dehumidifier

Abstract

To provide a dehumidifier which can efficiently select air cleaning operation and dehumidifying operation.SOLUTION: A dehumidifier 1 includes a first air passage which is formed inside a housing 3 and leads an air flow to humidifying means through air cleaning means, a second air passage which is formed inside the housing 3 and leads the air flow without passing through the air cleaning means, air flow limiting means 51 for limiting a flow of the air flow of the second air passage, a compressor 6 for supplying a refrigerant to the dehumidifying means, and a control device 18 for controlling ventilation means, the air flow limiting means 51, and the compressor 6. The control device 18 controls the air flow limiting means 51 in accordance with at least one of environment information and ambient information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a dehumidifier. This dehumidifier has an air purification function, and the user can select either an operation that emphasizes the air purification effect or an operation that emphasizes the dehumidification effect.

[0003] The dehumidifier disclosed in Patent Document 1 dehumidifies air drawn in through an air intake by passing it through a heat exchanger. A filter is placed between the air intake and the heat exchanger, so as not to cover a portion of the front side of the heat exchanger, i.e., a portion of the air flow upstream from the heat exchanger. A shutter capable of blocking the air flow is provided in the portion of the heat exchanger where the filter does not cover the front side. The shutter is selectively positioned to cover a portion of the passage to the heat exchanger or to not cover the passage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-211913 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, in addition to a configuration for manually opening and closing the shutter, a configuration is disclosed in which a humidity sensor is provided to open and close the shutter depending on the humidity, but simply opening and closing the shutter does not allow for efficient selective operation between dehumidification operation and air purification operation.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a dehumidifier that can selectively and efficiently operate in dehumidifying mode and air cleaning mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The dehumidifier according to the present disclosure comprises: a housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein; a blowing means for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; an air cleaning means disposed inside the housing; a dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing for removing moisture from the airflow; A dehumidifier comprising: a first air passage formed inside the housing, the first air passage passing through the air cleaning means and reaching the dehumidifying means; a second air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning means; an airflow restricting means for restricting the flow of the airflow in the second air passage; a compressor for supplying a refrigerant to the dehumidifying means; a control device that controls the air blowing means, the airflow restricting means, and the compressor; and The control device controls the airflow restricting means in response to at least one of environmental information and surrounding information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a second air passage that does not pass through the air purification means is provided, so dehumidification air can be guided into the second air passage to perform dehumidification operation. This reduces pressure loss and operating noise compared to dehumidification operation using only the first air passage. Furthermore, the control device controls the airflow in the second air passage in accordance with at least one of environmental information and ambient information, allowing for efficient dehumidification and air purification operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] This is the same cross-sectional view as Figure 3, but with additional dimensions. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view taken at the same position as in FIG. 5, with the main components virtually separated to clarify the dimensions of each part. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view of an evaporator. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the sizes of the HEPA filter and the activated carbon filter that constitute the air cleaning means. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the dimensions of the air inlet portion of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment when viewed from the front side. [Figure 10] 5A to 5C are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the airflow restriction means of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a block diagram showing main control-related components of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing operation steps during dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing operation steps during air cleaning operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing operation steps during dehumidifying and air cleaning operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing basic operation steps of the main control device when starting operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the air flow of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during air cleaning operation of the dehumidifier of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier of the second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during air cleaning operation of the dehumidifier of the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a simplified perspective view of a part of a dehumidifier according to a third embodiment. [Figure 22] 22 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the front case portion of the dehumidifier of FIG. 21 when the CC line portion is cut. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 22 is a front view of the air inlet frame used in the dehumidifier of FIG. 21. [Figure 24] 22 is a longitudinal (vertical) cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier shown in FIG. 21 at the center in the left-right direction. [Figure 25] FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the main control-related components of the dehumidifier shown in FIG. 21. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal (vertical) cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier of the fourth embodiment taken at the center in the left-right direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0011] Embodiment 1 1 to 20 show a dehumidifier according to the first embodiment. Note that the size and position of the dehumidifier structure may differ from the illustrated example. For convenience of explanation, some parts may be omitted from the drawings as appropriate.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front view of a dehumidifier 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of FIG. 3.

[0013] In this disclosure, the dehumidifier 1 will be described, in principle, based on a state in which the dehumidifier 1 is placed on a horizontal surface such as a floor. The following description will be given on the assumption that the surface on which the suction port 11 is located is the front (front face). However, when the dehumidifier 1 is actually used, the surface on which the suction port 11 is formed is the back face.

[0014] First, FIG. 1 will be described. The dehumidifier 1 includes a case 10. The case 10 constitutes a part of a housing 3 that forms the outer shell of the dehumidifier 1. The housing 3 has a bottom plate 4 to which a plurality of wheels 20, which will be described later, are attached. The case 10 and the bottom plate 4 form the housing 3 in the shape of a hollow box.

[0015] The bottom plate 4 may have wheels (casters) 20 arranged at positions spaced apart from each other on the front, back, left and right sides for moving the dehumidifier 1. Heavy objects such as the electric compressor 6, which will be described later, are placed on the bottom plate 4. For this reason, a metal plate having greater strength (rigidity) than the case 10 is used for the bottom plate 4.

[0016] Case 10 is assembled into a single box shape by joining the ends of multiple thin metal plates together with fasteners (not shown) such as screws, or by joining multiple members formed by integral molding using thermoplastic resin (plastic) material with fasteners (not shown) such as screws.

[0017] In the first embodiment, case 10 has rear case 10B and front case 10F. Rear case 10B is a member that forms the rear portion of case 10. Front case 10F is a member that forms the front portion of case 10. Front case 10F is fixed to rear case 10B by fasteners (not shown), such as screws.

[0018] A flat upper case 10U is connected to the upper ends of the rear case 10B and the front case 10F. The upper case 10U is composed of two parts: a front section 10UF and a rear section 10UB. The front section 10UF and the rear section 10UB abut against each other from the front and rear, forming a single flat surface. This surface serves as the ceiling surface of the case 10 itself.

[0019] Case 10 is formed with an air inlet 11 and an air outlet 12. Air inlet 11 is an opening for taking in air from the outside to the inside of case 10. Air outlet 12 is an opening for sending air from the inside of case 10 to the outside.

[0020] In the first embodiment, air inlet 11 is formed in the shape of a square window in the center of front case 10F. Air outlet 12 is formed in the ceiling surface of case 10. Air outlet 12 is opened by opening the entire rear part 10UB of upper case 10U upward to a certain angle with the front end as a fulcrum, as shown in FIG.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 1, air inlet 11 has a square shape when housing 3 is viewed from the front. Air inlet 11 may be rectangular or circular. A square window formed in front case 10F of housing 3 may be used as air inlet 11 as is, or a picture frame may be fitted inside this window and the inside of the frame may be used as air inlet 11.

[0022] The dehumidifier 1 is provided with an inlet cover 11A that covers the inlet 11. The inlet cover 11A is formed, for example, in a lattice shape. Alternatively, the entire inlet cover 11A may be in the form of fine shutters (louvered). This inlet cover 11A prevents foreign matter from entering the inside of the case 10 through the inlet 11. The inlet cover 11A is detachably fixed to the rear case 10B, for example, with fasteners such as screws.

[0023] The entire surface of the air inlet cover 11A is covered with a "net" to prevent foreign matter from entering. Alternatively, the air inlet cover 11A may be formed by integral molding using a plastic material. The air inlet cover 11A can prevent, for example, large foreign matter (such as paper scraps or clothing fibers) floating in the air from entering the interior of the housing 3. However, this air inlet cover 11A has a small pressure loss and is poor at purifying the air by removing fine particles, and is not a type of air purifier, which will be described later. The "air purifier" in this embodiment refers to the activated carbon filter 42 and the HEPA filter 41.

[0024] In Fig. 1, reference numeral 11A1 denotes vertical bars that make up the air inlet cover 11A. In Fig. 1, reference numeral 11A2 denotes horizontal bars that make up the air inlet cover 11A. These vertical bars 11A1 and horizontal bars 11A2 define a large number of ventilation windows 5 in the air inlet cover 11A.

[0025] In Fig. 1, reference numeral 6 denotes an electric compressor. The electric compressor 6 may be of any type, such as a reciprocating type or a rotary type. The electric compressor 6 has a motor (not shown) and forcibly circulates a refrigerant through a refrigerant pipe (also referred to as a "refrigerant circuit") 22 connected to an evaporator 31 and a condenser 32 (described later). In other words, the electric compressor 6 compresses and supplies the refrigerant to a refrigeration cycle formed by connecting the evaporator 31, the condenser 32, etc. through the refrigerant pipe 22.

[0026] The motor (not shown) of the electric compressor 6 can change its rotation speed per unit time using power supplied from a drive circuit 27 (described later). Changing the rotation speed changes the refrigerant supply capacity, thereby increasing or decreasing (adjusting) the cooling capacity. The main control device 18 specifies a drive frequency for the drive circuit 27 and controls the rotation speed of the motor (not shown) of the electric compressor 6.

[0027] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 7 denotes a water storage tank. Drain water generated on the outer surface of the evaporator 31 during dehumidification operation drips directly into the water storage tank 7. Alternatively, the drain water is guided into the water storage tank 7 by a guide plate such as a gutter. The water storage tank 7 can be removed from the housing 3 through an opening (not shown) formed in the side of the rear case 10B or the case 10. The opening is covered with a door (not shown) that can be opened and closed except when the water storage tank 7 is being removed.

[0028] Next, we will explain Figure 2. The dehumidifier 1 is equipped with a louver 13 . In this first embodiment, the louver 13 is formed by only one louver at the rear portion 10UB of the upper case 10U as described above. However, the louver 13 may be formed by several plate-like members. The louver 13 is used to adjust the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet 12. The louver 13 is disposed near the air outlet 12 so as to be able to open and close freely.

[0029] The position of the louvers 13 is changed by a louver drive motor (not shown) connected thereto. The louver drive motor (not shown) changes the inclination angle of the louvers 13 relative to the air outlet 12 in several stages or more. This makes it possible to adjust the direction of the air (airflow AF) blown out from the air outlet 12. The operation of the louver drive motor (not shown) is controlled by a drive signal from a control board (not shown). The control board (not shown) is housed in a board box 16 formed from a metal plate or a non-flammable, heat-resistant plastic case.

[0030] The dehumidifier 1 is equipped with an operation notification unit 15. The operation notification unit 15 is composed of an input operation unit 17 (see FIG. 11) through which the user operates the dehumidifier 1, and a notification unit 23 (see FIG. 11). The notification unit 23 displays visible information such as text to the user regarding the status of the dehumidifier 1. The notification unit 23 can also notify the user by voice. An operation display board 8 that controls the operation notification unit 15 is arranged inside the case 10 facing the operation notification unit 15. An operation switch for starting and stopping the operation of the dehumidifier 1 is arranged on the operation display board 8. The operation display board 8 may be composed of two or more boards: an operation board 8A on which circuit components of the input operation unit 17 described below are mounted, and a display board 8B on which circuit components related to the display unit 23D are mounted.

[0031] The operation display board 8 has an operation mode changeover switch 17S (see FIG. 11) for switching the operation mode to one of three types: "dehumidifying operation mode," "air cleaning operation mode," or "dehumidifying and air cleaning operation mode."

[0032] The operation display board 8 has an alarm unit 23 (see FIG. 11) and an input operation unit 17. In the alarm unit 23, a liquid crystal display unit 23D capable of displaying information is arranged below the front part 10UF (upper wall surface) of the upper case 10U in the operation alarm unit 15. The display information of the display unit 23D is displayed above the upper case 10U, transmitting through the front part 10UF. The operating conditions, operating state, etc. of the dehumidifier 1 are displayed to the outside of the housing 3 via the display unit 23D of the operation alarm unit 15. The operation display board 8 is arranged horizontally near the inner ceiling part of the front case 10F.

[0033] A power supply board (not shown) and a board box 16 accommodating one or more control boards are arranged in the space below the operation and display board 8. A drive circuit 28 for the fan 21 and a drive circuit (inverter circuit) 27 for the electric compressor 6, which will be described later, are mounted on the control boards.

[0034] As a means for sending air, a fan 21 (rotating blades) is provided at the rear inside the case 10. The fan 21 is a device that takes air into the inside of the case 10 and sends the taken-in air to the outside of the case 10. The fan 21 rotates to generate an airflow AF that flows from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12 in the air path leading from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12.

[0035] Motor 21A is housed inside case 10. Motor 21A is a device that rotates fan 21. In the first embodiment, fan 21 and motor 21A are disposed at the rear of housing 3. That is, they are disposed on the back side of dehumidifier 1. Motor 21A is connected to the rotation center of fan 21 via rotation shaft 21b extending horizontally. The rotation operation of motor 21A is controlled by drive circuit 28 (see FIG. 11 ), which will be described later. That is, drive circuit 28 controls the start and stop of rotation and the rotation speed of motor 21A.

[0036] Fan 21 is a sirocco fan (multi-blade fan) whose center of rotation is fixed by rotary shaft 21B. Fan 21 draws air from the front into fan case 36 (described later) and blows the air out through air outlet 12.

[0037] Fan case 36 surrounds fan 21 and motor 21a. A bellmouth 37 is formed on the front wall of fan case 36 at a position corresponding to fan 21. Bellmouth 37 has a large circular opening with an edge that curves significantly downwind. Bellmouth 37 smoothly draws in the airflow that has passed through condenser 32.

[0038] The dehumidifier 1 includes an evaporator 31, a condenser 32, an electric compressor 6, and a pressure reducing device (not shown) as an example of a dehumidifying means for removing moisture contained in the air. The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32, together with the electric compressor 6 and the pressure reducing device (not shown), form a refrigerant circuit.

[0039] The evaporator 31, condenser 32, electric compressor 6, and pressure reducing device (not shown) are housed inside the case 10. The evaporator 31 and condenser 32 are each installed vertically so as to block the front side of the bellmouth portion 37, as shown in Figure 2. The electric compressor 6 is installed at the bottom of the case 10, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 1.

[0040] In Fig. 2, reference numeral 38 denotes a flat-plate-shaped airflow rectifying member, which is entirely made of, for example, a thermoplastic material. As shown in Fig. 4, this airflow rectifying member 38 is formed with frames 38B that intersect in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a large number of ventilation windows 38A are formed between the frames 38B. In other words, each ventilation window 38A is an opening that is independent of the others. The ventilation windows 38A are regularly arranged in the horizontal and vertical directions throughout the entire airflow rectifying member 38.

[0041] The front, rear, left and right surfaces of frame 38B are flat guide surfaces of a fixed length D5 (see FIG. 4) to guide airflow AF in a straight line. Length D5 is set to a single dimension (e.g., 12 mm) within a range of, for example, 10 mm to 15 mm. The diameter (opening area) of ventilation window 38A is set uniformly over the entire rectifying member 38.

[0042] The rectifying member 38 faces the front surface of the evaporator 31, which is part of a heat exchanger described later, across the first space 33. That is, the rectifying member 38 faces the evaporator 31 at a predetermined distance D3 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0043] The rectifying member 38 faces the rear surface of an activated carbon filter 42, which is part of an air cleaning filter (air cleaning means) described later, across the second space 34. In other words, the rectifying member 38 faces the rear surface of the activated carbon filter 42 at a predetermined distance D4.

[0044] The evaporator 31, the electric compressor 6, the condenser 32, and the pressure reducing device (not shown) are connected in this order via refrigerant piping (not shown), etc. The refrigerant from the electric compressor 6 flows through a refrigerant circuit formed by the evaporator 31, the electric compressor, the condenser 32, and the pressure reducing device (not shown).

[0045] The evaporator 31 and the condenser 32 are heat exchangers for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and air. The electric compressor 6 described in FIG. 1 is a device for compressing the refrigerant. The pressure reducing device (not shown) is a device for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant. The pressure reducing device (not shown) is, for example, an expansion valve or a capillary tube.

[0046] Furthermore, dehumidifier 1 includes a HEPA filter 41 and an activated carbon filter 42, which are air purification filters for purifying the air, as an example of an air purification unit that removes dust and odors from the air. HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42 are stored inside case 10. In the first embodiment, HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42 are stored inside front case 10F, between air inlet 11 and rectifying member 38.

[0047] The HEPA filter 41 is a filter that captures fine dust particles in the air. The activated carbon filter 42 is a filter that deodorizes odors in the air. As described above, the activated carbon filter 42 is disposed in front of the rectifying member 38 and separated by a predetermined distance D4 (the "second space 34" described below).

[0048] With suction port cover 11A removed from front case 10F, HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42 can be inserted through suction port 11 up to a position in front of rectifier member 38. HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42 can be installed inside case 10 in a detachable manner.

[0049] The rectifying member 38 also serves as a protective member that prevents the user from touching the evaporator 31 when the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are removed from the rear case 10B. Therefore, even if the user presses the evaporator 31 with their finger or the like from the front, the finger or the like will not come into contact with the evaporator 31.

[0050] In the first embodiment, an air passage is formed inside the case 10, leading from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12. The airflow AF flowing inside the air passage flows in the following order from the air inlet 11 through the air inlet cover 11A, the HEPA filter 41, the activated carbon filter 42, the evaporator 31, the condenser 32, and the fan 21. A series of air passages is formed so that the air entering through the air inlet 11 passes through the air cleaning filters (the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42), and flows from the heat exchanger (the evaporator 31, etc.) towards the fan 21.

[0051] Here, the upstream side and downstream side are defined using the airflow AF flowing through the air passage leading from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12. For example, the side where the air inlet 11 is located relative to the heat exchanger (evaporator 31, etc.) is defined as the upstream side. Also, the side where the air outlet 12 is located relative to the heat exchanger (evaporator 31, etc.) is defined as the downstream side.

[0052] In FIG. 2, reference numeral 62 denotes a dust sensor. This dust sensor 62 is disposed at the top inside the case 10. A small-diameter opening 62A (not shown) is provided in the case 10 near the dust sensor 62, allowing the dust sensor 62 to communicate with the outside of the case 10. Dust detection information is acquired by the dust sensor 62 and the main control device 18, which will be described later, and the amount and concentration of dust in the indoor space in which the dehumidifier 1 is installed can be measured. The dust sensor 62 has the ability to detect particles of, for example, 0.1 μm. The detection result of the dust sensor 62 is acquired by the main control device 18, and the acquired dust detection information can be displayed on the display unit 23D disposed on the operation and display board 8.

[0053] In FIG. 2, reference numeral 63 denotes a gas sensor 63. This gas sensor 63 is disposed inside the case 10 at a position below the suction port 11. A small-diameter opening 63A (not shown) is provided in the wall of the case 10 near the gas sensor 63 to connect the outside of the case 10 to the gas sensor 63. Gas detection information is acquired by the gas sensor 63 and the main control device 18, and the odor of the air in the room can be measured. The measurement results of the gas sensor 63 are acquired by the main control device 18, and this acquired gas detection information can be displayed on the display unit 23D disposed on the operation and display board 8.

[0054] In Fig. 2, reference numeral 26 denotes a wireless communication unit (wireless communication module) housed near the ceiling inside the case 10. The wireless communication unit 26 is configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with local network equipment such as a wireless router (not shown) installed in the home or office where the dehumidifier 1 is located. The wireless communication unit 26 may also be connected to an internet line (not shown) via the local network equipment.

[0055] Therefore, the wireless communication unit 26 can send and receive information to and from information processing terminals (not shown) such as smartphones in remote locations and other communication devices via an Internet line. Note that the local network equipment may be a command device that controls the total amount of power used within a home or office, or an integrated management device that collects and links information from multiple electrical devices, and may also be called an "access point."

[0056] As shown in Figure 2, rotating shaft 21B of motor 21A extends horizontally. HL is a horizontal center line that passes through the center of rotating shaft 21B. This center line HL is located at the center of suction port 11 in the vertical direction. In other words, rotating shaft 21B is located at half the height of suction port 11, which has a height dimension H1.

[0057] Next, FIG. 3 will be described. 3, bypass air passages 43 are provided adjacent to the left and right of HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42. Bypass air passage 43 is a space provided inside front case 10F across the entire area of ​​air inlet 11 in the height direction.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 3, the bypass airflow path 43 is an airflow path that extends rearward from the air inlet 11. In other words, it is a narrow passage that extends in a direction from the front. In Fig. 3, reference numeral 46 denotes an air channel that extends rearward from the rim of the air inlet 11. The air channel 46 is entirely formed from a thin metal member or a thermoplastic plastic member.

[0059] The gaps between the front end of the air channel 46 and both left and right side surfaces of the HEPA filter 41 form inlets 43A of the bypass air passage 43. Conversely, the rear end of the air channel 46 comes into contact with the outer peripheral edge of the airflow straightening member 38 to prevent the airflow AF from leaking outward. The gaps between the rear end of the air channel 46 and both left and right side surfaces of the activated carbon filter 42 form outlets 43B of the bypass air passage 43.

[0060] As is clear from the above description, the air passage leading from air inlet 11 to air outlet 12 is made up of two passages: main air passage 44 and bypass air passage 43. Main air passage (also referred to as the "first air passage") 44 is an air passage that runs from air inlet 11 through HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42 to rectifying member 38. Bypass air passage (also referred to as the "second air passage") 43 is an air passage that runs from air inlet 11 to rectifying member 38 without passing through HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42.

[0061] Main air passage 44 and bypass air passage 43 join together immediately before straightening member 38. In FIG. 3, W5 is the opening dimension of air intake 11. In other words, it is the width dimension. In this first embodiment, W5 is 315 mm. HL in FIG. 3 is the center line that passes through the center of rotating shaft 21B of motor 21A, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0062] In Fig. 3, reference numeral 51 denotes airflow restriction means that performs an opening and closing operation to restrict the flow of bypass airflow AF2 by essentially opening and closing inlet 43A of bypass airflow passage 43. These airflow restriction means 51 are disposed on the left and right sides of air intake 11, and will be described in detail in Fig. 4.

[0063] Next, we will explain Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part E in Fig. 3. 4, bypass airflow 43 is an airflow path through which airflow AF flows downstream without passing through HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42. In contrast to bypass airflow 43, main airflow 44 is an airflow path through which airflow AF passes through HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42.

[0064] Bypass air passages 43 are formed on the right and left sides of HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42. In other words, bypass air passage 43 and main air passage 44 are arranged adjacent to each other and parallel to each other in the front-to-rear direction.

[0065] Furthermore, while there is a fixed wall formed by air tunnel 46 on the outside of bypass air passage 43, there is no wall on the inside where HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42 are present. In other words, there is no fixed object at the boundary between bypass air passage 43 and main air passage 44. However, the airflow passing through bypass air passage 43 (hereinafter referred to as the "bypass airflow" and reference numeral AF2) and the airflow passing through main air passage 44 (hereinafter referred to as the "main airflow" and reference numeral AF1) do not merge inside HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, by arranging bypass air duct 43, which is an air duct that does not pass through the air purification filter, and main air duct 44, which is an air duct that does pass through the air purification filter, adjacent to each other, the air ducts within dehumidifier 1 can be configured compactly, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of dehumidifier 1. When viewed from the front (front) of dehumidifier 1, it is desirable to set the vertical (up-down) height dimension of bypass air duct 43 to be approximately the same as the vertical (up-down) length of HEPA filter 41. The relationship between these dimensions will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0067] The bypass airflow AF2 flowing in the bypass airflow passage 43 and the main airflow AF1 flowing in the main airflow passage 44 converge in the space downstream of the activated carbon filter 42, that is, in the first space 33 that is a distance D3 away from the straightening member 38 as the starting point, and the second space 34 that is a distance D4 away from the straightening member 38 as the starting point.

[0068] That is, the bypass airflow AF2 and the main airflow AF1 join together just before the evaporator 31, which is located downstream of the activated carbon filter 42, and then flow through a single air passage inside the case 10. Note that the main airflow AF1 that flows through the main air passage 44 passes through portions close to the left and right ends of the activated carbon filter 42, and then joins with the bypass airflow AF2 as it passes through the left and right ends of the airflow straightening member 38 immediately after passing through the activated carbon filter 42.

[0069] In the configuration described above, the first space 33 and the second space 34 are provided, but it is sufficient if the airflows flowing through the bypass airflow path 43 and the main airflow path 44 can merge before the evaporator 31. Therefore, at least the first space 33 is sufficient. If a sufficient size for the first space 33 cannot be ensured, the second space 34 can be provided. For example, if it is expected that the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 will be subjected to air resistance when the main airflow AF1 passes through them and move downstream or bend, thereby coming into contact with the airflow straightening member 38, the second space 34 should be provided.

[0070] An air guide surface 46A is formed downstream of the bypass airflow AF2 in the air tunnel 46. A pair of left and right air guide surfaces 46A are provided in the air tunnel 46 at positions connecting to the airflow straightening member 38. As shown in Fig. 4, when viewed from above, the air guide surfaces 46A are inclined symmetrically (at the same angle) so as to approach the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42.

[0071] The airflow guidance surface 46A is intended to guide the bypass airflow AF2 that has passed through the bypass airflow passage 43 toward the center of the front surface on the windward side of the heat exchanger (evaporator 31, etc.). In other words, it has the function of slightly changing the traveling direction of the bypass airflow AF2 toward the center line HL that passes through the center of the rotating shaft 21B of the motor 21A.

[0072] 4 is configured as a single, flat, inclined surface. The direction in which the bypass airflow AF2 is guided can be adjusted by adjusting the normal direction (inclination angle) of this inclined surface. Because the airflow guide surface 46A is configured as a single surface with no unevenness along the way, there is little resistance to the bypass airflow AF2 when it flows, and no unnecessary turbulence is generated.

[0073] Furthermore, air guide surface 46A may be formed of a curved surface. By adjusting the curvature of the curved surface, the spread of bypass airflow AF2 guided by air guide surface 46A can be adjusted. In this way, air guide surface 46A that guides bypass airflow AF2 in a predetermined direction (the direction of center line HL in FIG. 3 ) is provided in part of the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) on the upwind side of the heat exchanger (evaporator 31, etc.). This allows bypass airflow AF2 passing through bypass air passage 43 to efficiently flow into the heat exchanger, improving dehumidification efficiency.

[0074] Continuing with the explanation of FIG. Airflow restriction means 51 is provided in bypass airflow passage 43. As shown in detail in Fig. 10, airflow restriction means 51 has a plate-like flap or partition plate that opens and closes inlet 43A of bypass airflow passage 43. This flap or partition plate will be collectively referred to as shutter 51S.

[0075] Shutter 51S is disposed downstream of air inlet cover 11A. One end of shutter 51S is pivotally supported by rotary shaft 51E (see FIG. 10). Shutter 51S is fixed at an open position and a closed position by drive motor 51B (see FIG. 10) which serves as an opening / closing means, and is also driven to maintain a stopped state at a specific position between the open and closed positions. Airflow restriction means 51 has a function of determining whether bypass airflow AF2 flows through bypass airflow 43, and an adjustment function of increasing or decreasing the amount of bypass airflow AF2 flowing through bypass airflow 43.

[0076] Next, we will explain Figure 5. Figure 5 is the same cross-sectional view as Figure 3, but with additional dimensions. D1 indicates the thickness (depth dimension) of the condenser 32 in the front-to-rear direction, and is 51 mm. D2 indicates the thickness (depth dimension) of the evaporator 31 in the front-to-rear direction, and is 38 mm. The evaporator 31 has two rows (two layers) of refrigerant pipes 22 arranged in the front and rear. Because the refrigerant pipes 22 are arranged in two layers in this way, the cooling capacity is higher than when they are arranged in a single layer. In each drawing, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the evaporator 31 and condenser 32 are not drawn at sizes proportional to their actual thicknesses, but are drawn at the same size in these drawings.

[0077] D4 is the opposing gap (distance) between the activated carbon filter 42 and the rectifying member 38, and is 15 mm. Note that this opposing gap D4 does not always need to be exactly the same over the entire rectifying member 38. If the activated carbon filter 42 is partially curved downstream due to the passage of the airflow AF, the opposing gap D4 may be slightly smaller in that portion.

[0078] D3 is the opposing gap (distance) between the rectifying member 38 and the evaporator 31, and is 10 mm. As shown in Fig. 7, the evaporator 31 has countless thin metal plates 31F for heat exchange, called plate fins, arranged at minute intervals (pitch) of 1 mm or less, and the refrigerant pipes 22 are arranged to pass through them. The opposing gap D3 is the distance between the thin plates 31F and the rectifying member 38.

[0079] W1 is the effective width of main air passage 44, which is the width (opening dimension) of air inlet 11 minus the portion closed by airflow restricting means 51, and is set to 255 mm. W5 is the width (opening dimension) of air inlet 11 and is set to 315 mm.

[0080] Next, we will explain Figure 6. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken at the same position as Figure 5, in which the main components are virtually separated to clarify the dimensions of each part. W2 is the width of the evaporator 31, which is set to 270 mm. W3 is the width of the condenser 32, which is also set to 270 mm.

[0081] W4 is the diameter of the opening of bellmouth 37, which is set to 230 mm. BL is a horizontal reference line that passes through the center point (vertically and horizontally) of the opening of bellmouth 37 and extends in the front-to-rear direction.

[0082] W6 is the width of the window 47A of the rear wind tunnel 47 (see FIG. 4) that surrounds the left and right sides of the airflow straightening member 38, and is set to 270 mm. The airflow straightening member 38 is fitted into this window 47A. H2 is the height of the window 47A of the rear wind tunnel 47. This height H2 is 252 mm, the same as the height H3 of the evaporator 31.

[0083] The condenser 32 and the evaporator 31 each have a width of 270 mm. The condenser 32 and the evaporator 31 are arranged close to each other in the front-to-rear direction, and appear to be stacked in the same position when viewed from the front. The width W6A of the airflow control member 38 is also close to the dimension W6 of 270 mm, as it fits into the window 47A. The three components, the airflow control member 38, the evaporator 31, and the condenser 32, are aligned in a line in the front-to-rear direction, aligned with the position of the window 47A of the rear wind tunnel 47.

[0084] The three components, the rectifying member 38, the evaporator 31, and the condenser 32, are aligned in a line in the front-to-rear direction in line with the reference line BL. When viewed from the air inlet 11, the four components, the rectifying member 38, the evaporator 31, the condenser 32, and the bell-mouth portion 37, are aligned so as to overlap on a single straight line (the reference line BL).

[0085] Furthermore, the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are positioned so that they overlap in a straight line on the reference line BL. Therefore, whether the airflow FA drawn in from the air intake 11 passes through the bypass airflow 43 or the main airflow 44, it flows linearly from front to rear within an area centered on the reference line BL, thereby reducing airflow resistance and improving operating efficiency.

[0086] As is clear from the above explanation, the horizontal reference line BL is a straight line that passes through the center point of the opening of the bellmouth portion 37, and at the same time, it is a straight line that passes through the respective centers of the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42. For this reason, the reference line BL is also called the center line of the air purification means (HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42).

[0087] The reference line BL is aligned with the center line HL that passes through the center of the rotary shaft 21B. The centers of the flow straightening member 38, the evaporator 31, the condenser 32, the HEPA filter 41, and the activated carbon filter 42 are each located on the reference line BL. In other words, the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the reference line BL.

[0088] Next, a description will be given of Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a simplified perspective view of the evaporator 31. Fig. 7 shows the relationship between the lateral width dimension W6 of the flow regulating member 38 and the evaporator 31. In Figure 7, W2 is the width dimension of the evaporator 31, which is set to 270 mm as described above. The refrigerant pipe 22 penetrates the evaporator 31 in two stages (two layers), from the front to the back. The refrigerant pipe 22 penetrates the evaporator 31 in a serpentine manner from a first predetermined position to a second predetermined position. Part of the refrigerant pipe 22 protrudes in a bent shape as shown in Figure 7.

[0089] 7, the protrusion amount L2 of the refrigerant pipe 22 is 14 mm on the right side of the evaporator 31, but is 26 mm on the left side. The height dimension H3 of the evaporator 31 is 252 mm.

[0090] On the other hand, the width dimension W6 of the window 47A of the rear wind tunnel 47 surrounding the left and right sides of the straightening member 38 is set to 270 mm as described above. OB is the center point (second center point) from the left to right and up to down when the evaporator 31 is viewed from the front. CL1 is a horizontal center line that horizontally intersects the second center point OB of the evaporator 31. CV1 is a vertical center line that vertically intersects the second center point OB of the evaporator 31. D2 is the depth dimension of the evaporator 31, which is 38 mm as described above.

[0091] Next, we will explain Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the sizes of both the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 that constitute the air cleaning means.

[0092] FIG. 8(A) will be described. The activated carbon filter 42 is composed of a filter body 42A that captures dust and adsorbs odorous components, and a frame 42B that protects the entire periphery of the filter body 42A. The filter body 42A itself is flexible, but being integrated with the frame 42B gives it a certain degree of rigidity, making it easier for users to handle when replacing the filter.

[0093] W8 is the width dimension of frame 42B, and is set to 255 mm. In other words, width dimension W8 of frame 42B is set to be the same size as width dimension W1 (255 mm) of substantial main air passage 44, as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0094] H4 is the height dimension of the frame 42B, which is set to 252 mm. That is, this is the same as the (inner) height dimension H2 of the window 47A of the rear wind tunnel 47 described in FIG. 7. This height dimension H4 is also the same as the height dimension H3 of the evaporator 31.

[0095] D6 is the depth dimension of the frame body 42B. In other words, it is the "thickness" when viewed from the left and right, and is set to one dimension between 5 mm and 15 mm (for example, 10 mm). The filter main body 42A has the same depth dimension as the frame body 42B. The depth dimension of the activated carbon filter 42 is determined by the depth dimension D6 of the frame body 42B. When the frame body 42B is viewed from the front, the thickness of the frame body 42B alone is about several mm.

[0096] Next, FIG. 8(B) will be described. HEPA filter 41 is composed of filter body 41A, which performs the dust collection function, and frame body 41B, which protects the entire periphery of filter body 41A. Filter body 41A is flexible by itself, but being integrated with frame body 41B gives it a certain degree of rigidity, making it easy for users to handle when replacing it.

[0097] W9 is the width dimension of frame body 41B, and is set to 255 mm. That is, width dimension W9 of frame body 41B is set to be the same size as width dimension W1 (255 mm) of substantial main air passage 44, as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0098] H5 is the height dimension of the frame 41B, which is set to 252 mm. That is, this is the same as the (inner) height dimension H2 of the window 47A of the rear wind tunnel 47 described in FIG. 7. This height dimension H5 is also the same as the height dimension H3 of the evaporator 31. D7 is the depth dimension of frame 41B. In other words, it is the "thickness" when viewed from the left and right, and is set to one dimension between 20 mm and 40 mm (for example, 30 mm). The filter main body 41A has the same depth dimension as frame 41B. The depth dimension of HEPA filter 41 is determined by depth dimension D7 of frame 41B. When frame 41B is viewed from the front, the thickness of frame 41B alone is approximately several mm.

[0099] Next, Fig. 9 will be described. Fig. 9 is a dimensional explanatory diagram of the suction port 11 portion of the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1 when viewed from the front side. Fig. 9 is a front view from the same position as Fig. 1, but to show the dimensional relationship, the size of the suction port 11 and the like is indicated by a dashed frame.

[0100] 9, CL1 is a horizontal center line that intersects the center point (first center point) OA of the air inlet 11 when the case 10 is viewed from the front. CV2 is a vertical center line that passes through the center point (first center point) OA of the air inlet 11.

[0101] As described in Fig. 2, H1 is the substantial maximum dimension of air inlet 11 in the height direction, and is 270 mm. As described in Figs. 5 and 6, W1 is the substantial width dimension of main air passage 44, and is set to 255 mm. W5 is the width dimension (opening dimension) of air inlet 11, and is set to 315 mm. W7 is the width dimension of the inlet portions of bypass air passages 43 provided on the left and right sides of air inlet 11, and each is set to 30 mm.

[0102] When viewed from the front, the position of the first center point OA in Fig. 9 and the position of the second center point OB in Fig. 7 are completely overlapping and in the same position. In other words, the second center point OB is located on a horizontal line that passes through the first center point OA from the front.

[0103] Next, a description will be given of Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the airflow restriction means 51 according to the first embodiment. One end of flap-shaped or flat-plate-shaped shutter 51S is supported by rotation shaft 51E of motor 51B (e.g., a stepping motor). In FIG. 10, shutter 51S is in an "open position" OP, retracted laterally from bypass air passage 43 as indicated by the dashed line. When driven by motor 51B, shutter 51S moves to a position (closed position CL) where it closes bypass air passage 43, which has a height dimension H1 (270 mm) and a width dimension W7 (30 mm) of inlet 43A. In other words, when it moves to its maximum extent, it remains closed at closed position CL.

[0104] It should be noted that shutter 51S is not required to completely seal inlet 43A of bypass air passage 43 when in the closed position CL. Even if a small gap is formed around shutter 51S when in the closed position CL, this does not pose a problem to the basic performance of this dehumidifier 1. It is also possible to provide a seal member made of an elastic silicone rubber material or the like at inlet 43A so that shutter 51S fits tightly against the seal member to improve airtightness when closed.

[0105] In Fig. 10, reference numerals 51C and 51D denote sensors that electrically detect whether the shutter 51S is in the open position OP or the closed position CL. The sensors 51C and 51D are, for example, optical sensors such as infrared sensors or magnetic detection sensors. The detection signals of these sensors 51C and 51D are input to an open / close detection unit 53 and are ultimately input as open / close detection signals to the main control device 18 (described later) (see Fig. 11).

[0106] Next, Fig. 11 will be described. Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing main control-related parts of the dehumidifier 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that sensors 51C and 51D described in Fig. 10 are not shown.

[0107] The main control device 18 has the function of controlling the entire dehumidifier 1. The main control device 18 includes an electronic circuit board on which electronic components such as a drive circuit, a power supply circuit, and sensors that control the operation of each part of the dehumidifier 1 are mounted, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 24 such as a microcomputer and storage devices such as ROM and RAM mounted on the electronic circuit board. The CPU 24 includes a timer unit 24T for performing a time measurement function such as operation time.

[0108] Main control device 18 receives an input command signal in response to the operation of input operation unit 17, and issues a command signal to drive circuit (inverter circuit) 27 of electric compressor 6. It also issues a command signal to drive circuit 28 to control the operation of motor 21A of fan 21. Furthermore, main control device 18 issues a command signal to drive circuit 29 to control airflow restriction means 51.

[0109] Main control device 18 issues command signals for transmitting and receiving information to wireless communication unit 26. When wireless communication unit 26 is not in constant use, main control device 18 also issues command signals to stop the supply of power to wireless communication unit 26 and command signals to start the supply of power.

[0110] In addition, when the main control device 18 receives a user command from the input operation unit 17, it may issue a command to connect to an Internet line (not shown) via the local network equipment described below, and obtain the necessary ``control data'' and ``alert data'' (which will be described later) from outside.

[0111] Furthermore, based on detection signals from open / close detection unit 53, room temperature sensor 35, dust sensor 62, humidity sensor 61, and gas sensor 63, main control device 18 controls drive circuit (inverter circuit) 27 and drive circuit 29 of airflow restriction means 51. Airflow restriction means 51 that receives drive commands from drive circuit 29 includes shutter 51S (see FIG. 10), motor 51B, etc.

[0112] The input operation unit 17 has an operation mode changeover switch 17S. The notification unit 23 has a display unit 23D and a voice notification unit 23V.

[0113] Main control device 18 has storage means 25 that stores various "operation programs" and data such as parameters used to control dehumidifier 1 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "control data"), as well as display data for the display screen and data for audio notification used by display unit 23D and audio notification unit 23V (hereinafter collectively referred to as "notification data"). Note that the above-mentioned "operation programs" are also called control programs, but will be collectively referred to as "programs" hereinafter.

[0114] The main control device 18 functions as a host computer (main computer) that performs integrated control of the entire dehumidifier 1. One or more microcomputers (also referred to as "sub-control devices" or "slave microcomputers") that are subordinate to the main control device 18 may be further provided to control the input operation unit 17, the notification unit 23, the drive circuit 27 of the electric compressor 6, etc. The sub-control devices may then be exclusively responsible for processing information on input operations, providing notifications, and controlling the drive of the electric compressor 6.

[0115] The circuits, parts, and components of the devices shown in Figure 11 are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. The functions of these circuits can be distributed and integrated, and the specific form is not limited to that shown. All or part of each function can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on the function, operating status, etc.

[0116] The functions of the timer unit 24T, the drive circuit 29, and the open / close detection unit 53 are realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit that realizes each function may be dedicated hardware, or may be one or more processors that execute a program stored in the storage means 25.

[0117] Furthermore, a dedicated processing unit may be provided that centrally collects detection data from various sensors, such as room temperature sensor 35, dust sensor 62, and a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperatures of important parts of dehumidifier 1 (for example, electric compressor 6), and gas sensor 63, and determines whether the operating state is appropriate or whether any abnormalities exist, and the like, and inputs a determination signal from the processing unit to main control device 18. In this case, the processing unit may be dedicated hardware, or may be realized by a processor that executes a program stored in storage means 25.

[0118] Each function of main control device 18 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Software and firmware are written as programs and stored in storage means 25, which is memory. CPU (processor) 24 realizes each function of main control device 18 by reading and executing the programs stored in storage means 25.

[0119] The storage means 25 is typically a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, or EEPROM.

[0120] Furthermore, some of the data and programs in the storage means 25 may be stored in an external recording medium (such as a storage server) rather than being stored in the dehumidifier 1. In this case, the dehumidifier 1 accesses the external recording medium (storage server) via the wireless communication unit 26 by wireless communication or wired communication to obtain information about the necessary data and programs.

[0121] Furthermore, the operating programs of the main control device 18, the input operation unit 17, the notification unit 23, etc. may be updated to improve the programs as needed at the request of the user or the manufacturer of the dehumidifier 1. In this case, the dehumidifier 1 may obtain the corrected program via the wireless communication unit 26, for example.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 11, in this first embodiment, the dehumidifier 1 has a humidity sensor 61 (see FIG. 3). The humidity sensor 61 is disposed inside the case 10. An opening (not shown) is provided in the case 10 near the humidity sensor 61, allowing the humidity sensor 61 to communicate with the outside of the case 10. Humidity detection information is acquired by the humidity sensor 61 and the main control device 18, making it possible to measure the humidity in the room. The measurement results of the humidity sensor 61 are displayed by the display unit 23D in response to a display command from the main control device 18.

[0123] 11, reference numeral 19 denotes a power supply unit that receives AC power from a commercial power supply 40 and supplies power of a predetermined voltage to each component. This power supply unit 19 receives, for example, power of 200 V or 220 V, 50 Hz or 60 Hz from the commercial power supply 40, converts it into AC power or DC power of multiple voltages such as 5 V, 15 V, and 220 V, and supplies it to the main control device 18, drive circuit 27, notification unit 23, drive unit 29, etc.

[0124] The input operation unit 17 is provided with a power switch operation button (not shown) that allows the user to open and close (ON-OFF) a main power switch (not shown) located between the power supply unit 19 and the commercial power supply 40.

[0125] In FIG. 11, reference numeral 13A denotes a drive circuit for opening and closing the louvers 13 provided on the ceiling of the case 10, and reference numeral 13M denotes a motor that receives power from the drive circuit 13A and opens and closes the louvers 13.

[0126] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1. In embodiment 1, several preset "operation modes" are stored in the storage means 25 of the main control device .

[0127] Examples of the "operation mode" include a "dehumidification operation mode," an "air purification operation mode," and an "automatic dehumidification and air purification operation mode." Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation steps during the dehumidification operation of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation steps during the air purification operation of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation steps during the dehumidification and air purification operation of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment.

[0128] While the dehumidifier 1 is not operating, the main control device 18 controls the drive motor (not shown) of the compressor 6, and the drive motors 13M and 21A of the louver 13 to all stop. In other words, no power is supplied to the drive motor (not shown) of the compressor 6, the motor 13M, and the motor 21A.

[0129] Therefore, louver 13 and shutter 51S keep air outlet 12 and inlet 43A of bypass air passage 43 closed, respectively.

[0130] Next, the case where the "dehumidifying operation mode" is started will be described with reference to FIG. The "dehumidification operation mode" is an operation mode for dehumidifying the room. For example, the user can start the operation of the dehumidifier 1 by turning on the operation switch (main power switch) of the input operation unit 17 and starting the main control device 18.

[0131] When the dehumidifying operation mode is selected by the operation mode changeover switch 17S, the dehumidifier 1 starts the dehumidifying operation by the following steps.

[0132] First, main control device 18 starts energizing louver drive motor 13M so that louver 13 opens air outlet 12, and controls the open position of louver 13 (step S001).

[0133] Motor 13M is, for example, a stepping motor, which rotates in a predetermined direction at fixed angle intervals in response to a drive signal from drive circuit 13A. The internal mechanical structure of motor 13M makes highly accurate positioning possible even with open-loop control. Motor 13M moves in step angles according to the number of pulses from drive circuit 13A. This allows louver 13 to be kept open to a specified angle (for example, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, or 75 degrees).

[0134] Next, main control device 18 issues a command signal to drive circuit 29 so that shutter 51S opens to open position OP (see FIG. 10), and supplies drive power to motor 51B to control the open position.

[0135] Motor 51B is, for example, a stepping motor, and shutter 51S rotates in a predetermined direction by a fixed angle in response to a drive signal from drive circuit 29. This rotation opens inlet 43A of bypass air passage 43 (step S002).

[0136] The issuance of a drive command from main control device 18 to drive circuit 29 is also transmitted by a signal to open / close detection unit 53, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 10. From the moment open / close detection unit 53 receives the signal, it activates sensors 51C and 51D.

[0137] When bypass air passage 43 is closed, one of the sensors corresponding to closed position CL detects that shutter 51S changes from a "present state" to a "not present state" at a predetermined position.

[0138] The other sensor corresponding to the open position OP detects that the shutter 51S has changed from an "absent state" to a "present state" in the predetermined position, thereby enabling the main control device 18 to determine that the shutter 51S has reliably opened the bypass air passage 43.

[0139] As described above, a stepping motor is used for motor 51B, so shutter 51S rotates in a predetermined direction by a fixed angle in response to a drive signal from drive circuit 29. Therefore, open / close detection unit 53 and sensors 51C and 51D may be omitted.

[0140] In this embodiment 1, emphasis is placed on the opening and closing operation of shutter 51S, which is related to the basic functions of dehumidifier 1, and an opening and closing detection unit 53 and sensors 51C and 51D are provided to ensure safe operation even if there is any defect in this opening and closing.

[0141] Next, after determining the open state of shutter 51S in step S002, main control device 18 controls motor 21A to rotate and drive, and fan 21 to rotate at a preset high rotation speed (step S003). Main control device 18 also controls and drives a drive motor (not shown) for electric compressor 6. This causes electric compressor 6 to start compressing the refrigerant (step S004).

[0142] Main control device 18 grasps the humidity using humidity sensor 61. Humidity sensor 61 starts detecting the humidity of the air around humidity sensor 61 and transmits the detection data to main control device 18. As a result, main control device 18 determines whether the humidity is 50% or higher (step S005). If the humidity is 50% or higher, the drive motor of electric compressor 6 continues to drive to perform dehumidification operation (S006), and after a certain period of time, the process returns to step S005.

[0143] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S005 that the humidity is 50% or less, main controller 18 controls the driving motor of electric compressor 6 to stop, and the refrigerant compression operation of electric compressor 6 stops (step S007). At this time, main controller 18 controls motor 21A of fan 21 to continue the rotation driving operation, and after a certain time, returns to step S005. In the above description, the threshold value for humidity detection by the humidity sensor 61 is set to 50% as an example of whether or not the dehumidifying operation mode can be operated (criterion), but the threshold value may be any other value.

[0144] Next, the "air cleaning operation mode" will be described with reference to FIG. The "air purification operation mode" is an operation mode for purifying indoor air. For example, when a user turns on the main power switch of the input operation unit 17 and selects the air purification operation mode with the operation mode selector switch 17S, the dehumidifier 1 starts the air purification operation in the following steps.

[0145] First, main control device 18 sends a start signal to drive circuit 13A to start driving louver drive motor 13M so that louver 13 opens air outlet 12. Then, louver 13 is opened to a predetermined position (step S101).

[0146] Next, main control device 18 drives motor 21A to rotate, controlling fan 21 to rotate at a preset high rotation speed (step S102). Main control device 18 issues measurement commands to dust sensor 62 and gas sensor 63. Dust sensor 62 and gas sensor 63 each begin detecting dust and gas in the air around the sensor, and transmit the results to main control device 18. Main control device 18 determines the level of air pollution from the acquired data (step 103).

[0147] If it is determined in step S103 that the degree of air contamination is low, main control device 18 issues a command to drive circuit 28 to change the rotation speed so that fan 21, which is operating at a preset high rotation speed, rotates at a preset low rotation speed. Drive circuit 28 controls motor 21A to reduce the rotation speed per unit time (step S104), performs air purification operation (low) (step S105), and returns to step S103 after a certain period of time.

[0148] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the degree of air contamination is high, because fan 21 has been operating at the high rotation speed since step S102, main control device 18 performs air cleaning operation (high) to continue the high rotation speed operation (step S106). In other words, it does not issue a command to drive circuit 28 to change the rotation speed, and returns to step S103 after a certain period of time.

[0149] Next, the "dehumidifying air cleaning operation mode" will be described with reference to FIG. The dehumidifying and air cleaning operation mode switches the operation mode of the dehumidifier 1 between the dehumidifying operation mode, the air cleaning operation mode, etc., depending on the indoor humidity and air pollution state. For example, when the user turns on the main power switch of the input operation unit 17 and selects the dehumidifying and air cleaning operation mode with the operation mode selector switch 17S, the dehumidifier 1 starts the dehumidifying and air cleaning operation as follows.

[0150] First, main control device 18 issues a drive command to drive circuit 28 to control louver drive motor 13M so that louver 13 opens air outlet 12 (step S201). Next, main control device 18 issues a drive command to drive circuit 29 to open shutter 51S, and controls motor 51B for opening and closing shutter 51S. This opens inlet 43A of bypass air passage 43 (step S202).

[0151] When main control device 18 determines that shutter 51S has opened to a predetermined position, it issues a predetermined drive command to drive circuit 28 to drive motor 21A to rotate. Drive circuit 28 controls the rotation speed of motor 21A so that fan 21 rotates at a preset high rotation speed (step S203).

[0152] Furthermore, main control device 18 starts operation of motor 6M (not shown) for driving electric compressor 6, and controls motor 6M to be driven at a predetermined rotation speed, causing electric compressor 6 to start compressing the refrigerant (step S204).

[0153] Humidity sensor 61 starts detecting the humidity of the air surrounding humidity sensor 61, and transmits the humidity detection data to main control device 18. Main control device 18 determines whether the humidity is 50% or higher (step S205).

[0154] If the humidity is 50% or higher, the driving operation of motor 6M (not shown) for driving electric compressor 6 continues. Dust sensor 62 and gas sensor 63 start detecting dust and gas in the air around each sensor, and determine the degree of air pollution (step S206). If the air pollution level is low, the operations of steps S202, S203, and S204 continue, and dehumidification operation is performed (step S207). Then, after a certain time has elapsed from step S206, the process returns to step S205.

[0155] If the degree of air contamination is high, main control device 18 controls motor 51B for driving airflow restriction means 51 to close shutter 51S. Then, inlet 43A of bypass air passage 43 is closed (step S208), dehumidifying air purification operation is performed at "high" (step S209), and after a certain time has elapsed since step S206, the process returns to step S205.

[0156] In step S205, if the humidity is 50% or less, main controller 18 controls motor 6M for driving electric compressor 6 to stop driving, and the refrigerant compressing operation of electric compressor 6 stops (step S210).

[0157] In this state, main control device 18 controls dust sensor 62 and gas sensor 63 to start detecting dust and gas in the air around each sensor, and determines the level of contamination of the air (step S211).

[0158] If the degree of air contamination is low, the motor 21A is controlled so that the fan 21 rotates at a preset low rotation speed (step S212), and a circulation operation is performed in which only air is blown without dehumidification (step S213), and after a certain period of time, the process returns to step S205.

[0159] If the air is highly polluted, main control device 18 issues a close command signal to drive circuit 29 to close shutter 51S. Drive circuit 29 starts operation of drive motor 51B, and moves shutter 51S to closed position CL.

[0160] By the above operation, inlet 43A of bypass air passage 43 is closed (step S214). Fan 21 remains in the "high operation" mode of step S203 and performs "high" air purification operation (step S215). After a certain time has elapsed from step 214 or step S215, the process returns to step S205 in the dehumidification operation mode of FIG. 12. Note that although the humidity threshold value of humidity sensor 61 in step S205 is set to 50% as a criterion for switching to the dehumidification operation mode, air purification operation mode, etc., the threshold value may be other values.

[0161] In this way, since the airflow restricting means 51 for opening and closing the inlet 43A of the bypass air passage 43 is provided, the air passage appropriate for performing the dehumidifying operation and the air cleaning operation can be easily selected from either the bypass air passage 43 or the main air passage 44, and an easy-to-use dehumidifier 1 can be obtained.

[0162] Next, a description will be given of Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing basic operation steps of main control device 18 when dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1 starts operating. First, the main power switch (not shown) is turned on and the operation mode changeover switch 17S is operated using the input operation unit 17. In this way, an operation mode such as "dehumidifying operation" or "air cleaning operation" is selected.

[0163] Then, power supply unit 19 starts supplying power to main control device 18. Main control device 18 checks whether there is any abnormality in its own internal configuration. If no abnormality is found in the initial abnormality determination, a command signal to open louver 13 is issued to drive circuit 13A (step S300).

[0164] In step S300, louver 13 is quickly rotated to a predetermined open position by motor 13M. Main control device 18 also issues an open command signal to drive circuit 29 to open shutter 51S. Then, timer unit 24T starts measuring the elapsed time from this point (step S301).

[0165] Motor 51B of airflow restriction means 51 is started to be driven by drive circuit 29. Shutter 51S is rotated by motor 51B through a range of approximately 90 degrees around shaft 51E to open position OP. This opens inlet 43A of bypass air passage 43.

[0166] Next, main control device 18 waits for an open detection signal from open / close detection unit 53 to determine whether inlet 43A of bypass air passage 43 has been opened (step S302). If the determination result in step S302 is "Yes," a command signal to start airflow is issued to drive circuit 28. In this case, the command regarding the airflow intensity is "high," and operation of fan 21 is started in the "high" operation mode determined by the rated airflow capacity (step S303).

[0167] On the other hand, if the determination result of step S302 is "No", the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, if the time elapsed since step S301 does not exceed a predetermined "reference response time" (for example, 10 seconds), the process returns to step S302 again, and a determination is made as to whether the door is open or closed based on the open detection signal from open / close detection unit 53.

[0168] If the time elapsed since step S301 exceeds the "reference response time" (e.g., 10 seconds) in the process of step S304, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the airflow restriction means 51 for some reason, and the notification unit 23 notifies the user that the shutter 51S will not open. For example, the notification is made by text or a graphic on the display unit 23D. Also, the audio notification unit 23V issues an audio notification such as "The bypass air passage is not opening properly." Then, after a certain time has elapsed (e.g., 30 seconds) from the time of this notification, the main power switch is automatically turned off, and operation is automatically terminated (step S305).

[0169] Instead of step S305, the notification unit 23 may notify the user to only operate the device without using the bypass air duct 43, and if no input is made from the input operation unit 17 after that, the power may be automatically cut off as in step S305.

[0170] Next, the air flow during the above-mentioned dehumidifying operation and air cleaning operation in the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the air flow in the dehumidifier 1. Fig. 17 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during the dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier 1. Fig. 18 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during the air cleaning operation of the dehumidifier 1. The arrows in Figs. 17 to 18 indicate the air flow (airflow AF) when the dehumidifier 1 is operating.

[0171] During dehumidification operation, after louver 13 and shutter 51S open, motor 21A is driven and fan 21 begins to rotate. After that, electric compressor 6 begins operation. When fan 21 rotates, airflow AF is generated inside case 10, flowing from air inlet 11 to air outlet 12. At this time, shutter 51S is open, so inlet 43A of bypass air passage 43 is open. Air that passes through air inlet cover 11A branches into bypass air passage 43 and main air passage 44.

[0172] When dehumidifier 1 is viewed from the front, main air passage 44 has a larger air passage area than bypass air passage 43. As described in Fig. 9, the projected area of ​​main air passage 44 when dehumidifier 1 is viewed from the front is determined by height H1 and width W1. As described above, H1 is 270 mm and W1 is 255 mm, and the product of these two is the projected area.

[0173] Meanwhile, bypass air passage 43 has a width W7 of 30 mm (see FIG. 9). Also, bypass air passage 43 has a height H1 of 270 mm. In other words, the projected area of ​​one bypass air passage 43 is determined by the product of height H1 and width W7 (30 mm).

[0174] Because HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42, each having a certain thickness or more, are arranged in main air passage 44, the pressure loss is greater when airflow AF passes through main air passage 44. Therefore, the amount of bypass airflow FA2 passing through bypass air passage 43 is greater than the amount of main airflow FA1 passing through main air passage 44.

[0175] In main airflow passage 44, the airflow (main airflow AF1) that has passed through HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42 merges with bypass airflow AF2 that has passed through bypass airflow passage 43 near straightening member 38.

[0176] The bypass airflow AF2 is an airflow that reaches the vicinity of the straightening member 38 without passing through the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42. The bypass airflow 43 has an air channel 46 that forms a part of it, and an airflow guide surface 46A that guides the airflow toward the center of the evaporator 31. Therefore, the airflow AF1 that has traveled straight through the bypass airflow 43 from the front changes course toward the center line HL (see FIGS. 2 and 3) that passes through the center of the rotation shaft 21b on the upwind side of the evaporator 31, which is part of the heat exchanger.

[0177] In other words, airflow AF1 changes course toward horizontal reference line BL that extends in the front-to-rear direction and passes through the center point of the opening of bellmouth portion 37 (see FIG. 4). As a result, near straightening member 38, bypass airflow AF2 that has passed through bypass airflow passage 43 and main airflow AF1 that has passed through the left and right peripheral portions of main airflow passage 44 are mixed and flow into evaporator 31.

[0178] Bypass airflow AF2 has a larger air volume per unit time than main airflow AF1 passing through main airflow passage 44. Furthermore, bypass airflow AF2 has a faster wind speed than main airflow AF1. Therefore, if bypass airflow passage 43 does not have air guide surface 46A that guides the air toward the center of the heat exchanger, not only will pressure loss increase, but the wind speed balance when flowing into the heat exchanger will be poor, resulting in poor heat exchange efficiency.

[0179] In the space downstream of the activated carbon filter 42, the evaporator 31, which is a part of the heat exchanger, and the rectifying member 38 are arranged to face each other across the first space 33 (distance D3, 10 mm) in between. The activated carbon filter 42, which is a part of the air purification filter, and the rectifying member 38 are also arranged to face each other across the first space 33 (distance D3, 10 mm). Therefore, the bypass airflow AF2 that has passed through the bypass airflow passage 43 and the main airflow AF1 that has passed through the main airflow passage 44 are mixed in the second space 34 and the first space 33. This allows the airflow AF flowing into the evaporator 31 to be distributed in a balanced manner and supplied to the evaporator 31, improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0180] It should be noted that a practical range for the distance D3 of the first space 33 is 10 mm to 15 mm. If this distance D3 is made larger, the size of the housing 3 in the depth direction will increase. Furthermore, a practical range for the distance D4 of the second space 34 is 15 mm to 20 mm. If this distance D4 is made larger, the size of the housing 3 in the depth direction will increase.

[0181] Furthermore, since the bypass air passages 43 are arranged in parallel on both the left and right sides of the main air passage 44, the bias in the air volume flowing into the evaporator 31, which is a part of the heat exchanger, can be reduced compared to when the bypass air passages 43 are arranged on only one side of the main air passage 44, and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved.

[0182] The air (airflow AF) passing through the evaporator 31 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 31. As described above, the refrigerant that flows through the evaporator 31 is decompressed by a decompression device (not shown) installed midway through the refrigerant circuit (not shown) through which the refrigerant from the compressor 6 flows. Therefore, the refrigerant that flows through the evaporator 31 is at a lower temperature than the air taken into the case 10. The refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 31 absorbs heat from the air passing through the evaporator 31.

[0183] As described above, the airflow AF passing through the evaporator 31 absorbs heat by the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 31. That is, the airflow AF passing through the evaporator 31 is cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 31. As a result, moisture contained in the airflow AF passing through the evaporator 31 condenses, causing dew condensation. The moisture in the condensed air is removed from the air as liquid water. The removed water is stored, for example, in the water storage tank 7 (see FIG. 1) provided inside the case 10. The water storage tank 7 can be removed to the outside of the case 10.

[0184] The air that has passed through the evaporator 31 is sent to the condenser 32. Heat exchange occurs between the air passing through the condenser 32 and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe of the condenser 32. The refrigerant flowing through the condenser 32 is cooled by the air passing through the condenser 32. The air passing through the condenser 32 is heated by the refrigerant flowing through the condenser 32.

[0185] The air that has passed through the condenser 32 is in a drier state than the air outside the dehumidifier 1. This dry air passes through the fan 21. The air that has passed through the fan 21 is sent out from the air outlet 12 to the upper part of the case 10. In this way, the dehumidifier 1 dehumidifies the air that has been introduced. The dehumidifier 1 can also supply dry air to the outside of the housing 3.

[0186] Furthermore, during air purification operation, after louver 13 opens, motor 21A is driven with shutter 51S closed, and fan 21 begins to rotate. When fan 21 rotates, airflow AF is generated inside case 10, flowing from air inlet 11 to air outlet 12. At this time, because shutter 51S is closed, inlet 43A of bypass air passage 43 is closed. Because bypass air passage 43 is closed, air that has passed through air inlet cover 11A passes only through main air passage 44 (only main airflow AF1 is supplied downstream).

[0187] When fan 21 operates, negative pressure is created inside case 10, causing air to be introduced into main air passage 44. Because HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42 are disposed in main air passage 44, the pressure loss is greater than during dehumidification operation. Therefore, when the same air volume as during dehumidification operation is circulated, the rotation speed of fan 21 is higher and the load on motor 21A is also greater, resulting in increased operating noise (such as the whistling noise of fan 21). However, because airflow AF1 passes only through main air passage 44, the air blown out from outlet 12 of dehumidifier 1 is cleaner than during dehumidification operation. Furthermore, odorous components are also removed by the action of activated carbon filter 42.

[0188] The air that has passed through main air passage 44 flows into evaporator 31. The flow of air after flowing into evaporator 31 is the same as in the dehumidifying operation.

[0189] Summary of embodiment 1. A dehumidifier 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a housing 3 (case 10) in which an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 are formed; a blowing means (fan 21) that generates an airflow AF from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12; Two filters 41 and 42 are disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10) as air cleaning means; The air conditioner includes an evaporator 31 that is disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10) and serves as a dehumidifying means for removing moisture from the airflow AF. Inside the housing 3, a first airflow path (main airflow path 44) through which the airflow AF passes through filters 41 and 42 and reaches the evaporator 31; a second airflow path (bypass airflow path 43) through which the airflow AF reaches the evaporator 31 without passing through the filters 41 and 42; and airflow restricting means 51 that changes the opening degree (airflow path cross-sectional area) of inlet 43A of second airflow path (bypass airflow path 43) from fully open to fully closed, thereby controlling the amount of bypass airflow AF2. An inlet 43A of the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) is located on the outer periphery side of the filters 41 and 42, Outlet 43B of the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) is located closer to the center of filters 41 and 42 (closer to center line BL) than inlet 43A. Furthermore, the dehumidifier 1 The air conditioner is provided with a control device (main control device 18) that controls the air blowing means 21, the airflow restricting means 51, and the electric compressor 6, The control device (main control device 18) controls the airflow restricting means 51 in accordance with the environmental information.

[0190] According to this one embodiment, during dehumidifying operation, air flows through the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) that does not pass through filters 41 and 42, so the rotation speed of fan 21 can be reduced and noise generation can be reduced compared to when operating by passing all the air through filters 41 and 42.

[0191] Furthermore, the control device (main control device) 18 controls the airflow restriction means 51 in accordance with environmental information, so that the selection between dehumidifying operation and air cleaning operation can be performed automatically. In other words, the control device 18 can automatically select an air path suitable for performing dehumidifying operation and air cleaning operation, so that the user is not required to make any special effort to select the air path, and a user-friendly dehumidifier can be obtained.

[0192] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the environmental information acquired by the control device (main control device 18) includes at least one of first information indicating humidity and second information indicating air cleanliness. Therefore, it is possible to automatically select a dehumidification operation using second air duct 43 or an air purification operation using main air duct 44 depending on the humidity and air pollution level (determined by dust, odor components, etc.) of the space in which dehumidifier 1 is installed, such as a home or office.

[0193] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when both the first threshold value set for the first information (for example, humidity 50%) and the second threshold value set for the second information 2 (the air pollution level is "low") are satisfied, the control device (main control device 18) drives the blowing means and airflow restricting means 51 to cause bypass airflow AF2 to flow into second air passage 43. Therefore, depending on the humidity and air pollution level of the space in which dehumidifier 1 is installed, it is possible to automatically select, according to a certain standard (threshold value), a dehumidifying operation using second air passage 43 or an air cleaning operation using main air passage 44.

[0194] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the dehumidifier 1 further includes an input operation unit 17 that accepts input operations from a user, and an alarm unit 23 that notifies the user of the result of the input accepted by the input operation unit. The input operation unit 17 is provided with an operation unit for a power switch, and when the power switch is turned on, the main control unit 18 drives the blower means to generate an airflow AF inside the housing 3. The main control unit 18 acquires environmental information (humidity and air pollution level) while the blower means is operating, and when both a first threshold value set for the first information (e.g., humidity 50%) and a second threshold value (air pollution level is "low") set for the second information (air pollution level) are satisfied (steps S205 and S206 in FIG. 14), the main control unit 18 drives the airflow restriction unit 51 to allow air to flow into the second air passage 43. Therefore, depending on "environmental information" such as the humidity of the indoor space and the degree of air pollution, dehumidification operation using the second air duct 43 and air purification operation using the main air duct 44 can be automatically selected according to a certain standard (threshold value), and since environmental information is obtained while the blowing means 21 is operating, it is possible to accurately obtain the ambient air conditions, and an appropriate operating mode can be selected according to the ambient environment.

[0195] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the compressor 6 is an electric compressor that compresses the refrigerant using the power of a motor, and the control device (main control device 18) issues command signals to the electric compressor 6, the blower means 21, and the airflow restriction means 51, and the control device 18 has an operating program that acquires the environmental information and determines whether to issue the command signal. Therefore, the electric compressor 6, the blower means 21, and the airflow restriction means 51 are each controlled according to the humidity and degree of air pollution in the space in which the dehumidifier 1 is installed, and an appropriate operating mode can be selected according to the surrounding environment under the conditions specified in the operating program.

[0196] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the blowing means is configured to receive one of the command signals and change the blowing capacity by the drive circuit 28. Therefore, it can operate at an appropriate blowing strength according to the surrounding environment under the conditions defined in the operating program in accordance with the "environmental information."

[0197] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a humidity sensor 61 is provided to detect "humidity," which is a type of environmental information. Therefore, the control device 18 can control the amount of airflow by the airflow restriction means 51 according to the detection result of the humidity sensor 61, and efficient dehumidification operation can be performed according to the indoor humidity.

[0198] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, with regard to "air quality," which is one type of environmental information, dust sensor 62 and gas sensor 63 are provided to detect air pollution, so control device 18 can control the amount of airflow by airflow restriction means 51 according to the detection results of these air quality sensors. In other words, efficient air purification operation can be performed according to the level of pollution in the air indoors.

[0199] Furthermore, the control device 18 can control the amount of airflow by the airflow restricting means 51 according to the detection results of the humidity sensor 61, the dust sensor 62, and the gas sensor 63, and further controls the blower means 21 or the electric compressor 6 according to these detection results. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently automatically select and perform the dehumidification operation or the air purification operation.

[0200] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, inlet 43A of second air passage 43 is located on the outer periphery of the air purification means (filters 41, 42), and outlet 43B of second air passage 43 is located closer to the center of the air purification means (closer to center line BL) than inlet 43A. With this configuration, during dehumidifying operation, air flows through the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) without passing through filters 41, 42, so the rotation speed of fan 21 can be reduced and noise generation can be reduced compared to when all air is diverted through filters 41, 42. In addition, air from bypass air passage 43 can be guided to evaporator 31 downstream for heat exchange.

[0201] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the air cleaning means (filter) is a flat dust-collecting filter 41 installed in first air passage 44, and the width W2 (e.g., 270 mm) of evaporator 31 of the dehumidifying means is set larger than the maximum width W9 (e.g., 255 mm) of this filter 41. With this configuration, during both dehumidifying operation and air cleaning operation, airflow AF (AF1, AF2) that passes through main air passage 44 and the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) that does not pass through filters 41, 42 can be heat exchanged in evaporator 31 downstream.

[0202] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, The air cleaning means has a configuration including a first filter 41 that captures dust from the airflow AF and a second filter 42 (such as an activated carbon filter) that captures odor components from the airflow AF. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a dehumidifier 1 that can remove dust and odors.

[0203] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first filter 41 is disposed on the upstream side of the airflow AF, and the second filter 42 is disposed on the downstream side of the airflow AF in contact with or in close proximity to the first filter 41. With this configuration, the depth dimension of the air passage on the upstream side of the evaporator 31 is minimized, and it is possible to prevent the size of the housing 3 (case 10) of the dehumidifier 1 from becoming larger.

[0204] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, The housing 3 has an intake port 11 on the front surface thereof, When the air inlet 11 is viewed from the front of the housing 3, the projection surface including the air inlet 11 and the inlet 43A of the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) is larger than the projection surface of the first filter 41 and the second filter 42. That is, as described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 9, the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) is wider in the left-right direction than the left and right end faces of the first filter 41 and the second filter 42 by a width dimension W7 (30 mm) of the second air passage (bypass air passage 43). Therefore, during dehumidification operation, air can be supplied directly from the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) to the evaporator 31 without passing through the filters 41 and 42. Furthermore, this configuration does not sacrifice the area of ​​the first filter 41 and the second filter 42, and therefore does not impair the air purification effect.

[0205] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when looking at air inlet 11 from the front of housing 3, inlet 43A of the second air passage is located outside both the left and right edges of air inlet 11. That is, when looking at air inlet 11 from the front of housing 3, inlet 43A of the second air passage is located to the right of the right edge of air inlet 11 or to the left of the left edge of air inlet 11. Therefore, during dehumidifying operation, air can be supplied directly from the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) to evaporator 31 without passing through filters 41 and 42. Furthermore, this configuration does not sacrifice the areas of first filter 41 and second filter 42, and therefore does not impair the air purification effect.

[0206] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the second air passage is connected in a straight line from inlet 43A to outlet 43B. That is, as described in Fig. 4, the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) is configured such that the second air passage is visible in a straight line from inlet 43A to outlet 43B, and therefore, during dehumidifying operation, a large amount of air can be directly supplied to evaporator 31 from second air passage (bypass air passage 43).

[0207] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first filter, which is HEPA filter 41, is characterized by a structure that maintains a predetermined thickness whether or not the air to be dehumidified passes through the first air passage. That is, as explained in Fig. 8, the first filter has frame 41B and is configured to maintain the shape of filter body 41A, so that first air passage (main air passage 44) does not deform significantly and ventilation can be maintained.

[0208] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the outer peripheral surfaces of the overlapping first filter 41 and second filter 42 form the inner wall surface of the second air passage (bypass air passage 43). Therefore, a dedicated wall separating first filter 41 and second filter 42 is not required to form the second air passage (bypass air passage 43), which simplifies the configuration and is advantageous in terms of cost.

[0209] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the straightening member 38 is configured as a flat plate-shaped structure having a large number of ventilation windows 38A (see FIGS. 3 and 4). This allows the main airflow AF1 and the bypass airflow AF2 from the first filter 41 and the second filter 42 to be further averaged in the upstream stage leading to the evaporator 31. It is even better if the inner surfaces of the large number of mutually independent ventilation windows 38A are flat guide surfaces over a certain length (D5), as described in FIG.

[0210] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a straightening member 38 is provided on the opposite side of the intake port 11 across the first filter 41 and the second filter 42, with the opposing distance between the filters 41, 42 maintained at a certain dimension (distance D4) or more. Therefore, the main airflow AF1 and the bypass airflow AF2 from the first filter 41 and the second filter 42 can be further averaged in the upstream stage leading to the evaporator 31.

[0211] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a rectifying member 38 is provided to prevent the first filter 41 and the second filter 42 from moving toward the evaporator 31 due to the main airflow AF1 passing through. That is, the rectifying member 38 has a rigid structure and is installed across the entire upstream side of the evaporator 31, so that the first filter 41 and the second filter 42 can be prevented from moving downstream or being deformed by the main airflow AF1 passing through. This makes it possible to prevent performance degradation due to deformation or movement.

[0212] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the distance D3 of the first space 33, which is the opposing distance between the rectifying member 38 and the evaporator 31, is set in the range of 10 mm to 15 mm. Therefore, the main airflow AF1 and the bypass airflow AF2 can be averaged at the upstream stage leading to the evaporator 31.

[0213] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, air inlet 11 is located on the front surface of housing 3 (case 10), and when viewing air inlet 11 from the front of housing 3, inlets 43A of the second air passage are located on both the left and right sides of air inlet 11. This configuration allows air to be supplied directly from the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) to evaporator 31 during dehumidifying operation without passing through filters 41 and 42. In other words, compared to when bypass air passage 43 is located on one side of main air passage 44, the bias of the airflow from bypass air passage 43 flowing into evaporator 31 can be reduced, allowing the airflow flowing into evaporator 31 to be balanced. Furthermore, this configuration does not sacrifice the areas of first filter 41 and second filter 42, and therefore does not impair the air purification effect.

[0214] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the airflow restriction means 51 is an opening / closing means that can select either a state of passing or blocking the bypass airflow AF2 in the second air passage (bypass air passage 43). With this configuration, as described in Fig. 10, the airflow restriction means 51 can be configured by a shutter 51S that moves between an open position OP and a closed position CL, and a motor 51B that serves as a drive source for opening and closing the shutter 51S. Therefore, the airflow restriction means 51 can be easily installed inside the case 10, where the installation space is limited.

[0215] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, airflow restriction means 51 is characterized by having shutter 51S that can select whether to allow or block bypass airflow AF2 in second air passage 43. Therefore, airflow restriction means 51 can be easily installed inside case 10, where the installation space is limited.

[0216] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the airflow restriction means 51 is configured to open and close the shutter 51S upon receiving an electric signal, which eliminates the need for the user to manually open and close the shutter 51S, thereby reducing the burden on the user associated with dehumidification operation.

[0217] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the dehumidifier 1 includes a control unit (drive circuit 28) that controls the operation of the fan 21 of the air blowing unit, a refrigerant supply unit (compressor 6) that supplies refrigerant to the dehumidifying unit (evaporator 31, etc.), a drive unit (motor 51B) that changes the position of the shutter 51A, and a control device (main control device 18) that receives a user command and controls the control unit (drive circuit 28). The control device (main control device 18) issues a command to the drive unit (motor 51B) to open the shutter 51S. This eliminates the need for the user to manually open and close the shutter 51S, reducing the burden on the user associated with dehumidifying operation.

[0218] If the control device (main control device 18) receives a command from the user while the fan 21 is operating, or if it detects that a specified "environmental condition" has been met, it controls the second drive unit (motor 51B) to open the shutter 51S.

[0219] The "environmental conditions" referred to here may mean, for example, "the humidity in the room (space) where the dehumidifier 1 is installed exceeds 50%," as explained in the first embodiment. Furthermore, as explained in Fig. 14, it may also mean, for example, "the humidity exceeds 50% and the degree of air pollution is low."

[0220] With this configuration, the user does not need to manually open or close the shutter 51S, but can automatically open the shutter 51S by inputting a predetermined command to the input operation unit 17. This reduces the burden on the user associated with the dehumidification operation.

[0221] Furthermore, the first embodiment discloses a dehumidifier 1 according to the following second example. The dehumidifier 1 according to the second embodiment is a housing 3 (case 10) in which an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 are formed; a blowing means (fan 21) that generates an airflow AF from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12; Two filters 41 and 42 are disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10) as air cleaning means; The air conditioner includes an evaporator 31 that is disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10) and serves as a dehumidifying means for removing moisture from the airflow AF. Inside the housing 3, a first airflow path (main airflow path 44) through which the airflow AF passes through filters 41 and 42 and reaches the evaporator 31; a second airflow path (bypass airflow path 43) through which the airflow AF reaches the evaporator 31 without passing through the filters 41 and 42; and airflow restricting means 51 that changes the opening degree (airflow path cross-sectional area) of inlet 43A of second airflow path (bypass airflow path 43) from fully open to fully closed, thereby controlling the amount of bypass airflow AF2. The suction port 11 is located on the front surface of the housing 3, The suction port 11 has a square or rectangular projected shape when viewed from the front side of the housing 3, The inlets 43A of the second air passage are adjacent to and continuous with the outer sides of both left and right edge portions of the air intake 11, and are formed symmetrically. When viewed from the front side of the housing 3, the evaporator 31 is located substantially inside the outer edge of the projected shape of the air inlet 11. Furthermore, a control device (main control device 1818) for controlling the air blowing means, the air flow restricting means 51, and the electric compressor 6 is provided. The control device 18 controls the airflow restricting means 51 in accordance with the environmental information.

[0222] With this configuration, the control device (main control device 18) controls the airflow restriction means 51 in accordance with environmental information, and can automatically select between dehumidifying operation and air purifying operation. In other words, the control device 18 can automatically select an air path suitable for performing dehumidifying operation and air purifying operation, so that a user-friendly dehumidifier can be obtained without requiring any special effort from the user.

[0223] Furthermore, because of this configuration, during dehumidifying operation, air flows through the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) which does not pass through the air purification means where pressure loss is large, so the rotation speed of fan 21 can be reduced compared to when all air is diverted to the air purification means, thereby reducing noise generation.

[0224] Moreover, when looking at air inlet 11 from the front of housing 3, the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) is configured to extend symmetrically further outward than the left and right end faces of air inlet 11. This allows bypass airflow AF2 to be supplied to evaporator 31 in a balanced manner from both sides without sacrificing the air filtering (purification) area of ​​the air purification means (filters 41, 42).

[0225] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the evaporator 31 is characterized in that its projected shape, as seen from the front side of the housing 3, is square or rectangular, and it is provided with a large number of heat exchange fins having minute gaps through which the airflow AF passes. Therefore, when the evaporator 31 is seen from the front side, the bypass airflow AF2 can be supplied in a well-balanced manner from the bypass airflow 43 to the heat exchange fin portions at the right end and left end.

[0226] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the evaporator 31 has a width dimension W2 (270 mm, see FIG. 7) as seen from the front side of the housing 3, which is larger than the width dimensions W8 and W9 (both 255 mm, see FIG. 8) of the air purification means (filters 41, 42) and is smaller than the width dimension (opening dimension) W1 (315 mm, see FIG. 6) of the air intake 11. Therefore, when seen from the front side of the evaporator 31, the bypass airflow AF2 and the main airflow AF1 can be efficiently supplied from the bypass airflow path 43 and the main airflow 44 to the heat exchange plate fins 31F at the right and left ends thereof.

[0227] Furthermore, this first embodiment discloses a dehumidifier 1 according to the following third example. The dehumidifier 1 according to the third embodiment is a housing 3 (case 10) in which an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 are formed; a blowing means (fan 21) that generates an airflow AF from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12; Two filters 41 and 42 are disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10) as air cleaning means; The air conditioner includes an evaporator 31 that is disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10) and serves as a dehumidifying means for removing moisture from the airflow AF. Inside the housing 3, a first airflow path (main airflow path 44) through which the airflow AF passes through filters 41 and 42 and reaches the evaporator 31; a second airflow path (bypass airflow path 43) through which the airflow AF reaches the evaporator 31 without passing through the filters 41 and 42; and an airflow restricting means 51 for controlling the bypass airflow AF2. At the position where the main airflow AF1 that has passed through the first air passage and the bypass airflow AF2 that has passed through the second air passage join together, a straightening member 38 having a large number of ventilation windows 38A partitioned by a frame 38B is arranged so as to cross just before reaching the evaporator 31. Furthermore, a control device (main control device 18) is provided that controls the blowing means 21, the airflow restricting means 51, and the electric compressor 6, and the control device controls the airflow restricting means 51 in response to environmental information.

[0228] With this configuration, the control device (main control device 18) controls the airflow restriction means 51 in accordance with environmental information, and can automatically select between dehumidifying operation and air purifying operation. In other words, the control device 18 can automatically select an air path suitable for performing dehumidifying operation and air purifying operation, so that a user-friendly dehumidifier can be obtained without requiring any special effort from the user.

[0229] Furthermore, the presence of the straightening member 38 can prevent the distribution of the airflow AF in the upstream stage leading to the evaporator 31 from concentrating only on a local area of ​​the evaporator 31. In other words, the airflows of the first air path and the second air path can be efficiently passed to the downstream evaporator 31 side, improving dehumidification efficiency.

[0230] Embodiment 2 19 and 20 show a dehumidifier 1 according to a second embodiment. Fig. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during dehumidifying operation of the dehumidifier 2 of embodiment 2. Fig. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the air flow during air cleaning operation of the dehumidifier 2 of embodiment 2. Note that parts that are the same as or equivalent to the configuration of embodiment 1 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 18 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0231] In the second embodiment, the position of the bypass air passage 43 shown in the first embodiment is changed and it is provided below the air inlet 11 .

[0232] In embodiment 1, bypass air duct 43 is arranged on both the left and right sides of HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42, and bypass air duct 43 and main air duct 44 are arranged parallel to each other on the left and right sides of air intake 11.

[0233] In contrast, in the second embodiment, bypass air passage 45 is arranged below HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42, and bypass air passage 45 and main air passage 44 are arranged parallel to each other below air intake 11. In the second embodiment, no bypass air passages are provided on either the left or right sides of HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42.

[0234] In the second embodiment, below the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42, there is a bypass air passage 45 having a width dimension (W1) corresponding to the width dimension of the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42. The bypass air passage 45 is a space provided inside the front case 10F, and is part of the air passage leading from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12.

[0235] Due to this configuration, for example, if the width of each of HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42 is 255 mm, width W7 of bypass air passage 43 is about 255 mm in embodiment 2, rather than 30 mm in embodiment 1. Instead, the vertical dimension of inlet 43A is set to about 30 mm.

[0236] Bypass airflow 43 is an airflow path through which bypass airflow AF2 flows without passing through HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42. Here, the airflow path in which HEPA filter 41 and activated carbon filter 42 are arranged is referred to as main airflow path 44.

[0237] Bypass air passage 43 and main air passage 44 are positioned above and below each other in the front-to-rear direction. In this way, bypass air passage 43 is positioned below and adjacent to main air passage 44, so the dimension of dehumidifier 1 in the left-to-right direction can be reduced.

[0238] When the dehumidifier 1 is viewed from the front (front), it is desirable to set the horizontal (left-right) length of the bypass air duct 45 to be approximately the same as the horizontal (left-right) length of the bypass air duct 45 of the HEPA filter 41. Note that the "front (front) of the dehumidifier 1" here is defined for the convenience of explaining this second embodiment, and differs from the case when the dehumidifier 1 is actually used.

[0239] The bypass air passage 43 and the main air passage 44 communicate with the space downstream of the activated carbon filter 42, that is, the second space 34, the straightening member 38, the first space 33, and the outside of the case 10 via the air outlet 12.

[0240] That is, similar to the configuration described in the first embodiment, the rectifying member 38 faces the front surface of the evaporator 31, which is a part of the heat exchanger, across the first space 33. That is, the rectifying member 38 faces the evaporator 31 at a predetermined distance D3 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0241] The rectifying member 38 faces the rear surface of the activated carbon filter 42 across the second space 34. In other words, the rectifying member 38 faces the rear surface of the activated carbon filter 42 at a predetermined distance D4.

[0242] The main airflow AF1 that passes through the main airflow passage 44 and the bypass airflow AF2 that passes through the bypass airflow passage 43 join together just before the straightening member 38 that is arranged downstream of the activated carbon filter 42 to form a single airflow passage.

[0243] An air channel 46 is installed extending rearward from the rim of the intake port 11 so as to cover the lower end faces of the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42 at intervals.

[0244] The gap between the front end of the air channel 46 and the lower end face of the HEPA filter 41 serves as an inlet 43A of the bypass airflow 43. One air guide surface 46A is provided at the rear end of the air channel 46. The air guide surface 46A is intended to change the direction of the bypass airflow AF2 traveling through the bypass airflow 43 upward (in the direction of the elevation angle) and guide it toward the center of the evaporator 31 (the second center point OB shown in FIG. 7).

[0245] The airflow guide surface 46A is configured, for example, as a flat surface. The direction in which the bypass airflow AF2 is guided can be adjusted by adjusting the normal direction of this flat surface. The airflow guide surface 46A may also be configured as a curved surface. The spread of the guided bypass airflow AF2 can be adjusted by adjusting the curvature of the curved surface.

[0246] A shutter 51S for opening and closing the bypass air passage 43 is provided in the bypass air passage 43. The shutter 51S is made of a plate-shaped member. The shutter 51S is disposed downstream of the air intake cover 11A. The shutter 51S is supported, for example, by a shaft (not shown) on the side opposite the HEPA filter 41, i.e., on the lower end side of the plate-shaped shutter 51S, and is driven by a motor 51B (not shown) for driving the opening and closing means. The rotation angle of the motor 51B is controlled by the main control device 18 (not shown). For this reason, it is convenient to use a stepping motor for the motor 51B.

[0247] Shutter 51S opens and closes inlet 43A of bypass air passage 43. Shutter 51S is driven by drive motor 51B (not shown) around rotation shaft 51E (not shown) from a position where bypass air passage 43 is closed, in the downstream direction of bypass airflow AF2, to a position where bypass air passage 43 is opened. Because shutter 51S is made of a single plate-shaped member and there is only one rotation shaft 51E driven by opening / closing means drive motor 51B, dehumidifier 1 is obtained that has a simple configuration and is easy to control opening and closing.

[0248] In this second embodiment as well, a gas sensor 63 is provided, although not shown. This gas sensor 63 is disposed inside the case 10 at a position below or near the suction port 11, on the right or left side of the suction port 11. An opening (not shown) that communicates with the outside of the case 10 is provided in the wall of the case 10 near the gas sensor 63. The opening is intended to enable the gas sensor 63 to easily sense the indoor air surrounding the dehumidifier 1.

[0249] As described in the first embodiment, the gas sensor 63 transmits gas detection data to the main control device 18, which can then determine the odor level of the indoor air based on the gas detection data. Also, the measurement results of the gas sensor 63 can be displayed on the display unit 23D by the main control device 18, as in the first embodiment.

[0250] The operation of the dehumidifier 2 of the second embodiment includes a dehumidification operation mode, an air purification operation mode, and a dehumidification-air purification operation mode, similar to the operation of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment. The opening / closing control and the control of the degree of opening of the shutter 51S in the dehumidification operation mode, the air purification operation mode, and the dehumidification-air purification operation mode are similar to the opening / closing control of the shutter 51S of the dehumidifier 1 of the first embodiment. Note that the degree of opening refers to the rate of the flow rate of the bypass airflow AF2 flowing through the bypass airflow passage 43, expressed in a range of 100% to 0% (when closed), for example, an intermediate opening rate such as 80%, 70%, 50%, or 30%.

[0251] Summary of embodiment 2. In this second embodiment, the following dehumidifier 2 is disclosed. The dehumidifier 2 exemplified in this second embodiment is a housing 3 (case 10) in which an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 are formed; a blowing means (fan 21) that generates an airflow AF from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12; Two filters 41 and 42 are disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10) as air cleaning means; The air conditioner includes an evaporator 31 that is disposed inside the housing 3 (case 10) and serves as a dehumidifying means for removing moisture from the airflow AF. Inside the housing 3, a first airflow path (main airflow path 44) through which the airflow AF passes through filters 41 and 42 and reaches the evaporator 31; a second airflow path (bypass airflow path 43) through which the airflow AF reaches the evaporator 31 without passing through the filters 41 and 42; and airflow restricting means 51 for controlling the amount of bypass airflow AF2 in the second air passage (bypass air passage 43). The inlet 43A of the second air passage is located on the outer circumferential side below the filters 41 and 42, Outlet 43B of second air passage 43 is located closer to the center of filters 41 and 42 (closer to center line BL) than inlet 43A. Furthermore, a control device (main control device 18) is provided to control the air blowing means, the airflow restricting means 51, and the electric compressor 6. The main controller 18 controls the airflow restricting means 51 in response to the environmental information.

[0252] With this configuration, during dehumidifying operation, air flows through the second air passage (bypass air passage 43) that does not pass through filters 41 and 42, so the number of rotations of the fan can be reduced and noise generation can be reduced compared to when operating by passing all the air through filters 41 and 42.

[0253] Furthermore, the control device (main control device 18) controls the airflow restriction means 51 in accordance with environmental information, so that the selection between dehumidification operation and air purification operation can be performed automatically. In other words, the selection of an air path appropriate for performing dehumidification operation and air purification operation can be performed automatically by control device 18, so that a user does not need to take special effort to select the air path, and a user-friendly dehumidifier can be obtained. Note that, in other respects where the same configuration as in embodiment 1 is provided, the same effects as those described in embodiment 1 can be obtained.

[0254] In addition, in embodiment 2, the second air duct (bypass air duct 43) is positioned below the HEPA filter 41 and the activated carbon filter 42, and the second air duct (bypass air duct 43) and the main air duct 44 are positioned parallel to each other in an up-down positional relationship, thereby making it possible to reduce the left-right dimension (width) of the dehumidifier 1.

[0255] In the second embodiment, bypass air passage 43 is disposed adjacent to and below main air passage 44. Air guide surface 46A provided in bypass air passage 43 is configured to redirect the airflow that has passed through bypass air passage 43 from the horizontal direction to an upward direction (direction of elevation angle) and guide it toward the center of evaporator 31. Bypass air passage 43 may also be disposed adjacent to and above main air passage 44. In this case, air guide surface 46A provided in bypass air passage 43 may be configured to redirect the airflow that has passed through bypass air passage 43 from the horizontal direction to a downward direction (direction of depression angle) and guide it toward the center of evaporator 31.

[0256] Embodiment 3 Figures 21 to 26 show a dehumidifier 1 according to a third embodiment. Figures 21 to 23 show a dehumidifier 1 according to a third embodiment. Figure 21 is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the dehumidifier. Figure 22 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the front case portion of the dehumidifier 1 of Figure 21, with the line CC portion cut away. Figure 23 is a front view of the air inlet frame used in the dehumidifier 1 of Figure 21. Figure 24 is a longitudinal (vertical) cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier 1 shown in Figure 21 at the center portion in the left-right direction. Figure 25 is a block diagram showing main control-related components of the dehumidifier 1 shown in Figure 21. Note that parts that are the same as or equivalent to those in the configurations of the respective embodiments described with reference to Figures 1 to 20 are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0257] This embodiment 3 is characterized in that the configuration of the components that make up the bypass air passage 43 shown in embodiment 1 is changed. Also, a human detection unit 64 is provided as an example of a surrounding information acquisition unit that detects whether or not a person, such as a user, is present in the space where the dehumidifier 1 is installed, and an infrared sensor 64S that detects the presence of a person is installed in the housing 3.

[0258] 21, an air inlet frame 50, which is square when viewed from the front (front) side, is fitted into the front case 10F in which the air inlet 11 is formed. The entire air inlet frame 50 is formed by integral molding using a thermoplastic plastic material.

[0259] When the air intake frame 50 is viewed from the front (front) side, as shown in Figure 23, the right peripheral wall 50R to the left peripheral wall 50L are connected by the upper wall portion 50T and the lower wall portion 50U. Furthermore, the right bypass airflow passage 43 is formed between the upper wall portion 50T, the lower wall portion 50U, and the right peripheral wall 50R.

[0260] FIG. 22(A) shows a state in which the air inlet frame 50 is assembled into the front case 10F, but the air inlet cover 11A is not attached, as indicated by the dashed line.

[0261] Figure 22(B) shows the state before suction port frame 50 is installed in front case 10F. This allows the cross-sectional shapes of suction port frame 50 and front case 10F to be clearly seen. Note that in Figure 22(B), suction port cover 11A is not yet attached, as indicated by the dashed line.

[0262] The left bypass airflow passage 43 is formed between the upper wall portion 50T, the lower wall portion 50U, and the left peripheral wall 50L. The sizes (diameters) of the inlets 43A and the outlets 43B of the two left and right bypass airflow passages 43 are set to be the same.

[0263] Reference numeral 50B denotes a step (recess) formed at the front end of peripheral walls 50L, 50R, which is for fitting suction port cover 11A into. In other words, this step 50B allows suction port cover 11A to be removably installed on case 10 so that it does not protrude forward beyond the front surface of front case 10F.

[0264] As described above, one of the characteristic configurations of this embodiment 3 is that right-side peripheral walls 50R1, 50R2 and left-side peripheral walls 50L1, 50L2 are formed as partition walls that continue from the edge of the intake port 11 to the downstream side of the airflow AF, and the partition walls (peripheral walls 50R1, 50R2, 50L1, 50L2) separate the space between the inlet 43A of the bypass air passage 43 and the outlet 43B into two spaces.

[0265] One of these spaces becomes a first air passage, and the other space becomes a second air passage (bypass air passage 43). In other words, bypass air passage 43 of a predetermined size is defined and formed inside air intake frame 50, rather than forming bypass air passage 43 using the outer peripheral end faces of two filters 41 and 42 as described in the first and second embodiments.

[0266] Next, a description will be given of Fig. 24. In the dehumidifier 1 of Fig. 24, the bypass air passage 43 and the main air passage 44 are formed adjacent to each other on the left and right, similar to the first embodiment.

[0267] An infrared sensor 64S for detecting heat is disposed on the rear side of the housing 3 of the dehumidifier 1. The infrared sensor 64S is a sensor that detects the surface temperature of a target area in a non-contact manner. The infrared sensor 64S is connected to the human detection unit 64 (see FIG. 25).

[0268] The presence or absence of a person in the room is determined based on the detection result of the infrared sensor 64S. For example, if there is a significant change in the detection result of the infrared sensor 64S, it is assumed that the heat source has moved, and it is determined that a person is present. The infrared sensor 64S only needs to be able to detect the presence or absence of a person, and may be, for example, a person-detecting sensor such as an ultrasonic wave sensor.

[0269] The infrared sensor 64S has a sensing range (target area) set on the rear side of the housing 3 of the dehumidifier 1, that is, from the rear case 10B toward the rear. When considering actual use of the dehumidifier 1, the rear case 10B is the side that people such as users approach. Therefore, it is recommended to install the dehumidifier 1 so that the rear case 10B side faces the center of the room, etc.

[0270] The infrared sensor 64S may determine the presence (presence) of a person and control the opening and closing of the shutter 51S. For example, when the human detection unit 64 detects the presence of a person in the room through a detection signal from the infrared sensor 64S, the main control device 18 may issue a command signal to the airflow restriction means 51 to close the shutter 51S, assuming that dust will fly up as the person moves. In other words, the operation of the drive motor 51B is controlled, and the device operates with the shutter 51S closed. In other words, the air purification operation will be performed automatically without the user having to perform any special input operations.

[0271] Next, Fig. 25 will be described. Reference numeral 64 denotes a human detection unit that receives a detection signal from an infrared sensor 64S and determines the presence of a person. This human detection unit 64 does not need to be provided as dedicated hardware, but may be realized as part of a program that realizes the functions of the main control unit 18. Also, a processing circuit common to other sensors (for example, dust sensor 62) may be provided to provide the human detection function.

[0272] Reference numeral 64M denotes a drive mechanism for expanding the sensing range of the infrared sensor 64S. Upon receiving a command signal from the main control device 18, the drive mechanism 64M drives a drive source such as an actuator including electrical and mechanical components such as an electric motor.

[0273] An infrared sensor 64S is fixed to the drive mechanism 64M. When the drive mechanism 64M is driven, the temperature sensing surface of the infrared sensor 64S is oriented within a certain range in the vertical and horizontal directions (for example, 45 degrees left and right, 15 degrees up and down), as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 24. In other words, the sensing range is expanded by operating the drive mechanism 64M. The drive mechanism 64M changes the direction of the sensing surface of the infrared sensor 64M at regular time intervals. This drive pattern is determined by the main control device 18. It is not essential to provide the drive mechanism 64M.

[0274] The infrared sensor 64S of the human detection unit 64 may be configured so that the user can select the human detection range. For example, the user may be able to input the detection range using the input operation unit 17 and the display unit 23D. It is preferable to display the detection range as a graphic or the like on the display unit 23D so that the user can determine the detection range using the input operation unit 17 while looking at the graphic.

[0275] Summary of embodiment 3. As described above, in the third embodiment, the bypass airflow path 43 is formed by incorporating the air inlet frame 50 into the front case 10F. That is, unlike the first and second embodiments, the bypass air passage 43 is not formed by utilizing the outer peripheral end faces of the two filters 41 and 42. Therefore, bypass airflow path 43 is formed whose air permeability is not affected by the positions and shapes of the outer peripheral end faces of filters 41 and 42. In other words, if filters 41 and 42 are removed for replacement or inspection and then reinstalled and operated, there is a concern that the air permeability of bypass airflow path 43 may decrease if the installation positions of filters 41 and 42 change.

[0276] In contrast, with the configuration of the third embodiment, even if the installation positions of the filters 41 and 42 are changed, there is no concern that the ventilation of the bypass air passage 43 will be directly affected. Therefore, the desired ventilation can be ensured even during long-term use. As a result, stable dehumidification performance can be maintained.

[0277] Furthermore, the dehumidifier 1 of embodiment 3 has an infrared sensor 64S installed in the space in which the dehumidifier 1 is installed, which detects heat emitted by people such as users, and has a human detection unit 64 that detects the presence of people based on the detection data from the infrared sensor 64S. Then, the main control device 18 controls the opening and closing operation of the shutter 51S of the airflow restricting means 51 in accordance with the result of human detection from the human detection unit 64. With this configuration, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to appropriately and automatically select between the air cleaning operation and the dehumidifying operation depending on whether or not a person such as a user is present in the room.

[0278] Furthermore, in this embodiment 3, the main control unit 18 acquires information (human detection information) regarding the presence or absence of a person such as a user based on detection information from the infrared sensor 64S as a type of ambient information, and is characterized in that if a third threshold value (for example, a person being present for a certain period of time or more) set for the human detection information (third information) is met, it performs one of the following actions. (1) In the "air purification priority mode," the airflow restriction means 51 changes the state of the second air passage 43 from a state in which the bypass airflow AF2 flows to a state in which the bypass airflow AF2 does not flow, or maintains the second air passage 43 in a closed state by the airflow restriction means 51 (maintains a state in which the bypass airflow AF2 does not flow). (2) In the "operating noise reduction mode," the airflow restriction means 51 changes the state of the second air passage 43 from a state in which the bypass airflow AF2 does not flow to a state in which it does flow, or the airflow restriction means 51 maintains the second air passage 43 in an open state (maintains a state in which the bypass airflow AF2 flows).

[0279] The "air purification priority mode" is an operation mode that can be selected by the operation mode selector switch 17S of the input operation unit 17. In other words, when the dehumidifier 1 detects that a person is present in a living space or the like, it is a convenient operation mode that can respond to the assumption that dust and the like will be generated by the movement of the person. Furthermore, the "reduced operating noise mode" is an operation mode that can be selected by the operation mode selector switch 17S of the input operation unit 17. In other words, when the dehumidifier 1 detects that a person is present in a living space or the like, it is an operation mode that aims to maintain a comfortable space by reducing the operating noise of the dehumidifier 1 as much as possible, and this is also one of the convenient operation modes. Note that other advantages of the third embodiment are the same as those described in the first and second embodiments.

[0280] Embodiment 4 Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The configuration of a dehumidifier 1 according to the fourth embodiment is shown in Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is a longitudinal (vertical) cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier according to the fourth embodiment at the center in the left-right direction. Note that parts that are the same as or equivalent to the configurations of the embodiments described with reference to Figs. 1 to 25 are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0281] The fourth embodiment is characterized in that information about the brightness of the space in which the dehumidifier 1 is installed is acquired as a type of ambient information. To achieve this, an illuminance determination unit 65 (not shown) for acquiring ambient information is provided, and an illuminance sensor 65S for detecting illuminance is installed in the housing 3.

[0282] As shown in Fig. 26, an illuminance sensor 65S is disposed on the upper surface 10UF of the case 10 (front case 10F) of the dehumidifier 1. This illuminance sensor 65S is a sensor that detects the brightness of the room. The illuminance sensor 65S is connected to the main control device 18 via the illuminance determination unit 65 (not shown).

[0283] The illuminance determination unit 65 does not need to be provided as dedicated hardware, but may be realized as part of a program that realizes the functions of the main control device 18. Also, a processing circuit common to other sensors (for example, the dust sensor 62) may be provided to provide the illuminance determination function.

[0284] The main control device 18 may detect the brightness of the room using the illuminance sensor 65S and drive the motor 51B of the airflow restriction means 51 to control the opening and closing operation (adjustment of the opening degree) of the shutter 51S. For example, when the room is dark, it is assumed to be nighttime, and the shutter 51S is operated in the fully open state to reduce operating noise.

[0285] Summary of embodiment 4. As described above, the dehumidifier 1 disclosed in this fourth embodiment includes, in addition to the components of the first embodiment, an illuminance determination unit 65 and an illuminance sensor 65S that detect brightness. The illuminance determination unit 65 determines the illuminance using illuminance measurement data from the illuminance sensor 65S. Then, based on the illuminance determination result, the main control device 18 determines the degree to which the bypass air duct 43 is opened or closed by the airflow restriction means 51. In other words, the main control device 18 automatically controls the opening and closing of the bypass air duct 43 based on the brightness of the room, making it possible to appropriately select between air purification operation and dehumidification operation.

[0286] In addition, since this fourth embodiment also includes the human detection unit 64 described in the third embodiment, it is also possible to perform control by detecting the presence of a person, as described in the fourth embodiment.

[0287] The various sensors (humidity sensor 61, dust sensor 62, gas sensor 63) that acquire "environmental information" described in embodiments 1 to 4 and the various sensors (infrared sensor 64S, illuminance sensor 65S) that acquire "surrounding information" can be used alone or in appropriate combination. [Industrial Applicability]

[0288] The dehumidifier according to the present disclosure can be used, for example, to dehumidify the air in a room. [Explanation of symbols]

[0289] 1 dehumidifier, 2 dehumidifier, 3 enclosures, 5 windows, 6 electric compressor, 7 water tanks, 8 Operation display board, 10 cases, 10F front case, 10B rear case, 11 Intake port, 11A Intake cover, 11A1 Vertical beam, 11A2 crosspiece, 12 air outlet, 13 louvers, 15 Operation notification unit, 16 PCB boxes, 17 input operation unit, 17S Operation mode switch 18 Main control unit, 19 Power supply section, 20 wheels, 21 Fans, 21A motor, 22 refrigerant piping, 23 Information Department, 23D display, 23V voice alarm unit, 24 CPUs, 24T timer section, 25 Memory means 26 Radio Communication Department, 27 drive circuit, 28 drive circuit, 29 drive circuit, 31 evaporator, 32 condenser, 33 First Space, 34 Second Space, 35 room temperature sensor, 36 fan case, 37 Bell mouth part, 38 Straightening member, 41 HEPA filters, 42 activated carbon filters, 43 Bypass air duct, 44 Main air passage, 46 wind tunnel, 46A Wind guide surface, 50 suction port frame, 50B stepped section, 50R1 Perimeter wall (partition wall), 50R2 Perimeter wall (partition wall), 50L1 Perimeter wall (partition wall), 50L2 Perimeter wall (partition wall), 51 Airflow restriction means; 51B motor, 51C sensor, 51D sensor, 51S shutter, 53 Open / close detection unit, 61 humidity sensor, 62 dust sensor, 63 Gas sensors, 64 Human detection unit (surrounding information acquisition unit), 64S infrared sensor, 65 Illuminance determination unit (surrounding information acquisition unit), 65S light sensor.

Claims

1. a housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein; a blowing means for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; an air cleaning means disposed inside the housing; a dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing and removing moisture from the airflow; A dehumidifier comprising: a first air passage formed inside the housing, the first air passage passing through the air cleaning means and reaching the dehumidifying means; a second air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning means; an airflow restricting means for restricting the flow of the airflow in the second air passage; a control device that controls the air blowing means and the airflow restricting means; and the control device controls the airflow restriction means in response to at least one of environmental information and surrounding information; the air cleaning means is a filter installed in the first air passage, The width of the evaporator of the dehumidifying means is set larger than the maximum width of the filter. A dehumidifier characterized by the above.

2. a housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein; a blowing means for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; an air cleaning means disposed inside the housing; a dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing and removing moisture from the airflow; A dehumidifier comprising: a first air passage formed inside the housing, the first air passage passing through the air cleaning means and reaching the dehumidifying means; a second air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning means; an airflow restricting means for restricting the flow of the airflow in the second air passage; a control device that controls the air blowing means and the airflow restricting means; and the control device controls the airflow restriction means in response to at least one of environmental information and surrounding information; the air cleaning means is a filter installed in the first air passage, The intake port is located on a front surface of the housing, A dehumidifier characterized in that, when the air inlet is viewed from the front of the housing, a projection surface including the air inlet and the inlet of the second air path is larger than the projection surface of the filter.

3. a housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein; a blowing means for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; an air cleaning means disposed inside the housing; a dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing and removing moisture from the airflow; A dehumidifier comprising: a first air passage formed inside the housing, the first air passage passing through the air cleaning means and reaching the dehumidifying means; The airflow is formed inside the housing, and the airflow does not pass through the air cleaning means but passes through the dehumidifying means. The second wind channel leading to an airflow restricting means for restricting the flow of the airflow in the second air passage; a control device that controls the air blowing means and the airflow restricting means; and the control device controls the airflow restriction means in response to at least one of environmental information and surrounding information; The intake port is located on a front surface of the housing, When the air intake side is viewed from the front of the housing, an inlet of the second air passage is located outside both left and right side edges of the air intake, A dehumidifier, wherein the second air passage is formed linearly from the inlet to the outlet of the second air passage.

4. a housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein; a blowing means for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; an air cleaning means disposed inside the housing; a dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing and removing moisture from the airflow; A dehumidifier comprising: a first air passage formed inside the housing, the first air passage passing through the air cleaning means and reaching the dehumidifying means; a second air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning means; an airflow restricting means for restricting the flow of the airflow in the second air passage; a control device that controls the air blowing means and the airflow restricting means; and the control device controls the airflow restriction means in response to at least one of environmental information and surrounding information; forming a partition wall that is continuous from the edge of the suction port to the downstream side of the airflow; The partition wall divides the space from the inlet of the second air passage to the outlet of the second air passage into two spaces, One of the two spaces is the first air passage, The other of the two spaces is the second air passage.

5. a housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein; a blowing means for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; an air cleaning means disposed inside the housing; a dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing and removing moisture from the airflow; A dehumidifier comprising: a first air passage formed inside the housing, the first air passage passing through the air cleaning means and reaching the dehumidifying means; a second air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning means; an airflow restricting means for restricting the flow of the airflow in the second air passage; a control device that controls the air blowing means and the airflow restricting means; and the control device controls the airflow restriction means in response to at least one of environmental information and surrounding information; the air cleaning means has a first filter that collects dust from the airflow and a second filter that collects odor components from the airflow; Each of the first filter and the second filter includes a filter body and a frame body that covers an outer peripheral edge portion of the filter body, A dehumidifier characterized in that the outer peripheral surface of the frame constitutes the inner wall surface of the second air passage.

6. a housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein; a blowing means for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; an air cleaning means disposed inside the housing; a dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing and removing moisture from the airflow; A dehumidifier comprising: a first air passage formed inside the housing, the first air passage passing through the air cleaning means and reaching the dehumidifying means; a second air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning means; an airflow restricting means for restricting the flow of the airflow in the second air passage; a control device that controls the air blowing means and the airflow restricting means; and the control device controls the airflow restriction means in response to at least one of environmental information and surrounding information; The dehumidifier is characterized in that the airflow restricting means is a means capable of controlling the amount of air passing through the second air passage in a plurality of stages.

7. a housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein; a blowing means for generating an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet; an air cleaning means disposed inside the housing; a dehumidifying means disposed inside the housing and removing moisture from the airflow; A dehumidifier comprising: a first air passage formed inside the housing, the first air passage passing through the air cleaning means and reaching the dehumidifying means; a second air passage formed inside the housing, through which the airflow reaches the dehumidifying means without passing through the air cleaning means; an airflow restricting means for restricting the flow of the airflow in the second air passage; a control device that controls the air blowing means and the airflow restricting means; and the control device controls the airflow restriction means in response to at least one of environmental information and surrounding information; A dehumidifier characterized in that the airflow restricting means includes a shutter that can control the amount of airflow passing through the second air path, and a motor with a position control function that changes the position of the shutter in response to an electrical signal.

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