Dehumidifier

Abstract

To provide a dehumidifier capable of suppressing size increase while combining desiccant type dehumidifying function with compressor type dehumidifying function.SOLUTION: A dehumidifier 100 has a dehumidifying part 110. Air is dehumidified by the dehumidifying part 110. A first heat exchanging part is included in the dehumidifying part 110. Heat is exchanged by the first heat exchanging part. The first heat exchanging part has a first flowing part 84 and a second flowing part 85. Air is flown in the first flowing part 84. A coolant is flown in the second flowing part 85. The first flowing part 84 preferably crosses the second flowing part 85. The second flowing part 85 preferably penetrates the first flowing part 84.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidifier. [Background technology]

[0002] The dehumidifier described in Patent Document 1 includes a first blower, a compressor, a condenser, a pressure reducing device, an evaporator, a second blower, a heater, a moisture absorbing rotor, and a sensible heat exchanger. The first blower blows out air. The compressor, the condenser, the pressure reducing device, and the evaporator form a refrigeration cycle. The second blower blows out air to the moisture absorbing rotor. The heater heats the air. The moisture absorbing rotor absorbs moisture. The sensible heat exchanger cools the air and generates condensation. According to the dehumidifier described in Patent Document 1, a moisture absorbing rotor type dehumidifier and a refrigeration cycle type dehumidifier can be combined. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-28481 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the dehumidifier described in Patent Document 1, a rotor type (desiccant type) dehumidifier and a refrigeration cycle type (compressor type) dehumidifier are directly combined, so the size of the dehumidifier is large.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a dehumidifier that combines a desiccant-type dehumidification function with a compressor-type dehumidification function while preventing the size from becoming large. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a dehumidifier includes a dehumidifying section. The dehumidifying section dehumidifies air. The dehumidifying section includes a first heat exchange section. The first heat exchange section exchanges heat. The first heat exchange section has a first circulating section and a second circulating section. The air circulates through the first circulating section. A refrigerant circulates through the second circulating section. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the dehumidifier of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the size of the dehumidifier from increasing while combining a desiccant-type dehumidification function and a compressor-type dehumidification function. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a cooling section of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a cooling unit according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] [Embodiment 1] A dehumidifier 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the dehumidifier 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing the inside of the dehumidifier 100.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dehumidifier 100 includes a casing 1, a cover member 2a, a drainage tank 4, and an operation unit C.

[0012] The casing 1 is a hollow member. As shown in Fig. 2, the casing 1 is formed with an air outlet 2 and a first air inlet 3a.

[0013] The air outlet 2 is disposed on the first direction D1 side of the casing 1. The first direction D1 indicates the direction from the drain tank 4 toward the operating unit C. The opposite direction to the first direction D1 is the second direction D2. The air outlet 2 is formed, for example, on the front surface of the casing 1. The front surface of the casing 1 is a surface disposed toward the third direction D3. The third direction D3 indicates the direction from the first suction port 3a toward the air outlet 2. The direction from the air outlet 2 toward the first suction port 3a is the fourth direction D4.

[0014] The air outlet 2 communicates between the inside and outside of the casing 1. The air outlet 2 discharges air inside the casing 1 to the outside of the casing 1. The air outlet 2 may be formed in the casing 1, and may be located at a location other than the front surface of the casing 1.

[0015] The cover member 2a is a substantially plate-shaped member. In Fig. 1, the cover member 2a covers the air outlet 2. The cover member 2a is rotatably attached to the casing 1. By changing the rotation angle of the cover member 2a, the cover member 2a functions as an air direction plate that determines the flow direction of the air discharged from the air outlet 2 in a direction according to the rotation angle of the cover member 2a.

[0016] The first suction port 3a is formed on the back surface of the casing 1. The first suction port 3a communicates between the inside and outside of the casing 1. The first suction port 3a allows air outside the casing 1 to flow into the inside of the casing 1. The first suction port 3a may be formed in the casing 1, and may be located in a place other than the back surface of the casing 1.

[0017] The drain tank 4 is disposed on the second direction D2 side of the casing 1. The drain tank 4 is detachably stored in the casing 1. Specifically, the drain tank 4 can be pulled out of the casing 1 by moving the drain tank 4 in a fifth direction D5. The fifth direction D5 indicates the direction in which the drain tank 4 is pulled out of the casing 1. Moreover, the drain tank 4 can be pushed into the casing 1 by moving the drain tank 4 in a sixth direction D6. The sixth direction D6 indicates the direction in which the drain tank 4 is pushed into the casing 1. The drain tank 4 stores water generated by the dehumidifier 100.

[0018] The operation unit C is disposed on the first direction D1 side of the casing 1. In other words, the operation unit C is provided on the upper part of the casing 1. The operation unit C receives instructions from the outside.

[0019] 2, the dehumidifier 100 further includes a dehumidifying section 110 and a first blowing section 17. The dehumidifying section 110 dehumidifies the air. The first blowing section 17 blows the air. The first blowing section 17 includes a fan.

[0020] The dehumidifying section 110 includes a second blowing section 5, a heater 6, a dehumidifying rotor 7, a cooling section 8, a heat dissipation section 9, a water collection section 10, an expansion section 11, and a compression section 12. The second blowing section 5 corresponds to an example of a "blowing section". The heater 6 corresponds to an example of a "heating section".

[0021] The first blowing section 17, the heater 6, the dehumidifying rotor 7, the cooling section 8, the heat dissipation section 9, the second blowing section 5, and the compression section 12 are disposed inside the casing 1.

[0022] The second blower 5 blows air. The second blower 5 includes a fan. The second blower 5 is disposed on the third direction D3 side of the heater 6. In other words, the second blower 5 is disposed upstream of the heater 6. The second blower 5 blows air to the heater 6.

[0023] The heater 6 generates heat to heat the air.

[0024] The dehumidification rotor 7 includes zeolite 71, a rotor 72, and a rotating shaft 73. The rotor 72 is a substantially disk-shaped member. A plurality of zeolites 71 are provided on the rotor 72 along the circumferential direction of the rotor 72. The rotor 72 rotates about the rotating shaft 73.

[0025] The dehumidifying rotor 7 further includes a moisture releasing section 7a and a moisture absorbing section 7b.

[0026] The moisture releasing section 7a releases moisture. The moisture releasing section 7a humidifies the air by releasing moisture. The moisture releasing section 7a is a portion of the rotor 72 on the first direction D1 side. The moisture releasing section 7a is located on the first direction D1 side of the moisture absorbing section 7b. The moisture releasing section 7a faces the heater 6. The moisture releasing section 7a is located on the fourth direction D4 side of the heater 6. Heat is supplied to the moisture releasing section 7a from the heater 6.

[0027] The moisture release section 7a is supplied with air heated by the heater 6, and releases air (high humidity air) containing moisture dehumidified by the moisture absorption section 7b. Specifically, air heated by the heater 6 is supplied to the zeolite 71 located in the moisture release section 7a, and the moisture dehumidified when the zeolite 71 is located in the moisture absorption section 7b is vaporized in the moisture release section 7a. As a result, high humidity air is released from the moisture release section 7a.

[0028] The moisture absorbent 7b absorbs moisture. The moisture absorbent 7b absorbs moisture to dehumidify the air. The moisture absorbent 7b is a portion of the rotor 72 on the second direction D2 side. The moisture absorbent 7b does not face the heater 6. The moisture absorbent 7b is disposed between the cooling unit 8 and the heat dissipation unit 9.

[0029] The moisture absorber 7b dehumidifies the air. Specifically, the zeolite 71 located in the moisture absorber 7b dehumidifies the air. As a result, the dehumidified air (dry air) is released from the moisture absorber 7b.

[0030] The zeolite 71 rotates together with the rotor 72, and thereby alternates between being located in the moisture releasing section 7a and being located in the moisture absorbing section 7b.

[0031] The compression unit 12 compresses the refrigerant and includes a compressor.

[0032] The expansion section 11 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion section 11 includes, for example, a capillary tube.

[0033] A refrigeration cycle F2 is formed inside the casing 1. The refrigeration cycle F2 is a cycle in which a circulation path is formed by annularly connecting a compression section 12, a heat dissipation section 9, an expansion section 11, and a cooling section 8, and the compression section 12 circulates a refrigerant through the circulation path.

[0034] In the refrigeration cycle F2, the compression section 12 operates to increase the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is sent to the heat dissipation section 9. The heat dissipation section 9 cools the refrigerant by dissipating heat of the refrigerant into the air passing through the heat dissipation section 9. The refrigerant that has passed through the heat dissipation section 9 is sent to the expansion section 11. The expansion section 11 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant cooled by the heat dissipation section 9 to generate a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant. The refrigerant that has passed through the expansion section 11 is sent to the cooling section 8. The cooling section 8 is cooled by being supplied with the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant from the expansion section 11. The refrigerant that has passed through the cooling section 8 is sent to the compression section 12. In the refrigeration cycle F2, the refrigerant circulates through the compression section 12, the heat dissipation section 9, the expansion section 11, and the cooling section 8 in this order, thereby suppressing a temperature rise in the cooling section 8. In the refrigeration cycle F2, the refrigerant that has been made high temperature and high pressure by the compression section 12 is sent to the heat radiating section 9, so that the temperature of the heat radiating section 9 rises.

[0035] The cooling section 8 exchanges heat to cool the air. The cooling section 8 includes an evaporator. The cooling section 8 has a shape that extends along the vertical direction. The cooling section 8 faces the moisture absorber 7b. The cooling section 8 is disposed on the fourth direction D4 side of the moisture absorber 7b. The cooling section 8 of the first embodiment corresponds to an example of a "first heat exchange section."

[0036] The cooling unit 8 cools the air to condense the water vapor in the air, thereby dehumidifying the air and generating water.

[0037] In the first embodiment, high humidity air is discharged from the moisture discharge section 7a. The air discharged from the moisture discharge section 7a is supplied to the cooling section 8. The cooling section 8 then generates condensation from the air discharged from the moisture discharge section 7a to perform dehumidification.

[0038] The heat radiating section 9 cools the cooling section 8 by cooling the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle F2. That is, the heat radiating section 9 cools the cooling section 8 via a refrigerant (e.g., freon gas). The heat radiating section 9 includes a capacitor. The heat radiating section 9 is disposed on the third direction D3 side of the moisture absorption section 7b. The heat radiating section 9 is disposed on the second direction D2 side of the heater 6. The heat radiating section 9 is disposed on the fourth direction D4 side of the first blower section 17. The heat radiating section 9 corresponds to an example of a "second heat exchange section."

[0039] The water collecting section 10 collects the water generated in the cooling section 8. The water collecting section 10 is disposed below the cooling section 8. The water generated in the cooling section 8 drips into the water collecting section 10.

[0040] The water collecting portion 10 is formed, for example, in a funnel shape, and guides the supplied water to the drainage tank 4. As a result, the water is stored in the drainage tank 4.

[0041] The dehumidifier 100 further includes a memory unit 13 and a control unit 14.

[0042] The storage unit 13 includes a main storage device (e.g., a semiconductor memory) such as a Read Only Memory (ROM) and a Random Access Memory (RAM), and may further include an auxiliary storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive). The main storage device and / or the auxiliary storage device store various computer programs executed by the control unit 14.

[0043] The control unit 14 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 14 controls each element of the dehumidifier 100.

[0044] Next, the cooling section 8 and the heat dissipation section 9 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 2 to 4. The cooling section 8 that performs heat exchange and the heat dissipation section 9 that performs heat exchange may have the same shape. In this embodiment, the "heat exchange section" will be described using the cooling section 8 as an example. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the cooling section 8. Fig. 4 is a view showing a cross section taken along line IV-IV shown in Fig. 3.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the cooling section 8 has a first support section 81, a second support section 82, a plurality of heat transfer plates 83, a first circulating section 84, and a second circulating section 85.

[0046] The first support portion 81 supports the multiple first circulating portions 84. Specifically, the first support portion 81 supports the ends of the multiple first circulating portions 84 on the first direction D1 side. Specifically, the first support portion 81 has multiple first openings 81a. Ends of the first circulating portions 84 in the first direction D1 are inserted into each of the multiple first openings 81a.

[0047] The first support portion 81 has a U-shape. The first support portion 81 has thermal conductivity. The first support portion 81 is formed of, for example, a metal. The first support portion 81 is disposed spaced apart from the second support portion 82. The first support portion 81 faces the second support portion 82 while being spaced apart from the second support portion 82.

[0048] The second support portion 82 supports the multiple first circulating portions 84. Specifically, the first support portion 81 supports the ends of the multiple first circulating portions 84 on the second direction D2 side. Specifically, the second support portion 82 has multiple second openings 82a. Ends of the first circulating portions 84 in the first direction D1 are inserted into each of the multiple second openings 82a.

[0049] The second support portion 82 has a U-shape. The second support portion 82 has thermal conductivity. The second support portion 82 is formed of, for example, a metal. The second support portion 82 is disposed spaced apart from the first support portion 81. The second support portion 82 faces the first support portion 81 while being spaced apart from the first support portion 81. The second circulating portion 85 corresponds to a path connecting the compression portion 12 and the heat dissipation portion 9. The second circulating portion 85 also corresponds to a path connecting the expansion portion 11 and the cooling portion 8.

[0050] The first circulating portion 84 allows air to circulate. The first circulating portion 84 has a cylindrical shape. Specifically, the first circulating portion 84 is a square-shaped tube. The first circulating portion 84 has a first end 842 in the first direction D1 and a second end 843 in the second direction D2. An opening is formed in the first end 842. An opening is formed in the second end 843. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the high-humidity air discharged from the moisture discharging portion 7a flows into the first circulating portion 84 from the first end 842. Next, the high-humidity air moves inside the first circulating portion 84 in the second direction D2. Next, the high-humidity air flows out from the second end 843. That is, the cooling portion 8 cools the high-humidity air circulating inside the first circulating portion 84.

[0051] Moreover, the first circulating portion 84 has thermal conductivity. The first circulating portion 84 is formed of, for example, a metal. In this embodiment, the multiple first circulating portions 84 are arranged at equal intervals. In this embodiment, three first circulating portions 84 are supported by the first support portion 81 and the second support portion 82. Moreover, the first circulating portion 84 intersects with the second circulating portion 85.

[0052] A refrigerant flows through the second circulating portion 85. Specifically, a cooled refrigerant flows through the second circulating portion 85. Therefore, the cooling portion 8 can cool the air around the second circulating portion 85 while cooling the high-humidity air flowing through the inside of the first circulating portion 84. That is, one cooling portion 8 can serve as both a cooling portion used in a desiccant-type dehumidifier and a cooling portion used in a compressor-type dehumidifier. As a result, the size of the casing 1 of the dehumidifier 100 can be prevented from increasing while combining the desiccant-type dehumidification function and the compressor-type dehumidification function. In other words, the dehumidifier 100 can be made smaller.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 4, the second circulating portion 85 penetrates the first circulating portion 84. Therefore, a part of the second circulating portion 85 is located inside the first circulating portion 84. In other words, the air moving inside the first circulating portion 84 passes around the second circulating portion 85. Then, the refrigerant moving inside the second circulating portion 85 cools the air around the second circulating portion 85. As a result, the air moving inside the first circulating portion 84 can be cooled more efficiently.

[0054] The multiple heat transfer plates 83 transfer heat. The multiple heat transfer plates 83 have thermal conductivity. The multiple heat transfer plates 83 are formed of, for example, metal. In this embodiment, the multiple heat transfer plates 83 are arranged at equal intervals. In this embodiment, ten heat transfer plates 83 are arranged between the first support portion 81 and the second support portion 82. The heat transfer plates 83 are arranged along the direction in which the first circulating portion 84 extends. In other words, the heat transfer plates 83 are arranged along the first direction D1 or the second direction D2.

[0055] Further, the second circulating portion 85 penetrates the heat transfer plate 83. Therefore, the multiple heat transfer plates 83 are supported by the second circulating portion 85. The multiple heat transfer plates 83 supported by the second circulating portion 85 transfer the heat of the refrigerant moving inside the second circulating portion 85 to the air. In other words, the air around the cooling portion 8 is further cooled by the heat transfer plate 83. As a result, the air around the cooling portion 8 can be cooled efficiently.

[0056] 4, the first flow portion 84 has a main body portion 841. The main body portion 841 has a plurality of through holes 845 and a guide portion 846.

[0057] The main body 841 is a cylindrical body. A guide portion 846 is disposed on an inner wall 847 of the main body 841.

[0058] The plurality of through holes 845 communicate between the inside and the outside of the main body portion 841. The second flow portion 85 is inserted into each of the plurality of through holes 845. In this embodiment, twelve through holes 845 are disposed in the main body portion 841.

[0059] The guide portion 846 guides the water droplets adhering to the inner wall 847. That is, the guide portion 846 can guide the water droplets adhering to the inner wall 847 from the first end portion 842 to the second end portion 843. Specifically, the guide portion 846 guides the water droplets adhering to the inner wall 847 to the water collection portion 10 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the water droplets are guided to the water collection portion 10, and the water is discharged into the drainage tank 4. As a result, a decrease in the dehumidification capacity of the dehumidifier 100 can be suppressed.

[0060] The guide portion 846 protrudes from the inner wall 847. Therefore, the surface area of ​​the main body portion 841 on the inner wall 847 side becomes large. As a result, a large amount of condensation can be adhered to the inner wall 847.

[0061] Next, the flow path F1 formed inside the casing 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0062] 2 to 4, the second blowing section 5 blows air to generate a circulation path F1. The circulation path F1 is a flow path through which the air moves.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution route F1 includes a first route F11, a second route F12, a third route F13, a fourth route F14, a fifth route F15, and a sixth route F16.

[0064] The first path F11 is a flow path through which air flows. The first path F11 is located on the first direction D1 side of each of the cooling unit 8 and the heat dissipation unit 9, and on the third direction D3 side of each of the heater 6 and the moisture discharging unit 7a. The first path F11 communicates with the first suction port 3a and extends from the first suction port 3a in the third direction D3. The connection region F1a of the first path F11 is located on the third direction D3 side of the heater 6.

[0065] The second path F12 is a flow path through which air flows. The second path F12 is connected to the connection region F1a of the first path F11 and extends from the connection region F1a to the heat dissipation portion 9 side. The connection region F2a of the second path F12 on the heat dissipation portion 9 side is located in the third direction D3 of the heater 6. The first path F11 and the second path F12 may be omitted.

[0066] The third path F13 is a flow path through which air flows. The third path F13 is connected to the connection region F2a of the second path F12 and extends from the connection region F2a in the fourth direction D4. The third path F13 passes on the first direction D1 side of the heater 6 and the moisture release unit 7a. The connection region F3a of the third path F13 is located on the first direction D1 side of the cooling unit 8.

[0067] The fourth path F14 is a flow path through which air flows. The fourth path F14 is connected to the connection region F3a of the third path F13 and extends from the connection region F3a in the second direction D2. The fourth path F14 is formed in the cooling portion 8. The fourth path F14 corresponds to the first flow portion 84.

[0068] The fifth path F15 is a flow path through which air flows. The fifth path F15 is connected to the connection region F4a of the fourth path F14 and extends from the connection region F4a in the third direction D3. The fifth path F15 passes through the heat dissipation portion 9.

[0069] The sixth path F16 is a flow path through which air flows. The sixth path F16 is connected to the midway region F5a of the fifth path F15 and extends from the midway region F5a in the first direction D1. The sixth path F16 is formed in the heat dissipation section 9. The sixth path F16 leads to the second blowing section 5. The sixth path F16 corresponds to the first circulation section 84.

[0070] An exhaust path FZ is further formed inside the casing 1. The exhaust path FZ is formed from the first blowing section 17 to the air outlet 2.

[0071] The air that has flowed into the inside of the casing 1 through the first suction port 3a circulates through the flow path F1.

[0072] In the flow path F1, air flows through the second blower section 5, the heater 6, the moisture discharging section 7a, the cooling section 8, and the heat dissipating section 9 in this order.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 4, the first blower 17 blows air, so that the air passes through the cooling section 8 from the fourth direction D4 to the third direction D3. The air that passes through the cooling section 8 is cooled. Then, the air flows through the exhaust path FZ, and is exhausted to the outside of the casing 1 through the air outlet 2.

[0074] The dehumidifier 100 further includes a plurality of wall portions 15. Each of the plurality of wall portions 15 divides the inside of the casing 1 to form a flow path F1.

[0075] The multiple walls 15 include a first wall 15a to a sixth wall 15f. The multiple walls 15 are plate-shaped members.

[0076] The first wall portion 15a is disposed between the first path F11 and the third path F13. The first wall portion 15a divides the space inside the casing 1 on the fourth direction D4 side of the moisture discharging portion 7a into left and right, thereby separating the first path F11 and the third path F13 from each other. The first wall portion 15a is disposed on the first direction D1 side of the cooling portion 8. In the first embodiment, a pair of first wall portions 15a are provided. The third path F13 exists between the pair of first wall portions 15a.

[0077] The second wall portion 15b is disposed between the first path F11 and the third path F13. The second wall portion 15b divides the space inside the casing 1 on the third direction D3 side of the moisture discharging portion 7a into left and right, thereby separating the first path F11 and the third path F13 from each other. The second wall portion 15b is disposed on the first direction D1 side of the heat dissipating portion 9. In the first embodiment, a pair of second wall portions 15b is provided. The third path F13 exists between the pair of second wall portions 15b. In addition, the heater 6 exists between the pair of second wall portions 15b.

[0078] The third wall portion 15c is disposed on the third direction D3 side of the second wall portion 15b. A second path F12 exists between the third wall portion 15c and the second wall portion 15b. The third wall portion 15c is disposed on the third direction D3 side of the heater 6. The third wall portion 15c divides a space inside the casing 1 on the third direction D3 side of the heater 6 into front and rear portions, thereby forming the second path F12. The second path F12 exists on the fourth direction D4 side of the third wall portion 15c.

[0079] The fourth wall portion 15d is disposed between the heater 6 and the heat dissipation portion 9. The fourth wall portion 15d is disposed between the moisture release portion 7a and the moisture absorption portion 7b. The fourth wall portion 15d is connected to the lower portion of the third wall portion 15c. The fourth wall portion 15d divides the space located below the heater 6 in the space inside the casing 1 into upper and lower portions. A first path F11, a second path F12, and a third path F13 are present above the fourth wall portion 15d. A fifth path F15 is present below the fourth wall portion 15d.

[0080] The fifth wall portion 15e is disposed on the fourth direction D4 side of the cooling portion 8. The fifth wall portion 15e is formed so as to cover the cooling portion 8 from the rear side. The fifth wall portion 15e may be a part of the casing 1. The fifth wall portion 15e may be a member separate from the casing 1. A gap S is formed between the fifth wall portion 15e and the fourth wall portion 15d. A fourth path F14 exists in the gap S.

[0081] The sixth wall portion 15f is disposed on the third direction D3 side of the cooling portion 8. The sixth wall portion 15f faces the fifth wall portion 15e via the cooling portion 8. A fourth path F14 exists between the sixth wall portion 15f and the fifth wall portion 15e. A lower end fa of the sixth wall portion 15f is located closer to the first direction D1 side than the lower end of the cooling portion 8. The fourth path F14 is connected to the fifth path F15 on the second direction D2 side than the sixth wall portion 15f.

[0082] As described above with reference to Figs. 2 to 4, the circulation path F1 has the second blower section 5, the heater 6, the moisture discharge section 7a, and the cooling section 8 arranged in this order. Therefore, air supplied to the circulation path F1 from the outside of the casing 1 flows through the second blower section 5, the heater 6, the moisture discharge section 7a, and the cooling section 8 in this order. The air flowing through the circulation path F1 is dehumidified by condensing moisture in the air by the cooling section 8. As a result, the amount of dehumidification of the air can be improved, and the air can be effectively dried.

[0083] Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the second blower section 5, the heater 6, the moisture release section 7a, the cooling section 8, and the heat dissipation section 9 are arranged in the flow path F1 in the order of the second blower section 5, the heater 6, the moisture release section 7a, the cooling section 8, and the heat dissipation section 9. The cooling section 8 cools the air after the moisture release section 7a releases moisture and the air around the cooling section 8. The heat dissipation section 9 releases heat from the refrigerant and heats the air flowing through the sixth path F16 with the released heat. That is, the air supplied from the outside of the casing 1 to the flow path F1 flows through the second blower section 5, the heater 6, the moisture release section 7a, the cooling section 8, and the heat dissipation section 9 in that order, and then returns to the second blower section 5. Therefore, the heater 6 further heats the air heated by the heat generated in the heat dissipation section 9. As a result, the air can be effectively heated.

[0084] 2 to 4, air outside the casing 1 flows into the inside of the casing 1 through the first suction inlet 3a, then flows through the second blower section 5, heater 6, moisture release section 7a, cooling section 8, and heat dissipation section 9 in that order, and is discharged to the outside of the casing 1 through the air outlet 2. Air outside the casing 1 flows into the inside of the casing 1 through the first suction inlet 3a, then flows through the second blower section 5, heater 6, moisture release section 7a, cooling section 8, and heat dissipation section 9 in that order, and returns to the second blower section 5.

[0085] Specifically, the air that has been introduced into the casing 1 through the first suction port 3a by the second blower 5 is heated by the heater 6. The air heated by the heater 6 is supplied to the moisture discharge section 7a. The air heated by the heater 6 then vaporizes the moisture contained in the zeolite 71 located in the moisture discharge section 7a. As a result, high humidity air is generated. The high humidity air is released from the moisture discharge section 7a.

[0086] The high humidity air discharged from the moisture discharging section 7a is cooled by the cooling section 8. As a result, condensation is generated. The water generated by the condensation is discharged into the drainage tank 4 via the water collecting section 10.

[0087] The air discharged from the cooling section 8 is supplied to the heat dissipation section 9. After being supplied to the heat dissipation section 9, the air is discharged to the second blower section 5. The air discharged to the second blower section 5 is sent to the heater 6 again.

[0088] As described above with reference to Fig. 2, the air cooled by the cooling unit 8 is supplied to the heat radiating unit 9. Therefore, the heat radiating unit 9 can be cooled by the air cooled by the cooling unit 8, and therefore the temperature rise of the heat radiating unit 9 can be suppressed. As a result, in the refrigeration cycle F2, the refrigerant can be effectively cooled by the heat radiating unit 9, and therefore the cooling efficiency of the cooling unit 8 by the refrigeration cycle F2 can be improved.

[0089] Furthermore, the cooling efficiency of the cooling unit 8 by the refrigeration cycle F2 is improved, so that the cooling unit 8 can be effectively kept in a cold state. When the cooling unit 8 is kept in a cold state, the air cooling capacity of the cooling unit 8 can be improved. Therefore, the cooling unit 8 can effectively condense water vapor in the air to generate more water. As a result, a decrease in the dehumidification capacity of the dehumidifier 100 can be suppressed.

[0090] Furthermore, when the temperature around the dehumidifier 100 is sufficiently high, the cooling unit 8 can cool the air to the extent that condensation occurs even when the heater 6 is OFF. That is, when it is summer, dehumidification may be performed with the heater 6 in the OFF state. In this case, from the viewpoint of power saving, the dehumidifier 100 may be operated with the heater 6 in the OFF state. When it is winter, the temperature around the dehumidifier 100 is sufficiently low, so dehumidification may be performed with the compressor unit 12 in the OFF state. When drying clothes, dehumidification may be performed with the heater 6 and the compressor unit 12 in the ON state.

[0091] [Embodiment 2] Next, a dehumidifier 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. The dehumidifier 100 according to the second embodiment differs from the dehumidifier 100 according to the first embodiment in that the heat dissipation section 9 is a "first heat exchange section." Hereinafter, the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0092] The dehumidifier 100 of the second embodiment includes a casing 1, a cover member 2a, a drain tank 4, an operation section C, a dehumidifying section 110, and a first blowing section 17.

[0093] The casing 1 is formed with an air outlet 2 and a pair of first intake ports 3a. The air outlet 2 is formed on the front surface of the casing 1 and discharges air inside the casing 1 to the outside of the casing 1. The cover member 2a determines the flow direction of air discharged from the air outlet 2 in a direction according to the rotation angle of the cover member 2a. The first intake port 3a is formed on the rear surface of the casing 1 and allows air outside the casing 1 to flow into the inside of the casing 1. The drain tank 4 stores water generated by the dehumidifier 100. The operation unit C accepts instructions from the outside. The dehumidification unit 110 dehumidifies the air. The first blower unit 17 blows the air.

[0094] The dehumidifying section 110 includes a second blower section 5, a heater 6, a dehumidifying rotor 7, a cooling section 8, a heat dissipating section 9, a water collecting section 10, an expansion section 11, a compression section 12, a storage section 13, and a control section 14. The heat dissipating section 9 of the second embodiment corresponds to an example of a “first heat exchange section”.

[0095] The second blower 5 blows air to the heater 6. The heater 6 heats the air by generating heat. The dehumidifying rotor 7 includes zeolite 71, a rotor 72, a rotating shaft 73, a moisture releasing section 7a, and a moisture absorbing section 7b. The moisture releasing section 7a humidifies the air by releasing moisture. The moisture absorbing section 7b dehumidifies the air by absorbing moisture. The zeolite 71 rotates together with the rotor 72, and alternates between being located in the moisture releasing section 7a and being located in the moisture absorbing section 7b. The compression section 12 compresses and delivers the refrigerant. The expansion section 11 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The cooling section 8 cools the air by exchanging heat. The heat dissipation section 9 cools the cooling section 8 by cooling the refrigerant. The water collection section 10 collects water generated in the cooling section 8.

[0096] A refrigeration cycle F2 is formed inside the casing 1. The refrigeration cycle F2 is a cycle in which a circulation path is formed by annularly connecting a compression section 12, a heat dissipation section 9, an expansion section 11, and a cooling section 8, and the compression section 12 circulates a refrigerant through the circulation path.

[0097] The storage unit 13 includes a main storage device (e.g., a semiconductor memory) such as a ROM and a RAM, and may further include an auxiliary storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive). The main storage device and / or the auxiliary storage device store various computer programs executed by the control unit 14.

[0098] The control unit 14 includes a processor such as a CPU and an MPU. The control unit 14 controls each element of the dehumidifier 100.

[0099] 2 to 4, the dehumidifier 100 further includes a plurality of wall sections 15. Each of the plurality of wall sections 15 divides the inside of the casing 1 to form a circulation path F1. The first blower section 17 and the second blower section 5 blow air, causing the air to move through the circulation path F1.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution route F1 includes a first route F11, a second route F12, a third route F13, a fourth route F14, a fifth route F15, and a sixth route F16.

[0101] The first path F11 is located above the cooling section 8 and the heat dissipation section 9, and to the side of the heater 6 and the moisture dissipation section 7a. The second path F12 is connected to the first path F11 and extends toward the heater 6. The third path F13 is connected to the second path F12 and passes through the heater 6 and the moisture dissipation section 7a. The fourth path F14 is connected to the third path F13 and is formed in the cooling section 8. The fifth path F15 is connected to the fourth path F14 and passes through the moisture absorption section 7b and the heat dissipation section 9. The sixth path F16 is connected to the fifth path F15 and is formed in the heat dissipation section 9.

[0102] In the flow path F1 of the second embodiment, air flows through the second blower section 5, the heater 6, the moisture discharging section 7a, the cooling section 8, and the heat dissipating section 9 in this order.

[0103] As described above with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the second blower section 5, the heater 6, the moisture discharging section 7a, the cooling section 8, and the heat dissipating section 9 are arranged in the flow path F1 in the order of the second blower section 5, the heater 6, the moisture discharging section 7a, the cooling section 8, and the heat dissipating section 9. The heat dissipating section 9 in the second embodiment corresponds to an example of the "first heat exchange section". That is, the air supplied to the flow path F1 from the outside of the casing 1 flows through the second blower section 5, the heater 6, the moisture discharging section 7a, and the heat dissipating section 9 in that order, and then returns to the second blower section 5. Therefore, the heater 6 further heats the air heated by the heat generated in the heat dissipating section 9. As a result, the air can be effectively heated.

[0104] [Embodiment 3] Next, a dehumidifier 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 5. In the dehumidifier 100 according to the third embodiment, the shape of the "heat exchanger" is different from that of the "heat exchanger" in the first and second embodiments. The following mainly describes the differences from the first and second embodiments.

[0105] 5 is a diagram showing the cooling unit 8 of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the "heat exchange unit" will be described using the cooling unit 8 as an example. The cooling unit 8 that performs heat exchange and the heat dissipation unit 9 that performs heat exchange may have the same shape.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 5, the cooling section 8 has a plurality of first circulating sections 84 and a plurality of second circulating sections 85.

[0107] Air flows through the first circulating portion 84. The first circulating portion 84 has a cylindrical shape. Specifically, the first circulating portion 84 is a square-shaped tube. The first circulating portion 84 has a first end 842 in the first direction D1 and a second end 843 in the second direction D2. An opening is formed in the first end 842. An opening is formed in the second end 843.

[0108] The first flow portion 84 includes a first heat transfer plate 83a, a second heat transfer plate 84a, a pair of third heat transfer plates 84b, and a pair of fourth heat transfer plates 83b.

[0109] The first heat transfer plate 83a transfers heat. The first heat transfer plate 83a has thermal conductivity. The first heat transfer plate 83a is made of, for example, a metal. The first heat transfer plate 83a has a flat plate shape.

[0110] The first heat transfer plate 83a faces the second heat transfer plate 84a. The first heat transfer plate 83a is disposed on the fifth direction D5 side of the position where the second heat transfer plate 84a is disposed. The first heat transfer plate 83a extends along the first direction D1 or the second direction D2.

[0111] The first heat transfer plate 83a has a plurality of through holes 835. The second flow portions 85 are inserted into each of the plurality of through holes 835. In this embodiment, twelve through holes 835 are arranged in the first heat transfer plate 83a.

[0112] The pair of fourth heat transfer plates 83b contact the second heat transfer plates 84a of the adjacent first flow portions 84 and transfer heat. The pair of fourth heat transfer plates 83b has thermal conductivity. The pair of fourth heat transfer plates 83b is formed of, for example, a metal. The pair of fourth heat transfer plates 83b has a flat plate shape.

[0113] The pair of fourth heat transfer plates 83b extend from the first heat transfer plate 83a. Specifically, one of the pair of fourth heat transfer plates 83b extends along the sixth direction D6 from an end of the first heat transfer plate 83a in the first direction D1. The other of the pair of fourth heat transfer plates 83b extends along the sixth direction D6 from an end of the first heat transfer plate 83a in the second direction D2. The pair of fourth heat transfer plates 83b are disposed between the second heat transfer plate 84a and the first heat transfer plate 83a of the adjacent first circulating portion 84. The pair of fourth heat transfer plates 83b extend along the third direction D3 or the fourth direction D4.

[0114] The second heat transfer plate 84a transfers heat. The second heat transfer plate 84a has thermal conductivity. The second heat transfer plate 84a is made of, for example, a metal. The second heat transfer plate 84a has a flat plate shape.

[0115] The second heat transfer plate 84a faces the first heat transfer plate 83a. The second heat transfer plate 84a is disposed on the sixth direction D6 side of the position where the first heat transfer plate 83a is disposed. The second heat transfer plate 84a extends along the first direction D1 or the second direction D2.

[0116] The second heat transfer plate 84a has a plurality of through holes 845. The second circulating portion 85 is inserted into each of the plurality of through holes 845. In this embodiment, twelve through holes 845 are arranged in the second heat transfer plate 84a. The positions of the plurality of through holes 845 correspond to the positions of the plurality of through holes 835.

[0117] The pair of third heat transfer plates 84b contact the first heat transfer plates 83a of the adjacent first flow portion 84 and transfer heat. The pair of third heat transfer plates 84b has thermal conductivity. The pair of third heat transfer plates 84b is formed of, for example, a metal. The pair of third heat transfer plates 84b has a flat plate shape.

[0118] The pair of third heat transfer plates 84b extend from the second heat transfer plate 84a. The pair of third heat transfer plates 84b extend along the first direction D1 or the second direction D2. One of the pair of third heat transfer plates 84b extends along the sixth direction D6 from the end of the second heat transfer plate 84a in the third direction D3. The other of the pair of third heat transfer plates 84b extends along the sixth direction D6 from the end of the second heat transfer plate 84a in the fourth direction D4. The pair of third heat transfer plates 84b are disposed between the first heat transfer plate 83a and the second heat transfer plate 84a.

[0119] 5, the second circulating portion 85 of the present embodiment penetrates the first heat transfer plate 83a and the second heat transfer plate 84a. Therefore, the heat of the refrigerant flowing inside the second circulating portion 85 is transferred to the first heat transfer plate 83a and the second heat transfer plate 84a. As a result, the air moving through the first circulating portion 84 can be cooled while the air around the first circulating portion 84 is also cooled.

[0120] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in each of the above embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components across different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The drawings are mainly shown in a schematic manner for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings are different from the actual ones due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, the speed, material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are only examples and are not particularly limited, and various changes are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention.

[0121] (1) The dehumidifier 100 of the first embodiment and the dehumidifier 100 of the second embodiment each have the heater 6, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the heater 6 may be omitted from the dehumidifier 100. In the case where the heater 6 is omitted, the heat radiating section 9 heats the air. Then, the air heated by the heat radiating section 9 is guided to the moisture releasing section 7a. By using the heat radiating section 9 instead of the heater 6, the electric power for operating the heater 6 is not required. Therefore, the running cost of the dehumidifier 100 can be reduced. In addition, the air is always heated by the heat generated in the refrigeration cycle F2 or the heat generated in the heat radiating section 9, and the heated air is supplied to the moisture releasing section 7a, so that efficient dehumidification can be achieved using the moisture releasing section 7a.

[0122] (2) In the first embodiment, one guide portion 846 is arranged on the inner wall 847 of the main body portion 841, but this is not limited thereto. A plurality of guide portions 846 may be arranged on the inner wall 847 of the main body portion 841. The plurality of guide portions 846 guide water droplets adhering to the inner wall 847 to the second end portion 843. The water droplets guided by the plurality of guide portions 846 are discharged into the drainage tank 4 via the water collection portion 10. In addition, the plurality of guide portions 846 extend along the first direction D1 or the second direction D2.

[0123] (3) The length of the first circulating portion 84 of the cooling section 8 in the first to third embodiments can be changed according to the length of the casing 1 in the first direction D1. For example, the longer the first circulating portion 84 is, the longer the time it takes for the air to pass through the cooling section 8. In other words, the air can be cooled more effectively by the cooling section 8.

[0124] (4) In the first to third embodiments, the air moving through the flow path F1 does not pass through the moisture absorbing section 7b, but this is not limited to the above. The air may flow through the flow path F1 in the order of the second blower section 5, the heater 6, the moisture releasing section 7a, the cooling section 8, the moisture absorbing section 7b, and the heat releasing section 9. Therefore, the air flowing through the flow path F1 is further dehumidified by the moisture absorbing section 7b. As a result, the amount of dehumidification of the air can be improved. [Industrial Applicability]

[0125] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention provides a dehumidifier and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 5: Second blower section (blower section) 6: Heater (heating part) 7a: Moisture release section 7b: Moisture absorption part 8: Cooling section (first heat exchange section) 9: Heat radiation section (first heat exchange section, second heat exchange section) 83: Heat transfer plate 83a: First heat transfer plate 84: 1st Distribution Department 84a: Second heat transfer plate 84b: 3rd heat transfer plate 85:Second distribution department 100: Dehumidifier 110: Dehumidification section 846: Information Department 847 :Inner wall F1: Distribution channel

Claims

1. Equipped with a dehumidifying unit that dehumidifies the air, The dehumidification unit includes a first heat exchange unit that exchanges heat, The first heat exchange section is a first flow passage through which the air flows; a second flow passage through which the refrigerant flows; having The first flow passage intersects with the second flow passage, The second flow passage penetrates the first flow passage, A dehumidifier, wherein only a portion of the second flow passage is located inside the first flow passage.

2. The first heat exchange unit further includes a heat transfer plate for transferring heat, The heat transfer plate is disposed along a direction in which the first flow passage extends, The dehumidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the second flow passage passes through the heat transfer plate.

3. The first flow passage is A first heat transfer plate that transfers heat; A second heat transfer plate facing the first heat transfer plate; a pair of third heat transfer plates disposed between the first heat transfer plate and the second heat transfer plate; having The dehumidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the second flow passage penetrates through the first heat transfer plate and the second heat transfer plate.

4. 4. The dehumidifier according to claim 2, wherein the first flow passage has a guide portion that guides water droplets adhering to an inner wall thereof.

5. The dehumidification unit is A heating unit that heats the air; a blower section that blows the air to the heating section; A moisture releasing section that releases moisture; A flow path through which the air moves; Equipped with the flow path includes the first heat exchange unit, the heating unit, the air blowing unit, and the moisture releasing unit, and the first heat exchange unit is disposed in this order: the air blowing unit, the heating unit, the moisture releasing unit, and the first heat exchange unit; The dehumidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the first flow passage constitutes a part of the flow path.

6. The dehumidification unit further includes a second heat exchange unit that exchanges heat, The first heat exchange unit cools the air after the moisture release unit releases the moisture and the air around the first heat exchange unit, The second heat exchange unit releases heat from the refrigerant and heats the air flowing through the first flow passage with the released heat, The dehumidifier of claim 5, wherein the circulation path includes the first heat exchange section, the heating section, the air blowing section, the moisture release section, and the second heat exchange section, and the first heat exchange section is arranged in this order: air blowing section, heating section, moisture release section, first heat exchange section, and second heat exchange section.

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