Humidity Control Device

Abstract

To provide a humidity conditioning device that can increase an amount of water content evaporated from an evaporator.SOLUTION: A dehumidifier (humidity conditioning device) 100 includes a heater 6, a dehumidifying rotor 7 and a plate-like shield part 55. The dehumidifying rotor 7 can hold and evaporate water content. The shield part 55 is disposed upstream of air flow as compared to the heater 6. The shield part 55 faces the heater 6. The shield part 55 shields an air flow toward the heater 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidity control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a humidity control device that includes a heating section and a dehumidification rotor through which air passes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a dehumidification device that includes a heating means and a moisture absorption and desorption means having a moisture absorption section and a moisture desorption section. Air heated by the heating means is supplied to the moisture desorption section of the moisture absorption and desorption means. The heating means includes a heating section and a uniform supply means that supplies air evenly to the heating section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-281046 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When increasing the dehumidification amount of a dehumidifier, the amount of air supplied to the dehumidification rotor (evaporation section) is usually increased. Therefore, the wind speed of the air passing through the dehumidification rotor increases. However, when the wind speed of the air increases, the temperature of the air decreases, so that the dehumidification amount may not increase much or may decrease.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a humidity control device capable of increasing the amount of moisture evaporated from an evaporation section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A humidity control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a heating section, an evaporator, and a plate-shaped shielding section. The evaporator is capable of retaining and evaporating moisture. The shielding section is disposed upstream of the heating section in the flow of air. The shielding section faces the heating section. The shielding section shields the flow of air toward the heating section. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a humidity control device capable of increasing the amount of moisture evaporated from an evaporation section. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 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. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the structure around the heater in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a rear view showing the structure around the guide portion, the shielding portion and the heater in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a heater and a shielding portion of a dehumidifier according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a heater and a shielding portion of a dehumidifier according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the shielding portion of the dehumidifier according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the shielding portion of the dehumidifier according to the fourth 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] [First embodiment] A dehumidifier 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The dehumidifier 100 is an example of the "humidity control device" of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the dehumidifier 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the dehumidifier 100 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other in the figure. The Z-axis is parallel to the vertical direction, and the X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction. The positive direction of the X-axis indicates the front side of the dehumidifier 100, and the negative direction of the X-axis indicates the rear side of the dehumidifier 100. In this embodiment, for convenience, the right side of the dehumidifier 100 when viewed from the front side may be described as the right side of the dehumidifier 100, and the opposite side may be described as the left side of the dehumidifier 100. In addition, the front side of the dehumidifier 100 may be described as the front side of the dehumidifier 100, and the rear side of the dehumidifier 100 may be described as the rear side of the dehumidifier 100. In this embodiment, the rotation axis AX of the dehumidifier rotor 7 is approximately parallel to the X-axis. One side of the rotation axis AX indicates the front side of the dehumidifier 100, and the other side of the rotation axis AX indicates the rear side of the dehumidifier 100.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the dehumidifier 100 includes a casing 1, a cover member 2a, a drainage tank 4, and an operation unit 5.

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

[0013] The air outlet 2 is formed, for example, on the front surface of the casing 1. 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 position other than the front surface of the casing 1.

[0014] The cover member 2a (see FIG. 1) is a substantially plate-shaped member. 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.

[0015] The first suction port 3a is formed, for example, on the rear surface of the casing 1. The first suction port 3a is disposed, for example, at the upper part and in the left-right center of the rear 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 only needs to be formed in the casing 1, and may be located at a location other than the rear surface of the casing 1.

[0016] The second suction port 3b is formed, for example, on the rear surface of the casing 1. The second suction port 3b is disposed, for example, in the left-right central portion of the rear surface of the casing 1. The second suction port 3b is disposed, for example, below the first suction port 3a. The second suction port 3b communicates between the inside and outside of the casing 1. The second suction port 3b allows air outside the casing 1 to flow into the inside of the casing 1. The second suction port 3b only needs to be formed in the casing 1, and may be located at a location other than the rear surface of the casing 1.

[0017] The drainage tank 4 is disposed in a lower portion within the casing 1. The drainage tank 4 is detachably housed in the casing 1. The drainage tank 4 stores water generated by the dehumidifier 100.

[0018] The operation unit 5 is disposed, for example, on the upper part of the casing 1. The operation unit 5 receives instructions from the outside.

[0019] Next, the dehumidifier 100 will be further described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the dehumidifier 100 further includes a heater 6, a dehumidification rotor 7, a cooling section 8, a heat dissipation section 9, a water collection section 10, a blower section 11, a compression section 12a, an expansion section 12b, a guide section 50, and a shielding section 55. The heater 6, the dehumidification rotor 7, the cooling section 8, the heat dissipation section 9, the blower section 11, the compression section 12a, the expansion section 12b, the guide section 50, and the shielding section 55 are disposed inside the casing 1.

[0020] The heater 6 generates heat to heat the air. The heater 6 also heats the dehumidification rotor 7. The heater 6 is an example of the "heating section" of the present invention. The heater 6 is disposed in front of the first suction port 3a. The heater 6 faces the first suction port 3a.

[0021] The dehumidifying rotor 7 is a substantially disk-shaped member. The dehumidifying rotor 7 rotates about a rotation axis AX. The rotation shaft 19 is disposed on the rotation axis AX. The rotation shaft 19 rotatably supports the dehumidifying rotor 7. The dehumidifying rotor 7 rotates about the rotation shaft 19.

[0022] The dehumidifying rotor 7 allows air to pass through. The dehumidifying rotor 7 can retain and vaporize moisture. In this embodiment, the dehumidifying rotor 7 can adsorb and desorb moisture. The dehumidifying rotor 7 includes, for example, zeolite. The dehumidifying rotor 7 is an example of the "vaporization section" of the present invention.

[0023] The dehumidification rotor 7 includes a moisture release section 7a and a moisture absorption section 7b. The moisture release section 7a is an upper portion of the dehumidification rotor 7. The moisture release section 7a is located above the moisture absorption section 7b. The heater 6 and the first suction port 3a are arranged behind the moisture release section 7a. The moisture release section 7a faces the heater 6. Heat is supplied to the moisture release section 7a from the heater 6. The moisture absorption section 7b is a lower portion of the dehumidification rotor 7. The moisture absorption section 7b does not face the heater 6. As the dehumidification rotor 7 rotates, the outer periphery of the dehumidification rotor 7 alternates between being located at the moisture release section 7a and being located at the moisture absorption section 7b.

[0024] The moisture absorber 7b dehumidifies the air. More specifically, the portion of the dehumidification rotor 7 that is located at the moisture absorber 7b dehumidifies the air. As a result, the dehumidified air (dry air) is released from the moisture absorber 7b.

[0025] The moisture release section 7a has a moisture release function of releasing air (high humidity air) containing moisture dehumidified by the moisture absorption section 7b when air heated by the heater 6 is supplied to the moisture release section 7a. In detail, when air heated by the heater 6 is supplied to the moisture release section 7a, the moisture dehumidified from the air by 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.

[0026] The relationship between the heater 6 and the moisture releasing section 7a will be described.

[0027] The heater 6 includes, for example, a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater, and is operated by electricity. The heater 6 has a heating function according to the moisture releasing function of the moisture releasing section 7a. In other words, the heater 6 heats the air so that the temperature of the air supplied to the moisture releasing section 7a becomes a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is a temperature at which the moisture releasing section 7a (for example, zeolite) can effectively perform the moisture releasing function. In this embodiment, the heater 6 generates heat at, for example, about 200°C to 300°C, thereby heating the air so that the temperature of the air supplied to the moisture releasing section 7a becomes a predetermined temperature. The type of the heater 6 is not particularly limited, and the heater 6 may include, for example, a nichrome heater or a ceramic heater. A detailed structure of the heater 6 will be described later.

[0028] The compression section 12a pumps the refrigerant. The compression section 12a includes a compressor. The expansion section 12b reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion section 12b includes, for example, a capillary tube. A refrigeration cycle is formed inside the casing 1. The refrigeration cycle is a cycle in which a circulation path is formed by connecting the compression section 12a, the heat dissipation section 9, the expansion section 12b, and the cooling section 8 in an annular shape, and the compression section 12a circulates the refrigerant through the circulation path. In the refrigeration cycle, the compression section 12a operates to increase the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The high-temperature and 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 12b. The expansion section 12b reduces the pressure of the refrigerant cooled by the heat dissipation section 9 to generate a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant. The refrigerant that has passed through the expansion section 12b is sent to the cooling section 8. The cooling section 8 is cooled by being supplied with low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant from the expansion section 12b. The refrigerant that has passed through the cooling section 8 is sent to the compression section 12a. In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant circulates through the compression section 12a, heat dissipation section 9, expansion section 12b, and cooling section 8 in that order, thereby suppressing a rise in temperature in the cooling section 8. Note that in the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant that has been made high-temperature and high-pressure by the compression section 12a is sent to the heat dissipation section 9, so that the temperature of the heat dissipation section 9 rises.

[0029] The cooling section 8 cools the air by exchanging heat. The cooling section 8 includes an evaporator. The cooling section 8 has a shape that extends along the vertical direction. The cooling section 8 is disposed opposite the moisture absorbent section 7b. The cooling section 8 is disposed rearward of the moisture absorbent section 7b. The cooling section 8 is disposed below the heater 6. The moisture absorbent section 7b is disposed in front of the cooling section 8.

[0030] The cooling unit 8 condenses water vapor in the air by cooling the air, resulting in the air being dehumidified and water being produced.

[0031] In this 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.

[0032] The heat radiating section 9 cools the cooling section 8 by cooling the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. That is, the heat radiating section 9 cools the cooling section 8 via the refrigerant (e.g., chlorofluorocarbon gas). The heat radiating section 9 includes a capacitor. The heat radiating section 9 is disposed in front of the moisture absorbing section 7b.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The water collecting portion 10 is formed, for example, in a funnel shape, and guides the received water to the drainage tank 4. As a result, the water is stored in the drainage tank 4.

[0035] The blower 11 blows air. The blower 11 includes a fan. The blower 11 is disposed in front of the heat dissipation unit 9, for example.

[0036] The guide section 50 guides the air. The guide section 50 is disposed between the first suction port 3a and the heater 6. The guide section 50 guides the air that has flowed in from the first suction port 3a to the heater 6. A detailed structure of the guide section 50 will be described later.

[0037] The shielding portion 55 is disposed between the first air inlet 3a and the heater 6. The shielding portion 55 is a plate-shaped member. The detailed structure of the shielding portion 55 will be described later.

[0038] The dehumidifier 100 further includes a memory unit 13 and a control unit 14.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Next, the structures of the heater 6, the guide portion 50, and the shielding portion 55 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2, 4, and 5. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the structure around the heater 6 of this embodiment from the rear. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the structure around the guide portion 50, the shielding portion 55, and the heater 6 of this embodiment from the rear.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 4, the dehumidifier 100 further includes a heater holding member 60, a plurality of terminals 62, a temperature detection unit 64, and a temperature detection unit 64a. The heater 6 is substantially rectangular. The heater 6 has a plurality of through holes 6a penetrating in the front-rear direction. Air passes through the plurality of through holes 6a from the rear to the front. The air is heated as it passes through the through holes 6a.

[0043] The heater holding member 60 holds the heater 6. The heater holding member 60 is a cylindrical member having a substantially rectangular internal space. The heater 6 is disposed in the internal space of the heater holding member 60.

[0044] The terminal 62 is connected to the heater 6. The terminal 62 and the heater 6 may be an integrally molded product. The terminal 62 is disposed in the internal space of the heater holding member 60. The terminal 62 is disposed, for example, on one side in the left-right direction with respect to the heater 6. The terminal 62 is electrically connected, for example, to a heater control board (not shown).

[0045] The temperature detection unit 64 and the temperature detection unit 64a are disposed near the heater 6. In this embodiment, the temperature detection unit 64 and the temperature detection unit 64a are fixed to the heater holding member 60. The temperature detection unit 64 and the temperature detection unit 64a detect the temperature of air passing around the heater 6.

[0046] The temperature detection unit 64 and the temperature detection unit 64a are, for example, a thermostat. For example, when the temperature detection unit 64 and the temperature detection unit 64a detect an abnormal temperature, they may cut off the power supply to the heater 6 and each unit other than the heater 6, and stop the operation of the dehumidifier 100. In addition, the temperature detection unit 64 and the temperature detection unit 64a are not limited to a thermostat. For example, the temperature detection unit 64 and the temperature detection unit 64a may be a temperature sensor that detects the temperature. Then, the temperature detection unit 64 and the temperature detection unit 64a may transmit the detection result to the control unit 14, and the control unit 14 may stop the operation of the dehumidifier 100. In this embodiment, two temperature detection units 64 and 64a are provided, but only one temperature detection unit 64 or 64a may be provided.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the guide portion 50 is disposed upstream of the heater 6 in the air flow (negative side of the X-axis). In other words, the guide portion 50 is disposed upstream of the heater 6 in the air passing direction. The guide portion 50 includes a main body portion 51 and a lattice portion 52. The main body portion 51 is a substantially plate-shaped member. The main body portion 51 divides the space inside the casing 1. The main body portion 51 has a plurality of mounting holes 51a for screwing to a housing or the like (not shown).

[0048] The lattice portion 52 is disposed in a portion of the guide portion 50 facing the heater 6. The lattice portion 52 is substantially rectangular. The lattice portion 52 has a plurality of through holes 52a penetrating in the passage direction of air passing through. The lattice portion 52 is larger than the heater 6. Specifically, the lattice portion 52 is longer in the vertical direction than the heater 6. The lattice portion 52 is also longer in the horizontal direction than the heater 6. The lattice portion 52 and the main body portion 51 may be integrally molded, or the lattice portion 52 and the main body portion 51 may be composed of separate members.

[0049] The guide section 50 receives the air flowing in from the first suction port 3a (see FIG. 2) at the main body section 51 and passes the air through the lattice section 52. Therefore, most of the air flowing in from the first suction port 3a passes through the lattice section 52 and is guided toward the heater 6.

[0050] The shielding portion 55 is disposed upstream of the heater 6 in the air flow (negative side of the X-axis). In other words, the shielding portion 55 is disposed upstream of the heater 6 in the air passing direction. The shielding portion 55 faces the heater 6. In this embodiment, the shielding portion 55 is disposed between the guide portion 50 and the heater 6, but the shielding portion 55 may be disposed between the guide portion 50 and the first air inlet 3a. In addition, the shielding portion 55 may or may not be attached to the guide portion 50. In addition, the shielding portion 55 and the guide portion 50 may be an integrally molded product.

[0051] The shielding portion 55 blocks a part of the lattice portion 52. The shielding portion 55 blocks the flow of air toward the heater 6. Here, for example, when the output of the blower portion 11 is increased to increase the amount of air supplied to the dehumidification rotor 7 (see FIG. 2) in order to increase the amount of dehumidification, the wind speed of the air passing through the first region R6a (see FIG. 4) located at the outer periphery of the heater 6 increases. On the other hand, the wind speed of the air passing through the second region R6b (see FIG. 4) located at the approximate center of the heater 6 is unlikely to increase. Therefore, the temperature of the air passing through the second region R6b of the heater 6 can be maintained at a high temperature. Therefore, the moisture in the moisture releasing portion 7a is vaporized and released into the air by the high-temperature air that passes through the second region R6b of the heater 6 and reaches the moisture releasing portion 7a (see FIG. 2). The moisture released from the moisture releasing portion 7a diffuses not only into the high-temperature air that has passed through the second region R6b but also into the air that has passed through the first region R6a. Since the air passing through the first region R6a has a high wind speed, the moisture released from the moisture releasing section 7a is sent to the cooling section 8 one after another by the air passing through the first region R6a. As a result, the amount of moisture vaporized from the dehumidification rotor 7 can be increased. That is, the dehumidification performance of the dehumidifier 100 can be improved. The first region R6a is a region of the heater 6 that is not covered by the shielding section 55. The second region R6b is a region of the heater 6 that is covered by the shielding section 55. In other words, the first region R6a is a region of the heater 6 that does not overlap the shielding section 55 in the air passing direction. The second region R6b is a region of the heater 6 that overlaps the shielding section 55 in the air passing direction.

[0052] Moreover, the heater 6 is disposed so that at least a part of it is visible when viewed from the upstream side in the air passing direction. In other words, the shielding portion 55 overlaps a part of the heater 6 in the air passing direction. Therefore, high-temperature air and air with a high wind speed pass through the heater 6. As a result, the amount of moisture evaporated from the dehumidification rotor 7 can be easily increased.

[0053] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the shielding portion 55 overlaps the temperature detection portion 64 and the temperature detection portion 64a in the air passing direction. Therefore, the amount of air passing through the temperature detection portion 64 and the temperature detection portion 64a can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dust or foreign matter to the temperature detection portion 64 and the temperature detection portion 64a. In addition, the shielding portion 55 overlaps the terminal 62 in the air passing direction. Therefore, the amount of air passing through the terminal 62 can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dust or foreign matter to the terminal 62.

[0054] Specifically, the shielding portion 55 includes a first shielding portion 55a and a second shielding portion 55b. The first shielding portion 55a overlaps with the second region R6b of the heater 6 in the air passage direction, and overlaps with the temperature detection portion 64 and the temperature detection portion 64a in the air passage direction. The second shielding portion 55b overlaps with the terminal 62 in the air passage direction.

[0055] 2 and 3, the heater 6 includes, for example, a PTC heater. The maximum temperature of a PTC heater during use is lower than that of, for example, a Nichrome heater and a ceramic heater. Therefore, when the heater 6 includes a PTC heater, increasing the wind speed of the air passing through the heater 6 tends to lower the temperature of the air. Therefore, when a PTC heater is used as the heater 6, it is particularly effective to provide a shielding portion 55 to ensure high-temperature air.

[0056] Next, the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 formed inside the casing 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0057] 2 and 3, the blower 11 blows air to generate a first circulation path F1 and a second circulation path F2. The first circulation path F1 and the second circulation path F2 are flow paths through which the air moves.

[0058] The first flow path F1 includes a first path portion F11, a pair of second path portions F12, a pair of third path portions F13, a pair of fourth path portions F14, and a fifth path portion F15.

[0059] The first path portion F11 is located in the left-right center of the casing 1, above the cooling section 8 and the heat dissipation section 9. The first path portion F11 communicates with the first suction port 3a and extends forward from the first suction port 3a. The first path portion F11 passes through the guide section 50, the heater 6, and the moisture discharging section 7a. The front end portion F1a of the first path portion F11 is located in front of the heater 6.

[0060] The pair of second path portions F12 are continuous with the front end portion F1a of the first path portion F11. The pair of second path portions F12 extend in opposite directions (left-right directions) to branch off from the front end portion F1a of the first path portion F11.

[0061] The pair of third path portions F13 are connected to the ends F2a of the pair of second path portions F12, respectively, and extend rearward from the ends F2a. The pair of third path portions F13 pass through both the left and right sides of the moisture discharging section 7a. The rear ends F3a of the pair of third path portions F13 are located above the cooling section 8.

[0062] The pair of fourth path portions F14 are connected to the rear end portions F3a of the pair of third path portions F13, respectively, and extend downward from the rear end portions F3a. The pair of fourth path portions F14 approach each other downward and join together behind the dehumidification rotor 7. The pair of fourth path portions F14 are formed in the cooling section 8.

[0063] The fifth path portion F15 is connected to the lower end portion F4a of the fourth path portion F14 and extends forward from the lower end portion F4a. The fifth path portion F15 passes through the dehumidification rotor 7 and the heat dissipation portion 9. The fifth path portion F15 is connected to the blower portion 11.

[0064] The second flow path F2 is located below the first flow path F1. The second flow path F2 is connected to the second air inlet 3b. In the second flow path F2, the cooling section 8, the moisture absorption section 7b, and the heat dissipation section 9 are arranged in this order. The second flow path F2 is connected to the blower 11.

[0065] Moreover, the blower 11 blows air to generate an exhaust distribution path FZ inside the casing 1. The exhaust distribution path FZ is a flow path through which the air moves. The exhaust distribution path FZ is formed from the blower 11 to the air outlet 2.

[0066] Next, the operation of the dehumidifier 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0067] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, air outside the casing 1 flows into the inside of the casing 1 through the first intake port 3a, then flows through the guide section 50, the heater 6, the moisture dissipation section 7a, the cooling section 8, the opening 71a of the dehumidification rotor 7, and the heat dissipation section 9 in that order, and is discharged to the outside of the casing 1 through the exhaust port 2.

[0068] The air that flows into the inside of the casing 1 through the first suction port 3a is heated by the heater 6. The air heated by the heater 6 is supplied to the moisture discharging section 7a. The air heated by the heater 6 then vaporizes the moisture contained in the portion of the dehumidification rotor 7 that is located in the moisture discharging section 7a. As a result, high humidity air is generated. The high humidity air is released from the moisture discharging section 7a.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The air discharged from the cooling section 8 passes through the dehumidifying rotor 7 and is supplied to the heat dissipation section 9 , and then is discharged to the outside of the casing 1 through the air outlet 2 .

[0071] In addition, air outside the casing 1 flows into the inside of the casing 1 through the second intake port 3b, then flows through the cooling section 8, the moisture absorption section 7b and the heat dissipation section 9 in that order, and is discharged to the outside of the casing 1 through the exhaust port 2.

[0072] The air that flows into the inside of the casing 1 through the second air inlet 3b is dehumidified by condensing the moisture in the air by the cooling unit 8. The air dehumidified by the cooling unit 8 is further dehumidified by the moisture absorbing unit 7b. As a result, the air can be effectively dried. The air dehumidified by the moisture absorbing unit 7b is supplied to the heat radiating unit 9 and then discharged to the outside of the casing 1 through the air outlet 2. In this embodiment, the air cooled by the cooling unit 8 is supplied to the heat radiating unit 9, so that the temperature rise of the heat radiating unit 9 can be suppressed. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the cooling unit 8 by the refrigeration cycle can be improved.

[0073] [Second embodiment] A dehumidifier 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are schematic diagrams showing the heater 6 and the shielding portion 155 of the dehumidifier 100 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the overlapping area between the shielding portion 155 and the heater 6 in the air passage direction is adjusted. Hereinafter, the "overlapping area between the shielding portion 155 and the heater 6 in the air passage direction" may be referred to as the "shielding area".

[0074] As shown in Fig. 6, the dehumidifier 100 includes a shielding portion 155 and an adjustment portion 90. The shielding portion 155 corresponds to the first shielding portion 55a of the first embodiment. That is, the shielding portion 155 overlaps with the second region R6b of the heater 6, the temperature detection portion 64, and the temperature detection portion 64a in the air passage direction. Note that in this embodiment, for example, the shielding portion 155 may be disposed behind the guide portion 50. Also, for example, the guide portion 50 may not include the lattice portion 52.

[0075] The adjustment unit 90 drives the shielding unit 155. Specifically, the adjustment unit 90 includes a rotation shaft 91 extending perpendicularly to the air passing direction. The adjustment unit 90 may further include, for example, a rotation drive unit (not shown) and a transmission mechanism (not shown) that transmits a driving force from the rotation drive unit to the rotation shaft 91. The rotation drive unit may include, for example, a motor. The transmission mechanism may include, for example, a plurality of gears.

[0076] 6 and 7, the adjustment unit 90 adjusts the shielding area by driving the shielding unit 155. Therefore, for example, the adjustment unit 90 changes the shielding area according to the amount of air supplied to the dehumidification rotor 7, thereby further improving the dehumidification performance of the dehumidifier 100.

[0077] Specifically, the adjustment unit 90 rotates the shielding unit 155 by rotating the rotation shaft 91 within a predetermined angle range.

[0078] The control unit 14 controls the adjustment unit 90. In this embodiment, when the output of the blower unit 11 is increased to increase the amount of air supplied to the dehumidification rotor 7, the control unit 14 controls the adjustment unit 90 so that the shielding area is increased. Specifically, for example, when the rotation speed (rpm) of the blower unit 11 is set to a first value or more, the control unit 14 controls the adjustment unit 90 so that the shielding area is maximized, as shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, as described in the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, air with a high wind speed can be passed through the first region R6a of the heater 6 while air with a high temperature is passed through the second region R6b of the heater 6. As a result, when the amount of air supplied to the dehumidification rotor 7 is increased, the dehumidification performance of the dehumidifier 100 can be improved.

[0079] On the other hand, when the output of the blower 11 is reduced to reduce the amount of air supplied to the dehumidification rotor 7, the control unit 14 controls the adjustment unit 90 so that the shielding area is reduced. Specifically, for example, when the rotation speed (rpm) of the blower 11 is set to less than a second value that is smaller than the first value, the control unit 14 controls the adjustment unit 90 so that the shielding area is minimized as shown in FIG. 7. Note that, in FIG. 7, an example in which the shielding area is not zero is shown as an example in which the shielding area is minimized, but the shielding area may be zero by making the shielding unit 155 substantially horizontal. When the amount of air supplied to the dehumidification rotor 7 is reduced, high-temperature air passes through substantially the entire heater 6. Therefore, it is not necessary to reduce the wind speed of the air passing through, for example, the second region R6b of the heater 6 by the shielding unit 155. Therefore, by minimizing the shielding area, it is possible to suppress the wind speed of the air passing through, for example, the second region R6b of the heater 6 from becoming smaller. As a result, when the amount of air supplied to the dehumidification rotor 7 is reduced, the dehumidification performance of the dehumidifier 100 can be prevented from decreasing.

[0080] Furthermore, for example, when the rotation speed (rpm) of the blower 11 is set to be smaller than the first value and equal to or greater than the second value, the control unit 14 may set the position of the shielding unit 155 to a position between the position shown in Fig. 6 and the position shown in Fig. 7. In this case, the shielding area can be changed in stages according to the amount of air supplied to the dehumidification rotor 7. Therefore, the dehumidification performance of the dehumidifier 100 can be improved.

[0081] The other structures and effects of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0082] [Third embodiment] A dehumidifier 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a rear view of a shielding portion 255 of the dehumidifier 100 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, an example in which the shielding portion 255 has an opening 255a will be described.

[0083] 8, the dehumidifier 100 includes a shielding portion 255. The shielding portion 255 corresponds to the first shielding portion 55a of the first embodiment. That is, the shielding portion 255 overlaps with the second region R6b of the heater 6, the temperature detection portion 64, and the temperature detection portion 64a in the air passage direction.

[0084] In this embodiment, the shielding portion 255 has an opening 255a through which air passes. Therefore, it is possible to increase the wind speed of the air passing through the second region R6b of the heater 6 while suppressing a decrease in the temperature of the air passing through the second region R6b of the heater 6. Specifically, the shielding portion 255 has a plurality of openings 255a. At least one of the openings 255a is disposed at a position in the shielding portion 255 that overlaps with the heater 6 in the air passing direction. Also, in this embodiment, the opening 255a is not disposed at a position in the shielding portion 255 that overlaps with the temperature detection portion 64 and the temperature detection portion 64a in the air passing direction.

[0085] The shielding portion 255 includes an overlapping region R255a that overlaps with the heater 6 in the air passing direction, and a non-overlapping region R255b that does not overlap with the heater 6 in the air passing direction. In this embodiment, the opening 255a is disposed in the overlapping region R255a, but is not disposed in the non-overlapping region R255b. The opening 255a may be disposed in both the overlapping region R255a and the non-overlapping region R255b.

[0086] In this embodiment, for example, the area of ​​the overlapping region R255a occupied by the opening 255a is smaller than half the area of ​​the overlapping region R255a. In other words, the area of ​​the overlapping region R255a occupied by the opening 255a is smaller than the area of ​​the overlapping region R255a occupied by the portion of the overlapping region R255a other than the opening 255a. Note that the area of ​​the overlapping region R255a occupied by the opening 255a is appropriately set according to, for example, the output of the blower 11 and the output of the heater 6.

[0087] The opening 255a is, for example, circular in shape, but the shape of the opening 255a is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, rectangular, elliptical, or elongated.

[0088] The openings 255a are arranged, for example, in a staggered pattern. However, the arrangement of the openings 255a is not particularly limited. The openings 255a may be arranged, for example, in a matrix or irregularly.

[0089] The multiple openings 255a have, for example, the same shape and the same size. However, the multiple openings 255a may have, for example, different shapes or different sizes.

[0090] The other structures and effects of the third embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0091] [Fourth embodiment] With reference to Fig. 9, a dehumidifier 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 9 is a rear view of the shielding portion 355 of the dehumidifier 100 according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, an example will be described in which the overlapping area between the shielding portion 355 and the heater 6 in the air passage direction is adjusted. Hereinafter, the "overlapping area between the shielding portion 355 and the heater 6 in the air passage direction" may be referred to as the "shielding area".

[0092] 9, the dehumidifier 100 includes a shielding portion 355 and an adjustment portion 190. The shielding portion 355 includes a shielding portion 255 and a movable shielding portion 356. The shielding portion 255 has a similar structure to the shielding portion 255 of the third embodiment.

[0093] The adjustment unit 190 drives the movable shielding unit 356. Specifically, the adjustment unit 190 moves the movable shielding unit 356 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the air passage direction. In this embodiment, the adjustment unit 190 moves the movable shielding unit 356 up and down. The adjustment unit 190 may include, for example, a holding member (not shown) that holds the movable shielding unit 356, a driving unit (not shown), and a transmission mechanism (not shown) that transmits a driving force from the driving unit to the holding member. The driving unit may include, for example, a motor. The transmission mechanism may include, for example, a known mechanism that converts a rotational motion into a linear motion.

[0094] The adjustment unit 190 adjusts the shielding area by driving the movable shielding unit 356. Therefore, for example, the adjustment unit 190 changes the shielding area according to the amount of air supplied to the dehumidification rotor 7, thereby further improving the dehumidification performance of the dehumidifier 100.

[0095] Specifically, the adjustment unit 190 moves the movable shielding unit 356 between a position where all of the openings 255a of the shielding unit 255 are blocked and a position where not even a portion of the openings 255a of the shielding unit 255 is blocked. When the movable shielding unit 356 is disposed in a position where all of the openings 255a of the shielding unit 255 are blocked, the shielding area is maximized. On the other hand, when the movable shielding unit 356 is disposed in a position where not even a portion of the shielding unit 255 is blocked, the shielding area is minimized.

[0096] Other structures and other methods of controlling the shielding area of ​​the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the second embodiment. Moreover, other effects of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the first and third embodiments.

[0097] 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 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 schematically 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 material, shape, dimensions, number, 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.

[0098] For example, in the above first to fourth embodiments, the dehumidifier 100 is used as the humidity control device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a humidifier may be used as the humidity control device. In this case, a humidification rotor capable of absorbing and evaporating moisture may be used as the evaporation section.

[0099] Also, for example, in the above first embodiment, the shielding portion 55 overlaps with the temperature detection portion 64, the temperature detection portion 64a, and the terminal 62 in the air passage direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. The shielding portion 55 does not have to overlap with at least one of the temperature detection portion 64, the temperature detection portion 64a, and the terminal 62 in the air passage direction.

[0100] In addition, for example, in the above-described first embodiment, an example has been described in which the shielding portion 55 overlaps a part of the heater 6 in the air passage direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the shielding portion 55 may overlap the entire heater 6 in the air passage direction.

[0101] Furthermore, for example, in each of the above first to fourth embodiments, the guide portion 50 is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the guide portion 50 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0102] In the above first to fourth embodiments, the first suction port 3a and the second suction port 3b are formed on the rear surface of the casing 1, and the air outlet 2 is formed on the front surface of the casing 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The positions of the first suction port 3a, the second suction port 3b, and the air outlet 2 are not particularly limited. For example, the first suction port 3a and the second suction port 3b may be formed on the front surface of the casing 1, and the air outlet 2 may be formed on the rear surface of the casing 1. The first suction port 3a and the second suction port 3b may be formed on different surfaces. The first suction port 3a, the second suction port 3b, and the air outlet 2 may be formed on the same surface of the casing 1.

[0103] In the first to fourth embodiments, the rotation axis AX extends in the front-rear direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rotation axis AX may be arranged to extend in the left-right direction (parallel to the Y-axis).

[0104] In addition, in the above first to fourth embodiments, an example has been shown in which one first suction inlet 3a is provided and the air flowing in from the first suction inlet 3a is branched in front of the dehumidification rotor 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first suction inlet 3a may be provided on both the left and right sides, and the air flowing in from the two first suction inlets 3a may be joined inside the casing 1 and then guided to the dehumidification rotor 7. [Industrial Applicability]

[0105] The present invention can be used in the field of humidity control devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 6: Heater (heating part) 7: Dehumidification rotor (evaporation section) 55,155,255,355: Shielding part 64, 64a: Temperature detection section 90,190: Adjustment section 100: Dehumidifier (humidity control device) 255a: opening R255a: Overlapping area

Claims

1. A heating unit; A rotary evaporation section capable of retaining and evaporating moisture; a plate-shaped shielding part that is disposed upstream of the heating part in the air flow and faces the heating part; Equipped with the heating unit is disposed between the vaporizing unit and the shielding unit and faces a part of the vaporizing unit in a direction in which air passes; The shielding portion faces a part of the heating portion in the passing direction and shields the flow of air toward the heating portion, The heating section includes a first region that does not overlap with the shielding section in the passing direction, and a second region that overlaps with the shielding section in the passing direction, The first region includes two portions provided on both sides of the second region, The two portions are aligned in a rotation direction of the vaporizer with the second region therebetween. Humidity control device.

2. The humidity control device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the two portions extends in a direction perpendicular to a rotation direction of the vaporizing section.

3. The humidity control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shielding portion has an opening through which air passes.

4. The humidity control device according to claim 1 , further comprising an adjustment unit that adjusts an overlapping area between the shielding unit and the heating unit in an air passage direction by driving the shielding unit.

5. A temperature detector is further provided for detecting the temperature of air passing around the heating unit. The humidity control device according to claim 1 , wherein the shielding portion overlaps with the temperature detection portion in a direction in which air passes.

6. The humidity control device according to claim 1 , wherein the heating section includes a PTC heater.

7. The humidity control device according to claim 1 , wherein the vaporizer includes a dehumidifying rotor capable of adsorbing and desorbing moisture.

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