Dehumidifier

Abstract

A dehumidifier (1) comprising: a first air passage which is formed inside a housing, and in which an airflow from an intake port to an outlet port (12) passes through an air purification means to reach a dehumidification means; a second air passage which is formed inside the housing, and in which the airflow reaches the dehumidification means without passing through the air purification means; an airflow restriction means for restricting the flow of the airflow flowing through the second air passage; a compressor which supplies a refrigerant to the dehumidification means; a control device for controlling the airflow restriction means, the compressor, and a blowing means that generates the airflow; and an attachment / detachment detection means which detects the attachment / detachment state of the air purification means. The control device controls the blowing means in accordance with the detection result from the attachment / detachment detection means.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to dehumidifiers. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a dehumidifier. The dehumidifier shown in Patent Document 1 dehumidifies air drawn in from an air intake by passing it through a heat exchanger. A filter is disposed between the air intake and the heat exchanger, so as not to cover the front side of the heat exchanger, i.e., a portion of the upstream side of the air flow as viewed from the heat exchanger. A shutter capable of blocking the air flow is provided in the portion of the filter that does not cover the front side of the heat exchanger. The shutter is selectively disposed in a position that covers a portion of the passage to the heat exchanger, and a position that does not cover the passage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-211913 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the shutter is open, air that does not pass through the filter passes through only a part of the heat exchanger, which causes a deterioration in the air flow velocity distribution and reduces dehumidification efficiency.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a dehumidifier that can be operated efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The dehumidifier according to the present disclosure includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a blowing means for generating an airflow from the inlet to the outlet, an air purifying means disposed inside the housing and removably installed, and a dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing for removing moisture in the airflow. The dehumidifier includes a first air passage formed inside the housing through which the airflow passes through the air purifying means and reaches the dehumidifying means, a second air passage formed inside the housing through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air purifying means, an airflow restricting means for restricting the airflow passing through the second air passage, a compressor for supplying a refrigerant to the dehumidifying means, a control device for controlling the blowing means, the airflow restricting means, and the compressor, and an attachment / detachment detection means for detecting the attachment / detachment state of the air purifying means. The control device controls the blowing means in accordance with the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection means.

[0007] The dehumidifier according to the present disclosure includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a blowing means for generating an airflow from the inlet to the outlet, an air purifying means disposed inside the housing and detachably provided, and a dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing for removing moisture in the airflow. The dehumidifier includes a first air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow passes through the air purifying means and reaches the dehumidifying means, a second air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air purifying means, an opening / closing means for selecting a state in which the airflow in the second air passage passes and a state in which the airflow in the second air passage is blocked, a compressor for supplying a refrigerant to the dehumidifying means, and a control device for controlling the blowing means, the opening / closing means, and the compressor. The opening / closing means is disposed inside the second air passage and is supported by two shafts in the vertical direction of the housing. A motor with a position control function is connected to one side of the two shafts, and an opening / closing detection means for detecting whether the opening / closing means is in an open or closed state is provided on the other side. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The dehumidifier according to the present disclosure is capable of efficient operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment, seen from the front side; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment as viewed from the rear side. [Diagram 3] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram showing a main control configuration of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment, seen from the rear side, with the inlet cover, the HEPA filter, and the activated carbon filter removed. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for simply explaining an air flow in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 2 is a simplified diagram showing a configuration of a shutter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part when a shutter is blocking a bypass air passage in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part when a shutter opens a bypass air passage in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing operation steps during a dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart showing operation steps during an air cleaning operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing operation steps during a dehumidification and air purification operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart showing basic operation steps of the control device at the start of operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in each drawing indicate the same or corresponding parts. In addition, in this disclosure, duplicated descriptions will be appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that this disclosure may include any combination of possible configurations among the configurations described in the following embodiments.

[0011] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment as viewed from the front side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment as viewed from the back side. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main control configuration of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. In this disclosure, the dehumidifier 1 will be described, in principle, based on a state in which the dehumidifier 1 is placed on a horizontal surface such as a floor surface.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the dehumidifier 1 includes a front case 10F and a rear case 10B. The front case 10F and the rear case 10B are members that constitute a housing that forms the outer shell of the dehumidifier 1. The housing of the dehumidifier 1 has a bottom plate 4 to which a plurality of wheels 20 are attached. The front case 10F, the rear case 10B, and the bottom plate 4 form a hollow box-shaped housing.

[0013] As described above, a plurality of wheels 20 for moving the dehumidifier 1 are attached to the bottom plate 4. The plurality of wheels 20 are arranged at positions spaced apart from each other on the front, rear, left and right sides, i.e., a total of four wheels 20. Heavy objects such as a compressor are placed on the bottom plate 4. Note that in this disclosure, the compressor is not shown in the drawings to clarify and simplify the description of the drawings.

[0014] The front case 10F and the rear case 10B are assembled into a single box shape by being fastened with fasteners such as screws. The front case 10F is a member that forms the front portion of the dehumidifier 1. The rear case 10B is a member that forms the rear portion of the dehumidifier 1.

[0015] A flat upper case 10U is connected to the upper ends of the front case 10F and the rear case 10B. A louver 13 is provided in front of the upper case 10U. The upper case 10U and the louver 13 are disposed so as to abut against each other facing each other from the front and rear. When closed, the louver 13 and the upper case 10U form a single flat surface. This surface serves as the top surface of the housing of the dehumidifier 1.

[0016] The housing of the dehumidifier 1 is formed with an inlet 11 and an outlet 12. The inlet 11 is an opening for taking in air from the outside to the inside of the dehumidifier 1. The outlet 12 is an opening for sending air from the inside of the dehumidifier 1 to the outside.

[0017] In this embodiment, air inlet 11 is formed as a square window-like opening in the center of rear case 10B. Air outlet 12 is formed in the top surface of dehumidifier 1. Louver 13 is disposed at the location where air outlet 12 is formed. Air outlet 12 is opened by louver 13 opening upward to a certain angle.

[0018] As described above, as an example, the suction port 11 has a square shape when viewed from the rear of the dehumidifier 1. The shape of the suction port 11 is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, a rectangle or a circle.

[0019] The dehumidifier 1 includes an inlet cover 11a that covers the inlet 11. The inlet cover 11a is a member that prevents foreign matter from entering the inside of the dehumidifier 1 through the inlet 11. The inlet cover 11a prevents foreign matter, such as paper waste and fiber waste, that has risen into the air, from entering the inside of the dehumidifier 1. The inlet cover 11a is detachably fixed to, for example, the rear case 10B.

[0020] The suction port cover 11a is formed, for example, in a lattice shape. The suction port cover 11a may also be formed, for example, in a shutter shape. As an example, a net may be attached to the entire surface of the suction port cover 11a to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter. Alternatively, the suction port cover 11a may be formed as a net-shaped member by integral molding using a plastic material.

[0021] As described above, the dehumidifier 1 includes a compressor (not shown). The compressor may be of any type, such as a reciprocating type or a rotary type. The compressor has a motor and circulates a refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe 22 connected to the evaporator 31, the first condenser 32a, and the second condenser 32b. The compressor is connected to the evaporator 31, the first condenser 32a, the second condenser 32b, and a pressure reducing device (not shown) through the refrigerant pipe 22 to form a refrigerant circuit using a refrigeration cycle. The compressor compresses and supplies the refrigerant to the refrigerant circuit. The evaporator 31, the first condenser 32a, and the second condenser 32b are heat exchangers for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and air. The pressure reducing device is a device that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The pressure reducing device is, for example, an expansion valve or a capillary tube.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the dehumidifier 1 includes a water tank 7. Drain water generated on the outer surface of the evaporator 31 during the dehumidification operation drips and is guided to the water tank 7. As an example, the water tank 7 can be removed from an outlet formed in the front case 10F.

[0023] The louver 13 is configured of a single plate-shaped member or multiple plate-shaped members. The louver 13 is for adjusting the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet 12, and is installed so as to be freely opened and closed.

[0024] A louver drive motor 13M shown in Fig. 5 is connected to the louver 13. The position of the louver 13 is changed by the louver drive motor 13M. The louver drive motor 13M can change the inclination angle of the louver 13 with respect to the air outlet 12 in several stages. This makes it possible to adjust the direction of the air blown out from the air outlet 12.

[0025] The operation of the louver drive motor 13M is controlled by a drive signal from a drive circuit 13A mounted on a control board (not shown). The control board is housed in a board box 16 formed as a case made of metal or non-flammable heat-resistant plastic.

[0026] One or more control boards are housed in the board box 16. In addition to the drive circuit 13A, an inverter circuit 27 for driving the compressor and a drive circuit 28 for driving the fan 21, which will be described later, are mounted on this control board.

[0027] The dehumidifier 1 includes an operation notification unit 15. The operation notification unit 15 is composed of an input operation unit 17 that allows the user to operate the dehumidifier 1, and a notification unit 23 that issues various notifications. The notification unit 23 displays the state of the dehumidifier 1, for example, using visible information such as characters. The notification unit 23 may also be capable of providing notifications by voice. In this embodiment, the operation notification unit 15 is disposed on the top surface of the dehumidifier 1. An operation display board 8 that controls the operation notification unit 15 is disposed inside the upper case 10U so as to face the operation notification unit 15.

[0028] The input operation unit 17 has an operation switch arranged for starting and stopping the operation of the dehumidifier 1. The input operation unit 17 also has an operation mode changeover switch 17S for switching the operation mode of the dehumidifier 1 to one of three types: a "dehumidification operation mode," an "air purification operation mode," and a "dehumidification and air purification operation mode."

[0029] A fan 21 is housed inside the dehumidifier 1. The fan 21 is a device that takes in air into the dehumidifier 1 and sends the taken-in air to the outside of the dehumidifier 1. The fan 21 rotates to generate an airflow from the suction port 11 to the air outlet 12 in an air passage extending from the suction port 11 to the air outlet 12.

[0030] Motor 21a is housed inside dehumidifier 1. Motor 21a is a device that rotates fan 21. In this embodiment, fan 21 and motor 21a are disposed on the front side of dehumidifier 1. Motor 21a is connected to the rotation center of fan 21 via rotation shaft 21b extending horizontally. Fan 21 and motor 21a constitute an example of a blowing means that generates an airflow from suction port 11 to air outlet 12. The start and stop of rotation and the rotation speed of motor 21a are controlled by drive circuit 28.

[0031] The fan 21 is, for example, a sirocco fan. The center of rotation of the fan 21 is fixed by a rotating shaft 21b. The fan 21 draws air into the inside of the fan case 36 from the front and blows the air out from the air outlet 12.

[0032] Fan case 36 surrounds fan 21 and motor 21a. A bellmouth portion 37 is formed on the front wall of fan case 36 at a position corresponding to fan 21. Bellmouth portion 37 is a large circular opening with an edge that is greatly curved downwind. Bellmouth portion 37 is configured to smoothly draw in the airflow that has passed through first condenser 32a.

[0033] The dehumidifier 1 of the present embodiment includes an evaporator 31, a first condenser 32a, and a second condenser 32b as an example of a dehumidifying means for removing moisture in the airflow from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12. The evaporator 31, the first condenser 32a, and the second condenser 32b are housed inside the housing of the dehumidifier 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the evaporator 31, the first condenser 32a, and the second condenser 32b are each installed vertically so as to block the front side of the bellmouth portion 37.

[0034] 6 is a perspective view of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment, seen from the rear side, with the inlet cover 11a, the HEPA filter 41, and the activated carbon filter 42 removed. The dehumidifier 1 includes a rectifying member 38. The rectifying member 38 is formed of a frame-like member intersecting vertically and horizontally, and a large number of ventilation windows are formed between each frame. In other words, the rectifying member 38 is a lattice-like member.

[0035] The straightening member 38 faces the rear surface of the evaporator 31 across a first space. That is, the straightening member 38 faces the evaporator 31 at a predetermined distance.

[0036] The straightening member 38 faces the front surface of the activated carbon filter 42 with a second space therebetween. That is, the straightening member 38 faces the front surface of the activated carbon filter 42 with a predetermined distance therebetween.

[0037] The dehumidifier 1 of the present embodiment includes a HEPA filter 41 and an activated carbon filter 42, which are air purification filters for purifying the air, as an example of an air purification means for removing dust, odors, and the like from the air. In the present embodiment, the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are stored inside the rear case 10B.

[0038] The HEPA filter 41 is a filter that collects fine dust particles in the air. The HEPA filter 41 is an example of a first filter that collects dust particles from the airflow. The activated carbon filter 42 is a filter that deodorizes the air. The activated carbon filter 42 is an example of a second filter that removes odors from the airflow. As described above, the activated carbon filter 42 is disposed a predetermined distance away from the rear surface of the straightening member 38.

[0039] With suction port cover 11a removed from rear case 10B, HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42 can be inserted up to a position behind rectifying member 38. HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42 can be detachably installed inside rear case 10B.

[0040] The rear case 10B is provided with a filter detection unit 64 as an example of an attachment / detachment means for detecting the attachment / detachment state of a filter, which is an air purification means. As an example, the filter detection unit 64 is composed of a detection lever 64a that is pressed by the edge of the HEPA filter 41 and a detection switch. When the HEPA filter 41 is installed, the detection lever 64a is pressed, and by pressing the detection lever 64a, the detection switch is pressed and turned ON. The ON and OFF states of the detection switch can be determined by the presence or absence of an electrical signal.

[0041] The rectifying member 38 also serves as a protective member for preventing a user from touching the evaporator 31 when the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are removed from the rear case 10B. For example, even if a user presses the rectifying member 38 with a finger or the like from the front, the finger or the like will not touch the evaporator 31.

[0042] In this embodiment, an air passage is formed inside the dehumidifier 1, leading from the suction port 11 to the air outlet 12. The air flowing inside the air passage passes from the suction port 11 through the suction port cover 11a, the HEPA filter 41, the activated carbon filter 42, the evaporator 31, the second condenser 32b, the first condenser 32a, and the fan 21 in that order. Inside the dehumidifier 1, a series of air passages is formed for the air entering from the suction port 11 to pass through the filters, which are air purification means, and flow from each heat exchanger toward the fan 21.

[0043] Here, the upstream side and downstream side are defined using the airflow flowing through the air passage leading from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12. For example, the side where the air inlet 11 is located relative to a heat exchanger such as the evaporator 31 is defined as the upstream side. Also, the side where the air outlet 12 is located relative to a heat exchanger such as the evaporator 31 is defined as the downstream side.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the dehumidifier 1 includes a dust sensor 62. The dust sensor 62 is disposed inside the dehumidifier 1. A small opening is provided near the dust sensor 62 to allow the dust sensor 62 to communicate with the outside of the dehumidifier 1. Dust detection information can be acquired by the dust sensor 62 and the control device 18. The amount and concentration of dust in the indoor space in which the dehumidifier 1 is installed can be measured by the dust sensor 62 and the control device 18. The dust sensor 62 has the ability to detect particles of, for example, 0.1 μm. The detection result of the dust sensor 62 is acquired by the control device 18, and the acquired dust detection information can be displayed on the operation notification unit 15.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 5, the dehumidifier 1 includes a gas sensor 63. This gas sensor 63 is disposed inside the dehumidifier 1, and a small opening is provided near the gas sensor 63 so that the gas sensor 63 can communicate with the outside of the dehumidifier 1. Gas detection information can be obtained by the gas sensor 63 and the control device 18, and the odor of the air in the room can be measured. The detection result of the gas sensor 63 is obtained by the control device 18, and this obtained gas detection information can be displayed on the operation notification unit 15.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 5, the dehumidifier 1 includes a wireless communication unit 26. The wireless communication unit 26 is accommodated near the ceiling inside the upper case 10U. The wireless communication unit 26 is configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with local network equipment, such as a wireless router, installed in the home or office where the dehumidifier 1 is located. The wireless communication unit 26 may be connected to an Internet line via the local network equipment.

[0047] For example, the wireless communication unit 26 can send and receive information to and from information processing terminals such as smartphones and other communication devices in remote locations via an Internet line. The local network equipment may be a command device that controls the total amount of power used in a home or office, or an integrated management device that collects and links information on multiple electrical devices, and may also be called an "access point."

[0048] Adjacent to the left and right of HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42 are bypass air passages 43. Bypass air passage 43 is a space provided inside rear case 10B across the entire area of ​​air inlet 11 in the height direction.

[0049] The bypass air passage 43 is an air passage extending forward from the air inlet 11. The bypass air passage 43 is a narrow space extending from the rear to the front. The bypass air passage 43 is an air passage sandwiched between the bypass air passage outer wall 43a and the filter case outer wall 43b. The gap between the rear end of the bypass air passage outer wall 43a and the rear end of the filter case outer wall 43b is the inlet of the bypass air passage 43. On the other hand, the front end of the bypass air passage outer wall 43a is in contact with the outer peripheral end of the straightening member 38, so that the airflow does not leak to the outside midway through the bypass air passage 43. The gap between the front end of the bypass air passage outer wall 43a and the front end of the filter case outer wall 43b is the outlet of the bypass air passage 43.

[0050] In this embodiment, the air passage leading from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12 is composed of two air passages, a main air passage 44 which is a first air passage and a bypass air passage 43 which is a second air passage. The main air passage 44 is an air passage that passes from the air inlet 11 through the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 to the rectifying member 38. The bypass air passage 43 is an air passage that passes from the air inlet 11 to the rectifying member 38 without passing through the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42. The main air passage 44 and the bypass air passage 43 join together immediately before the rectifying member 38.

[0051] The dehumidifier 1 includes airflow restriction means 51 for restricting the airflow flowing through the bypass airflow passage 43 by essentially opening and closing the inlet of the bypass airflow passage 43. The airflow restriction means 51 is disposed on the left and right sides of the inlet 11. Any configuration can be adopted as the configuration of the airflow restriction means 51 as long as it can restrict the airflow flowing through the bypass airflow passage 43. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which a shutter 51s, which is an opening and closing means, is adopted as a specific example of the airflow restriction means 51, will be described.

[0052] 7 is a schematic diagram for simply explaining the air flow in embodiment 1. Bypass air passage 43 is an air passage through which airflow AB flows downstream without passing through HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42. In contrast to bypass air passage 43, main air passage 44 is an air passage through which airflow AF passes through HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42.

[0053] The bypass air passages 43 are formed on the right and left sides of the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42. The bypass air passage 43 and the main air passage 44 are disposed adjacent to each other on the left and right sides and in parallel.

[0054] Airflow AB passing through bypass airflow 43 and airflow AF passing through main airflow 44 do not join together inside HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42.

[0055] By arranging bypass air passage 43, which is an air passage that does not pass through the filter serving as air purification means, and main air passage 44, which is an air passage that passes through the filter, adjacent to each other, it is possible to configure a compact air passage within dehumidifier 1, thereby making it possible to miniaturize dehumidifier 1. Note that, when dehumidifier 1 is viewed from the rear side, it is preferable to set the vertical height dimension of bypass air passage 43 to be approximately the same as the vertical length of HEPA filter 41.

[0056] The bypass airflow AB flowing in the bypass airflow passage 43 and the main airflow AF flowing in the main airflow passage 44 join together in a space downstream of the activated carbon filter 42, that is, in a first space a certain distance away from the straightening member 38 and a second space a certain distance away from the straightening member 38. The bypass airflow AB and the main airflow AF join together just before the evaporator 31 disposed downstream of the activated carbon filter 42, and then flow through a single airflow passage.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of the shutter 51s of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the main part when the shutter 51s is blocking the bypass air passage 43 in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part when the shutter 51s is opening the bypass air passage 43 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the shutter 51s is provided in the bypass air passage 43. The shutter 51s is supported by two shafts in the vertical direction of the housing of the dehumidifier 1. The shutter 51s has an upper rotating shaft 51a and a lower rotating shaft 51b. The upper bypass wall 65 and the lower bypass wall 66 of the bypass air passage 43 are provided with an upper bearing 65a and a lower bearing 66a, respectively. The upper rotating shaft 51a and the lower rotating shaft 51b of the shutter 51s are inserted into the upper bearing 65a and the lower bearing 66a, respectively, and the shutter 51s is freely rotatable.

[0058] A shutter motor 51m is disposed inside the bypass upper wall 65 of the bypass air passage 43. An upper rotating shaft 51a of the shutter 51s is connected to the rotating shaft of the shutter motor 51m. The shutter motor 51m is a motor with a position control function. By controlling the rotational position of the shutter motor 51m, the shutter 51s rotates between a position where the airflow of the bypass air passage 43 is blocked as shown in FIG. 9 and a position where the airflow of the bypass air passage 43 passes as shown in FIG. 10. The shutter 51s can select a state where the airflow of the bypass air passage 43, which is the second air passage, passes and a state where the airflow of the bypass air passage 43 is blocked.

[0059] The shutter 51s is provided with an open / close detection unit 53 as an open / close detection means for detecting whether the shutter 51s is open or closed. The open / close detection unit 53 may be configured in any manner, but an open / close detection sensor 53s will be described here as an example. The open / close detection sensor 53s is disposed inside the bypass lower wall 66 of the bypass air passage 43. The open / close detection sensor 53s detects magnetism and turns a signal ON / OFF, and may be, for example, a Hall IC or a reed switch.

[0060] A magnet 53a is provided on the wall surface at the lower end of the shutter 51s. The magnet 53a is provided in a position facing the open / close detection sensor 53s when the shutter 51s is in a position to open the bypass air passage 43. When the shutter 51s is in a position to open the bypass air passage 43, the open / close detection sensor 53s detects the magnet 53a, and it is possible to determine that the bypass air passage 43 is opened.

[0061] A compact and simple structure is achieved by disposing shutter motor 51m inside bypass upper wall 65 of bypass air passage 43 and disposing open / close detection sensor 53s inside bypass lower wall 66. In this embodiment, shutter motor 51m and open / close detection sensor 53s are configured in positions facing each other.

[0062] Next, an explanation will be given of the operation of the dehumidifier 1 of the present embodiment. In the first embodiment, several preset "operation modes" are stored in the storage means 25 of the control device .

[0063] Examples of the "operation mode" include a "dehumidification operation mode", an "air purification operation mode" and an "automatic dehumidification and air purification operation mode". Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation steps during the dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation steps during the air purification operation of the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation steps during the dehumidification and air purification operation of the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1.

[0064] When the dehumidifier 1 is not operating, the control device 18 controls the inverter circuit 27 for driving the compressor, and the louver drive motor 13M and motor 21a of the louver 13 to all stop. That is, no power is supplied to the compressor motor, the louver drive motor 13M, and the motor 21a. At this time, the louver 13 and the shutter 51s are maintained in a state in which they close the air outlet 12 and the inlet of the bypass air passage 43, respectively.

[0065] A case where the "dehumidification operation mode" is started will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The "dehumidification operation mode" is an operation mode for dehumidifying the room. For example, the user can start the operation of the dehumidifier 1 by turning on the operation switch of the input operation unit 17 to start the control device 18.

[0066] When the dehumidification operation mode is selected by the operation mode changeover switch 17S, the dehumidifier 1 starts the dehumidification operation through the steps shown below.

[0067] First, the control device 18 starts energizing the louver drive motor 13M so that the louver 13 opens the air outlet 12, and controls the position of the louver 13 (step S001).

[0068] For example, a stepping motor is used for the louver drive motor 13M. The louver drive motor 13M rotates in a specified direction at a fixed angle in response to a drive signal from the drive circuit 13A. The internal mechanical structure of the louver drive motor 13M allows high-precision positioning even with open-loop control. The louver drive motor 13M moves in step angles according to the number of pulses from the drive circuit 13A. This allows the louver 13 to be kept open to a specified angle, for example, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, or 75 degrees.

[0069] Next, the control device 18 issues a command signal to the drive circuit 29 so as to open the shutter 51s to the open position, thereby providing drive power to the shutter motor 51m and controlling the position of the shutter 51s.

[0070] For example, a stepping motor is used as the shutter motor 51m. The shutter 51s rotates in a predetermined direction by a certain angle in response to a drive signal from the drive circuit 29. This rotation opens the entrance of the bypass air passage 43 (step S002).

[0071] When bypass air passage 43 is closed, shutter 51s is in the closed position as shown in Fig. 9. At this time, since magnet 53a is not positioned opposite open / close detection sensor 53s, open / close detection sensor 53s is in the OFF state. Open / close detection sensor 53s issues a signal indicating the OFF state.

[0072] When bypass air passage 43 is opened, shutter 51s is in the open position as shown in Fig. 10. At this time, magnet 53a is in a position opposite open / close detection sensor 53s, so open / close detection sensor 53s is in the ON state. Open / close detection sensor 53s emits a signal indicating the ON state. This allows control device 18 to determine that shutter 51s has reliably opened bypass air passage 43.

[0073] As described above, since a stepping motor is used for the shutter motor 51m, the shutter 51s rotates in a predetermined direction by a fixed angle in response to a drive signal from the drive circuit 29. For this reason, the open / close detection unit 53 may be omitted.

[0074] In this embodiment, emphasis is placed on the opening and closing operation of the shutter 51s, which is related to the basic functions of the dehumidifier 1, and an opening and closing detection unit 53 is provided so that operation can be performed without abnormalities even if there is some defect in the opening and closing.

[0075] After determining in step S002 that the shutter 51s is open, the control device 18 drives the motor 21a to control the fan 21 to rotate at a preset high rotation speed (step S003). The control device 18 also controls the inverter circuit 27 to drive the compressor (step S004).

[0076] The control device 18 grasps the humidity, for example, by using the humidity sensor 61. The humidity sensor 61 starts an operation of detecting the humidity of the surrounding air, and transmits the detection data to the control device 18. As a result, the control device 18 determines whether the humidity is a threshold value, for example, 50% or more (step S005). The humidity information is an example of environmental information according to the present disclosure. If the humidity is 50% or more, the compressor is kept driven to perform a dehumidification operation (S006), and after a certain period of time, the process returns to step S005.

[0077] On the other hand, if the humidity is lower than 50% as determined in step S005, the control device 18 controls the compressor to stop, and the refrigerant compression operation by the compressor stops (step S007). At this time, the control device 18 controls the motor 21a of the fan 21 to continue rotating, and after a certain period of time, returns to step S005. Note that in the above description, the humidity detection threshold of the humidity sensor 61 is set to 50% as an example of a criterion for determining whether or not the dehumidification operation mode can be operated, but the threshold may be another value.

[0078] When the filter detection unit 64 detects that the filter is not installed, the fan 21 may be controlled to rotate at a preset medium rotation speed instead of a preset strong rotation speed in step S003. This is because when the filter is not installed, the air volume becomes too large at the same rotation speed compared to when the filter is installed. In this way, efficient dehumidification is possible by controlling the fan 21 according to the detection result of the filter detection unit 64. The filter detection unit 64 may be configured to be able to detect whether or not both of the two filters are installed, or may be configured to detect either one of them. In addition, the operation notification unit 15 may notify that the filter is not installed. However, at this time, even if the filter is not installed, dehumidification can be performed, so operation may be continued. At this time, the shutter 51s may be controlled not to open in step S002. That is, when the filter detection unit 64 detects that the filter is not installed, the opening and closing control of the shutter 51s may not be performed.

[0079] Next, the "air purification operation mode" will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The "air purification operation mode" is an operation mode for purifying indoor air. For example, when a user turns on the main power switch of the input operation unit 17 and selects the air purification operation mode with the operation mode changeover switch 17S, the dehumidifier 1 starts the air purification operation in the following steps.

[0080] First, the control device 18 transmits a start signal to the drive circuit 13A so as to cause the louver 13 to open the air outlet 12, and starts the operation of the louver drive motor 13M. Then, the louver 13 is opened to a predetermined position (step S101).

[0081] Next, the control device 18 drives the motor 21a to rotate, thereby controlling the fan 21 to rotate at a preset high rotation speed (step S102). The control device 18 issues measurement commands to the dust sensor 62 and the gas sensor 63. The dust sensor 62 and the gas sensor 63 start detecting dust and gas in the air around the sensors, respectively, and transmit the results to the control device 18. The control device 18 determines the level of contamination of the air from the acquired data (step 103). The information indicating the cleanliness of the air acquired by the dust sensor 62 and the gas sensor 63 is an example of environmental information according to the present disclosure.

[0082] If it is determined in step S103 that the degree of air contamination is low, the control device 18 issues a command to the drive circuit 28 to change the rotation speed so that the fan 21, which is operated at a preset high rotation speed, rotates at a preset low rotation speed (step S104). As a result, the air purification operation (low) is performed (step S105), and after a certain period of time, the process returns to step S103.

[0083] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the air is highly polluted, the control device 18 performs air cleaning operation (strong) in which the fan 21 continues to operate at strong rotation (step S106). That is, in this case, a command to change the rotation speed is not issued to the drive circuit 28, and the process returns to step S103 after a certain period of time.

[0084] If filter detection unit 64 detects that a filter is not placed, operation notification unit 15 may notify the user in step S101 that a filter is not placed. At this time, since the air cannot be purified because a filter is not placed, operation may be stopped. This eliminates unnecessary operation and allows for efficient operation.

[0085] Next, the case of the "dehumidification air purification operation mode" will be described with reference to Fig. 13. The dehumidification air purification operation mode automatically switches the operation mode of the dehumidifier 1 to the dehumidification operation mode, the air purification operation mode, etc., depending on the indoor humidity and air pollution state. For example, when the user turns on the main power switch of the input operation unit 17 and selects the dehumidification air purification operation mode with the operation mode changeover switch 17S, the dehumidifier 1 starts the dehumidification air purification operation as follows.

[0086] First, the control device 18 issues a drive command to the drive circuit 28, and controls the louver drive motor 13M so that the louver 13 opens the air outlet 12 (step S201). Next, the control device 18 issues a drive command to the drive circuit 29 so that the shutter 51s opens, and controls the shutter motor 51m for opening and closing the shutter 51s. This opens the inlet of the bypass air passage 43 (step S202).

[0087] When the control device 18 determines that the shutter 51s has been opened to a predetermined position, it issues a predetermined drive command to the drive circuit 28 to drive the motor 21a to rotate. The drive circuit 28 controls the rotation speed of the motor 21a so that the fan 21 rotates at a preset high rotation speed (step S203). The control device 18 also starts the operation of the compressor (step S204).

[0088] The humidity sensor 61 starts the humidity detection operation and transmits the humidity detection data to the control device 18. The control device 18 determines whether the humidity is 50% or more (step S205).

[0089] If the humidity is 50% or more, the compressor continues to operate. The dust sensor 62 and the gas sensor 63 start detecting dust and gas in the air around the respective sensors, and determine the degree of air pollution (step S206). If the air is not polluted, the operations of steps S202, S203, and S204 continue, and dehumidification operation is performed (step S207). Then, after a certain time has elapsed from step S206, the process returns to step S205.

[0090] If the degree of air pollution is high, controller 18 controls shutter motor 51m to close shutter 51s to close the inlet of bypass air duct 43 (step S208), performs dehumidification air cleaning operation (step S209), and returns to step S205 after a certain time has elapsed since step S206.

[0091] In step S205, if the humidity is lower than 50%, the control device 18 controls the compressor to stop driving (step S210).

[0092] In this state, the control device 18 controls the dust sensor 62 and the gas sensor 63 to start detection operations, and determines the level of air pollution (step S211).

[0093] If the degree of air pollution is low, the motor 21a is controlled so that the fan 21 rotates at a preset low rotation speed (step S212), and a circulation operation is performed in which only air is blown without dehumidification (step S213), and after a certain period of time, the process returns to step S205.

[0094] When the air is highly polluted, the control device 18 issues a close command signal to the drive circuit 29 to close the shutter 51s. The drive circuit 29 starts the operation of the shutter motor 51m, moves the shutter 51s to the closed position, and closes the inlet of the bypass air passage 43 (step S214). The fan 21 maintains the "strong operation" in step S203 and performs the air cleaning operation (step S215). After a certain time has elapsed from the point of step S214 or step S215, the process returns to step S005 in the dehumidification operation mode of FIG. 11. Note that, although the humidity threshold value of the humidity sensor 61 in step S205 is set to 50% as a criterion for switching to the dehumidification operation mode or the air cleaning operation mode, the threshold value may be other values.

[0095] In the "dehumidification air cleaning operation mode" of FIG. 13, when the filter detection unit 64 detects that the filter is not installed, the operation notification unit 15 may notify the fact that the filter is not installed in step S201. Also, in step S203, the fan 21 may be controlled to rotate at a preset medium rotation speed instead of a preset high rotation speed. Furthermore, even if the air is detected to be highly polluted in steps S206 and S214, the shutter 51s may not be closed in steps S208 and S214. In this case, the operation may be stopped because the air cannot be cleaned. Also, in steps S202, S206, and S214, the flap may not be opened. That is, when the filter detection unit 64 detects that the filter is not installed, the shutter 51s may not be controlled to open or close.

[0096] In this manner, since airflow restricting means 51 for opening and closing the inlet of bypass air passage 43 is provided, either bypass air passage 43 or main air passage 44 can be easily selected as the air passage suitable for performing dehumidification operation and air cleaning operation, and a dehumidifier 1 that is easy to use and can be operated efficiently can be obtained.

[0097] 14 is a flowchart showing basic operation steps of the control device 18 when starting operation of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment. First, the user turns on the main power switch in the input operation unit 17 and operates the operation mode changeover switch 17S. In this way, an operation mode such as "dehumidification operation" or "air purification operation" is selected.

[0098] Then, power is supplied to the control device 18 from the power supply unit 19. The control device 18 first checks whether there is any abnormality in its own internal configuration. If no abnormality is found in the initial abnormality determination, the control device 18 issues a command signal to the drive circuit 13A to open the louvers 13 (step S300).

[0099] In step S300, the louver 13 is quickly rotated to a predetermined open position by the louver drive motor 13M. The control device 18 also issues an open command signal for the shutter 51s to the drive circuit 29. Then, the timer unit 24T starts measuring the elapsed time from this point (step S301).

[0100] The shutter motor 51m of the airflow restriction means 51 starts to be driven by the drive circuit 29. The shutter 51s is rotated by the shutter motor 51m to the open position by a range of about 90 degrees around the upper rotation shaft 51a and the lower rotation shaft 51b. This opens the entrance of the bypass air passage 43.

[0101] Next, controller 18 waits for an open detection signal from open / close detector 53 to determine whether the inlet of bypass air passage 43 is open (step S302). If the determination result in step S302 is "Yes", a command signal to start blowing is issued to drive circuit 28. The command for the blowing strength in this case is "high", and operation of fan 21 is started in the "high" operation mode determined by the rated blowing capacity (step S303).

[0102] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S302 is "No", the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, if the time elapsed since step S301 does not exceed a "reference response time" determined in advance, for example, 10 seconds, the process returns to step S302 again and determines whether the door is open or closed based on the open detection signal from the open / close detection unit 53.

[0103] If the time elapsed since step S301 exceeds the "reference response time" in the process of step S304, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the airflow restriction means 51 for some reason, and the notification unit 23 notifies the user that the shutter 51s will not open (step S305). For example, the notification is given by text or a figure on the display unit 23D. Also, the audio notification unit 23V may give an audio notification such as "The bypass air passage is not properly opened." Then, after a certain time has elapsed since the time of such notification, for example, 30 seconds, the main power switch is automatically turned off and operation is automatically terminated.

[0104] Instead of step S305, notification unit 23 may notify to perform only operation without using bypass air duct 43, and if no input is made from input operation unit 17 thereafter, power may be automatically cut off as in step S305. In the present embodiment, shutters 51s are provided in each of the multiple bypass air ducts 43. If the multiple shutters 51s include a shutter 51s that does not open or close in response to an instruction from control device 18, the system may be configured to notify of an abnormality in that shutter 51s, that is, to notify which shutter 51s has an abnormality.

[0105] According to the above embodiment, during dehumidification operation, air flows through the bypass air passage 43, which does not pass through the filter, so the number of revolutions of the fan 21 can be reduced and noise generation can be reduced compared to when all air is circulated through the filter. Furthermore, the airflow restriction means 51 is configured to open and close the shutter 51s upon receiving an electric signal. Therefore, the user does not need to manually open and close the shutter 51s, and the burden on the user associated with the dehumidification operation can be reduced.

[0106] Furthermore, since the attached / detached state of the filter can be detected, the operating state of the fan 21 can be appropriately controlled depending on whether the filter is installed, enabling efficient operation. Also, since it is possible to notify whether the filter is installed or not, it is possible to prevent forgetting to attach the filter. Furthermore, during air purification operation and dehumidification air purification operation, it is also possible to notify that air purification is not possible if the filter is not installed.

[0107] In addition to the above effects, since the shutter motor 51m is disposed inside the upper wall of the bypass air passage 43 and the opening / closing detection sensor 53s is disposed inside the lower wall, the configuration of the dehumidifier 1 can be made compact and simple. Also, the shutter 51s can be opened and closed reliably. [Industrial Applicability]

[0108] The dehumidifier according to the present disclosure can be used, for example, to dehumidify indoor air. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1 Dehumidifier, 4 Bottom plate, 7 Water tank, 8 Operation display board, 10F Front case, 10B Rear case, 10U Upper case, 11 Intake port, 11a Intake port cover, 12 Outlet, 13 Louver, 13A Drive circuit, 13M Louver drive motor, 15 Operation notification unit, 16 Board box, 17 Input operation unit, 17S Operation mode change switch, 18 Control device, 19 Power supply unit, 20 Wheels, 21 Fan, 21a Motor, 21b Rotating shaft, 22 Refrigerant piping, 23 Notification unit, 23D Display unit, 23∨ Audio notification unit, 24T Timer unit, 25 Memory means, 26 Wireless communication unit, 27 Inverter circuit, 28 Drive circuit, 29 drive circuit, 31 evaporator, 32a first condenser, 32b second condenser, 36 fan case, 37 bell mouth portion, 38 straightening member, 41 HEPA filter, 42 activated carbon filter, 43 bypass air duct, 43a bypass air duct outer wall, 43b filter case outer wall, 44 main air duct, 51 air flow restricting means, 51a upper rotating shaft, 51b lower rotating shaft, 51m shutter motor, 51s shutter, 53 open / close detection portion, 53a magnet, 53s open / close detection sensor, 61 humidity sensor, 62 dust sensor, 63 gas sensor, 64 filter detection portion, 64a detection lever, 65 bypass upper wall, 65a upper bearing, 66 bypass lower wall, 66a Lower bearing

Claims

[Claim 1] A housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein; A blowing means for generating an air flow from the air inlet to the air outlet; An air cleaning means is disposed inside the housing and is provided in a removable manner; A dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing for removing moisture from the airflow; A dehumidifier comprising: a first air passage formed inside the housing, the first air passage passing through the air cleaning means and leading to the dehumidifying means; a second air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning means; an airflow restricting means for selecting a state in which the airflow in the second air passage passes and a state in which the airflow in the second air passage is blocked; a compressor for supplying a refrigerant to the dehumidifying means; a control device for controlling the air blowing means, the airflow restricting means, and the compressor; An attachment / detachment detection means for detecting an attachment / detachment state of the air purification means; having The control device controls the air blowing means in accordance with the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection means, and when the attachment / detachment detection means detects that the air purification means is not installed, maintains the airflow restriction means in a state that allows airflow in the second air duct to pass through.

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