) that can adjust the opening area, The dehumidifier (100) according to item 1, 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.

[0050] (Item 3) The sensor (110) is a dehumidifier (100) according to item 1, which is positioned at or below the height of the opening (26).

[0051] (Item 4) The system further includes a damper operating unit (122) that operates the damper (120), The dehumidifying device (100) described in item 1, wherein the damper operating unit (122) is arranged in the first space (1a).

[0052] (Item 5) A water collection unit (12) collects condensation water dripping from the evaporator (10), The system further includes a water storage tank (13) for storing the condensation water collected in the aforementioned water collection section (12), The water collection section (12) and the water storage tank (13) are arranged within the first space (1a). The evaporator (10) and the condenser (8) are positioned above the water collection section (12). The opening (26) is a dehumidifying device (100) described in item 1, located below the water collection section (12).

[0053] (Item 6) The aforementioned connecting passage (27) is a dehumidifying device (100) described in item 5, which is located above the water collection section (12).

[0054] (Item 7) 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), A dehumidifying device (100) as described in item 5, wherein a part of the tank case (130) is a part of the isolation wall (90).

[0055] (Item 8) The evaporator (10) and the condenser (8) are supported by the water collection section (12) and the isolation wall (90) of the dehumidifying device (100) described in item 5.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1 Main unit case, 1a First space, 1b Second space, 2 Intake port, 3 Refrigeration cycle, 4 Outlet, 5 Dehumidifier section, 6 Blower, 7 Compressor, 8 Condenser, 9 Expander, 10 Evaporator, 12 Drain pan, 13 Water storage tank, 15 Drain section, 21 Side section, 22 Front section, 24 Rear section, 25 Operation section, 26 Opening, 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 Isolation wall, 92 Transverse bulkhead, 94 Vertical bulkhead, 100 Dehumidifier, 110 Sensor, 120 Damper, 122 Damper operating section, 130 Tank case, 852 Upper end, 853 Lower end, 862 Upper end, 863 Lower end.

Claims

1. A main body case having an intake port and an outlet port, with the internal space divided into a first space and a second 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, The brazed portion of the evaporator and the brazed portion of the condenser are arranged together in the second space, and a sensor for detecting the refrigerant is provided. An opening that connects the second space and the outside of the main case, A connecting passage is provided in the aforementioned isolation wall and connects the second space with the outlet of the blower, A damper for opening and closing the aforementioned connecting passage, The system comprises a damper, a control unit that controls the refrigeration cycle and the blower, If the sensor does not detect the refrigerant, the control unit operates the compressor, closes the damper, and operates the blower. The control unit, when the sensor detects the refrigerant, stops the compressor, opens the damper, and maintains the operation of the blower in the dehumidification device.

2. The outlet is further provided with a louver that can adjust the opening area of ​​the outlet, The dehumidifier according to claim 1, 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.

3. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is arranged to be below the height of the opening.

4. The system further comprises a damper operating unit that operates the aforementioned damper, The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the damper operating unit is arranged in the first space.

5. A water collection unit that collects condensation water dripping from the evaporator, The system further includes a water storage tank for storing the condensation water collected in the aforementioned water collection section. The water collection unit and the water storage tank are arranged within the first space. The evaporator and the condenser are positioned above the water collection section. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the opening is located below the water collection section.

6. The dehumidifying device according to claim 5, wherein the connecting passage is arranged above the water collection section.

7. 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 dehumidifier according to claim 5, wherein a part of the tank case is a part of the isolation wall.

8. The dehumidifying device according to claim 5, wherein the evaporator and the condenser are supported by the water collection section and the isolation wall.

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