Dehumidifier

Abstract

To improve dehumidification performance of a dehumidification device.SOLUTION: A dehumidification device includes: an air blowing unit 4 which guides air from an air inlet 2 to an air outlet 3; a refrigeration cycle 9 in which a radiator 13 and a heat sink 15 are connected in an annular form and a refrigerant is circulated; a dehumidification rotor 16 having a moisture absorption part 19 and a moisture discharge part 20; a heating unit 17 which heats the moisture discharge part 20; and a heat exchanger 11 which conducts heat exchange between one passage 21 through which air suctioned through the air inlet 2 and heated by the heating unit 17 passes and the other passage 23 through which air suctioned from the air inlet 2 and cooled by the heat sink 15 passes. The dehumidification device further includes: a first draft trunk 33 in which the air inlet 2, the heating unit 17, the moisture discharge part 20, the one passage 21, the moisture absorption part 19, and the radiator 13 are connected in a written order; and a second draft trunk 34 in which the air inlet 2, the heat sink 15, the other passage 23, the moisture absorption part 19, and the radiator 13 are connected in a written order. The structure provides the dehumidification device with improved dehumidification performance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidifying device used in a living space or the like.

Background Art

[0002] It includes a main body case having an air inlet and an air outlet, and a heat pump device and a heat exchanger provided in the main body case.

[0003] The heat pump device is formed by a compressor, a radiator, an expansion part, and an absorber. The first air sucked in from the air inlet flows through the first air passage in the heat exchanger to become the second air, and the second air flows through the second air passage in the heat exchange part toward the air outlet, and heat exchange occurs between the first air and the second air.

[0004] A blower is provided in the dehumidifying air passage from the air inlet through the first air passage of the heat exchanger, the absorber, the second air passage of the heat exchanger, and the radiator to the air outlet. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In conventional dehumidifiers, dehumidification is achieved by exchanging heat in a heat exchanger between a first air intake and a second air that has been cooled by passing through a heat absorber in the refrigeration cycle, causing condensation in the first air. The temperature of the second air, which is cooled by passing through the heat absorber, is greatly influenced by the temperature of the first air, which is the indoor air intake. Therefore, in winter when the indoor temperature is low, the second air is cooled in the heat absorber, causing condensation, and its temperature after passing through the heat absorber drops to near freezing point. As a result, when the first and second air intakes exchange heat, the first air, which contains moisture from the room, is cooled to below freezing point, causing the condensed water to freeze in the heat exchanger and block the airflow path. Consequently, the amount of air intake decreases, reducing the dehumidification performance. Therefore, there is a need to prevent this decrease in dehumidification performance in winter and to further improve the dehumidification capacity.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and to provide a dehumidifier that improves dehumidification capacity while also improving dehumidification capacity during winter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve this objective, the device comprises a main body case having an intake port for drawing in air from an indoor space and an outlet for blowing air into the indoor space; a blower unit that guides air from the intake port to the outlet; a refrigeration cycle that circulates a refrigerant by connecting a heat sink and a heat absorber in a ring shape; a dehumidifying rotor having a moisture absorption section and a moisture release section; a heating section that heats the moisture release section; and a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange of air between one flow path through which air drawn in from the intake port and heated by the heating section passes and another flow path through which air drawn in from the intake port and cooled by the heat absorber passes; a first air passage connecting the intake port, the heating section, the moisture release section, the one flow path, the moisture absorption section and the heat sink in that order; and a second air passage connecting the intake port, the heat absorber, the other flow path, the moisture absorption section and the heat sink in that order. This configuration achieves the intended objective. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the temperature and humidity of the indoor air drawn in can be improved by the dehumidifying rotor and heating unit, so that a high temperature can be maintained even in winter and the freezing of condensation water can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the temperature difference between the first indoor air and the second air is improved, the dehumidification capacity is further improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of the dehumidifier. [Figure 3] Disassembled perspective view of the heat exchanger of the dehumidifier. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of a dehumidifier according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of a dehumidifier according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of a dehumidifier according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts throughout the drawings, and their descriptions are omitted. In addition, details of parts not directly related to the present invention are omitted in each drawing.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the dehumidifier includes a box-shaped main body case 1.

[0014] The main unit case 1 comprises an intake port 2, an outlet port 3, a blower unit 4, a dehumidifier unit 5, a water collection unit 6, an air passage 7, and a control unit 8.

[0015] The suction port 2 is an opening for sucking the air in the indoor space into the main body case 1, and is provided on the side surface of the main body case 1.

[0016] The blowout port 3 is an opening for blowing out the air from the main body case 1 into the indoor space, and is provided on the upper part (top surface) of the main body case 1.

[0017] The air blowing unit 4 guides the air from the suction port 2 to the blowout port 3, and is, for example, a blower such as a sirocco fan.

[0018] The dehumidifying unit 5 dehumidifies the air passing through the main body case 1, and includes a refrigeration cycle 9, a desiccant mechanism 10, and a heat exchanger 11.

[0019] The refrigeration cycle 9 is formed by annularly connecting a compressor 12, a radiator 13, an expander 14, and a heat absorber 15 in this order, and the refrigerant is circulating. The air passing through the heat absorber 15 is cooled by the heat absorber 15.

[0020] The desiccant mechanism 10 includes a dehumidifying rotor 16, a heating unit 17, and a driving means 18.

[0021] The dehumidifying rotor 16 has a disc shape, and the central axis in the disc shape is erected horizontally and rotatably in the operating state of the dehumidifying device, and rotates by the driving means 18. The dehumidifying rotor 16 includes a moisture absorption part 19 and a moisture release part 20.

[0022] The moisture absorption part 19 is a part of the dehumidifying rotor 16, and adsorbs moisture from the air passing through the main body case 1.

[0023] The moisture release part 20 is a part of the dehumidifying rotor 16, and releases moisture to the air passing through the main body case 1.

[0024] The heating unit 17 generates heat using an electric heating element and is positioned opposite the moisture release unit 20. The heating unit 17 operates when power is supplied and heats the moisture release unit 20.

[0025] The driving means 18 rotates the dehumidifying rotor 16, and in this embodiment, an electrically driven motor is used.

[0026] Next, the details of the heat exchanger 11 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the heat exchanger 11 of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the heat exchanger 11 has a structure in which multiple synthetic resin plates 22 for forming a one-way channel 21 extending in one direction and synthetic resin plates 24 for forming a other-way channel 23 extending in a different direction are alternately superimposed. In this embodiment, the one-way direction refers to the horizontal direction with respect to the ground surface of the main body case 1, and the other-way direction refers to the direction that intersects the one-way direction at a 90-degree angle, that is, the vertical direction in the main body case 1.

[0028] The plate body 22 comprises a flat portion 25 which is a flat plate shape, and a plurality of ribs 26 which are provided on the flat portion 25 in parallel and at predetermined intervals.

[0029] The rib 26 is plate-shaped, perpendicular to the flat surface 25, and extends linearly in one direction.

[0030] The plate body 24 comprises a flat portion 27 which is a flat plate shape, and a plurality of ribs 28 which are provided on the flat portion 27 in parallel and at predetermined intervals.

[0031] The rib 28 is plate-shaped, perpendicular to the flat portion 27, and extends linearly in the other direction.

[0032] When multiple plates 22 and 24 are alternately superimposed, one channel 21 is formed by the seamless contact between the rib 26 and the flat portion 27, and the other channel 23 is formed by the seamless contact between the rib 28 and the flat portion 25. The one channel 21 and the other channel 23 are independent of each other so that there is no air exchange between them.

[0033] Next, we will explain the details of the water collection section 6 with reference to Figure 2.

[0034] The water collection unit 6 collects and stores the water condensed in the dehumidification unit 5, and includes a water receiving unit 29 and a water collection tank 30.

[0035] The water receiving section 29 is funnel-shaped with an opening at the bottom and is located below the heat absorber 15 and heat exchanger 11, guiding the falling water into the water collection tank 30.

[0036] The water collection tank 30 is a roughly box-shaped structure capable of storing water and is located below the water receiving section 29. The water collection tank 30 has an opening in part of its top surface so that water that falls into the water receiving section 29 can be guided into the interior. The water collection tank 30 is also detachably positioned relative to the main body case 1.

[0037] The airflow path 7 is the air passage from the intake port 2 into the main unit case 1 to the outlet port 3. Further details will be described later.

[0038] The control unit 8 receives signals from the operation unit 31 and the temperature detection unit 32 and controls the operation of the air blower unit 4, the refrigeration cycle 9, and the heating unit 17. It includes a refrigeration cycle operation mode in which dehumidification is performed by the refrigeration cycle 9, and a refrigeration cycle stop mode in which dehumidification is not performed by the refrigeration cycle 9.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the control unit 31 is equipped with multiple buttons on the top surface of the main body case 1. When pressed by the user, it receives various instructions for the operation of the dehumidifier and transmits the corresponding signals to the control unit 8.

[0040] The temperature detection unit 32 is capable of detecting the temperature of the air and is installed between the intake port 2 and the heat sink 13 in the first air passage 33 or between the intake port and the heat absorber 15 in the second air passage 34. The temperature detection unit 32 transmits the detected temperature information as a signal to the control unit 8.

[0041] Next, the details of the airflow passage 7 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. In this embodiment, the airflow passage 7 comprises a first airflow passage 33 and a second airflow passage 34.

[0042] The first air passage 33 connects the intake port 2, the heating section 17, the dehumidifying section 20, the one-way passage 21, the dehumidifying section 19, and the radiator 13 in that order, and is an air passage leading to the outlet port 3. The second air passage 34 connects the intake port 2, the radiator 15, the other-way passage 23, the dehumidifying section 19, and the radiator 13 in that order, and is an air passage leading to the outlet port 3.

[0043] Next, the operation of the dehumidifier according to the present invention will be described. When the user operates the control unit 31 and instructs the dehumidifier to start operating, the control unit 8 starts the operation of the blower unit 4 and the dehumidifier unit 5. Due to the operation of the blower unit 4, air from the indoor space is drawn into the main body case 1 from the intake port, passes through the air passage 7, and is blown out into the indoor space from the outlet 3. At this time, the air passing through the air passage 7 is dehumidified by the action of the dehumidifier unit 5. In the dehumidifier unit 5, water condensed on the heat absorber 15 and heat exchanger 11 drips downward and falls into the water receiving unit 29. The water that falls into the water receiving unit 29 is guided to the water collection tank 30 and stored in the water collection tank 30. Through the above operation, the air in the indoor space is dehumidified.

[0044] Next, the dehumidification operation of each mode of the dehumidifier in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0045] First, we will explain the dehumidification operation in the refrigeration cycle operating mode, which performs dehumidification using refrigeration cycle 9.

[0046] In the first air passage 33, the indoor air drawn in from the intake port first passes through the heating section 17. The air that passes through the heating section 17 is heated and becomes hotter than before it passes through. Next, it passes through the dehumidifying rotor 16's dehumidifying section 20. In the dehumidifying section 20, the moisture adsorbed in the dehumidifying section 19 (described later) is released into the air passing through the dehumidifying section 20 by being heated by the heating section 17. As a result, the air that passes through the dehumidifying section 20 becomes more humid than before it passes through. Next, it passes through one channel 21 of the heat exchanger 11. Heat exchange takes place between the air passing through one channel 21 and the air passing through the other channel 23 of the heat exchanger 11. Here, the second air passage 34 that flows into the other channel 23 is cooled by the heat absorber 15 and is therefore at a lower temperature than the air passing through one channel 21. There is a large temperature difference between the hot, humid air in one channel 21 and the cold air in the other channel 23. This is the greatest feature of the present invention. Therefore, one channel 21 is cooled to below the dew point temperature, and condensation occurs in the one channel 21. At this time, the water droplets generated by the condensation are collected by the water collection unit 6.

[0047] Next, the air passes through the moisture absorption section 19 of the dehumidifying rotor 16. The air that has passed through the moisture absorption section 19 has its humidity lower than before passing through the moisture absorption section 19 because moisture in the air is adsorbed by the moisture absorption section 19. Furthermore, since heat is generated when moisture is adsorbed, the temperature rises compared to before passing through. As a result, the air becomes hot and low in humidity after passing through the dehumidifying rotor 16. Next, the air that has passed through the dehumidifying rotor 16 passes through the heat sink 13. The temperature of the air passing through the heat sink 13 is lower than the temperature of the heat sink 13, so the air passing through the heat sink 13 cools the heat sink 13 and its temperature rises. The cooling of the heat sink 13 increases the dehumidification efficiency of the heat absorber 15. The air that has passed through the heat sink 13 is then blown out into the indoor space from the outlet 3 by the air blower 4. Through the above actions, dehumidification of the air is performed in the first air passage 33. Furthermore, as the dehumidifying rotor 16 rotates, the moisture adsorbed in the moisture absorption section 19 moves to the moisture release section 20.

[0048] In the second air passage, the indoor air drawn in from the intake port first passes through the heat absorber 15. The air that has passed through the heat absorber 15 is cooled by the heat absorber 15. When the air passing through the heat absorber 15 falls below the dew point temperature, condensation occurs, and the air in the second air passage 34 is dehumidified. At this time, the water droplets generated by condensation are collected by the water collection unit 6. The air cooled by the heat absorber 15 then passes through the other air passage 23 of the heat exchanger 11. The air passing through the other air passage 23 exchanges heat with the first air passage 33 that passes through the one air passage 21 of the heat exchanger 11, cooling the air passing through the one air passage 21, and causing condensation when cooled to below the dew point temperature. Next, the air that has passed through the other air passage 23 passes through the moisture absorption section 19 of the dehumidifying rotor 16. The air that has passed through the moisture absorption section 19 has its humidity reduced compared to before passing through the moisture absorption section 19 because moisture in the air is adsorbed by the moisture absorption section 19. Furthermore, since heat is generated when moisture is adsorbed, the temperature rises compared to before passing through. As a result, the air becomes hot and low in humidity after passing through the dehumidifying rotor 16. Next, it passes through the heat sink 13. Since the temperature of the air passing through the heat sink 13 is lower than the temperature of the heat sink 13, the air passing through the heat sink 13 cools the heat sink 13, causing its temperature to rise. The cooling of the heat sink 13 increases the dehumidification efficiency of the heat absorber 15. The air that has passed through the heat sink 13 is then blown out into the indoor space from the outlet 3 by the air blower 4. Through the above process, dehumidification of the air takes place in the second air passage 34.

[0049] With this configuration, the heating unit 17 and the dehumidifying rotor 16 cause the air flowing into the one-way channel 21 to become hot and humid, increasing the amount of condensation in the heat exchanger 11, thus providing a dehumidifier with improved dehumidification capacity. In the conventional technology, the intake indoor air is cooled by passing it through the heat absorber 15 of the refrigeration cycle 9 and then exchanged heat with the cooled air, causing condensation in the indoor air and thus dehumidification. In this case, for example, when the indoor air temperature is low, such as in winter, the condensation water generated in the one-way channel 21 of the heat exchanger 11 may freeze, blocking the one-way channel 21 and potentially reducing the dehumidification capacity.

[0050] In this invention, the intake indoor air passes through the radiator 13, the heating unit 17, and the dehumidifying rotor 16, making the indoor air hot and humid before it flows into the flow path 21, thus suppressing freezing. Therefore, a dehumidifying device with improved dehumidification efficiency, for example in winter, can be obtained.

[0051] Next, we will explain the dehumidification operation in the refrigeration cycle stop mode, which does not perform dehumidification by refrigeration cycle 9. The refrigeration cycle stop mode is a mode that is implemented when the air is relatively cold, such as in winter.

[0052] In the first air passage 33, the indoor air drawn in from the intake port first passes through the heating section 17. The air that passes through the heating section 17 is heated by the heating section 17 and becomes hotter than before it passes through. Next, it passes through the dehumidifying rotor 16's dehumidifying section 20. In the dehumidifying section 20, the moisture adsorbed in the dehumidifying section 19 (described later) is released into the air passing through the dehumidifying section 20 by being heated by the heating section 17. As a result, the air that passes through the dehumidifying section 20 becomes more humid than before it passes through. Next, it passes through one channel 21 of the heat exchanger 11. Heat exchange takes place between the air passing through one channel 21 and the air passing through the other channel 23 of the heat exchanger 11. Here, the second air passage 34, which flows into the other channel 23, is not cooled by the heat absorber 15, but because relatively cool air is drawn in from the intake port 2, it is cooler than the air passing through one channel 21. In other words, there is a large temperature difference between the high-temperature, high-humidity air in one channel 21 and the low-temperature air in the other channel 23. As a result, the air in channel 21 is cooled to below the dew point temperature, and condensation occurs in channel 21. At this time, the water droplets generated by condensation are collected by the water collection unit 6. Next, the air passes through the moisture absorption section 19 of the dehumidifying rotor 16. The air that has passed through the moisture absorption section 19 has its humidity lower than before passing through the moisture absorption section 19 because moisture in the air is adsorbed by the moisture absorption section 19. Furthermore, since heat is generated when moisture is adsorbed, the temperature rises compared to before passing through. As a result, the air becomes high temperature and low humidity after passing through the dehumidifying rotor 16. Next, the air that has passed through the dehumidifying rotor 16 passes through the heat sink 13. Since the heat sink 13 is stopped, the temperature and humidity of the air passing through the heat sink 13 do not change. Due to the above actions, dehumidification of the air is performed in the first air passage 33. Furthermore, as the dehumidifying rotor 16 rotates, the moisture adsorbed in the moisture absorption section 19 moves to the moisture release section 20.

[0053] In the second air passage, the indoor air drawn in from the intake port first passes through the heat absorber 15. Since the heat absorber 15 is not operating, the temperature and humidity of the air passing through it do not change. The air that has passed through the heat absorber 15 then passes through the other air passage 23 of the heat exchanger 11. The air passing through the other air passage 23 exchanges heat with the first air passage 33 that passes through the one air passage 21 of the heat exchanger 11, cooling the air passing through the one air passage 21, and if it cools to below the dew point temperature, condensation occurs. Due to the above action, dehumidification of the air occurs in the second air passage 34. With the above configuration, dehumidification can be performed even when the refrigeration cycle 9 is not operating. In winter or when the temperature is relatively low, the temperature of the heat absorber 15 drops to near freezing point, causing the condensation water in the heat absorber 15 to freeze, blocking the air passage, reducing the airflow, and decreasing the dehumidification capacity. In this case, it is necessary to stop the operation of the refrigeration cycle 9 and blow inhaled air into the heat absorber 15 to perform a defrosting operation to melt the frozen condensation water. In conventional models, when the operation of the refrigeration cycle 9 is stopped, there is no temperature difference between one flow path 21 and the other flow path 23 of the heat exchanger 11, so the air passing through the one flow path 21 cannot be cooled to below the dew point temperature, and dehumidification cannot be performed. In the present invention, dehumidification can be performed even when the refrigeration cycle 9 is not operating. Therefore, the present invention provides a dehumidification device that can continue dehumidification operation while preventing the radiator 13 from freezing when the indoor air temperature is low, such as in winter.

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit 8 may be configured to switch between a refrigeration cycle operation mode and a refrigeration cycle stop mode depending on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 32.

[0055] The control unit 8 instructs the refrigeration cycle to operate mode when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 32 is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature (e.g., 15°C), and instructs the refrigeration cycle to stop mode when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 32 is lower than the first predetermined temperature (e.g., 15°C).

[0056] With the above configuration, a dehumidifier can be obtained that automatically changes the operating mode without the user having to manually change the operating mode, thus improving convenience.

[0057] Furthermore, the structure may also include a fourth air passage 36 that connects the intake port 2 and the heat sink 13 in that order.

[0058] This configuration allows the heat sink 13 to be cooled more effectively, thereby increasing the dehumidification efficiency of the heat absorber 15. Therefore, a dehumidification device with even greater dehumidification capacity can be provided.

[0059] (Embodiment 2) Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the dehumidifier of Embodiment 2 and the airflow inside the dehumidifier. Components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. The difference from Embodiment 1 is the configuration of the fourth air passage 36a.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, the fourth air passage 36a may be configured to communicate with the moisture absorption section 19 upstream of the heat sink 13.

[0061] With this configuration, the air that passes through the moisture absorption section 19 has moisture adsorbed onto it, resulting in lower humidity compared to the air before passing through the moisture absorption section 19. This allows for the delivery of lower-humidity air from the outlet 3 to the indoor space. Furthermore, the amount of air passing through the moisture absorption section 19 of the dehumidifying rotor 16 increases, leading to increased moisture absorption. As a result, the amount of moisture released from the moisture release section 20 increases, increasing the amount of moisture in the air and thus increasing the amount of condensation on the heat exchanger 11. This provides a dehumidifying device with even greater dehumidification capacity.

[0062] (Embodiment 3) Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the dehumidifier of Embodiment 2 and the airflow inside the dehumidifier. Components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the second airflow passage 34 has been changed to a third airflow passage 35.

[0063] The third air passage 35 connects the intake port 2, the heat absorber 15, the other flow path 23, and the heat radiator 13 in that order, and is an air passage leading to the outlet port 3.

[0064] Next, the dehumidification operation of each mode of the dehumidifier in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0065] First, the dehumidification operation of the refrigeration cycle operating mode, in which dehumidification is performed by the refrigeration cycle 9, will be explained. The operation of dehumidifying the air in the first air passage 33 is the same as in Embodiment 1. In the third air passage 35, the indoor air drawn in from the intake port first passes through the heat absorber 15. The air that has passed through the heat absorber 15 is cooled by the heat absorber 15. When the air passing through the heat absorber 15 falls below the dew point temperature, condensation occurs, and the air in the second air passage 34 is dehumidified. At this time, the water droplets generated by condensation are collected by the water collection unit 6. The air cooled by the heat absorber 15 then passes through the other flow path 23 of the heat exchanger 11. The air passing through the other flow path 23 exchanges heat with the first air passage 33 passing through the one flow path 21 of the heat exchanger 11, cooling the air passing through the one flow path 21, and causing condensation when it is cooled to below the dew point temperature.

[0066] On the other hand, the air that has passed through channel 23 is warmed by heat exchange with channel 21, so its temperature is higher and its relative humidity is lower compared to before it passed through channel 23. The high-temperature, low-humidity air that has passed through channel 23 does not pass through the moisture absorption section 19 of the dehumidifying rotor 16, but passes through the heat sink 13. With this configuration, the relative humidity of the air passing through the moisture absorption section 19 increases compared to when the high-temperature, low-humidity air that has passed through channel 23 passes through the moisture absorption section 19 of the dehumidifying rotor 16, and the amount of adsorption by the dehumidifying rotor 16 increases. As a result, the amount of moisture released from the first air passage 33 also increases, so a dehumidifying device with improved dehumidification efficiency is obtained compared to Embodiment 1.

[0067] (Embodiment 4) Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the dehumidifier of Embodiment 3 and the airflow within the dehumidifier. Components similar to those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. The differences from Embodiment 1 are the configuration of the first airflow passage 33a and the configuration of the control unit 8a.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first air passage 33a is configured to communicate with the heat sink 13 on the upstream side of the heating section 17.

[0069] With this configuration, the air passing through the heat sink 13 is at a lower temperature than the heat sink 13, so the heat sink 13 is cooled more effectively, which increases the dehumidification efficiency of the heat absorber 15. Furthermore, the temperature of the air after passing through the heat sink 13 rises, increasing the amount of moisture released after passing through the dehumidification section 20, which increases the amount of condensation in the one-way channel 21 of the heat exchanger 11, and consequently improves the dehumidification efficiency.

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit 8a includes a normal mode, a low-temperature mode, and a high-temperature mode in which, if the temperature detection unit 32 detects a temperature above a second predetermined temperature, the heating unit 17 does not perform heating operations, and the refrigeration cycle 9 performs dehumidification operations.

[0071] In normal mode, when the temperature sensing unit 32 detects a temperature above a first predetermined temperature and below a second predetermined temperature, the control unit 8a performs dehumidification by the refrigeration cycle 9 and heating by the heating unit 17.

[0072] In low-temperature mode, if the temperature sensing unit 32 detects a temperature lower than the first predetermined temperature, the control unit 8a stops the operation of the refrigeration cycle 9. Because the refrigeration cycle 9 is stopped, the air flowing into the other flow path 23 of the second air supply passage 34 is at the same temperature as the room air. However, the air flowing into the one flow path 21 of the first air supply passage 33a is in a high-temperature, high-humidity state, so the temperature difference between it and the other flow path 23, through which room air below the first predetermined temperature passes, is large. As a result, the one flow path 21 is cooled to below the dew point temperature, and condensation occurs in the one flow path 21. This suppresses freezing of the heat absorber 15, allowing dehumidification operation to continue when the room air is cold, such as in winter, thus improving convenience.

[0073] In high-temperature mode, if the temperature sensing unit 32 detects a temperature above the second predetermined temperature, the control unit 8a performs dehumidification using the refrigeration cycle 9 instead of heating using the heating unit 17. In the first air passage 33a, indoor air above the second predetermined temperature drawn in by the heat exchanger 13 becomes hot. Then, as it passes through the dehumidification rotor 16's dehumidification rotor 16, it becomes hot and humid air. It then passes through one flow path 21 of the heat exchanger 11, where it exchanges heat with the other flow path 23 and is cooled. As a result, the one flow path 21 is cooled to below the dew point temperature, causing condensation and dehumidification. Therefore, it is effective in hot indoor air conditions, such as during the summer, and power consumption can be reduced because the heating unit 17 is not operated. Thus, unlike conventional technology, it is possible to switch between operations that are effective in summer and winter, providing a dehumidifier that can be used all year round. [Industrial applicability]

[0074] The dehumidifying device according to the present invention provides a higher dehumidifying effect and is therefore extremely useful for dehumidifying indoor spaces and drying clothes. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1. Main unit case 2. Inlet 3 Air outlet 4. Air blower 5 Dehumidification section 6. Water collection area 7 Airflow channel 8 Control Unit 8a Control Unit 9 Refrigeration cycle 10 Desiccant mechanism 11 Heat exchanger 12 Compressor 13 Heat sink 14. Expander 15 Heat absorber 16 Dehumidifying Rotor 17 Heating section 18 Driving means 19 Moisture-absorbing part 20 Moisture-releasing section 21 One-way channel 22 Plate 23 The other flow path 24 Plate 25 Plane part 26 Ribs 27 Plane part 28 Ribs 29 Water receiving section 30 Water collection tanks 31 Operation section 32 Temperature detection unit 33 First air duct 33a First air duct 34 Second air duct 35 Third ventilation duct 36 Fourth ventilation duct 36a Fourth ventilation duct

Claims

1. A main body case having an intake port for drawing in air from an indoor space and an outlet port for blowing air into the indoor space, A blower unit that guides air from the intake port to the outlet port, A refrigeration cycle in which a heat exchanger and a heat absorber are connected in a ring and a refrigerant is circulated, A dehumidifying rotor having a moisture absorption section and a moisture release section, A heating section for heating the moisture-releasing section, The system includes a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between one channel through which air drawn in from the intake port and heated in the heating section passes, and another channel through which air drawn in from the intake port and cooled in the heat absorber passes. A first air passage connects the intake port, the heating section, the dehumidifying section, the one-way flow path, the dehumidifying section, and the heat sink in this order, A dehumidifying device comprising a second air passage connecting the aforementioned intake port, the heat absorber, the other flow path, the moisture absorption section, and the heat radiator in that order.

2. A main body case having an intake port for drawing in air from an indoor space and an outlet port for blowing air into the indoor space, A blower unit that guides air from the intake port to the outlet port, A refrigeration cycle in which a heat exchanger and a heat absorber are connected in a ring and a refrigerant is circulated, A dehumidifying rotor having a moisture absorption section and a moisture release section, A heating section for heating the moisture-releasing section, The system includes a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between one channel through which air drawn in from the intake port and heated in the heating section passes, and another channel through which air drawn in from the intake port and cooled in the heat absorber passes. A first air passage connects the intake port, the heating section, the dehumidifying section, the one-way flow path, the dehumidifying section, and the heat sink in this order, A dehumidifying device comprising a third air passage connecting the aforementioned intake port, the heat absorber, the other flow path, and the heat radiator in that order.

3. A temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the air in the indoor space, A dehumidifier according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a control unit having a refrigeration cycle operation mode in which a dehumidification operation is performed by the refrigeration cycle when the temperature detection unit detects a temperature of a first predetermined temperature or higher, and a refrigeration cycle stop mode in which a dehumidification operation is not performed by the refrigeration cycle when the temperature detection unit detects a temperature lower than the first predetermined temperature.

4. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first air passage is further connected to the heat exchanger upstream of the heating section.

5. A temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the air in the indoor space, The dehumidifier according to claim 4, comprising a control unit having: a normal mode in which the dehumidification operation by the refrigeration cycle is performed and the heating operation by the heating unit is performed when the temperature sensing unit detects a temperature of first predetermined temperature or higher and lower than a second predetermined temperature; a low temperature mode in which the dehumidification operation by the refrigeration cycle is not performed and the heating operation by the heating unit is performed when the temperature sensing unit detects a temperature lower than the first predetermined temperature; and a high temperature mode in which the dehumidification operation by the refrigeration cycle is performed and the heating operation by the heating unit is not performed when the temperature sensing unit detects a temperature of second predetermined temperature or higher.

6. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a fourth air passage connecting the aforementioned intake port and the aforementioned heat exchanger in this order.

7. The dehumidifier according to claim 6, wherein the fourth air passage is further connected to the moisture absorption section upstream of the heat sink.

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