Dehumidifier

Abstract

To provide a dehumidifier including an air cleaning filter which is configured to easily set a case where the dehumidifier is operated with a quite operation sound, and a case where air cleaning is simultaneously performed together with dehumidification.SOLUTION: A dehumidifier includes a housing 10 formed with a suction port 11 and an outlet 12; and air cleaning filters 41 and 42, dehumidification means for removing moisture in the air, and blowing means 21 for generating an air stream from the suction port to the outlet, inside the housing, and passes the air stream generated by the blowing means through the suction port, the air cleaning filter, the dehumidification means and the outlet, in this order. The dehumidifier includes: a filter air passage 44 for passing the air entering from the suction port to the dehumidification means through the air cleaning filter; a bypass air passage for guiding the air entering from the suction port to the dehumidification means without passing through the air cleaning filter; opening / closing means 51 for opening / closing the suction port of the bypass air passage 43; control means 16a for controlling opening / closing of the opening / closing means; and opening / closing indication means 111 for indicating the opening / closing state of the opening / closing means to the control means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A dehumidifier is described in Patent Document 1. This dehumidifier has an air purification function, and allows the user to select whether to prioritize air purification operation or dehumidification operation.

[0003] This dehumidifier dehumidifies air drawn in from an air intake by passing it through a heat exchanger. A filter is placed between the air intake and the ventilation path of the heat exchanger so as not to cover any part of the heat exchanger, and a shutter is provided in the part of the filter that does not cover the heat exchanger, and the shutter is provided so as to be selectively set to cover or not cover the heat exchanger. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-211913 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the shutter is opened manually or by providing a humidity sensor until the humidity falls to a predetermined level, and the shutter is then closed to operate mainly for dehumidification, and after that the shutter is closed to operate mainly for air purification, but in the disclosed configuration, when the opening and closing panel is closed, it is not possible to know whether the shutter is currently open or closed. Furthermore, when dehumidification and air purification are performed simultaneously, the shutter settings are complicated.

[0006] 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 easily set to operate quietly or to perform both dehumidification and air purification at the same time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The dehumidifier according to the present disclosure includes a housing in which an inlet and an outlet are formed, and includes an air purifying filter, a dehumidifying means for removing moisture in the air, and a blowing means for generating an airflow from the inlet to the outlet, the airflow generated by the blowing means passing through the inlet, the air purifying filter, the dehumidifying means, and the outlet, in that order. The dehumidifier includes a filter air passage through which air entering from the inlet passes through the air purifying filter to the dehumidifying means, a bypass air passage through which air entering from the inlet passes through the air purifying filter to the dehumidifying means, an opening / closing means for opening and closing the inlet of the bypass air passage, a control means for controlling the opening / closing of the opening / closing means, and an opening / closing instruction means for instructing the control means to open or close the opening / closing means.

[0008] The dehumidifier further comprises a housing in which an intake port and an exhaust port are formed, and inside the housing, an air purifying filter, a dehumidifying means for removing moisture in the air, and a blowing means for generating an airflow from the intake port to the exhaust port, the airflow generated by the blowing means passing through the intake port, the air purifying filter, the dehumidifying means, and the exhaust port in that order. The dehumidifier further comprises a filter air passage in which air entering from the intake port passes through the air purifying filter to the dehumidifying means, a bypass air passage in which air entering from the intake port passes through the air purifying filter to the dehumidifying means, an opening / closing means for opening and closing the intake port of the bypass air passage, a control means for controlling the opening and closing of the opening / closing means, and an opening / closing display means for displaying the open / closed state of the opening / closing means. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a bypass air passage where the air does not pass through the air purification filter is provided in addition to a filter air passage where the air passes through the air purification filter, and an opening / closing means for opening and closing the suction port of the bypass air passage, a control means for controlling the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing means, and an opening / closing instruction means for instructing the control means to open and close the opening / closing means are provided, so that a case where a quiet operation is desired and a case where dehumidification and air purification are desired simultaneously can be easily set using the opening / closing instruction means for instructing the opening / closing of the opening / closing means. In a dehumidification operation where a quiet operation is desired, the opening / closing instruction means instructs the opening / closing of the opening / closing means to open the suction port of the bypass air passage, thereby operating using the bypass air passage where the air does not pass through the air purification filter, and therefore pressure loss can be reduced compared to a case where dehumidification operation is performed using only the filter air passage, and the operating noise can be reduced. In addition, when it is desired to perform dehumidification operation and air purification operation simultaneously, the opening and closing of the opening and closing means can be instructed by the opening and closing instruction means to close the intake port of the bypass air duct, and operation will be performed using only the filter air duct that passes through the air purification filter. This will result in a larger pressure loss and a louder operating noise than when operation is also performed using the bypass air duct that does not pass through the air purification filter, but will enable air purification to be performed simultaneously.

[0010] Furthermore, since the opening / closing display means for displaying the opening / closing state of the opening / closing means is provided, the opening / closing state of the opening / closing means can be easily visually confirmed, thereby providing a user-friendly dehumidifier. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation display unit of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing main control-related components of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of an automatic dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart of an automatic air cleaning operation of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart of an automatic dehumidification and air cleaning operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the air flow of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the air flow when the dehumidifier of the first embodiment is operating with the flaps open. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the air flow when the dehumidifier of the first embodiment is operating with the flaps closed. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operation display unit of the dehumidifier of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an operation display unit of the dehumidifier of the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a main part showing a stop position of a flap of a dehumidifier of embodiment 4. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation display unit of the dehumidifier of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation display unit of the dehumidifier of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation display unit of the dehumidifier of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] 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.

[0013] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a rear view of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment, and is a view of the cross-section along line AA shown in FIG. 1, seen from the direction A. FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view of the cross-section along line BB shown in FIG. 1, seen from the direction B. Arrows in each figure indicate front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions. 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.

[0014] The dehumidifier 1 includes a case 10. The case 10 is an example of a housing that forms the outer shell of the dehumidifier 1. The case 10 is formed, for example, in a self-supporting box shape. Wheels 20 for moving the dehumidifier 1 may be provided on the bottom of the case 10.

[0015] In the first embodiment, case 10 has front case 10a and rear case 10b. Front case 10a is a member that forms the front portion of case 10. Rear case 10b is a member that forms the rear portion of case 10. Rear case 10b is fixed to front case 10a by, for example, screws.

[0016] Case 10 is formed with an air inlet 11 and an air outlet 12. Air inlet 11 is an opening for taking in air from the outside of case 10 to the inside. Air outlet 12 is an opening for sending air from the inside of case 10 to the outside. In embodiment 1, air inlet 11 is formed in the back surface portion of case 10. Air inlet 11 is formed in rear case 10b. Also, in embodiment 1, air outlet 12 is formed in the top surface portion of case 10.

[0017] The dehumidifier 1 includes an inlet cover 11a that covers the inlet 11. The inlet cover 11a is formed, for example, in a mesh shape. This inlet cover 11a prevents foreign matter from entering the inside of the case 10 through the inlet 11. The inlet cover 11a is formed, for example, so as to be detachable from the rear case 10b.

[0018] The dehumidifier 1 also includes a louver 13. The louver 13 is made of a plate-shaped member. The louver 13 is for adjusting the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet 12. The louver 13 is disposed near the air outlet 12. The louver 13 is connected to a louver drive motor 13b (see FIG. 5) and the position of the louver is changed. A control board 16a (see FIG. 5), which is an example of a control means, controls a louver drive circuit 13b (see FIG. 5) that drives the louver drive motor 13b, thereby adjusting the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet 12. The control board 1a is housed inside a board box 16 formed of a metal plate or a non-flammable heat-resistant plastic case.

[0019] The dehumidifier 1 also includes an operation display unit 15. The operation display unit 15 is for the user to operate the dehumidifier 1. The operation display unit 15 also displays the state of the dehumidifier 1 to the user. An operation display board 15a for controlling the operation display unit 15 is disposed inside the case 10 facing the operation display unit 15. The operation display board 15a is connected to a control board 16a. An operation switch for starting / stopping the operation of the dehumidifier 1 and a switch for indicating the operation state such as the selection of the operation mode are disposed on the operation display board 15a, and the dehumidifier 1 is operated via the operation display unit 15. A liquid crystal display unit and LEDs for displaying the state of the operation mode and the like indicated by the dehumidifier 1 are disposed on the operation display board 15a, and are displayed via the operation display unit 15. The operation display board 15a is disposed inside the rear case 10b. The control board 16a may also be configured to perform the function of the operation display board 15a.

[0020] A board box 16 that houses a power supply board 16b (see FIG. 5) and a control board 16a is disposed in the rear case 10b. The power supply board 16b is supplied with power from a commercial power source 17, and supplies power to the control board 16a, the louver drive motor 13b, and motors that drive the fan 21 and flap 51, which will be described later.

[0021] In addition, a fan 21 is provided as a means for sending air. The fan 21 is a device that takes in air into the inside of the case 10 and sends the taken-in air to the outside of the case 10. The fan 21 is housed inside the case 10.

[0022] A motor 21a is housed inside the case 10. The motor 21a is a device that rotates the fan 21. The fan 21 is a device that generates 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. In the first embodiment, the fan 21, the motor 21a, and a motor drive circuit 21b described later are an example of a blowing means, and are disposed inside the front case 10a. That is, they are disposed on the front side of the dehumidifier 1. The motor 21a is connected to the fan 21 via the shaft 21b. The rotational operation of the motor 21a is controlled by the control board 16a via the drive circuit 21b (see FIG. 5) that drives the motor 21a.

[0023] The dehumidifier 1 also includes an evaporator 31, a condenser 32, a compressor 35 (see FIG. 5), and a pressure reducing device (not shown) as an example of a dehumidifying means for removing moisture contained in the air. The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 form a refrigerant circuit together with the compressor and the pressure reducing device. An example in which the dehumidifying means is configured as a refrigerant circuit will be described below. The evaporator 31, the condenser 32, the compressor 35, and the pressure reducing device are housed in the case 10. A drive circuit 35a (see FIG. 5) for driving the compressor drive motor 35b of the compressor 35 is controlled by the control board 16a. In the first embodiment, the evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 are surrounded by the rear case 10b. The rear case 10b has a lattice portion 10c. The lattice portion 10c is an opening having a cross-sectional area approximately equal to that of the evaporator 31. The evaporator 31, which is a part of a heat exchanger described later, and the lattice portion 10c are arranged to face each other at a distance A across a first space 33. Further, the activated carbon filter 42, which is a part of the air cleaning filter, and the lattice portion 10c are disposed to face each other with a distance B therebetween, with the second space 34 in between.

[0024] The evaporator 31, the compressor 35, the condenser 32, and the pressure reducing device are connected in sequence via piping (not shown) through which a refrigerant flows. The refrigerant circulates in a refrigerant circuit formed by the evaporator 31, the compressor 35, the condenser 32, and the pressure reducing device.

[0025] The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 are heat exchangers for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the air. The compressor 35 is a device for compressing the refrigerant. The pressure reducing device is a device for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant. The pressure reducing device is, for example, an expansion valve or a capillary tube.

[0026] Moreover, the dehumidifier 1 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 and odors in the air. The HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are stored in the case 10. In the first embodiment, the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are stored in the rear case 10b.

[0027] The HEPA filter 41 is a filter that collects fine dust particles in the air. The activated carbon filter 42 is a filter that removes odors in the air. The activated carbon filter 42 is disposed at a distance B from the lattice portion 10c. The HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are detachably provided from the rear case 10b. The lattice portion 10c is intended to prevent the user's fingers from touching the evaporator 31 disposed inside the lattice portion 10c when the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are removed from the rear case 10b.

[0028] In the first embodiment, an air passage is formed inside the case 10, leading from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12. In the air passage, the air inlet cover 11a, the HEPA filter 41, the activated carbon filter 42, the evaporator 31, the condenser 32, and the fan 21 are arranged in this order from the air inlet 11. A part of this air passage, in which the air entering from the air inlet 11 passes through the air purifying filter and reaches the heat exchanger serving as the dehumidifying means, is the filter air passage.

[0029] 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 of the heat exchanger where the air inlet 11 is located is defined as the upstream side. Also, the side of the heat exchanger where the air outlet 12 is located is defined as the downstream side.

[0030] 3, bypass air passages 43 are provided adjacent to the left and right of HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42. Bypass air passage 43 is a space provided in rear case 10b, and is an air passage through which air entering from air intake 11 reaches a heat exchanger, which is a dehumidifying means, without passing through an air purifying filter.

[0031] The bypass air passage 43 is an air passage through which air flows to the heat exchanger without passing through the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42. On the other hand, an air passage through which air passes through the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 and reaches the heat exchanger is called the filter air passage 44. The bypass air passage 43 and the filter air passage 44 are arranged adjacent to each other on the left and right in parallel. By arranging the bypass air passage 43, which is an air passage that does not pass through the air purifying filter, and the filter air passage 44, which is an air passage that passes through the air purifying filter, adjacent to each other, the air passage in the dehumidifier 1 can be configured compactly, and the dehumidifier 1 can be made compact. When the dehumidifier 1 is viewed from the back, it is preferable to set the vertical (up-down) length of the bypass air passage 43 to be approximately the same as the vertical (up-down) length of the HEPA filter 41.

[0032] The air currents flowing through the bypass air passage 43 and the filter air passage 44 join in a first space 33 and a second space 34 spaced apart by distances A and B, respectively, starting from the space downstream of the activated carbon filter 42, i.e., the lattice portion 10c. That is, the air currents join just before the evaporator 31 disposed downstream of the activated carbon filter 42, and thereafter flow through a single air passage. Here, the first space 33 and the second space 34 are provided, but it is sufficient that the air currents flowing through the bypass air passage 43 and the filter air passage 44 join just before the evaporator 31, and at least the second space 34 is provided.

[0033] A pair of left and right wind guide surfaces 43a are provided in the bypass air passage 43 at a position connected to the lattice portion 10c. The wind guide surfaces 43a are for guiding the airflow that has passed through the bypass air passage 43 toward the center of the windward surface of the heat exchanger. Here, the direction of the airflow that has passed through the bypass air passage 43 is changed to the horizontal direction (azimuth direction). The wind guide surface 43a is, for example, a flat surface. The direction in which the airflow is guided can be adjusted by adjusting the normal direction of this flat surface. The wind guide surface 43a may also be a curved surface. The spread of the airflow guided by the wind guide surface 43a can be adjusted by adjusting the curvature of the curved surface. In this way, the bypass air passage 43 is provided with the wind guide surface 43a that guides the airflow of the bypass air passage 43 toward the center of the windward surface of the heat exchanger, so that the airflow passing through the bypass air passage 43 can be efficiently introduced into the heat exchanger, improving the dehumidification efficiency.

[0034] The bypass air passage 43 is provided with a flap 51, which is an opening / closing means for opening and closing the suction port of the bypass air passage 43. As shown in FIG. 3, the suction port of the bypass air passage 43 is a part of the suction port 11, and is a part located outside the left and right outer edges of the windward end face of the HEPA filter 41. The flap 51 is made of a plate-shaped member. The flap 51 is disposed downstream of the suction port cover 11a. The flap 51 is supported by a rotating shaft (not shown) at the end opposite to the HEPA filter 41, that is, at the left end of the plate-shaped member on the left side of the HEPA filter 41 and at the right end of the plate-shaped member on the right side of the HEPA filter 41, for example, and is driven by a motor (not shown) for driving the opening / closing means. The motor for driving the opening / closing means is controlled by the control board 16a.

[0035] Flap 51 is an example of an opening / closing means for opening and closing the suction port of bypass air passage 43. Flap 51 is driven by opening / closing means drive motor 51b (see FIG. 5) about the rotation axis from a position where bypass air passage 43 is closed, in the downstream direction, to a position where bypass air passage 43 is opened. Drive circuit 51a (see FIG. 5) that drives opening / closing means drive motor 51b is controlled by control board 16a.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the case has a humidity sensor 61 (see FIG. 3). The humidity sensor 61 is disposed inside the case . An opening (not shown) that communicates with the outside of the case is provided near the humidity sensor 61 of the case. The humidity sensor 61 acquires humidity detection information by the control board 16a and can measure the relative humidity in the room. The measurement result of the humidity sensor 61 is displayed on the operation display unit 15 by the operation display board 15a to which the humidity detection information acquired by the control means 16a is transmitted.

[0037] The case 10 also has a dust sensor 62 (see FIG. 2). The dust sensor 62 is disposed inside the case 10. An opening (not shown) that communicates with the outside of the case 10 is provided near the dust sensor 62 of the case 10. The dust sensor 62 acquires dust detection information from the control board 16a and can measure the amount and concentration of dust in a room. 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 displayed on the operation display unit 15 by the operation display board 15a to which the dust detection information acquired by the control means 16a is transmitted.

[0038] The case 10 also has a gas sensor 63 (see FIG. 2). The gas sensor 63 is disposed inside the case 10. An opening (not shown) that communicates with the outside of the case 10 is provided near the gas sensor 63. The gas sensor 63 acquires gas detection information from the control board 16a and is capable of measuring the odor of the air in the room. The measurement results of the gas sensor 63 are displayed on the operation display unit 15 by the operation display board 15a to which the gas detection information acquired by the control board 16a is transmitted.

[0039] The dust sensor 62 and the gas sensor 63 may be collectively referred to as an air quality sensor that detects air pollution.

[0040] Next, a description will be given of the operation display unit 15 of the dehumidifier 1 according to the embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation display unit 15 of the dehumidifier 1 according to the embodiment 1.

[0041] The operation button 101 is used to instruct the dehumidifier 1 to start or stop operation, and displays the current operation status on the operation display 102. The operation button 101 presses a switch (not shown) arranged on the operation display board 15a via the operation display unit 15. The operation display 102 also displays the lighting or extinguishing of an LED (not shown) arranged on the operation display board 15a via the operation display unit 15. When the operation display 102 is lit, it means that the dehumidifier is operating, and when it is extinguished, it means that the dehumidifier is stopped.

[0042] Several preset operation modes are stored in the storage unit 16a1 of the control board 16a in the dehumidifier 1. Examples of the operation modes include a dehumidification operation mode, an air purification operation mode, and an automatic dehumidification and air purification operation mode.

[0043] The dehumidification button 103 is for selecting a dehumidification operation mode, and the current operation mode is displayed on the dehumidification operation display 104. The dehumidification operation mode controls the compressor and the blowing means. For example, three dehumidification operation modes, "strong", "weak" and "automatic", are set in advance and stored in the memory unit 16a1 of the control board 16a. The dehumidification button 103 is pressed by pressing a switch (not shown) arranged on the operation display board 15a via the operation display unit 15. The three pre-set dehumidification operation modes, "strong", "weak" and "automatic", can be selected with the dehumidification button 103. In addition, the dehumidification operation display 104 displays the lighting or extinguishing of three LEDs (not shown) arranged on the operation display board 15a via the operation display unit 15. The three LEDs correspond to the three operation modes, "strong", "weak" and "automatic", and the operation mode that is lit on the dehumidification operation display 104 means that the operation mode is currently in operation.

[0044] The air purification button 105 is for selecting an air purification operation mode, and the current operation mode is displayed on the air purification operation display 106. In the air purification operation mode, the compressor is stopped and the blowing means is controlled. For example, three air purification operation modes, "strong", "weak", and "automatic", are set in advance and stored in the memory unit 16a1 of the control board 16a. The air purification button 105 presses a switch (not shown) arranged on the operation display board 15a via the operation display unit 15. The three air purification operation modes, "strong", "weak", and "automatic", which are set in advance, can be selected with the air purification button 105. In addition, the air purification operation display 106 displays the lighting or extinguishing of three LEDs (not shown) arranged on the operation display board 15a via the operation display unit 15. The three LEDs correspond to the three operation modes, "strong", "weak", and "automatic", and the operation mode that is lit on the air purification operation display 106 means that the operation mode is currently in operation.

[0045] The dehumidification air cleaning button 107 is for selecting the dehumidification air cleaning automatic operation mode, and the current operation mode is displayed on the dehumidification air cleaning operation display 108. The dehumidification air cleaning automatic operation mode controls the compressor, the blowing means, and the opening and closing means. For example, the dehumidification air cleaning automatic operation mode is set in advance and stored in the memory unit 16a1 of the control board 16a. The dehumidification air cleaning button 107 presses a switch (not shown) arranged on the operation display board 15a via the operation display unit 15. The previously set dehumidification air cleaning automatic operation mode can be selected with the dehumidification air cleaning button 107. In addition, the dehumidification air cleaning operation display 108 displays the lighting or extinguishing of an LED (not shown) arranged on the operation display board 15a via the operation display unit 15. When the dehumidification air cleaning operation display 108 is lit, it means that the device is currently operating.

[0046] The dehumidifier 1 is operated by selecting one of three preset dehumidification operation modes, three air purification operation modes, and an automatic dehumidification / air purification operation mode.

[0047] In the dehumidifier 1, several preset driving ranges of the louver driving motor 13b are stored in the memory unit 16a1 (see FIG. 5) of the control board 16a. The control board 16a controls the louver driving circuit 13a of the louver driving motor 13b to adjust the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet 12.

[0048] The wind direction button 109 is for selecting a wind direction mode that controls the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet 12, and the current wind direction mode is displayed on the wind direction display 110. For example, three wind direction modes, "stop," "forward," and "wide area," are set in advance and stored in the memory unit 16a1 of the control board 16a. The wind direction button 109 is pressed by pressing a switch (not shown) arranged on the operation display board 15a via the operation display unit 15. The three pre-set wind direction modes, "stop," "forward," and "wide area," can be selected with the wind direction button 109. In addition, the wind direction display 110 displays the lighting or extinguishing of three LEDs (not shown) arranged on the operation display board 15a via the operation display unit 15. The three LEDs correspond to the three wind direction modes, "stop," "forward," and "wide area," and the mode that is lit on the wind direction display 110 means that it is currently selected.

[0049] A flap 51 that opens and closes the suction port of the bypass air passage 43 is disposed in the dehumidifier 1. The control board 16a controls a drive circuit 51a of an opening / closing means drive motor 51b that drives the flap 51 to open and close, whereby the flap 51 is opened and closed.

[0050] The air passage button 111 is for selecting whether the flap 51 is open or closed, and is an example of an opening / closing instruction means for instructing the opening / closing operation of the flap 51, which is an opening / closing means. The control board 16a, which is a control means, commands the operation display board 15a to display the current open / closed state of the air passage on the air passage display 112. The air passage display 112 is an example of an opening / closing display means for displaying the open / closed state of the flap 51, which is an opening / closing means. For example, the opening and closing of the flap 51 is preset as a mode of "open" or "closed" and is stored in the memory unit 16a1 of the control board 16a. The air passage button 111 presses a switch (not shown) arranged on the operation display board 15a via the operation display unit 15. The two preset modes of "open" and "closed" can be selected with the air passage button 111. The air direction display 112 displays the lighting or extinguishing of two LEDs (not shown) arranged on the operation display board 15a via the operation display unit 15. The two LEDs correspond to two modes, "open" and "closed," and the mode that the air path indicator 112 is lit indicates the currently selected mode. The air path button 111 can be selected only when the dehumidification operation mode is "strong" or "weak." In other words, the air path button 111 cannot be used in the dehumidification automatic operation mode, the three air purification operation modes, and the dehumidification and air purification automatic operation mode.

[0051] The humidity display 113 displays the measurement result of the humidity sensor 61. The humidity display 113 is displayed on a liquid crystal (not shown) arranged on the operation and display board 15a via the operation and display unit 15, and displays the relative humidity in a two-digit number.

[0052] The dust display 114 displays the measurement result of the dust sensor 62. The dust display 114 displays the lighting or extinguishing of two LEDs (not shown) arranged on the operation display board 15a via the operation display unit 15, and the corresponding LED lights up.

[0053] Odor display 115 displays the measurement results of gas sensor 63. Odor display 115 displays, via operation display unit 15, the lighting or extinguishing of two LEDs (not shown) arranged on operation display board 15a, and the corresponding LED lights up.

[0054] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the dehumidifier 1 of the embodiment 1. As described above, the dehumidifier 1 of the embodiment 1 is operated by selecting one of three preset dehumidification operation modes, three air purification operation modes, and the dehumidification / air purification automatic operation mode.

[0055] When the dehumidifier 1 is not operating, the control board 16a controls the compressor drive motor 35b and the motor 21a to stop, and the louver drive circuit 13a of the louver drive motor 13b and the drive circuit 51a of the opening / closing means drive motor 51b are controlled so that the louver 13 and the flap 51 are in a closed state at the air outlet 12 and the intake port of the bypass air duct 43, respectively.

[0056] First, the dehumidification operation mode will be described. The dehumidification operation mode is an operation mode for dehumidifying the room. The dehumidification operation mode controls the compressor and the blower. For example, three modes, "strong", "weak" and "automatic", are set in advance.

[0057] The "strong" and "weak" dehumidification modes perform continuous dehumidification. In other words, the compressor and the blower are operated continuously. The "strong" and "weak" dehumidification modes continue operation until the tank 14, which will be described later, is filled with water.

[0058] For example, when a user turns on the operation button 101 of the operation display unit 15, the control board 16a controls the louver drive circuit 13a of the louver drive motor 13b so that the louver 13 opens the air outlet 12, and the dehumidifier 1 starts operating. When the dehumidification operation mode "strong" or "weak" is selected with the dehumidification button 103, the control board 16a controls the motor drive circuit 21b of the motor 21a so that the fan 21 rotates at the preset "strong" or "weak" rotation speed, and controls the drive circuit 35a to drive the compressor drive motor 35b, and the compressor 35 starts compressing the refrigerant.

[0059] In the "strong" mode, the fan 21 is operated at a preset rotation speed that provides the maximum rated dehumidification capacity, and in the "weak" mode, the fan 21 is operated at a preset rotation speed that reduces the dehumidification capacity but the operating noise. In other words, the fan 21 has a higher rotation speed than the "strong" mode.

[0060] Also, the airflow direction button 109 allows the user to select an airflow direction mode that controls the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet 12. When "Stop" is selected, the louvers 13 stop, when "Forward" is selected, the louvers 13 swing only in the forward direction from the vertically upward direction of the main body, and when "Wide Area" is selected, the louvers 13 swing over the entire area including the rear as well as in the forward direction from the vertically upward direction of the main body.

[0061] In addition, the air passage button 111 can select whether to open or close the flap 51. When the flap 51 is "closed," the air inlet of the bypass air passage 43 is closed. Since the bypass air passage 43 is closed, the airflow passes only through the filter air passage 44 for the air that has passed through the air inlet cover 11a and been sucked into the case 10. However, since the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are arranged in the filter air passage 44, the pressure loss is larger than when the bypass air passage 43 is open. Therefore, the fan rotation speed is larger when the same amount of air flows as when the bypass air passage 43 is open, and the load on the motor 21a is also larger, resulting in a larger operating noise. However, since the air passes only through the filter air passage 44, the air blown out from the air outlet 12 of the dehumidifier 1 is cleaner than when the bypass air passage 43 is open.

[0062] On the other hand, when the flap 51 is "open", the intake port of the bypass air passage 43 is opened. Since the bypass air passage 43 is open, the airflow of the air sucked into the case 10 passes through the bypass air passage 43 and the filter air passage 44. Since the airflow passes through the bypass air passage 43 as well as the filter air passage 44, the pressure loss is smaller than when the bypass air passage 43 is closed. Therefore, the fan rotation speed is smaller when the same amount of air flows as when the bypass air passage 43 is closed, and the load on the motor 21a is also smaller, resulting in a smaller operating noise. However, since the airflow passes through the bypass air passage 43, the air blown out from the outlet 12 of the dehumidifier 1 cannot be as clean as when the bypass air passage 43 is closed.

[0063] The rotation speed of the fan 21 of the blowing means is controlled so that the amount of air passing through the heat exchanger is the same whether the flap 51 is "closed" or "open," so the dehumidifying capacity remains constant. Therefore, when the flap 51 is selected to be "closed," the unit operates with high air purification capacity, and when the flap 51 is selected to be "open," the unit operates quietly while the dehumidifying capacity remains constant.

[0064] The "automatic" dehumidification operation mode performs dehumidification according to the detection result of the humidity sensor 61. That is, the operation and stop of the compressor are controlled. The "automatic" dehumidification operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0065] For example, when a user turns on the operation button 101 of the operation display unit 15, the control means controls the louver drive motor so that the louver 13 opens the air outlet 12 (S001), and the dehumidifier 1 starts operation. Next, the control means controls the opening / closing means drive motor so that the flap 51 opens, and opens the suction port of the bypass air passage 43 (S002). The control means drives the motor 21a to rotate, controls the fan 21 to rotate at a preset high rotation speed (S003), and controls the compressor drive motor to drive, and the compressor starts compressing the refrigerant (S004). The control means starts the humidity sensor 61 to detect the humidity of the air around the humidity sensor 61, and determines whether the humidity is 50% or more (S005). If the humidity is 50% or more, the control means continues the drive operation of the compressor drive motor to perform the dehumidification operation (S006), and returns to step S005 after a certain time. If the humidity is less than 50%, the control means controls the compressor drive motor to stop driving, and the refrigerant compression operation of the compressor stops (S007). At this time, the control means controls the motor 21a to continue rotating and driving, and after a certain time, returns to step S005. As an example of the operation, the threshold value of the humidity sensor is set to 50%, but the threshold value may be other values.

[0066] Next, the air purification operation mode will be described. The air purification operation mode is an operation mode for purifying the air in the room. In the air purification operation mode, the compressor is stopped and the blowing means is controlled. The flap 51 is closed and all the air passes through the air purification filter. For example, three air purification operation modes are preset: "strong", "weak", and "automatic".

[0067] The "strong" and "weak" air purification operation modes purify the air continuously, i.e., the blowing means is operated continuously.

[0068] For example, when a user turns on operation button 101 of operation display unit 15, the control board, which is the control means, controls the louver drive motor so that louvers 13 open air outlet 12, and dehumidifier 1 starts operating. When air purification button 105 is used to select the air purification operation mode "strong" or "weak," the control means controls motor 21a so that fan 21 rotates at the preset "strong" or "weak" rotation speed.

[0069] The "strong" setting operates the fan 21 at a preset rotation speed that provides the maximum rated air cleaning capability, while the "weak" setting operates the fan 21 at a preset rotation speed that reduces the air cleaning capability but the operating noise. In other words, the "strong" setting has a higher rotation speed than the "weak" setting.

[0070] In addition, the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet 12 can be selected using the air direction button 109. When "stop" is selected, the louvers 13 stop, when "forward" is selected, the louvers 13 swing only forward from the vertically upward direction of the main body, and when "wide area" is selected, the louvers 13 swing over the entire area including the rear as well as forward from the vertically upward direction of the main body.

[0071] Also, air passage button 111 is not used. Flap 51 is always closed, and the suction port of bypass air passage 43 is closed. Because bypass air passage 43 is closed, air that has passed through suction port cover 11a and has been sucked into case 10 passes only through filter air passage 44. Because air passes only through filter air passage 44, the air blown out from air outlet 12 of dehumidifier 1 becomes clean air.

[0072] In the "automatic" air purification operation mode, air is purified according to the detection results of the dust sensor 62 and the gas sensor 63. That is, the rotation speed of the blowing means is controlled. The "automatic" air purification operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0073] For example, when a user turns on the operation button 101 of the operation display unit 15, the control means controls the louver drive motor so that the louver 13 opens the air outlet 12 (S101), and the dehumidifier 1 starts operation. The control means drives the motor 21a to rotate, and controls the fan 21 to rotate at a preset high rotation speed (S102). The control means controls the dust sensor 62 and the gas sensor 63 to start detecting dust and gas in the air around the sensors, respectively, and judges the level of air pollution (S103). Here, as a method of judging the level of air pollution, for example, if the sum of the dust detection amount related to the amount of dust in the air detected by the dust sensor 62 and the gas detection amount related to the amount of gas detected by the gas sensor 63 is equal to or greater than a preset air pollution threshold, the air pollution is judged to be "high", and if it is less than the air pollution threshold, the air pollution is judged to be "low". If the air is not very dirty, the motor 21a is controlled so that the fan 21 rotates at a preset low rotation speed (S104), and the air purification operation "low" is performed (S105), and after a certain time, the process returns to step S103. If the air is very dirty, the control means performs the air purification operation "high" by continuing the operation of controlling the motor 21a so that the fan 21 rotates at the above-mentioned high rotation speed (S106), and after a certain time, the process returns to step S103.

[0074] Next, the automatic dehumidification / air cleaning operation mode will be described. The automatic dehumidification / air cleaning operation mode is an automatic operation mode for dehumidifying and cleaning the air in the room according to the output of the sensor. The automatic dehumidification / air cleaning operation mode controls the compressor, the blower, and the opening / closing means.

[0075] In addition, the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet 12 can be selected using the air direction button 109. When "Stop" is selected, the louvers 13 stop, when "Forward" is selected, the louvers 13 swing only in the forward direction from the vertically upward direction of the main body, and when "Wide Area" is selected, the louvers 13 swing over the entire area including the rear as well as in the forward direction from the vertically upward direction of the main body.

[0076] Also, air passage button 111 is not used. Opening and closing of flap 51 is automatically controlled. In the dehumidification / air cleaning automatic operation mode, dehumidification and air cleaning are performed according to the detection results of humidity sensor 61, dust sensor 62, and gas sensor 63. That is, the rotation speed of the compressor and blowing means and the opening and closing of flap 51 are controlled. The dehumidification / air cleaning automatic operation mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0077] The automatic dehumidification and air purification operation mode switches the operation mode of the dehumidifier to a dehumidification operation mode or an air purification operation mode, etc., depending on the humidity and air pollution state in the room. For example, when the user turns on the operation button 101 of the operation display unit 15, the control board 16a controls the louver drive circuit 13a of the louver drive motor 13b so that the louver 13 opens the air outlet 12 (S201), and the dehumidifier 1 starts operation. Next, the control board 16a controls the drive circuit 51a of the opening / closing means drive motor 51b so that the flap 51 opens, and the suction port of the bypass air passage 43 opens (S202). The control board 16a drives the motor 21a to rotate, controls the motor drive circuit 21b so that the fan 21 rotates at a preset high rotation speed (S203), and controls the drive circuit 55a to drive the compressor drive motor 35b, and the compressor 35 starts compressing the refrigerant (S204). The control board 16a starts the humidity sensor 61 to detect the humidity of the air around the humidity sensor 61, and judges whether the humidity is 50% or more (S205). If the humidity is 50% or more, the drive operation of the compressor drive motor 35b is continued, and the dust sensor 62 and the gas sensor 63 start the detection operation of the dust and gas in the air around the respective sensors, and judges the degree of air pollution (S206). If the air is not polluted, the operations of steps S202, S203, and S204 are continued, and a dehumidification operation is performed (S207), and after a certain time, the process returns to step S205. If the air is highly polluted, the control board 16a controls the drive circuit 51a of the opening / closing means drive motor 51b to close the flap 51, closes the suction port of the bypass air passage 43 (S208), performs the dehumidification air cleaning operation (S209), and after a certain time, returns to step S205.

[0078] In step S205, if the humidity is less than 50%, the control board 16a controls the drive circuit 35a to stop driving the compressor drive motor 35b, and the refrigerant compression operation of the compressor 35 stops (S210). In this state, the control board 16a controls the dust sensor 62 and the gas sensor 63 to start detecting dust and gas in the air around the respective sensors, and determines whether the air is dirty (S211). If the air is not dirty, the control board 16a controls the motor drive circuit 21b of the motor 21a to rotate the fan 21 at a preset low rotation speed (S212), performs a circulation operation that only blows air and does not dehumidify (S213), and returns to step S205 after a certain time. If the air is highly polluted, the control board 16a controls the drive circuit 51a of the opening / closing means drive motor 51b to close the flap 51, closes the intake port of the bypass air passage 43 (S214), performs air cleaning operation in which the fan 21 continues to rotate at high speed in step S203 (S215), and returns to step S205 after a certain period of time. As an example of the operation, the threshold value of the humidity sensor 61 is set to 50%, but the threshold value may be other values.

[0079] Here, it is better to change the preset rotation speed of the strong rotation depending on whether the flap 51 is closed or open. When the rotation speed of the fan 21 is constant, the air volume is smaller when the flap 51 is closed than when the flap 51 is open. Therefore, when the rotation speed of the fan 21 is constant, the dehumidification capacity is smaller in the dehumidification air cleaning operation in which the flap is closed than in the dehumidification operation in which the flap 51 is open.

[0080] Therefore, the rotation speed of the fan 21 is set so that the amount of air passing through the heat exchanger is constant whether the flap 51 is closed or open. This makes it possible to obtain the same dehumidification capacity whether the flap 51 is closed or open.

[0081] Next, the air flows when the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment is operating with the flap 51 open during the above-mentioned dehumidification operation and when the flap 51 is operating with it closed will be described. Fig. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the air flow in the dehumidifier 1. Fig. 10 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the air flow when the dehumidifier 1 is operating with the flap 51 open. Fig. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the air flow when the dehumidifier 1 is operating with the flap 51 closed. The arrows in Figs. 9 to 11 above indicate the air flow when the dehumidifier 1 is operating.

[0082] During dehumidification operation, the flap 51 can be selected to be opened or closed. When dehumidification operation is started, the louvers 13 open, the motor 21a is driven, the fan 21 starts to rotate, and then the compressor 35 starts to operate. When the fan 21 rotates, an airflow is generated inside the case 10, flowing from the suction port 11 to the air outlet 12.

[0083] When the air conditioner is operating with the flap 51 open, the air inlet of the bypass air passage 43 is open. The air that passes through the air inlet cover 11a branches into the bypass air passage 43 and the filter air passage 44. The air passage area of ​​the filter air passage 44 is larger than that of the bypass air passage 43. However, since the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are arranged in the filter air passage 44, the pressure loss of the filter air passage 44 is larger. Therefore, the amount of air passing through the bypass air passage 43 is larger than the amount of air passing through the filter air passage 44.

[0084] In the filter air passage 44, the airflow that has passed through the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 merges with the airflow that has passed through the bypass air passage 43 near the lattice section 10c. The airflow that has passed through the bypass air passage 43 is air that has reached the vicinity of the lattice section 10c without passing through the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42. Here, since the bypass air passage 43 has an air guide surface 43a that guides the airflow toward the center of the heat exchanger, the airflow that has traveled straight through the bypass air passage 43 changes course toward the center of the windward surface of the evaporator 31, which is a part of the heat exchanger. As a result, the airflow that has passed through the bypass air passage 43 and the airflow that has passed through the filter air passage 44 are mixed near the lattice section 10c and flow into the evaporator 31.

[0085] The airflow passing through bypass air passage 43 has a larger air volume than the airflow passing through filter air passage 44. Furthermore, the airflow passing through bypass air passage 43 has a faster wind speed than the airflow passing through filter air passage 44. If bypass air passage 43 does not have air guide surface 43a for guiding air toward the center of the heat exchanger, not only will pressure loss increase, but the wind speed balance when it flows into the heat exchanger will be poor, resulting in poor heat exchange efficiency.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 3, in the space downstream of the activated carbon filter 42, the evaporator 32, which is a part of the heat exchanger, and the lattice portion 10c are arranged to face each other at a distance A across the first space 33, and the activated carbon filter 42, which is a part of the air purification filter, and the lattice portion 10c are arranged to face each other at a distance B across the second space 34. Therefore, the airflow that has passed through the bypass air passage 43 and the filter air passage 44 is mixed in the first space 33 and the second space 34, and the airflow flowing into the evaporator 31 can be made to flow in a more balanced manner, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0087] Furthermore, since the bypass air passages 43 are arranged in parallel on both the left and right sides of the filter air passage 44, it is possible to reduce bias in the amount of air flowing into the evaporator 31, which is a part of the heat exchanger, and improve the heat exchange efficiency, compared to the case where the bypass air passages are arranged on one side of the filter air passage 44.

[0088] The air passing through the evaporator 31 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 31. As described above, the refrigerant decompressed by the decompression device flows through the evaporator 31. The refrigerant that is at a lower temperature than the air taken into the case 10 flows through the evaporator 31. The refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 31 absorbs heat from the air passing through the evaporator 31.

[0089] The air passing through the evaporator 31 absorbs heat by the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 31. That is, the air passing through the evaporator 31 is cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 31. This causes moisture contained in the air passing through the evaporator 31 to condense. That is, condensation occurs. The moisture in the condensed air is removed from the air as liquid water. The removed water is stored, for example, in a tank 14 provided inside the case 10. The tank 14 is formed to be detachable from the case 10.

[0090] The air that has passed through the evaporator 31 is sent to the condenser 32. Heat exchange occurs between the air passing through the condenser 32 and the refrigerant flowing through the condenser 32. The refrigerant flowing through the condenser 32 is cooled by the air passing through the condenser 32. The air passing through the condenser 32 is heated by the refrigerant flowing through the condenser 32.

[0091] The air that has passed through the condenser 32 is in a drier state than the air outside the dehumidifier 1. This dry air passes through the fan 21. The air that has passed through the fan 21 is sent out from the air outlet 12 to the upper part of the case 10. In this manner, the dehumidifier 1 dehumidifies the air. The dehumidifier 1 also supplies the dry air to the outside.

[0092] Because the bypass air passage 43 is open, the air that has passed through the air inlet cover 11a and has been drawn into the case 10 passes through the bypass air passage 43 and the filter air passage 44. Because the air passes through the bypass air passage 43 as well as the filter air passage 44, the pressure loss is smaller than when the bypass air passage 43 is closed. Therefore, the fan rotation speed is smaller when the same amount of air flows as when the bypass air passage 43 is closed, and the load on the motor 21a is also smaller, resulting in a smaller operating noise. However, because the air passes through the bypass air passage 43, the air blown out from the air outlet 12 of the dehumidifier 1 cannot be as clean as when the bypass air passage is closed.

[0093] When the air conditioner is operated with the flap 51 closed, the bypass air passage 43 is closed. The air that has passed through the air inlet cover 11a passes only through the filter air passage 44 because the bypass air passage 43 is closed.

[0094] The air that has passed through the filter air passage 44 flows into the evaporator 31. The flow of the air after it has flowed into the evaporator 31 is the same as when the air conditioner is operating with the flap 51 open.

[0095] Since the bypass air passage 43 is closed, the air that passes through the intake port cover 11a and is sucked into the case 10 passes only through the filter air passage 44. Since the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are arranged in the filter air passage 44, the pressure loss is larger than when the bypass air passage 43 is open. Therefore, the fan rotation speed is larger when the same amount of air flows as when the bypass air passage 43 is open, and the load on the motor 21a is also larger, resulting in a larger operating noise. However, since the air passes only through the filter air passage 44, the air blown out from the air outlet 12 of the dehumidifier 1 is cleaner than when the bypass air passage is open.

[0096] As described above, the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment includes a housing in which an inlet and an outlet are formed, an air purifying filter, a dehumidifying means for removing moisture in the air, and a blowing means for generating an airflow from the inlet to the outlet, and the airflow generated by the blowing means passes through the inlet, the air purifying filter, the dehumidifying means, and the outlet in this order. The dehumidifier 1 includes a filter air passage in which the air entering from the inlet passes through the air purifying filter and reaches the dehumidifying means, a bypass air passage in which the air entering from the inlet reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air purifying filter, an opening / closing means for opening and closing the inlet of the bypass air passage, a control means for controlling the opening / closing of the opening / closing means, and an opening / closing instruction means for instructing the control means to open and close the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing means. Thus, it is possible to easily instruct the opening / closing of the opening / closing means. When it is desired to operate the dehumidifier with a quiet operation sound, the opening / closing instruction means instructs the opening / closing of the opening / closing means to open the inlet of the bypass air passage. As a result, the dehumidifier 1 operates using the bypass air passage that does not pass through the air purifying filter. As a result, the pressure loss can be reduced compared to when dehumidification is performed using only the filter air passage, and the operating noise can be reduced. If it is desired to perform dehumidification and air purification simultaneously, the opening and closing of the opening and closing means is instructed by the opening and closing instruction means to close the intake port of the bypass air passage. This allows operation using only the filter air passage that passes through the air purification filter. As a result, the pressure loss is larger compared to when operation is performed using the bypass air passage that does not pass through the air purification filter, and the operating noise is also larger, but air purification can be performed simultaneously.

[0097] Furthermore, since an open / close display means is provided for displaying the open / closed state of the open / close means, the open / closed state of the open / close means can be easily confirmed, thereby providing a more user-friendly dehumidifier.

[0098] Embodiment 2 Next, a second embodiment will be described. A dehumidifier 2 of the second embodiment differs from the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment in the configuration of an operation display unit 15. An example of the operation display unit 15 of the second embodiment is shown in Fig. 12. The configuration and operation other than the operation display unit 15 are similar to those of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] The air cleaning capacity button 131 of the operation display unit 15 is for selecting an air cleaning capacity mode, and is an example of an opening / closing instruction means for instructing the control means to open / close the opening / closing means. The control board 16a, which is the control means, commands the operation display board 15a to display the currently selected air cleaning capacity mode on the air cleaning capacity display 132. In other words, the air cleaning capacity display 132 is an example of an opening / closing display means for displaying the air cleaning capacity corresponding to the opening / closing of the flap 51, which is the opening / closing means. The air cleaning capacity mode controls the opening / closing of the blowing means and the flap 51. For example, the air cleaning capacity mode is set in advance to be "strong" or "weak" and is stored in the memory unit 16a1 of the control board 16a.

[0100] When "Strong" is selected with air cleaning capacity button 131, flap 51 is closed and the intake port of bypass air passage 43 is closed. As a result, air is sent only to filter air passage 44, so that the air cleaning capacity is increased.

[0101] When "weak" is selected with the air cleaning capacity button 131, the flap 51 opens and the air inlet of the bypass air passage 43 is opened. As a result, the air that has passed through the air inlet cover 11a and has been drawn into the case 10 passes not only through the filter air passage 44 but also through the bypass air passage 43, so that the air cleaning capacity is reduced but the operating noise can be reduced.

[0102] The air cleaning capacity button 131 can be selected only when the dehumidification operation mode is "strong" or "weak". Whether the air cleaning capacity mode is "strong" or "weak", that is, whether the flap 51 is "closed" or "open", the control board 16a controls the rotation speed of the fan 21 so that the amount of air passing through the heat exchanger is the same, so the dehumidification capacity remains constant. Therefore, the strength of the air cleaning capacity can be selected while the dehumidification capacity remains constant.

[0103] As described above, in the dehumidifier 2 of embodiment 2, in addition to embodiment 1, the opening / closing instruction means is a means for selecting an air cleaning capacity mode corresponding to the opening / closing of the opening / closing means, and the opening / closing display means displays the air cleaning capacity mode corresponding to the opening / closing of the opening / closing means, so that the user can select the strength of the air cleaning operation while keeping the dehumidification capacity constant.

[0104] Furthermore, since an open / close display means is provided for displaying the open / closed state of the open / close means, the open / closed state of the open / close means can be easily confirmed, thereby providing a user-friendly dehumidifier.

[0105] Embodiment 3 Next, a third embodiment will be described. The dehumidifier 3 of the third embodiment differs from the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment and the dehumidifier 2 of the second embodiment in the configuration of the operation display unit 15. An example of the operation display unit 15 of the third embodiment is shown in Fig. 13. The configuration and operation other than the operation display unit 15 are similar to those of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment and the dehumidifier 2 of the second embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] The priority button 141 of the operation display unit 15 is for selecting a priority mode, and displays the currently selected priority mode on the priority display 142. That is, the priority button 141 corresponds to the opening and closing of the opening and closing means, and is a means for selecting an air cleaning ability priority operation mode or a quietness priority operation mode, and is an example of an opening and closing instruction means. The control board 16a instructs the operation display board 15a to display on the priority display 142 whether the current operation is the air cleaning ability priority operation mode or the quietness priority operation mode. The priority display 142 corresponds to the opening and closing of the opening and closing means, and displays the selected priority mode (air cleaning ability priority operation mode or quietness priority operation mode), and is an example of an opening and closing display means. The opening and closing of the blowing means and the flap 51 are controlled based on the priority mode. For example, a mode that prioritizes "air cleaning ability (air cleaning ability)" and a mode that prioritizes "quietness" are set in advance as the priority mode, and are stored in the memory unit 16a1 of the control board 16a.

[0107] When the "air purification capacity" priority mode is selected with the priority button 141, the flap 51 is closed and the air inlet of the bypass air passage 43 is closed. As a result, the airflow of the air sucked into the case 10 through the air inlet cover 11a passes only through the filter air passage 44, so that the air purification capacity is increased.

[0108] When the "quiet" priority mode is selected with priority button 141, flap 51 opens and the intake port of bypass air passage 43 is opened. As a result, the air that has passed through intake port cover 11a and been drawn into case 10 passes not only through filter air passage 44 but also through bypass air passage 43, so that the air purification capacity is reduced but the operating noise can be reduced.

[0109] The priority button 141 can be selected only when the dehumidification operation mode is "strong" or "weak." Whether the selected priority mode is the "air cleaning capacity" priority mode or the "quiet" priority mode, that is, whether the flap 51 is "closed" or "open," the control board 16a controls the rotation speed of the fan 21 so that the amount of air passing through the heat exchanger is the same, and the dehumidification capacity remains constant. Therefore, it is possible to select whether to give priority to air capacity or quietness while keeping the dehumidification capacity constant.

[0110] As described above, in the dehumidifier 3 of embodiment 3, in addition to the features of embodiment 1, the opening / closing instruction means is a means for selecting whether to give priority to air purification ability or quiet operation in response to the opening / closing of the opening / closing means, and the opening / closing display means displays whether to give priority to air purification ability or quiet operation in response to the opening / closing of the opening / closing means, so that the user can select whether to prioritize air purification ability or quiet operation while keeping the dehumidification ability constant.

[0111] Furthermore, since an open / close display means is provided for displaying the open / closed state of the open / close means, the open / closed state of the open / close means can be easily confirmed, thereby providing a user-friendly dehumidifier.

[0112] Embodiment 4 Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of part C in Fig. 11, showing an example of a stop position when opening and closing the flap 51 of the dehumidifier 4 of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an operation display unit 15 of the dehumidifier 4 of the fourth embodiment. Regarding the configuration and operation, explanations of parts similar to those of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0113] The flap 51 adjusts the opening degree of the suction port of the bypass air passage 43. The flap 51 is driven by the opening / closing means drive motor about a rotation axis from a position where the bypass air passage 43 is closed to a position where the bypass air passage 43 is opened in the downstream direction. For example, the stop positions of the flap 51 are set in advance to be (1) to (5) in FIG. 14. That is, the flap 51 adjusts the opening degree of the suction port of the bypass air passage 43, thereby adjusting the opening area of ​​the suction port of the bypass air passage 43. For example, the opening / closing means drive motor is configured by a stepping motor, and the number of pulses for rotating from the reference position (1) to each of the stop positions (2) to (5) with the reference position being (1) is stored in the memory unit 16a1 of the control board 16a.

[0114] When the flap 51 is in the stopped position (1), it closes the suction port of the bypass air passage 43. Because the bypass air passage 43 is closed to the air that has passed through the suction port cover 11a, the airflow passes only through the filter air passage 44. When the flap 51 is in the stopped position (5), it opens the suction port of the bypass air passage 43. Because the bypass air passage 43 is open to the air that has passed through the suction port cover 11a, the airflow passes through the bypass air passage 43 and the filter air passage 44.

[0115] Stop positions (2), (3), and (4) of the flap 51 are set between stop positions (1) and (5). As an example, if the angle between stop positions (1) and (5) is 90°, the angles between stop positions (1) and (2), between stop positions (2) and (3), between stop positions (3) and (4), and between stop positions (4) and (5) are each set to about 22.5°.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 15, the flap stop position selection button 151 of the operation display unit 15 is for selecting the stop position of the flap 51 to set the opening degree of the flap 51, i.e., the opening degree of the intake port of the bypass air passage 43, and is an example of an opening / closing instruction means for instructing the opening / closing operation of the flap 51, which is an opening / closing means. The control board 16a instructs the operation display board 15a to display the currently selected flap stop position on the flap stop position display 154. The flap stop position display 154 is an example of an opening / closing display means for displaying the open / closed state of the flap 51, which is an opening / closing means. For example, the flap stop position selection button 151 is composed of a close selection button 152 and an open selection button 153. When the close selection button 152 is pressed, the flap 51 is driven in a direction to close the opening of the intake port of the bypass air passage 43. In other words, the close selection button 152 is an example of a second switch for instructing the flap 51, which is an opening / closing means, to move in a direction to close the opening degree. Moreover, when the open selection button 153 is pressed, the flap 51 is driven in a direction to open the opening of the intake port of the bypass air passage 43. In other words, the open selection button 153 is an example of a first switch that instructs the flap 51, which is the opening / closing means, to move in a direction to open the opening. For example, when the flap 51 is stopped at the stop position (3), pressing the close selection button 152 moves the flap 51 to the stop position (2), and pressing the open selection button 153 moves the flap 51 to the stop position (4). In this way, the opening / closing instruction means is composed of a first switch that instructs the flap 51 to move in a direction to open the opening of the opening / closing means and a second switch that instructs the flap 51 to move in a direction to close the opening of the opening / closing means, which makes it easy to adjust the opening of the opening / closing means.

[0117] The flap stop position display 154 displays the position at which the flap 51 is stopped. In other words, the flap stop position display 154 is an example of an opening / closing display means that displays the open / closed state of the flap 51, which is an opening / closing means. The flap stop position display 154 is displayed with five LEDs. The five LEDs of the flap stop position display 154 correspond to the positions of the flap 51, from stop position (1) to stop position (5), such that when the flap 51 is at stop position (1), the leftmost LED is lit, and when the flap 51 is at stop position (5), the rightmost LED is lit.

[0118] When the close selection button 152 of the flap stop position selection button 151 is pressed to close the flap 51, the opening area of ​​the intake port of the bypass air passage 43 becomes smaller. This causes the airflow passing through the filter air passage 44 to increase, so that the air purification capacity increases and the operating noise caused by the airflow passing through the filter air passage 44 increases.

[0119] When the open selection button 153 of the flap stop position selection button 151 is pressed to open the flap 51, the opening area of ​​the intake port of the bypass air passage 43 increases. This reduces the airflow passing through the filter air passage 44, so the air cleaning capacity decreases, but the operating noise can be reduced.

[0120] The flap stop position selection button 151 can be selected only when the dehumidification operation mode is "strong" or "weak." At this time, the rotation speed of the blowing means is controlled so that the amount of air passing through the heat exchanger is the same regardless of the position of the flap 51 from stop position (1) to stop position (5).

[0121] That is, for example, when the flap 51 is at the stop position (1), the air purification capacity is maximum but the operating noise is also maximum, and when the flap 51 is at the stop position (5), the air purification capacity is minimum but the operating noise is also minimum. The air purification capacity and the operating noise can be adjusted between the stop positions (2), (3), and (4) of the flap 51. At this time, the dehumidification capacity is adjusted to be constant.

[0122] In the fourth embodiment, the flap stop position selection button 151 of the operation display unit 15 is configured with a close selection button 152 and an open selection button 153 as shown in FIG. 15, but it may be configured as shown in FIG. 16 or FIG.

[0123] The flap stop position selection button 161 of the operation display unit 15 in Fig. 16 is composed of five buttons, button 1 to button 5. In other words, the flap stop position selection button 161 is an example of an opening / closing instruction means that instructs the control means to open or close the flap 51, which is the opening / closing means. For example, when button 1 of the flap stop position selection button 161 is pressed, the flap 51 moves to the stop position (1), and when button 2 is pressed, the flap 51 moves to the stop position (2). In this way, a plurality of switches are arranged as the opening / closing instruction means, and the opening degree of the opening / closing means corresponding to each switch is set, so that the operation of setting the opening degree of the opening / closing means becomes easy.

[0124] The flap stop position display 162 displays the position where the flap 51 is stopped. In other words, the flap stop position display 162 is an example of an opening / closing instruction means that instructs the control means on the open / closed state of the flap 51, which is the opening / closing means. The flap stop position display 162 is displayed with five LEDs. The five LEDs of the flap stop position display 162 correspond to the positions of the flap 51, from stop position (1) to stop position (5), and correspond so that when the flap 51 is at stop position (1), the leftmost LED is lit, and when the flap 51 is at stop position (5), the rightmost LED is lit.

[0125] The flap stop position selection dial 171 of the operation display unit 15 in Fig. 17 is rotated to select the flap position. For example, when the flap 51 is in stop position (3), if the flap stop position selection dial 171 is rotated in the closing direction, the flap 51 moves to stop position (2), and if the flap stop position selection dial 171 is rotated in the opening direction, the flap 51 moves to stop position (4). In this way, since the closing instruction means is configured as a dial that can adjust the opening / closing direction and opening degree of the opening / closing means by rotating, it becomes easy to operate the opening degree configuration of the opening / closing means.

[0126] The flap stop position display 172 displays the position where the flap 51 is stopped. The flap stop position display 172 is displayed with five LEDs. The five LEDs of the flap stop position display 172 correspond to the positions of the flap 51, from stop position (1) to stop position (5), such that when the flap 51 is at stop position (1), the leftmost LED is lit, and when the flap 51 is at stop position (5), the rightmost LED is lit.

[0127] As described above, in addition to the features of embodiment 1, the dehumidifier 4 of embodiment 4 allows the flap stop position to be selected from stop position (1) to stop position (5), so that the air purification capacity and operating noise level can be finely selected while the dehumidification capacity remains constant.

[0128] Furthermore, since an open / close display means is provided for displaying the open / closed state of the open / close means, the open / closed state of the open / close means can be easily confirmed, thereby providing a user-friendly dehumidifier.

[0129] In addition, as an example of a dehumidification means for removing moisture from the air, a refrigerant circuit equipped with an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and a pressure reducing device has been shown, but it may also be configured as a desiccant system in which moisture in the air is absorbed by a moisture absorbent, the moisture absorbent is heated by a heater, and the water vapor released from the moisture absorbent is cooled and condensed by an evaporator or the like to recover the moisture.

[0130] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0131] (Appendix 1) A housing having an intake port and an exhaust port formed therein; Inside the housing, Air purifying filters, A dehumidifying means for removing moisture from the air; and a blowing means for generating an air flow from the suction port to the air outlet, In a dehumidifier, an air flow generated by the air blowing means passes through the air inlet, the air cleaning filter, the dehumidifying means, and the air outlet in this order, a filter air passage through which air entering through the air inlet passes through the air cleaning filter and reaches the dehumidifying means; a bypass air passage through which the air entering through the air inlet reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning filter; an opening / closing means for opening and closing an intake port of the bypass air passage; A control means for controlling the opening and closing of the opening and closing means; an opening / closing instruction means for instructing the control means to perform an opening / closing operation of the opening / closing means. (Appendix 2) A housing having an intake port and an exhaust port formed therein; Inside the housing, Air purifying filters, A dehumidifying means for removing moisture from the air; and a blowing means for generating an air flow from the suction port to the air outlet, In a dehumidifier, an air flow generated by the air blowing means passes through the air inlet, the air cleaning filter, the dehumidifying means, and the air outlet in this order, a filter air passage through which air entering through the air inlet passes through the air cleaning filter and reaches the dehumidifying means; a bypass air passage through which the air entering through the air inlet reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning filter; an opening / closing means for opening and closing an intake port of the bypass air passage; A control means for controlling the opening and closing of the opening and closing means; and an open / close display means for displaying the open / close state of the open / close means. (Appendix 3) 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing instruction means selects an air cleaning capacity mode corresponding to the opening / closing of the opening / closing means and instructs the control means. (Appendix 4) 3. The dehumidifier according to claim 2, wherein the open / close display means displays an air cleaning capacity mode corresponding to the open / close state of the open / close means. (Appendix 5) 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing instruction means selects an air cleaning ability priority mode or a quietness priority mode in response to opening or closing of the opening / closing means and instructs the control means. (Appendix 6) 3. The dehumidifier according to claim 2, wherein the open / close display means displays a selected priority mode in response to the open / close of the open / close means. (Appendix 7) 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing instruction means sets an opening degree of the opening / closing means and instructs the control means. (Appendix 8) 3. The dehumidifier according to claim 2, wherein the opening / closing display means displays the opening degree of the opening / closing means. (Appendix 9) 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing instruction means comprises a first switch for instructing the opening / closing means to move in an opening direction, and a second switch for instructing the opening / closing means to move in a closing direction. (Appendix 10) 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing instruction means includes a plurality of switches, and the opening degree of the opening / closing means corresponding to each switch is set. (Appendix 11) 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing instruction means is constituted by a dial that rotates to set the opening / closing direction and opening degree of the opening / closing means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1 dehumidifier, 2 dehumidifier, 3 dehumidifier, 4 dehumidifier, 10 cases, 10a Front case, 10b Rear case, 10c lattice part, 11 Intake port, 11a Intake port cover, 12 air outlet, 13 louvers, 13a Louver drive circuit 13b Louver drive motor 14 tanks, 15 Operation display section, 15a Operation display board, 16 PCB box, 16a Control board (control means) 16a1 storage section, 16b Power supply board 20 wheels, 21 Fans, 21a motor, 21b motor drive circuit, 31 Evaporator, 32 Condenser, 33 First Space, 34 Second Space, 35 Compressor, 35a drive circuit, 35b Compressor drive motor; 41 HEPA filter, 42 Activated carbon filter, 43 Bypass air duct, 43a Wind guide surface, 44 Filter air passage, 51 flap, 51a drive circuit, 51b opening / closing means driving motor, 61 Humidity sensor, 62 Dust sensor, 63 Gas sensors, 101 Operation button, 102 Operation display, 103 Dehumidification button, 104 Dehumidification operation display, 105 Air Purification Button, 106 Air purification operation display, 107 Dehumidification air purification button, 108 Dehumidification air purification operation display, 109 Wind direction button, 110 Wind direction display, 111 Air duct button, 112 Wind path display, 113 Humidity display, 114 Dust indication, 115 Odor labeling, 131 Air Purification Capacity Button, 132 Air purification capacity display, 141 Priority button, 142 priority display, 151 Flap stop position selection button, 152 closed selection button, 153 Open selection button, 154 Flap stop position indicator, 161 Flap stop position selection button, 162 Flap stop position indicator, 171 Flap stop position selection dial, 172 Flap stop position indication.

Claims

1. A housing having an intake port and an exhaust port formed therein; Inside the housing, Air purifying filters, A dehumidifying means for removing moisture from the air; and a blowing means for generating an air flow from the suction port to the air outlet, In a dehumidifier, an air flow generated by the air blowing means passes through the air inlet, the air cleaning filter, the dehumidifying means, and the air outlet in this order, a filter air passage through which air entering through the air inlet passes through the air cleaning filter and reaches the dehumidifying means; a bypass air passage through which the air entering through the air inlet reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning filter; an opening / closing means for opening and closing an intake port of the bypass air passage; A control means for controlling the opening and closing of the opening and closing means; an opening / closing instruction means for instructing the control means to perform an opening / closing operation of the opening / closing means.

2. A housing having an intake port and an exhaust port formed therein; Inside the housing, Air purifying filters, A dehumidifying means for removing moisture from the air; and a blowing means for generating an air flow from the suction port to the air outlet, In a dehumidifier, an air flow generated by the air blowing means passes through the air inlet, the air cleaning filter, the dehumidifying means, and the air outlet in this order, a filter air passage through which air entering through the air inlet passes through the air cleaning filter and reaches the dehumidifying means; a bypass air passage through which the air entering through the air inlet reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning filter; an opening / closing means for opening and closing an intake port of the bypass air passage; A control means for controlling the opening and closing of the opening and closing means; and an open / close display means for displaying the open / close state of the open / close means.

3. 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing instruction means selects an air cleaning capability mode corresponding to the opening / closing of the opening / closing means and instructs the control means.

4. 3. The dehumidifier according to claim 2, wherein the open / close display means displays an air cleaning capacity mode corresponding to the open / close state of the open / close means.

5. 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing instruction means selects an air cleaning ability priority mode or a quietness priority mode in response to opening or closing of the opening / closing means and instructs the control means.

6. 3. The dehumidifier according to claim 2, wherein the open / close display means displays a selected priority mode in response to the open / close of the open / close means.

7. 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing instruction means sets an opening degree of the opening / closing means and instructs the control means.

8. 3. The dehumidifier according to claim 2, wherein the opening / closing display means displays the opening degree of the opening / closing means.

9. 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing instruction means comprises a first switch for instructing the opening / closing means to move in an opening direction, and a second switch for instructing the opening / closing means to move in a closing direction.

10. 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing instruction means is provided with a plurality of switches, and the opening degree of the opening / closing means corresponding to each switch is set.

11. 2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing instruction means is constituted by a dial that rotates to set the opening / closing direction and the opening degree of the opening / closing means.

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