Dehumidifier

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a dehumidifier capable of reducing heating loss and size reduction. The present disclosure is characterized by being provided with: a heat pump provided with a ventilation path for blowing air, a compressor, and a condenser and an evaporator provided in the ventilation path; a dehumidification unit provided in the ventilation path and provided with a first heater and a first humidity control material provided on the surface of the first heater; a regeneration unit provided in the ventilation path and provided with a second heater and a second humidity control material provided on the surface of the second heater; and an air blowing unit for blowing air to the ventilation path and switching the ventilation direction of the ventilation path in a first ventilation direction or a second ventilation direction by a time division method.

Description

dehumidifier

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-041801, filed on March 18, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Various dehumidifiers have been disclosed in the past.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a dehumidifying device that includes a main body case having an intake port and an exhaust port, and a dehumidifying means provided within the main body case, the dehumidifying means having a rotor case, a dehumidifying rotor that is sandwiched between the rotor case and is rotatable, and a heating means provided on the upwind side of the dehumidifying rotor, and the heating means is fixed by a heating means fixing portion provided on the rotor case.

[0004] JP 2010-069429 A

[0005] However, in the device described in the above document, the dehumidifying rotor and the heater are physically separated, which results in a large heat loss during regeneration of the dehumidifying rotor, low heater heating efficiency, and the size of the device is large because the dehumidifying rotor and the heater are separate parts.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a dehumidifier that reduces heating loss and can be made smaller.

[0007] A dehumidifying device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by comprising: a heat pump including a ventilation path for blowing air, a compressor, and a condenser and an evaporator provided in the ventilation path; a dehumidifying unit provided in the ventilation path and including a first heater and a first humidity-regulating material provided on the surface of the first heater; a regenerating unit provided in the ventilation path and including a second heater and a second humidity-regulating material provided on the surface of the second heater; and a blower unit that blows air into the ventilation path and switches the ventilation direction of the ventilation path between a first ventilation direction and a second ventilation direction in a time-division manner.

[0008] As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a dehumidifier that reduces heating loss and can be made compact.

[0009] FIG. 1A is a side view schematically showing a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a side view schematically showing a dehumidifier according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a structural diagram of a heater provided in the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of a heater provided in the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a humidity-conditioning material. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a humidity-conditioning material. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet in which a humidity-conditioning material is dispersed in a binder. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a humidity-conditioning material. FIG. 8A is a side view schematically showing a dehumidifier according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8B is a side view schematically showing a dehumidifier according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9A is a side view schematically showing a dehumidifier according to a modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 9B is a side view schematically showing a dehumidifier according to a modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 10A is a side view schematically showing a dehumidifier according to a third embodiment. Fig. 10B is a side view schematically showing a dehumidifier according to a third embodiment. Fig. 11A is a side view schematically showing a dehumidifier according to a modified example of the third embodiment. Fig. 11B is a side view schematically showing a dehumidifier according to a modified example of the third embodiment. Fig. 12A is a side view schematically showing a dehumidifier according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 12B is a side view schematically showing a dehumidifier according to the fourth embodiment.

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims, and not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of the present disclosure. Note that in FIGS. 1A to 11B, the X axis represents the ventilation direction, and the Z axis represents the height direction. Also, in FIGS. 1A to 11B, the ventilation direction from −X to +X (right to left) is referred to as the first ventilation direction, and the opposite ventilation direction from +X to −X (left to right) is referred to as the second ventilation direction.

[0011] 1A and 1B are side views schematically illustrating a dehumidifier 100 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the dehumidifier 100 according to the first embodiment includes an air passage 10, a heat pump 30, a dehumidifying unit 50, a regenerating unit 60, and a blower 70.

[0012] The dehumidifier 100 is installed indoors, etc. The dehumidifier 100 may also be installed in an opening for an air conditioner (an opening for connecting a drain, a refrigerant pipe, a power supply, etc., to the outdoor unit side).

[0013] The dehumidifier 100 is used in a house, a building, an automobile, etc. The dehumidifier 100 is not limited to being installed in a house, a building, an automobile, etc., but may also be installed at a boundary such as a wall separating a space.

[0014] The configuration of the dehumidifier 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

[0015] 1A and 1B, the ventilation path 10 may include a first ventilation path 10a and a second ventilation path 10b. In addition, the ventilation path 10, the first ventilation path 10a, and the second ventilation path 10b may be separated by a cylindrical member 90, a wall, or the like.

[0016] The heat pump 30 includes a compressor 31 , a condenser 32 , an evaporator 33 , and an expansion valve 35 .

[0017] The compressor 31 is connected to a condenser 32 and an evaporator 33. The condenser 32 and the evaporator 33 are connected via an expansion valve 35. A known heat pump is used as the heat pump 30. Moisture is generated from the evaporator 33, and the generated moisture may be stored in a container 34 or the like.

[0018] The condenser 32 and the evaporator 33 are provided in the ventilation path 10. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the condenser 32 and the evaporator 33 are provided so as to straddle the first ventilation path 10a and the second ventilation path 10b. Therefore, a partition may be provided within one condenser 32 and one evaporator 33 to separate the ventilation path 10. Alternatively, one condenser 32 and one evaporator 33 may be provided in each of the first ventilation path 10a and the second ventilation path 10b.

[0019] The temperature of the evaporator 33 is, for example, around 10°C. The higher the temperature, the more efficient the compressor 31 becomes and the more energy-saving it becomes, but it is necessary to condense air at around 20°C and 60% RH.

[0020] The temperature of the condenser 32 is 40 to 60°C, and it is preferable to cool it as much as possible because lowering the temperature of the condenser 32 increases the efficiency of the compressor 31. One way to lower the temperature is to increase the size of the condenser 32 in order to increase the heat dissipation area. Because room temperature air is colder than the condenser 32, air is introduced from a separate route via a bypass and directed at the condenser 32.

[0021] The dehumidifying unit 50 is provided in the ventilation path 10. The dehumidifying unit 50 also includes a first heater 40a and a first humidity control material 20a (humidity control material 20) provided on the surface of the first heater 40a. The humidity control material 20 will be described later. The dehumidifying unit 50 dehumidifies the air passed through the ventilation path 10 by causing the humidity control material 20 to absorb moisture in the air.

[0022] The regeneration unit 60 is provided in the ventilation path 10. The regeneration unit 60 also includes a second heater 40b and a second humidity control material 20b provided on the surface of the second heater 40b. The humidity control material 20 provided in the dehumidification unit 50 and the humidity control material 20 provided in the regeneration unit 60 may be made of different materials or the same material.

[0023] The dehumidifying section 50 and the regenerating section 60 are separated by a partition such as a cylindrical member 90 as a first ventilation path 10a and a second ventilation path 10b to prevent the air from mixing.

[0024] The dehumidifying section 50 absorbs moisture with the humidity-regulating material 20 to dehumidify, but since the humidity-regulating material 20 has a limited ability to absorb moisture, the humidity-regulating material 20 that has absorbed moisture is heated in the regenerating section 60 to regenerate its absorption ability.

[0025] The blower 70 blows air through the ventilation path 10 and switches the ventilation direction of the ventilation path 10 between a first ventilation direction A and a second ventilation direction B in a time-division manner. The blower 70 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B includes a first blower 70a and a second blower 70b. The time-division manner is a method in which the ventilation direction is switched to the first ventilation direction A or the second ventilation direction B in conjunction with the passage of time. In the blower 70 shown in FIG. 1A, the first blower 70a blows air in the first ventilation direction A through the first ventilation path 10a, and the second blower 70b blows air in the second ventilation direction B through the second ventilation path 10b. As time passes, as shown in FIG. 1B, air is blown in the second ventilation direction B through the first ventilation path 10a, and air is blown in the first ventilation direction A through the second ventilation path 10b.

[0026] 1A is provided between the condenser 32 and the evaporator 33, but may be provided outside them. In addition, it is preferable that the blower 70 be a fan that can be switched between forward and reverse rotation, such as a bidirectional blower fan.

[0027] 1A, the blower 70 is provided in the first ventilation path 10a, and the dehumidifier 50 is provided in the second ventilation path 10b. The blower 70 switches the ventilation direction of the first ventilation path 10a and the second ventilation path 10b between the first ventilation direction A and the second ventilation direction B in a time-division manner.

[0028] The dehumidifying unit 50 shown in Fig. 1A dehumidifies air, but in a time-division manner, the heater 40 is turned on and heated, becoming the regenerating unit 60 shown in Fig. 1B. In this way, in a time-division manner, when the heater 40 of the dehumidifying unit 50 is heated, it becomes the regenerating unit 60 and regenerates the dehumidifying function, and when the heater 40 of the regenerating unit 60 is turned off, it becomes the dehumidifying unit 50 and starts dehumidifying.

[0029] 1A, in the case where the ventilation direction in the first ventilation path 10a is the first ventilation direction A and the ventilation direction in the second ventilation path 10b is the second ventilation direction B, the condenser 32, the regeneration unit 60, and the evaporator 33 are arranged in this order in the first ventilation path 10a from upstream in the first ventilation direction A. In addition, the evaporator 33, the dehumidification unit 50, and the condenser 32 are arranged in this order in the second ventilation path 10b from upstream in the second ventilation direction B.

[0030] 1B , when the ventilation direction in first ventilation path 10a is second ventilation direction B and the ventilation direction in second ventilation path 10b is first ventilation direction A, evaporator 33, dehumidification unit 50, and condenser 32 are arranged in this order in first ventilation path 10a from upstream in second ventilation direction B. Also, condenser 32, regeneration unit 60, and evaporator 33 are arranged in this order in second ventilation path 10b from upstream in first ventilation direction A.

[0031] In the first ventilation direction A, the regeneration unit 60 heats the heater 40 to release moisture stored in the humidity-conditioning material 20, and adding warm air from the condenser 32 can assist in the regeneration of the humidity-conditioning material 20. Since there is no point in releasing the air released from the regeneration unit 60 as it is, the air is dehumidified by condensation in the evaporator 33.

[0032] In the second ventilation direction B, air (e.g., 27°C, 60% RH) entering the dehumidifier 100 is dehumidified after passing through the evaporator 33 (e.g., 10°C, 95% RH). Air with low absolute humidity but high relative humidity enters the dehumidifying section 50 and is further dehumidified. The air passes through the blower section 70, is heated by the condenser 32, and is then discharged outside the dehumidifying section 100.

[0033] In this way, the dehumidifier 100 has the humidity control material 20 on the surface of the heater 40, which reduces heating loss and enables miniaturization. Also, the dehumidifier 100 has one dehumidifying unit 50 and one regenerating unit 60, which are time-division driven and can be driven alternately, allowing dehumidification and regeneration to be performed simultaneously, enabling efficient dehumidification.

[0034] Next, a detailed description will be given of the heater 40. Figures 2 and 3 are diagrams showing the configuration of the heater 40 provided in the dehumidifier 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 2, heaters 40 such as first heater 40a and second heater 40b include fins 41 made of aluminum and a heating section 42. As shown in Fig. 2, heater 40 has fins 41 and heating sections 42 made of aluminum arranged in a lattice pattern, and heat generated by heating section 42 is transferred to the aluminum. Humidity control material 20 is provided on the surface of heater 40, and this heater 40 heats humidity control material 20, releasing moisture from humidity control material 20 and efficiently restoring the dehumidifying function.

[0036] The heating section 42 uses a nichrome wire, a PTC heater, or the like.

[0037] The fins 41 and the heating section 42 are immersed in a slurry liquid containing the humidity-conditioning material 20, and the humidity-conditioning material 20 is adhered to the surfaces of the fins 41 and the heating section 42. In this way, the humidity-conditioning material 20 can be directly heated by the heater 40, and dehumidification can be performed efficiently.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3 , heaters 40 such as the first heater 40a and the second heater 40b each include a honeycomb substrate 44 and electrodes 43. The heater 40 shown in FIG. 3 has the electrodes 43 attached to the honeycomb substrate 44. The heater 40 shown in FIG. 3 has cells 45 formed by the substrate 44 and the electrodes 43, and each cell 45 can be heated individually. The humidity control material 20 is provided on the surface of the heater 40. The heater 40 shown in FIG. 3 has the substrate 44 and the electrodes 43 integrated together, which allows for a high aperture ratio and low pressure loss. The honeycomb structure has a large contact area with air, allowing for efficient use of the humidity control material 20 (moisture absorption and release).

[0039] If the space between the dehumidifying rotor and the nichrome wire (heater) is large, the temperature of the air sent to the dehumidifying rotor will be lower than the temperature of the nichrome wire, and the dehumidifying capacity of the dehumidifying rotor will not be fully regenerated, resulting in low dehumidifying capacity. However, by using the heater 40 shown in Figures 2 and 3, the humidity control material 20 is directly attached to the heater, so heat loss is reduced and a dehumidifying regenerator with high regeneration capacity can be realized. By using this dehumidifying regenerator, a dehumidifier 100 with high dehumidifying capacity can be realized.

[0040] The substrate 44 is preferably porous and has a large surface area, and is made of a material such as barium titanate, which is used in PTC heaters.

[0041] The following describes the humidity control materials 20 (first humidity control material 20a, second humidity control material 20b) provided in the heater 40. The humidity control materials 20 have a humidity control function by absorbing or releasing moisture. The humidity control materials 20 will be described below.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a humidity-conditioning material 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the humidity-conditioning material 20 includes a water-absorbent material 21 containing a resin and / or a clay mineral, and a humidity-conditioning liquid 22, which is a humidity-conditioning component that absorbs or releases moisture and has a humidity-conditioning function. The humidity-conditioning liquid 22 is impregnated into the water-absorbent material 21. Depending on the humidity of the environment in which the humidity-conditioning material 20 is placed, the humidity-conditioning material 20 absorbs and absorbs moisture contained in the air of the location, or releases moisture contained in the humidity-conditioning material 20 into the air to humidify the air. The humidity-conditioning liquid 22 may be impregnated not only in the water-absorbent material 21, but also in a support 23 that supports the humidity-conditioning material 20 (water-absorbent material 21). The support 23 will be described later. The water-absorbent material 21 may include at least one selected from the group consisting of a water-absorbent resin and a clay mineral.

[0043] The humidity conditioner 20 may be in the form of powder, particles, or blocks, or may be used by supporting the resin on a breathable substrate 44 so as to be in efficient contact with air.

[0044] The water absorbent material 21 has the function of retaining the humidity-conditioning liquid 22. Because the water absorbent material 21 retains the humidity-conditioning liquid 22, it is possible to realize the humidity-conditioning material 20 having a high ratio of surface area to volume. This makes it possible to increase the rate at which moisture is absorbed or released. Therefore, it is possible to provide the humidity-conditioning material 20 with a high humidity-conditioning rate.

[0045] The water-absorbing material 21 is preferably a water-absorbing resin (particles, powder). This allows the water-absorbing material 21 to be suitably impregnated with the humidity-conditioning liquid 22, further enhancing the humidity-conditioning effect. Specific examples of water-absorbing resin materials include ionic resins and non-ionic resins. Examples of ionic resins include alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid and starch-acrylate graft polymers. Examples of alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid include sodium polyacrylate. Examples of non-ionic resins include vinyl acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyalkylene oxides. Metal salt components are more preferably those that form hydrate crystals within a predetermined humidity range, thereby promoting rapid moisture absorption and desorption with a specific humidity range as a threshold.

[0046] The humidity-conditioning liquid 22 is a salt (a deliquescent substance) that absorbs moisture from the air. In addition, it is preferable that the humidity-conditioning liquid 22 contains a polyhydric alcohol. In this way, the humidity-conditioning effect can be further enhanced.

[0047] Specific examples of polyhydric alcohols include at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol, trimethylolpropane, butanetriol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and lactic acid, and among these, polyhydric alcohols having three or more hydroxyl groups, such as glycerin, are more preferably used. The polyhydric alcohol may form a dimer or a polymer.

[0048] Deliquescent substances are classified into salts and water-soluble organic substances. Specific examples of salts include metal salts, such as sodium formate, potassium formate, ammonium formate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, lithium acetate, ammonium acetate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, sodium propionate, potassium propionate, calcium chloride, lithium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, lithium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, lithium bromide, calcium bromide, potassium bromide, sodium hydroxide, sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate, potassium carbonate, calcium citrate, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, and lithium citrate. Only one of these salts may be contained, or two or more may be contained. Among these, sodium formate, potassium formate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, and potassium carbonate, which absorb and release a large amount of moisture per weight, are preferred. Specific examples of water-soluble organic substances include sugars such as sucrose, pullulan, glucose, xylol, fructose, mannitol, and sorbitol, carboxylic acids such as citric acid, and amides such as urea.

[0049] The amount of the humidity-conditioning liquid 22 relative to the water-absorbing material 21 is preferably 1 part by weight or more and 1,000 parts by weight or less relative to 100 parts by weight of the water-absorbing material 21. In this way, the amounts of the water-absorbing material 21 and the humidity-conditioning liquid 22 become appropriate, and the humidity-conditioning function can be further improved. In addition, the water-absorbing material 21 is preferably in a powder or granular form.

[0050] A binder may be used to facilitate adhesion of the humidity conditioner 20 to the surface of the heater 40. The binder may be any material that can be bonded by thermal fusion, and examples of such binders include thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl acetate, saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane, and ionomer resin, as well as modified products thereof. Preferably, such binders include thermoplastic resins such as polyvinyl acetate, saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane, and ionomer resin, as well as modified products thereof. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0051] Fig. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a humidity conditioner 20. As shown in Fig. 5, the humidity conditioner 20 (water-absorbing material 21) may be supported on a support 23. Alternatively, the support 23 may be impregnated with moisture.

[0052] In the dehumidifier 100, the humidity-conditioning material 20 described above is applied to the heater 40, or the heater 40 is immersed in a liquid containing the humidity-conditioning material 20, thereby impregnating the heater 40 with the humidity-conditioning material 20. Alternatively, the humidity-conditioning material 20 is prepared by adding a water-absorbing resin to a humidity-conditioning liquid, stirring, and swelling the liquid, thereby preparing a viscous slurry of the humidity-conditioning material. The slurry can also be applied to the heater 40 by impregnation, drying, and solidifying the slurry.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another form of the humidity conditioner 20, and is a cross-sectional view of a sheet in which a binder (support 23) is placed between water absorbents 24, and the humidity conditioner 20 is dispersed in the binder. As shown in FIG. 6, the humidity conditioner 20 (water-absorbing material 21) may be supported on the support 23. The water absorbent 24 may also contain the water-absorbing material 21. The support 23 may also be impregnated with moisture. A material containing the humidity conditioner 20 as shown in FIG. 6 may be provided in the heater 40.

[0054] It is also preferable to select the most suitable support 23 for supporting the humidity-conditioning material 20 depending on the application. If a large moisture absorption / desorption capacity is desired for the purpose of humidity control, a material that can retain the humidity-conditioning liquid 22 by wetting it is preferable. For example, it is made of hydrophilic fibers such as porous materials, nonwoven fabrics, and woven fabrics. In particular, nonwoven fabrics with high water vapor permeability are preferable. The support 23 may also contain a binder.

[0055] The carrier 23 may be in the form of a sheet, and may be formed into various shapes such as a flat plate, pleated plate, or honeycomb shape as described above. For example, a sheet material may first be formed into a wave (fluted) shape using a corrugator, and then the sheet may be bonded to a flat liner made of the same or a different material using an adhesive to form an integrated structure. The carrier 23 may also be flexible. The carrier 23 may be deformable. In other words, the carrier 23 may be capable of being held in any shape (such as a bent shape or a curved shape).

[0056] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of the humidity-conditioning material 20. As shown in Fig. 7, the humidity-conditioning material 20 may be supported on a support 23, held in a water-absorbing material 24, and provided in the latent heat section 12. In this way, the area in contact with air increases, and the humidity-conditioning function can be improved.

[0057] The water absorbent body 24 may include the water absorbent material 21. The water absorbent body 24 may be in the form of powder, granules, or a sheet.

[0058] In addition to the above, the humidity conditioner 20 may be made of B-type silica gel, polymeric sorption material, or the like.

[0059] Furthermore, assuming that the humidity-conditioning component contains the above-mentioned metal salt, other components may be added as additives to adjust the crystallization threshold humidity. Examples include other metal salts, polyhydric alcohols, or materials that act as nucleating materials for hydrate crystals. Specific examples of each generating material include carboxylic acids having two or more carboxyl groups and amides having two or more amide groups. The above-mentioned substances may be used as the carboxylic acids. The crystallization threshold humidity is the threshold humidity at which the humidity-conditioning material 20 may crystallize when the humidity is low.

[0060] Note that "humidity control" means adjusting the relative humidity to approach a predetermined humidity range. Specifically, for example, if 50% RH is the predetermined relative humidity, the humidity control material 20 absorbs (absorbs) moisture when the relative humidity is higher than 50% RH, and releases (desorbs) moisture when the relative humidity is lower than 50% RH. Typically, the predetermined relative humidity range correlates with the material and moisture content of the humidity control material 20. Specifically, for example, the predetermined relative humidity range correlates with the moisture content in the humidity control liquid 22.

[0061] 8A and 8B are side views schematically illustrating a dehumidifier 110 according to a second embodiment. The dehumidifier 110 according to the second embodiment has one ventilation path 10. Note that in the figures following FIG. 8A, components of the heat pump 30 other than the condenser 32 and the evaporator 33 are omitted.

[0062] 8A and 8B, the condenser 32 of the dehumidifier 110 according to the second embodiment includes a first condenser and a second condenser. The blower 70 and the evaporator 33 are provided in a single unit.

[0063] In the dehumidifier 110 according to the second embodiment, when the airflow direction in the airflow path 10 is the second airflow direction B, as shown in Fig. 8A, the first condenser 32a, the regeneration unit 60, the evaporator 33, the dehumidification unit 50, and the second condenser 32b are arranged in this order in the airflow path 10 from upstream of the second airflow direction B. In addition, in the dehumidifier 110 according to the second embodiment, when the airflow direction in the airflow path 10 is the first airflow direction A, as shown in Fig. 8B, the second condenser 32b, the regeneration unit 60, the evaporator 33, the dehumidification unit 50, and the first condenser 32a are arranged in this order in the airflow path 10 from upstream of the first airflow direction A.

[0064] When the ventilation direction is the first ventilation direction A, the regeneration unit 60 heats the heater 40 to release the moisture stored in the humidity control material 20, and adding warm air from the condensers 32a and 32b can assist in regeneration. Furthermore, since there is no point in releasing the air released from the regeneration unit 60 as is, it is condensed in the evaporator 33 to be dehumidified. The air released from the evaporator 33 is low temperature and high humidity, so it is further moisture-absorbed in the dehumidification unit 50. It is heated by the condensers 32a and 32b and discharged to the outside of the dehumidifier 110.

[0065] The dehumidifying unit 50 shown in Fig. 8A dehumidifies the air, but the heater 40 is turned on and heated in a time-division manner, becoming the regenerating unit 60 shown in Fig. 8B. In this way, when the heater 40 of the dehumidifying unit 50 is heated in a time-division manner, it becomes the regenerating unit 60 and regenerates the dehumidifying function, and when the heater 40 of the regenerating unit 60 is turned off, it becomes the dehumidifying unit 50 and starts dehumidifying.

[0066] By arranging in the above-described configuration, it is possible to realize a time-division dehumidifier 110 that can operate with only one blower 70, without using two blowers 70. Furthermore, by providing two condensers 32a, 32b and arranging them at the air inlet and outlet, dehumidification and regeneration in one pass is possible.

[0067] 9A and 9B are side views schematically illustrating a dehumidifier 120 according to a modified example of the second embodiment. In the dehumidifier 120 according to the modified example of the second embodiment, the blower unit 70 includes a first blower unit 70a and a second blower unit 70b, and the first blower unit 70a and the second blower unit 70b are arranged to sandwich the first condenser and the second condenser. The first blower unit 70a and the second blower unit 70b may be a bidirectional blower fan, a propeller fan with a fixed rotation direction and a fixed airflow direction, a sirocco fan, a turbo fan, or the like. In such a case, a time-division dehumidifier 120 can be realized by driving one fan to rotate and the other to stop.

[0068] When the ventilation direction is the first ventilation direction A, the regeneration unit 60 heats the heater 40 to release the moisture stored in the humidity control material 20, and adding warm air from the condensers 32a and 32b can assist in regeneration. Since there is no point in releasing the air released from the regeneration unit 60 as is, it is condensed in the evaporator 33 to be dehumidified. Since the air released from the evaporator 33 is low temperature and high humidity, it is further absorbed by the dehumidification unit 50. It is heated by the condensers 32a and 32b and discharged to the outside of the dehumidifier 120.

[0069] 10A and 10B are side views schematically illustrating a dehumidifier 130 according to a third embodiment. The dehumidifier 130 according to the third embodiment has one air passage 10.

[0070] The evaporator 33 of the dehumidifier 130 according to the third embodiment includes a first evaporator 33a and a second evaporator 33b. The dehumidifier 130 includes a single condenser 32. The sizes of the first evaporator 33a and the second evaporator 33b and the condenser may be the same or different. Although two containers 34 are shown in the figure, condensed water may be stored in a single container 34.

[0071] In the dehumidifier 130 according to the third embodiment, when the airflow direction in the airflow path 10 is the second airflow direction B, as shown in Fig. 10A, the first evaporator 33a, the dehumidifying section 50, the condenser 32, the regenerating section 60, and the second evaporator 33b are arranged in this order in the airflow path 10 from upstream of the second airflow direction B. In addition, in the dehumidifier 130 according to the third embodiment, when the airflow direction in the airflow path 10 is the first airflow direction A, as shown in Fig. 10B, the second evaporator 33b, the dehumidifying section 50, the condenser 32, the regenerating section 60, and the first evaporator 33a are arranged in this order in the airflow path 10 from upstream of the first airflow direction A.

[0072] 10A dehumidifies the air, but the heater 40 is turned on and heated in a time-division manner, becoming the regenerating unit 60 shown in FIG. 10B. In this way, when the heater 40 of the dehumidifying unit 50 is heated in a time-division manner, it becomes the regenerating unit 60 and regenerates the dehumidifying function, and when the heater 40 of the regenerating unit 60 is turned off, it becomes the dehumidifying unit 50 and starts dehumidifying.

[0073] In this way, by arranging two evaporators 33 on the air inlet / outlet side, dehumidification and regeneration can be performed in one pass.

[0074] 11A and 11B are side views schematically illustrating a dehumidifier 140 according to a modified example of the third embodiment. The dehumidifier 140 according to the modified example of the third embodiment has two ventilation paths 10, a first ventilation path 10a and a second ventilation path 10b. The regenerating unit 60 of the dehumidifier 140 according to the modified example of the third embodiment is provided in the first ventilation path 10a, and the dehumidifying unit 50 is provided in the second ventilation path 10b. As described above, the evaporators include a first evaporator 33a and a second evaporator 33b.

[0075] When the ventilation direction in the first ventilation path 10a and the second ventilation path 10b is the second ventilation direction B, as shown in Figure 11A, the second ventilation path 10b has a first evaporator 33a, a dehumidification section 50, and a condenser 32 arranged in that order from upstream of the second ventilation direction B, and the first ventilation path 10a has a condenser 32, a regeneration section 60, and a second evaporator 33b arranged in that order from upstream of the second ventilation direction B. Furthermore, when the ventilation direction in the first ventilation path 10a and the second ventilation path 10b is the first ventilation direction A, as shown in Figure 11B, the first ventilation path 10a has the second evaporator 33b, dehumidification section 50, and condenser 32 arranged in that order from upstream of the first ventilation direction A, and the second ventilation path 10b has the condenser 32, regeneration section 60, and first evaporator 33a arranged in that order from upstream of the first ventilation direction A.

[0076] In this way, the efficiency of the compressor 31 can be increased by cooling the condenser, so that the design freedom can be increased, such as by making the size of the condenser larger than the sizes of the first evaporator 33a and the second evaporator 33b.

[0077] 11A dehumidifies the air, but in a time-division manner, the heater 40 is turned on and heated, becoming the regenerating unit 60 shown in FIG. 11B. In this way, in a time-division manner, when the heater 40 of the dehumidifying unit 50 is heated, it becomes the regenerating unit 60 and regenerates the dehumidifying function, and when the heater 40 of the regenerating unit 60 is turned off, it becomes the dehumidifying unit 50 and starts dehumidifying.

[0078] 12A and 12B are side views schematically showing a dehumidifier 150 according to a fourth embodiment. The air passage 10 of the dehumidifier 150 according to the fourth embodiment is annular.

[0079] The ventilation path 10 is provided with an insertion valve 80 including a first valve 80a, a second valve 80b, a third valve 80c, and a fourth valve 80d that can be opened to allow air to pass to the outside of the ventilation path 10. The ventilation path 10 also is provided with a condenser 32, a dehumidifying unit 50, an evaporator 33, and a regenerating unit 60.

[0080] The first valve 80a and the second valve 80b are provided in the ventilation path 10 between the condenser and the regeneration section 60, and the third valve 80c and the fourth valve 80d are provided in the ventilation path 10 between the condenser 32 and the dehumidification section 50.

[0081] 12A, when the first valve 80a and the second valve 80b are opened, the third valve 80c and the fourth valve 80d are closed, and the ventilation direction is set to the first ventilation direction A, if the ventilation direction in the ventilation path 10 is the first ventilation direction A, the regeneration unit 60, the evaporator 33, the dehumidification unit 50, and the condenser 32 are arranged in this order in the ventilation path 10 from upstream of the first ventilation direction A. Also, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the first valve 80a and the second valve 80b are closed, the third valve 80c and the fourth valve 80d are opened, and the ventilation direction is set to the second ventilation direction B, if the ventilation direction in the ventilation path 10 is the second ventilation direction B, the regeneration unit 60, the evaporator 33, the dehumidification unit 50, and the condenser 32 are arranged in this order in the ventilation path 10 from upstream of the second ventilation direction B.

[0082] In this way, the evaporator 33, condenser 32, dehumidifier 50, and regenerator 60 are arranged along a circulation path of a housing pipe route, such as a circular doughnut shape or a square. To achieve a one-pass time-sharing structure, a symmetrical structure with respect to the X axis is required, but by using a circulation path, an asymmetrical arrangement is also possible, improving the design of the device.

[0083] The regeneration unit 60 and the dehumidification unit 50 are switched over time by turning the heater 40 on and off, and the valves are opened and closed accordingly. As shown in Fig. 12A, the first valve 80a and the second valve 80b open to allow air to enter the regeneration unit 60, and at the same time, a fan in the air blowing unit (not shown) rotates to blow air. Then, as time passes, as shown in Fig. 12B, at the timing when the regeneration unit 60 and the dehumidification unit 50 are switched over, the first valve 80a and the second valve 80b close, the fan in the air blowing unit (not shown) stops, the third valve 80c and the fourth valve 80d open, and a fan in another air blowing unit rotates, causing air to flow through a different path.

[0084] As described above, the dehumidifiers 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 according to the present disclosure can reduce heating loss and can be made smaller.

[0085] Although each embodiment and each example of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel features and effects of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] For example, a term described at least once in the specification or drawings together with a different term having a broader or similar meaning can be replaced with that different term anywhere in the specification or drawings. Furthermore, the configuration and operation of the dehumidifier are not limited to those described in each embodiment and each example of the present disclosure, and various modifications are possible.

Claims

1. A dehumidifying device comprising: a ventilation path for blowing air; a heat pump including a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator provided in the ventilation path; a dehumidifying unit provided in the ventilation path and including a first heater and a first humidity control material provided on the surface of the first heater; a regenerating unit provided in the ventilation path and including a second heater and a second humidity control material provided on the surface of the second heater; and a blower unit that blows air into the ventilation path and switches the ventilation direction of the ventilation path between a first ventilation direction and a second ventilation direction in a time-division manner.

2. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the first heater and the second heater are provided with fins and a heating portion made of aluminum.

3. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the first heater and the second heater each comprise a substrate that forms a honeycomb and an electrode.

4. The dehumidifier of claim 1, characterized in that the ventilation path comprises a first ventilation path and a second ventilation path, and the blower blows air into the first ventilation path and the second ventilation path, and switches the ventilation direction of the ventilation path to the first ventilation direction or the second ventilation direction in a time-division manner.

5. The dehumidifying device according to claim 4, characterized in that the regeneration unit is provided in the first ventilation path, the dehumidification unit is provided in the second ventilation path, and the blower unit switches the ventilation direction of the first ventilation path and the second ventilation path to the first ventilation direction or the second ventilation direction in a time-division manner.

6. A dehumidifying device as described in claim 5, characterized in that when the ventilation direction in the first ventilation path is the first ventilation direction and the ventilation direction in the second ventilation path is the second ventilation direction, the condenser, the regeneration unit, and the evaporator are arranged in this order in the first ventilation path from upstream of the first ventilation direction, and the evaporator, the dehumidification unit, and the condenser are arranged in this order in the second ventilation path from upstream of the second ventilation direction; when the ventilation direction in the first ventilation path is the second ventilation direction and the ventilation direction in the second ventilation path is the first ventilation direction, the evaporator, the dehumidification unit, and the condenser are arranged in this order in the first ventilation path from upstream of the second ventilation direction, and the condenser, the regeneration unit, and the evaporator are arranged in this order in the second ventilation path from upstream of the first ventilation direction.

7. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, wherein the blower is a bidirectional blower fan.

8. The dehumidification device described in claim 1, characterized in that the condenser comprises a first condenser and a second condenser, and when the ventilation direction in the ventilation path is the second ventilation direction, the first condenser, the regeneration unit, the evaporator, the dehumidification unit, and the second condenser are arranged in the ventilation path in this order from upstream of the second ventilation direction, and when the ventilation direction in the ventilation path is the first ventilation direction, the second condenser, the regeneration unit, the evaporator, the dehumidification unit, and the first condenser are arranged in the ventilation path in this order from upstream of the first ventilation direction.

9. The dehumidifying device according to claim 8, characterized in that the blowing section comprises a first blowing section and a second blowing section, and the first blowing section and the second blowing section are arranged so as to sandwich the first condenser and the second condenser.

10. The dehumidification device described in claim 1, characterized in that the evaporator comprises a first evaporator and a second evaporator, and when the ventilation direction in the ventilation path is the second ventilation direction, the first evaporator, the dehumidifying unit, the condenser, the regenerating unit, and the second evaporator are arranged in this order in the ventilation path from upstream of the second ventilation direction, and when the ventilation direction in the ventilation path is the first ventilation direction, the second evaporator, the dehumidifying unit, the condenser, the regenerating unit, and the first evaporator are arranged in this order in the ventilation path from upstream of the first ventilation direction.

11. The ventilation path comprises a first ventilation path and a second ventilation path, the condenser comprises a first evaporator and a second evaporator, the regeneration unit is provided in the first ventilation path, and the dehumidification unit is provided in the second ventilation path, and when the ventilation direction in the first ventilation path and the second ventilation path is the second ventilation direction, the first evaporator, the dehumidification unit, and the condenser are arranged in this order from upstream of the second ventilation direction in the second ventilation path, and the condenser, the regeneration unit, and the second evaporator are arranged in this order from upstream of the second ventilation direction in the first ventilation path, The dehumidifying device of claim 1, characterized in that when the ventilation direction in the first ventilation path and the second ventilation path is the first ventilation direction, the second evaporator, the dehumidifying unit, and the condenser are arranged in the first ventilation path in that order from upstream of the first ventilation direction, and the condenser, the regeneration unit, and the first evaporator are arranged in the second ventilation path in that order from upstream of the first ventilation direction.

12. The ventilation path is annular, and is provided with an insertion valve having a first valve, a second valve, a third valve, and a fourth valve that can be opened to allow air to pass outside the ventilation path, the condenser, the dehumidification unit, the evaporator, and the regeneration unit, the first valve and the second valve are provided in the ventilation path between the condenser and the regeneration unit, and the third valve and the fourth valve are provided in the ventilation path between the condenser and the dehumidification unit, and the first valve and the second valve are opened and the third valve and the fourth valve are closed to set the ventilation direction to the first ventilation direction, and the first valve and the second valve are closed and the third valve and the fourth valve are opened to set the ventilation direction to the second ventilation direction, The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the ventilation direction in the ventilation path is the first ventilation direction, the regeneration unit, the evaporator, the dehumidification unit, and the condenser are arranged in the ventilation path in this order from upstream of the first ventilation direction, and when the ventilation direction in the ventilation path is the second ventilation direction, the regeneration unit, the evaporator, the dehumidification unit, and the condenser are arranged in the ventilation path in this order from upstream of the second ventilation direction.

13. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the first humidity-regulating material and the second humidity-regulating material contain a water-absorbing material and a humidity-regulating component.

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