Dehumidifier

The dehumidifier's safety is improved by using multiple temperature sensors to detect and halt the heating unit promptly, addressing both normal and abnormal use conditions, thereby preventing rotor overheating.

JP7825112B2Active Publication Date: 2026-03-06PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2022054947
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-03-30
Publication Date
2026-03-06
Estimated Expiration
2042-03-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional dehumidifiers fail to quickly detect abnormal temperature rises in the dehumidifying rotor due to the influence of the heating section's heat, especially during abnormal use with high chemical concentrations, which can inhibit moisture adsorption and cause overheating.

Method used

The dehumidifier is equipped with a danger avoidance unit comprising first, second, and third temperature sensors to detect dangerous temperatures at specific points in the air passage, allowing for immediate shutdown of the heating unit to prevent overheating, including a sensor near the heating unit, one after the heating unit, and one downstream of the heating section to address both normal and abnormal use scenarios.

Benefits of technology

This configuration enables rapid detection of abnormal temperature increases during both normal and abnormal use, enhancing the safety of the dehumidifier by preventing overheating of the dehumidifying rotor.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a dehumidification device that is enabled to sense abnormal temperature rise when used normally and further is enabled to quickly sense abnormal temperature rise when used abnormally, so that safety of the device is improved.SOLUTION: The dehumidification device is provided with a dehumidification rotor 16 having a plane part 20, a heating part 19 opposing to an upstream-side surface 20a of the plane part, and a risk avoiding part 6 for avoiding a risk that is caused by a risky temperature. The risk avoiding part 6 comprises: a first temperature sensor 31 that senses a risky temperature of air in the vicinity of an upstream side in an air-blowing path 11 of the heating part 19; a second temperature sensor 32 that senses a risky temperature of air just passing through the heating part 19 and the dehumidification rotor 16; a third temperature sensor 33 that senses a risky temperature of air in the vicinity of the upstream-side surface 20a of the plane part and in the vicinity of a downstream side of the heating part 19 in a rotating direction; and a stopping part 34 that stops operation of the heating part 19 on a sensed result of the risky temperature by at least one of the first temperature sensor 31, the second temperature sensor 32 and the third temperature sensor 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8
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Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The main body case, which has an air inlet and an air outlet, contains a refrigeration cycle, a dehumidifying rotor, a heating unit, a blower, and a drive unit. The refrigeration cycle circulates a refrigerant through a compressor, a radiator, an expander, and a heat absorber, which are connected in a circular pattern. The dehumidifying rotor has a moisture absorption unit and a moisture release unit, and is rotated by the drive unit. The compressor, heating unit, blower, and drive unit are controlled by a control unit.

[0003] Inside the main body case, there is an air path in which a blower draws air in through the intake port, supplies it to the heat sink, heating section, moisture dissipation section, heat absorber, and moisture absorption section in that order, and then discharges it through the outlet, and there is also an air path in which air is drawn in through the intake port, supplied to the heat sink, and discharged through the outlet (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Furthermore, as a safety device to avoid danger inside the device due to heating by the heating unit, there is one that is equipped with a first temperature detection means provided around the heating unit and a second temperature detection means provided in the air passage after passing through the moisture release unit that the heating unit faces (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5391642 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4432768 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In conventional dehumidifiers, there are several potential failure patterns that can occur during normal use: abnormal temperature rise in the heating unit due to a failure of the heating unit; abnormal temperature rise in the dehumidifying rotor due to slow rotation of the dehumidifying rotor due to a failure of the drive unit; and abnormal temperature rise in the dehumidifying rotor due to reduced airflow to the dehumidifying rotor due to a failure of the blower. Conventional dehumidifiers ensure safety against these potential failure patterns by detecting abnormal temperature rise in the heating unit using a first temperature detection means installed near the heating unit and abnormal temperature rise in the dehumidifying rotor using a second temperature detection means installed in the air path after passing through the moisture release unit. However, there is also the possibility of abnormal use, where a user uses the dehumidifier in an environment with a high concentration of chemicals. During this abnormal use, chemicals contained in the air drawn in through the air intake are adsorbed onto the dehumidifying rotor. The adsorbed chemicals inhibit moisture adsorption and desorption, causing the dehumidifying rotor itself to overheat and abnormally temperature rise. The second temperature detection means is located in the air passage immediately after the moisture release section, which the heating section faces, and is therefore affected by the heat generated by the heating section. Because the temperature of the heat generated by the heating section is higher than the temperature of the dehumidifying rotor itself during an abnormal temperature rise, the second temperature detection means is unable to quickly detect an abnormal temperature rise in the dehumidifying rotor itself due to the influence of the heat generated by the heating section. Therefore, a configuration is required that can ensure safety during abnormal use as well as during normal use.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to improve the safety of a dehumidifier by making it possible to detect abnormal temperature increases during normal use and, in addition, to quickly detect abnormal temperature increases during abnormal use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] and a danger avoidance unit for avoiding danger associated with dangerous temperatures, the danger avoidance unit including a first temperature sensor for detecting a dangerous temperature of air in the vicinity of the upstream side of the heating unit in the air passage, a second temperature sensor for detecting a dangerous temperature of air immediately after passing through the heating unit and the dehumidifying rotor, and a second temperature sensor for detecting a dangerous temperature of air in the vicinity of the upstream side of the flat surface and in the direction of rotation. of Immediately downstream of the heating section The chemical substances attached to the dehumidifying rotor by the heating unit in the heating process inhibit the adsorption and release of moisture. The air conditioner is equipped with a third temperature sensor that detects a dangerous temperature of the air, and a stopping unit that stops the operation of the heating unit based on the detection of a dangerous temperature by at least one of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor, thereby achieving the intended purpose. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to detect abnormal temperature increases during normal use, and in addition, it is possible to quickly detect abnormal temperature increases during abnormal use, thereby providing a dehumidifier with improved safety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the internal structure of the main body case of the device, seen from the front. [Figure 3] A perspective view of the refrigeration cycle of the device as seen from the front. [Figure 4] 3 is an exploded perspective view of the portion of the device enclosed by the frame line B in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a blower of the device; [Figure 6] A plan view of the desiccant part of the device seen from the rear side [Figure 7] A plan view of the desiccant part of the device from the front side [Figure 8] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dehumidifying device of the first embodiment of the present invention taken along the plane of the frame line A in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dehumidifying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention taken along the line A in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (Embodiment) First, the configuration of a dehumidifier according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The dehumidifier 1 of this embodiment includes a box-shaped main body case 2 that forms an outer shell.

[0014] The main body case 2 has an inlet 3 and an outlet 4, and is provided therein with a dehumidifying function unit 5 and a danger avoidance unit 6, which will be described later.

[0015] The air inlet 3 is an opening for drawing air from the indoor space into the main body case 2, and is provided on the back surface of the main body case 2.

[0016] The air outlet 4 is an opening for blowing air from inside the main body case 2 into the indoor space, and is provided on the upper part (top surface) of the main body case 2.

[0017] Next, the detailed structure of the dehumidifying function unit will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the internal structure of the main body case of the dehumidifier according to the embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front.

[0018] The dehumidifying function unit 5 has the function of drawing air into the main body case 2 through the intake port 3, dehumidifying it, and blowing it out through the outlet port 4. The dehumidifying function unit 5 includes a refrigeration cycle 7, a desiccant unit 8, a blower 9, a water storage unit 10, and an air passage 11, which will be described later.

[0019] The refrigeration cycle 7 circulates a refrigerant through a circular flow path, causing a temperature change in the air passing through, thereby dehumidifying the air, as will be described in detail later.

[0020] The desiccant section 8 dehumidifies the air by absorbing and releasing moisture between the air passing through it and the desiccant section 8 using a dehumidifying rotor 16 (to be described later). Details will be described later.

[0021] The blower 9 draws air from the indoor space into the main body case 2 through the air inlet 3, and blows it out into the indoor space through the air outlet 4 via the air flow path 11. Details will be described later.

[0022] The water storage section 10 is detachably provided below the main body case 2, and collects and stores dehumidified water generated by the refrigeration cycle 7 and the desiccant section 8 through dehumidification.

[0023] Air passage 11 is an air passage that connects air inlet 3 and air outlet 4. Details will be described later.

[0024] Next, the detailed structure of the refrigeration cycle will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the refrigeration cycle of the dehumidifier in the embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front.

[0025] The refrigeration cycle 7 includes a compressor 12, a radiator 13, an expander 14, and a heat absorber 15 connected in sequence in a ring shape to circulate a refrigerant.

[0026] The compressor 12 compresses and heats the gaseous refrigerant passing through the inside.

[0027] The radiator 13 condenses the refrigerant into a liquid by dissipating heat from the refrigerant to the air passing through the air passage 11. The radiator 13 heats the air passing through the air passage 11 by the heat dissipated from the refrigerant.

[0028] The expander 14 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant passing through it and expands it, causing a portion of the liquid to evaporate.

[0029] Heat absorber 15 absorbs heat from the air passing through air passage 11 into the refrigerant, thereby evaporating and vaporizing the remaining refrigerant that did not evaporate in expander 14. Heat absorber 15 cools the air passing through air passage 11 by absorbing heat into the refrigerant. Heat absorber 15 is located closer to the front than radiator 13 within main body case 2.

[0030] Next, the detailed structure of the desiccant unit will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the part surrounded by the frame line B in Fig. 2 of the dehumidifying device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] The desiccant unit 8 includes a dehumidifying rotor 16 , a support frame 17 , a drive unit 18 , and a heating unit 19 .

[0032] The dehumidifying rotor 16 has a disk shape and is held by a support frame 17 in the main body case 2. The central axis of the dehumidifying rotor 16 is arranged vertically so as to be horizontal and rotatable when the dehumidifier is in operation, and is rotated by a drive unit 18. The dehumidifying rotor 16 also has a flat surface 20.

[0033] The flat portion 20 is a circular surface provided to pass through the air passage 11, and dehumidifies the air passing through the air passage 11. The flat portion 20 includes a flat portion upstream surface 20a (shown later) which is the surface on the upstream side in the air flow direction of the air passage 11, and a flat portion downstream surface 20b (shown later) which is the surface on the downstream side in the air flow direction of the air passage 11. The flat portion 20 also includes a moisture absorbing portion 21 and a moisture releasing portion 22 which straddle the flat portion upstream surface 20a and the flat portion downstream surface 20b.

[0034] The moisture absorbing portion 21 is a portion located between a second opening 23b and a fourth opening 24b (described later) on the flat portion 20, and absorbs moisture from the air passing through the air passage 11.

[0035] The moisture releasing section 22 is a section located between a first opening 23 a and a third opening 24 a (described later) on the flat section 20 , and releases moisture into the air passing through the air passage 11 .

[0036] The support frame 17 holds the dehumidifying rotor 16 within the main body case 2 by sandwiching the dehumidifying rotor 16 between the rear side support frame 23 and the front side support frame 24 .

[0037] The rear support frame 23 is a circular frame that contacts the dehumidifying rotor 16 from the rear side of the main body case 2. The rear support frame 23 has a first opening 23a and a second opening 23b at positions facing the flat portion upstream surface 20a.

[0038] The front support frame 24 is a circular frame that contacts the dehumidifying rotor 16 from the front side of the main body case 2. The front support frame 24 has a third opening 24a and a fourth opening 24b at positions facing the flat portion downstream surface 20b. The third opening 24a has the same shape as the first opening 23a and is symmetrical with respect to the flat portion 20. Similarly, the fourth opening 24b has the same shape as the second opening 23b and is symmetrical with respect to the flat portion 20.

[0039] In this embodiment, an electrically driven motor is used as the driving unit 18 to rotate the dehumidifying rotor 16. As the driving unit 18 rotates the dehumidifying rotor 16, the position of the flat surface portion 20 that belongs to the moisture absorbing portion 21 and the moisture releasing portion 22 continues to change.

[0040] The heating section 19 generates heat using an electric heating wire and is provided at a position facing the first opening 23a. That is, the heating section 19 is provided at a position facing the upstream surface 20a of the flat section. The heating section 19 generates heat when power is supplied, and heats the moisture discharging section 22 of the flat section 20, thereby discharging moisture from the moisture discharging section 22 toward the downstream side of the air passage 11.

[0041] Next, the detailed structure of the blower will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the blower of the dehumidifier in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] The blower 9 guides the air of the indoor space drawn into the main body case 2 from the intake port 3 through the air passage 11 to the outlet port 4 and blows it out from the outlet port 4, and is provided with a casing 25 and a blade part 26.

[0043] Casing 25 surrounds blade portion 26 and includes front air intake port 25a, rear air intake port 25b, and discharge port 25c.

[0044] Front air intake port 25a is an opening for drawing air that has passed through second opening 23b into casing 25, and is provided at a position opposite second opening 23b.

[0045] The rear air intake port 25b is an opening for drawing air that has passed through the radiator 13 into the casing 25, and is provided at a position opposite the radiator 13.

[0046] The discharge port 25c is an opening for blowing out the air drawn into the casing 25 from the front air inlet 25a and the rear air inlet 25b toward the air outlet 4.

[0047] The blade portion 26 is a sirocco fan, and is partitioned into a front side and a rear side by a partition plate 26c so as to form a front side fan 26a and a rear side fan 26b.

[0048] The front fan 26a is a sirocco fan, and guides air from the front air intake port 25a to the discharge port 25c.

[0049] The rear side fan 26b is a sirocco fan, and guides air from the rear side air intake port 25b to the air discharge port 25c.

[0050] Next, the detailed structures of the upstream surface and downstream surface of the flat surface will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a plan view of the desiccant section of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear side. Figure 7 is a plan view of the desiccant section of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front side.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the flat portion upstream surface 20a includes a first section 27 and a second section .

[0052] 6, the first section 27 is a section having a sector shape, and faces the first opening 23a of the rear support frame 23, with a portion of the section facing the heating section 19. The first section 27 is included in the moisture release section 22.

[0053] 6, the second compartment 28 has a sector shape and forms a circle together with the first compartment 28. The second compartment 28 faces the second opening 23b of the rear support frame 23. The second compartment 28 is included in the moisture absorber 21.

[0054] The flat portion downstream surface 20b includes a third section 29 and a fourth section 30 as shown in FIG.

[0055] The third section 29 faces the third opening 24a of the front support frame 24. The third section 29 is integral with and plane-symmetrical to the first section 27. The third section 29 is included in the moisture release section 22.

[0056] The fourth section 30 faces the fourth opening 24b of the front support frame 24. The fourth section 30 is integral with and plane-symmetrical to the second section 28. The fourth section 30 is included in the moisture absorber 21.

[0057] Next, the detailed structure of the air passage will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dehumidifying device according to the embodiment of the present invention taken along the plane of frame line A in Fig. 1.

[0058] Air passage 11 is an air passage that connects inlet 3 and outlet 4, and includes dehumidifying air passage 11A and cooling air passage 11B.

[0059] The dehumidifying air passage 11A is an air passage that connects the intake port 3 of the main body case 2, the radiator 13, the heating section 19, the first section 27, the third section 29, the heat absorber 15, the fourth section 30, the second section 28, the front air intake port 25a, and the exhaust port 25c in this order, and leads to the air outlet 4.

[0060] Cooling air passage 11B is an air passage that connects intake port 3 of main body case 2, radiator 13, rear air supply port 25b, and discharge port 25c in this order, and leads to air outlet 4.

[0061] Next, the detailed structure of the danger avoidance unit will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0062] The danger avoidance unit 6 avoids danger associated with dangerous temperatures in the dehumidifying function unit 5, and includes a first temperature sensor 31, a second temperature sensor 32, a third temperature sensor 33, and a stop unit 34. Note that danger means a malfunction of the dehumidifier 1 caused by heating by the heating unit 19. The dangerous temperature is a temperature that can be reached when an abnormal temperature rise occurs at various locations inside the main body case 2, and is a temperature at which the danger may occur if the temperature is maintained at or above the dangerous temperature for a certain period of time.

[0063] The first temperature sensor 31 is fixed to the rear surface of the heating unit 19 and detects the temperature of the air. The first temperature sensor 31 measures the ambient temperature at the location where it is fixed, and constitutes a temperature determination unit 35 that sends a stop signal to the stop unit 34 when it detects a dangerous temperature.

[0064] The second temperature sensor 32 is fixed to a position near the third opening 24a of the front support frame 24 and detects the air temperature. The second temperature sensor 32 measures the ambient temperature at the location where it is fixed, and constitutes a temperature determination unit 35 that sends a stop signal to the stop unit 34 when it detects a dangerous temperature.

[0065] The third temperature sensor 33 protrudes from the rear support frame 23 so as to face the second section 28, and is fixed to the second section 28 immediately downstream of the heating section 19 in the rotation direction of the dehumidifying rotor 16. The third temperature sensor 33 constitutes a temperature determination section 35 that measures the ambient temperature at the location where it is fixed, and sends a stop signal to the stop section 34 when it detects a dangerous temperature.

[0066] The stopping unit 34 is a control device that controls the power supply to the dehumidifying function unit 5, and includes a receiving unit that can receive a stop signal from the temperature determination unit 35. The stopping unit 34 performs control to stop the power supply to the heating unit 19 when the receiving unit receives a stop signal from at least one of the first temperature sensor 31, the second temperature sensor 32, and the third temperature sensor 33. In other words, the stopping unit 34 stops the operation of the heating unit 19 based on the detection of a dangerous temperature by at least one of the first temperature sensor 31, the second temperature sensor 32, and the third temperature sensor 33.

[0067] In the above configuration, the operation of the dehumidifying function unit 5 will be described in detail.

[0068] The air from the indoor space drawn into the dehumidifying air duct 11A from the air inlet 3 by the blower 9 passes through the radiator 13, whereby the air loses heat from the refrigerant in the radiator 13, causing the temperature to rise. Next, the air that has passed through the radiator 13 passes through the heating section 19, whereby the air is heated by the heating section 19, causing the temperature to rise further.

[0069] Next, the air that has passed through the heating section 19 passes through the first section 27 and the third section 29, in that order, which are the moisture release section 22 of the dehumidification rotor 16. At this time, the air passing through the first section 27 and the third section 29 has reached a high temperature by passing through the radiator 13 and the heating section 19, and therefore raises the temperature of the first section 27 and the third section 29, which are the moisture release section 22, causing the moisture contained in the first section 27 and the third section 29 to be released downstream.

[0070] Next, the air is heated by radiator 13 and heating section 19, and the absolute humidity of the air is increased by the moisture contained in first section 27 and third section 29. As the air passes through heat absorber 15, the refrigerant in heat absorber 15 removes heat (cools) it, causing the temperature to drop. At this time, the temperature drop causes the air temperature to drop below the dew point, causing condensation. The water generated by this condensation is collected and stored in water storage section 10.

[0071] Next, the air that has dropped below the dew point and is now saturated passes through second section 28 and fourth section 30, which are moisture absorbent section 21, in that order. At this time, the air passing through second section 28 and fourth section 30 is saturated, and moisture is adsorbed by second section 28 and fourth section 30, which are moisture absorbent section 21.

[0072] The air, the humidity of which has been reduced by these actions, is drawn into the casing 25 through the front air intake port 25a, passes through the discharge port 25c, and is blown out into the indoor space from the air outlet 4. This dehumidifies the indoor space.

[0073] Furthermore, the air from the indoor space drawn into cooling air duct 11B from intake port 3 passes through radiator 13, thereby absorbing heat from the refrigerant in radiator 13 and increasing its temperature. The air is then drawn into casing 25 from rear air intake port 25b and blown out into the indoor space from air outlet 4 via discharge port 25c. This cools radiator 13 and improves the cooling effect of heat absorber 15 in dehumidifying air duct 11A. That is, the dehumidifying effect of dehumidifying air duct 11A can be improved.

[0074] However, this dehumidifier 1 may be subject to abnormal use, in which the user uses the device in an environment containing a large amount of chemicals. During this abnormal use, chemicals contained in the air drawn in through the air inlet 3 are adsorbed by the dehumidifying rotor 16 in the dehumidifying air duct 11A. When heated by the heating unit 19, the chemicals inhibit the dehumidifying rotor 16 from adsorbing and releasing moisture, causing the dehumidifying rotor 16 itself to overheat and abnormally increase in temperature. To ensure safety during this abnormal use, as well as during normal use, it is desirable to have a configuration that can separately detect the temperature of the air passing through the dehumidifying rotor 16 and the temperature of the dehumidifying rotor 16 itself. Furthermore, if the heating unit 19 malfunctions and causes an abnormal increase in temperature, the temperature increase in the dehumidifying rotor 16 occurs a predetermined time after the malfunction of the heating unit 19. In other words, a configuration that separately detects the temperature of the air passing through the dehumidifying rotor 16 and the temperature of the dehumidifying rotor 16 itself alone cannot quickly detect the abnormal increase in temperature of the heating unit 19. Therefore, in order to detect a malfunction of the heating unit 19 more quickly, it is necessary to provide a configuration capable of detecting the temperature around the heating unit 19 in order to improve the safety of the dehumidifier 1.

[0075] The operation of the danger avoidance unit 6 will be described in detail below.

[0076] First temperature sensor 31 is fixed to the rear surface of heating unit 19 and therefore detects the temperature of the air near the upstream side of heating unit 19 in dehumidifying air duct 11A. When heating unit 19 experiences an abnormal temperature rise, the temperature of the air near the upstream side of heating unit 19 in dehumidifying air duct 11A also rises compared to before the abnormality occurred. When the air near the upstream side of heating unit 19 in dehumidifying air duct 11A reaches a dangerous temperature, first temperature sensor 31, functioning as temperature determination unit 35, sends a stop signal to stopping unit 34. Having received the stop signal via its receiving unit, stopping unit 34 stops supplying power to heating unit 19. When power supply is stopped, heating unit 19 stops operating and the temperature of heating unit 19 drops.

[0077] As a result, when the temperature of the air near the upstream side of heating section 19 in dehumidifying air passage 11A reaches a dangerous temperature, the operation of heating section 19 is stopped immediately, thereby making it possible to avoid the danger associated with the dangerous temperature.

[0078] The second temperature sensor 32 is fixed to a position near the third opening 24a of the front support frame 24 and therefore detects the temperature of the air immediately after passing through the heating unit 19 and the third section 29 of the dehumidifying rotor 16. That is, it detects the temperature of the air immediately after passing through the heating unit 19 and the dehumidifying rotor 16 in that order. When the heating unit 19 or the dehumidifying rotor 16 experiences an abnormal temperature rise, the temperature of the air passing through the dehumidifying rotor 16 also rises compared to before the abnormality occurred. When the air passing through the dehumidifying rotor 16 reaches a dangerous temperature, the second temperature sensor 32, functioning as the temperature determination unit 35, sends a stop signal to the stop unit 34. Upon receiving the stop signal, the stop unit 34 stops supplying power to the heating unit 19. When power supply is stopped, the heating unit 19 stops operating and stops heating the dehumidifying rotor 16, so the temperature of the air passing through the dehumidifying rotor 16 drops. As a result, when the temperature of the air that has passed through the dehumidifying rotor 16 reaches a dangerous temperature, the operation of the heating unit 19 is stopped immediately, thereby making it possible to avoid the danger associated with the dangerous temperature.

[0079] The third temperature sensor 33 protrudes from the rear support frame 23 so as to face the second section 28, and therefore detects the temperature of the air near the second section 28 of the dehumidifying rotor 16. That is, it detects the temperature of the air near the flat section upstream surface 20a of the dehumidifying rotor 16. When the temperature of the dehumidifying rotor 16 itself abnormally rises, the temperature of the air near the flat section upstream surface 20a of the dehumidifying rotor 16 also rises compared to before the abnormality occurred. When the air near the flat section upstream surface 20a of the dehumidifying rotor 16 reaches a dangerous temperature, the third temperature sensor 33, functioning as the temperature determination unit 35, sends a stop signal to the stop unit 34. The stop unit 34, having received the stop signal via its receiving unit, stops supplying power to the heating unit 19. When power supply is stopped, the heating unit 19 stops operating, and heating of the dehumidifying rotor 16 stops, causing the temperature near the flat section upstream surface 20a to drop.

[0080] This allows the operation of the heating section 19 to be stopped quickly when the temperature of the air near the flat upstream surface 20a of the dehumidification rotor 16 reaches a dangerous temperature, thereby avoiding the danger associated with the dangerous temperature.

[0081] The above operation makes it possible to detect abnormal temperature rises in the heating section 19 and dehumidifying rotor 16 during normal use, and also makes it possible to quickly detect abnormal temperature rises in the dehumidifying rotor 16 during abnormal use, thereby providing a dehumidifying device with improved safety.

[0082] Moreover, it is desirable that the third temperature sensor 33 be provided immediately downstream of the heating section 19 in the rotation direction of the dehumidifying rotor 16 as in this embodiment.

[0083] The temperature rise of the air near the flat portion upstream surface 20a occurs because the adsorption and release of moisture is inhibited by the influence of chemical substances that adhere to the dehumidifying rotor 16 due to heating by the heating section 19. The chemical substances that adhere to the dehumidifying rotor 16 are cooled by the air in the dehumidifying air passage 11A that passes through the flat portion upstream surface 20a. Therefore, the temperature decreases the further downstream from the heating section 19 in the rotation direction of the dehumidifying rotor 16. Therefore, the temperature of the air near the flat portion upstream surface 20a is lower at a position further downstream from the heating section 19 in the rotation direction of the dehumidifying rotor 16 than at a position upstream of that position. In other words, the difference in air temperature before and after the abnormal temperature rise occurs becomes smaller.

[0084] For this reason, the further downstream the third temperature sensor 33 is located from the heating section 19 in the rotation direction of the dehumidifying rotor 16, the more difficult it becomes for the third temperature sensor 33 to detect a dangerous temperature of the air near the upstream surface 20a of the flat section. For the above reasons, it is desirable that the third temperature sensor 33 be located immediately downstream of the heating section 19 in the rotation direction of the dehumidifying rotor 16, as in this embodiment.

[0085] With the above configuration, an abnormal temperature rise of the dehumidifying rotor 16 during abnormal use can be accurately detected, improving safety.

[0086] Furthermore, since the third temperature sensor 33 only needs to detect the air near the upstream surface 20a of the flat portion, it may be positioned opposite the first section 27, which is the upstream surface 20a of the flat portion, but it is preferable to position it opposite the second section 28 as in this embodiment.

[0087] The third temperature sensor 33 needs to be located opposite the flat portion upstream surface 20a in order to detect the air near the flat portion upstream surface 20a. When the third temperature sensor 33 is located opposite the first section 27, the third temperature sensor 33 is located upstream of the first section 27 in the dehumidifying air passage 11A. On the other hand, when the third temperature sensor 33 is located opposite the second section 28, the third temperature sensor 33 is located downstream of the second section 28 in the dehumidifying air passage 11A. The air downstream of the flat portion upstream surface 20a is more susceptible to temperature changes at the flat portion upstream surface 20a than the air upstream of the flat portion upstream surface 20a. Therefore, it is desirable to locate the third temperature sensor 33 opposite the second section 28.

[0088] With the above configuration, an abnormal temperature rise of the dehumidifying rotor 16 during abnormal use can be detected more quickly, improving safety.

[0089] (Embodiment 2) Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dehumidifier of embodiment 2 taken along the plane of frame line A in Figure 1. The same components as those in embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The difference from embodiment 1 is the configuration of the danger avoidance section.

[0090] The danger avoidance unit 36 ​​avoids danger associated with dangerous temperatures, and includes a first temperature sensor 37, a second temperature sensor 38, a third temperature sensor 39, and a power supply board.

[0091] The first temperature sensor 37 is fixed to the rear surface of the heating unit 19 and detects the temperature of the air. The first temperature sensor 37 is a thermal fuse that melts down when it detects a dangerous temperature, and is connected in series by a conductive wire between the power supply board and the heating unit 19. The first temperature sensor 37 is a stop unit 40 that controls the power supply to the dehumidifying function unit 5.

[0092] The second temperature sensor 38 is fixed to a position near the third opening 24a of the front support frame 24 and detects the temperature of the air. The second temperature sensor 38 is a thermal fuse that melts down when it detects a dangerous temperature, and is connected in series by a conductive wire between the power supply board and the heating unit 19. The second temperature sensor 38 is a stop unit 40 that controls the power supply to the dehumidifying function unit 5.

[0093] The third temperature sensor 39 protrudes from the rear support frame 23 so as to face the second section 28, and is provided immediately downstream of the heating section 19 in the rotation direction of the dehumidifying rotor 16 of the second section 28. The third temperature sensor 39 is a thermal fuse that melts down when a dangerous temperature is detected, and is connected in series by a conductive wire between the power supply board and the heating section 19. The third temperature sensor 39 is a stopping section 40 that controls the power supply to the dehumidifying function section 5.

[0094] The power supply board supplies power to the dehumidifying function unit 5 to operate the dehumidifying function unit 5. When the power supply from the power supply board is stopped, the heating unit 19 stops operating.

[0095] In the above configuration, the detailed operation of the danger avoidance unit 6 will be described.

[0096] First temperature sensor 37 is fixed to the rear surface of heating unit 19 and therefore detects the temperature of the air near the upstream side of heating unit 19 in dehumidifying air duct 11A. When heating unit 19 experiences an abnormal temperature rise, the temperature of the air near the upstream side of heating unit 19 in dehumidifying air duct 11A also rises compared to before the abnormality occurred. When the air near the upstream side of heating unit 19 in dehumidifying air duct 11A reaches a dangerous temperature, first temperature sensor 37 melts down and power supply from the power supply board to heating unit 19 is stopped. With the power supply stopped, heating unit 19 stops operating and the temperature of heating unit 19 drops.

[0097] As a result, when the temperature of the air near the upstream side of heating section 19 in dehumidifying air passage 11A reaches a dangerous temperature, the operation of heating section 19 is stopped immediately, thereby making it possible to avoid the danger associated with the dangerous temperature.

[0098] The second temperature sensor 38 is fixed to a position near the third opening 24a of the front support frame 24, and therefore detects the temperature of the air immediately after passing through the heating unit 19 and the third section 29 of the dehumidifying rotor 16. That is, it detects the temperature of the air immediately after passing through the heating unit 19 and the dehumidifying rotor 16 in that order. When the heating unit 19 or the dehumidifying rotor 16 experiences an abnormal temperature rise, the temperature of the air passing through the dehumidifying rotor 16 also rises compared to before the abnormality occurred. When the air passing through the dehumidifying rotor 16 reaches a dangerous temperature, the second temperature sensor 38 melts down, and power supply from the power supply board to the heating unit 19 is stopped. When the power supply is stopped, the heating unit 19 stops operating and heating of the dehumidifying rotor 16 is stopped, so the temperature of the air passing through the dehumidifying rotor 16 drops.

[0099] As a result, when the temperature of the air that has passed through the dehumidifying rotor 16 reaches a dangerous temperature, the operation of the heating unit 19 is stopped immediately, thereby making it possible to avoid the danger associated with the dangerous temperature.

[0100] The third temperature sensor 39 protrudes from the rear support frame 23 so as to face the second section 28, and therefore detects the temperature of the air near the second section 28 of the dehumidifying rotor 16. That is, it detects the temperature of the air near the flat upstream surface 20a of the dehumidifying rotor 16. When the temperature of the dehumidifying rotor 16 itself abnormally rises, the temperature of the air near the flat upstream surface 20a of the dehumidifying rotor 16 also rises compared to before the abnormality occurred. When the air near the flat upstream surface 20a of the dehumidifying rotor 16 reaches a dangerous temperature, the third temperature sensor 39 melts down, and power supply from the power supply board to the heating unit 19 is stopped. With the power supply stopped, the heating unit 19 stops operating and stops heating the dehumidifying rotor 16, so the temperature near the flat upstream surface 20a drops. As a result, when the temperature of the air near the flat upstream surface 20a of the dehumidifying rotor 16 reaches a dangerous temperature, the operation of the heating unit 19 is quickly stopped, thereby avoiding the danger associated with the dangerous temperature.

[0101] The above operation makes it possible to detect abnormal temperature rises in the heating section 19 and dehumidifying rotor 16 during normal use, and also makes it possible to quickly detect abnormal temperature rises in the dehumidifying rotor 16 during abnormal use, thereby improving safety.

[0102] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and it is easily understood that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, each embodiment may be modified by adding or replacing a part or parts of the configuration of another embodiment with that embodiment. Furthermore, the numerical values ​​given in each of the above embodiments are merely examples, and other numerical values ​​may of course be adopted.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the danger avoidance unit stops the operation of the heating unit 19, but it may also stop the operation of one or more of the refrigeration cycle 7, the blower 9, and the drive unit 18 in addition to the heating unit 19. In order to avoid danger associated with dangerous temperatures, it is desirable to appropriately determine the parts to be stopped. [Industrial Applicability]

[0104] The invention relates to a dehumidifier, and is expected to be used as a dehumidifier with improved safety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1 Dehumidifier 2 Main unit case 3 Intake port 4 Air outlet 5 Dehumidification function section 6. Hazard Avoidance Section 7 Refrigeration cycle 8 Desiccant section 9. Blower 10 Water storage section 11 Air duct 11A Dehumidifying air path 11B Cooling air passage 12 Compressor 13 Heat sink 14 Expander 15 Heat absorber 16 Dehumidification rotor 17 Support Frame 18 Drive unit 19 Heating section 20 Plane part 20a Upstream surface of flat section 20b Downstream surface of flat part 21 Moisture absorption section 22 Moisture release section 23 Rear support frame 23a First opening 23b Second opening 24 Front support frame 24a Third Aperture 24b Fourth Opening 25 Casing 25a Front air supply port 25b Rear air supply port 25c outlet 26 Wing 26a Front fan 26b Rear fan 26c Partition 27 First Section 28 Second Section 29 Third Section 30 Fourth Section 31 First temperature sensor 32 Second temperature sensor 33 Third temperature sensor 34 Stop part 35 Temperature judgment section 36 Hazard Avoidance Department 37 First temperature sensor 38 Second temperature sensor 39 Third temperature sensor 40 Stop part

Claims

1. a main body case having an inlet and an outlet; a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, a radiator, an expander, and a heat absorber are connected in a circular arrangement to circulate a refrigerant; an air passage communicating the air inlet and the air outlet; a blower that guides air from the air inlet to the air outlet; a dehumidifying rotor having a flat surface portion that passes through the air passage to dehumidify air passing through the air passage; a drive unit that rotates the dehumidifying rotor; a heating section that faces an upstream surface of the flat section, which is an upstream surface of the flat section in the air passage, and heats the flat section; a danger avoidance unit for avoiding danger associated with a dangerous temperature, The danger avoidance unit is a first temperature sensor that detects a dangerous temperature of air near an upstream side of the heating unit in the air passage; a second temperature sensor that detects a dangerous temperature of air immediately after passing through the heating unit and the dehumidifying rotor; a third temperature sensor configured to detect a dangerous temperature of the air generated when a chemical substance adhered to the dehumidifying rotor due to heating by the heating unit is inhibited from adsorbing and releasing moisture near the upstream surface of the flat portion and immediately downstream of the heating unit in the rotation direction; and a stopping unit that stops operation of the heating unit based on detection of a dangerous temperature by at least one of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor.

2. At least one of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor is a temperature determination unit that measures an ambient temperature and transmits a stop signal to the stop unit when the ambient temperature reaches the dangerous temperature, The dehumidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the stopping unit stops the operation of the heating unit upon receiving the stop signal from the temperature determining unit.

3. at least one of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor is a thermal fuse that melts and stops the operation of the heating unit when the ambient temperature reaches the dangerous temperature; 3. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the stopping portion is the thermal fuse itself.

4. the flat surface includes a flat surface downstream surface that is a surface of the flat surface on the downstream side in the air passage, The upstream surface of the flat portion is divided into a first section and a second section, the downstream surface of the flat portion is divided into a third section that is plane-symmetrical to the first section and a fourth section that is plane-symmetrical to the second section, The air passage passes through the first compartment, the third compartment, the fourth compartment, and the second compartment in this order, The heating section faces the first section, The dehumidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the third temperature sensor faces the second compartment.

Citation Information

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