Dehumidifying device

Abstract

This dehumidifying device (100) comprises a body case (1), a refrigeration circuit (RC), a partition member (20), a blower (12), and a heat exchanger (11). A first dehumidifying path (21) is configured so that air that is sucked into the body case (1) from a first air suction port (6) by the blower (12) is blown out to the outside of the body case (1) from an air blowout port (9) via a first heat exchange air passage (41), a heat absorber (16), a second heat exchange air passage (42), a radiator (14), and the blower (12). A second dehumidifying path (22) is configured so that air that is sucked into the body case (1) from a second air suction port (7) by the blower (12) is blown out to the outside of the body case (1) from the air blowout port (9) via the heat absorber (16), the heat exchanger (11), the radiator (14), and the blower (12). The partition member (20) is configured so as to inhibit the flow of air from the first air suction port (6) to the radiator (14).

Description

Dehumidifying device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dehumidifying device.

[0002] Conventionally, there is a dehumidifying device provided with a refrigeration cycle and a heat exchanger disposed within a main body case. This refrigeration cycle is configured such that refrigerant flows in the order of a compressor, a radiator, an expansion valve, and an absorber. This heat exchanger is disposed between the radiator and the absorber, and is configured such that air flowing from an air intake of the main body case into a first heat exchange air passage exchanges heat with air flowing from the absorber through the first heat exchange air passage into a second heat exchange air passage.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent No. 7316487 (Patent Document 1) describes a dehumidifying device having the above-described configuration. In the dehumidifying device described in this publication, there are provided a first air passage through which air flows from the air intake of the main body case through the first heat exchange air passage, the absorber, the second heat exchange air passage, and then to the radiator, and a second air passage through which air flows from the air intake of the main body case directly to the radiator.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 7316487

[0005] In the dehumidifying device described in the above publication, in the first air passage, air flows through the first heat exchange air passage, the absorber, the second heat exchange air passage, and the radiator, whereas in the second air passage, air flows only through the radiator. Therefore, due to a large difference in pressure loss between the first air passage and the second air passage, the air volume flowing through the second air passage increases, and the air volume flowing through the first air passage decreases. Thus, the air volume flowing through the absorber decreases, and the air volume of the air to be dehumidified decreases. For this reason, there is a problem that the dehumidifying performance deteriorates.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a dehumidifying device capable of improving dehumidifying performance.

[0007] The dehumidifier of this disclosure comprises a main body case having a first air intake port, a second air intake port, and an air outlet port; a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, a heat sink, an expansion valve, and a heat absorber are connected in order; a partition member disposed between the first air intake port and the heat sink; a blower that blows out air from the air outlet port to the outside of the main body case after passing it through the refrigeration cycle, which is drawn in from the first air intake port and the second air intake port; and a heat exchanger having a first heat exchange air passage and a second heat exchange air passage, which exchanges heat between the air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage and the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage. The main body case has a first dehumidification path and a second dehumidification path. The first dehumidification path is configured such that air drawn into the main case from the first air intake by a blower is blown out of the main case from an air outlet via the first heat exchange air passage of the heat exchanger, the heat absorber, the second heat exchange air passage of the heat exchanger, the heat radiator, and a blower. The second dehumidification path is configured such that air drawn into the main case from the second air intake by a blower is blown out of the main case from an air outlet via the heat absorber, the heat exchanger, the heat radiator, and a blower. The refrigeration cycle is configured such that the refrigerant flows in the order of compressor, heat radiator, expansion valve, and heat absorber. The partition member is configured to obstruct the airflow from the first air intake to the heat radiator.

[0008] The dehumidifying device of this disclosure can improve dehumidification performance.

[0009] This is a schematic perspective view showing the external appearance of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1. This is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II in Figure 1. This is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 2. This is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the heat exchanger of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 1. This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 2. This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 3. This is a schematic perspective view showing the external appearance of the dehumidifier according to Embodiment 4. This is a cross-sectional view along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 7. This is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX in Figure 8.

[0010] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0011] Embodiment 1. The configuration of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the external appearance of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the heat exchanger 11 of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1. The dehumidifier 100 according to this embodiment is used in living spaces and the like.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the dehumidifier 100 comprises a main body case 1, a refrigeration cycle RC, a blower 12, a water receiving means 18, a tank 19, and a partition member 20.

[0013] The main body case 1 has a box shape. The main body case 1 has a first air intake surface 2, a second air intake surface 3, a front surface 4, and an air outlet surface 5. The main body case 1 also has a first air intake port 6, a second air intake port 7, and an air outlet port 9. The first air intake surface 2 is provided with the first air intake port 6. The second air intake surface 3 is provided with the second air intake port 7. The air outlet surface 5 is provided with the air outlet port 9. The first air intake port 6, the second air intake port 7, and the air outlet port 9 are all located on different surfaces. In this embodiment, the first air intake surface 2 is the side surface of the main body case 1, the second air intake surface 3 is the back surface of the main body case 1, and the air outlet surface 5 is the top surface of the main body case 1. The front surface 4 faces the first air intake surface 2.

[0014] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a refrigeration cycle RC, a heat exchanger 11, and a blower 12 are arranged inside the main case 1. The refrigeration cycle RC has a compressor 13, a heat radiator 14, an expansion valve 15, and a heat absorber 16. The refrigeration cycle RC connects the compressor 13, the heat radiator 14, the expansion valve 15, and the heat absorber 16 in that order. The refrigeration cycle RC is configured so that the refrigerant flows in the order of compressor 13, heat radiator 14, expansion valve 15, and heat absorber 16. The refrigeration cycle RC is configured to connect the compressor 13, the heat radiator 14, the expansion valve 15, and the heat absorber 16 in that order with refrigerant piping 17. The refrigeration cycle RC is configured to cool and dehumidify the air to be dehumidified by the heat absorber 16.

[0015] The compressor 13 is configured to compress the refrigerant. Specifically, the compressor 13 is configured to draw in low-pressure refrigerant from the intake port, compress it, and discharge it as high-pressure refrigerant from the discharge port. The radiator 14 is configured to condense the refrigerant that has been pressurized by the compressor 13. The radiator 14 is a condenser that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air. The radiator 14 is configured to release heat to the refrigerant by performing heat exchange between the air and the refrigerant. The expansion valve 15 is configured to expand and reduce the pressure of the refrigerant condensed in the radiator 14. The heat absorber 16 is configured to evaporate the refrigerant that has been reduced in pressure by the expansion valve 15. The heat absorber 16 is an evaporator that performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air. The heat absorber 16 is configured to release heat to the refrigerant by performing heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air.

[0016] The heat sink 14 and the heat absorber 16 are installed facing each other. The heat sink 14 is located on the front side of the main case 1. The heat absorber 16 is located on the rear side of the main case 1. The heat sink 14 is located downstream of the heat absorber 16 in the airflow generated by the blower 12. The heat absorber 16 is located upstream of the heat sink 14 in the airflow generated by the blower 12.

[0017] As shown in Figure 4, the heat exchanger 11 has a first heat exchange air passage 41 and a second heat exchange air passage 42. The heat exchanger 11 is configured to exchange heat between the air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage 41 and the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage 42.

[0018] The heat exchanger 11 is constructed by alternately stacking first heat transfer plates 43 and second heat transfer plates 44. Each of the first heat transfer plates 43 and second heat transfer plates 44 is provided with ribs 45 so as to form an air passage when stacked.

[0019] The first heat exchange air passage 41 is an air passage through which air flows from the first air intake port 6. The second heat exchange air passage 42 is an air passage through which air flows from the second air intake port 7. The heat exchanger 11 is configured such that the air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage 41 and the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage 42 intersect. The heat exchanger 11 is configured such that heat exchange takes place between the first heat exchange air passage 41 and the second heat exchange air passage 42 via their respective heat transfer plates. In this embodiment, the first heat exchange air passage 41 and the second heat exchange air passage 42 are configured so that air flows horizontally.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the heat exchanger 11 is positioned between the heat sink 14 and the heat absorber 16.

[0021] The blower 12 is configured to blow air. The blower 12 is configured to draw in air from outside the main case 1 through the first air intake port 6 and the second air intake port 7, pass it through the refrigeration cycle RC, and then blow it out of the main case 1 through the air outlet port 9. Specifically, the blower 12 is configured to take in air from the external space (indoor space) of the main case 1, pass it through the heat exchanger 14 and heat absorber 16 of the refrigeration cycle RC, and then blow it out of the main case 1 through the air outlet port 9.

[0022] The blower 12 is positioned opposite the radiator 14. The heat absorber 16, the second heat exchange air passage 42 of the heat exchanger 11, the radiator 14, and the blower 12 are all arranged in a straight line. In other words, the heat absorber 16, the heat exchanger 11, the radiator 14, and the second air intake 7 form an air passage in a straight line.

[0023] A water receiving means 18 is positioned below the heat exchanger 11 and the heat absorber 16. In this embodiment, the water receiving means 18 is a drain pan. Condensation water generated in the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11 and the heat absorber 16 drips onto the water receiving means 18. The water receiving means 18 is positioned below the heat exchanger 11 and the heat absorber 16. The water receiving means 18 is configured to receive condensation water. A tank 19 for storing condensation water is also positioned below the water receiving means 18. The tank 19 is configured to collect the condensation water accumulated in the water receiving means 18.

[0024] The partition member 20 is positioned between the first air intake 6 and the heat sink 14. The partition member 20 is configured to partition the area between the first air intake 6 and the heat sink 14. The partition member 20 is configured to obstruct the airflow from the first air intake 6 to the heat sink 14. In this embodiment, the partition member 20 is configured in the shape of a plate.

[0025] The main body case 1 has a first dehumidification path 21 and a second dehumidification path 22. The first dehumidification path 21 is configured to draw air into the main body case 1 from the first air intake port 6 by the blower 12, and blow it out of the main body case 1 from the air outlet 9 via the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11, the heat absorber 16, the second heat exchange air passage 42 of the heat exchanger 11, the heat radiator 14, and the blower 12.

[0026] The second dehumidification path 22 is configured to blow air drawn into the main body case 1 from the second air intake port 7 by the blower 12, and then blow it out of the main body case 1 from the air outlet 9 via the heat absorber 16, the heat exchanger 11, the heat radiator 14, and the blower 12. In this embodiment, the second dehumidification path 22 is configured to blow air drawn into the main body case 1 from the second air intake port 7 by the blower 12, and then blow it out of the main body case 1 from the air outlet 9 via the heat absorber 16, the second heat exchange air passage 42 of the heat exchanger 11, the heat radiator 14, and the blower 12.

[0027] The first partition plate 31 is positioned between the first dehumidification path 21 and the second dehumidification path 22. The first partition plate 31 is configured to separate the first dehumidification path 21 and the second dehumidification path 22.

[0028] The first dehumidification path 21 is configured to allow air that has passed through the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11 to pass on the opposite side of the first air intake port 6 of the heat exchanger 11, and not pass below the heat absorber 16.

[0029] Next, the operation of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Referring to Figure 3, as indicated by the arrows, the air drawn in from the first air intake port 6 by the blower 12 flows into the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11 and is pre-cooled by heat exchange with the air that has already been cooled and dehumidified by the heat absorber 16. After that, the pre-cooled air passes through the opposite side 4 of the first air intake surface 2 of the heat exchanger 11, then reverses direction and flows into the heat absorber 16, where it is cooled and dehumidified. The cooled and dehumidified air flows into the second heat exchange air passage 42 of the heat exchanger 11, is heated by the heat radiator 14, and is blown out of the main body case 1 by the blower 12. This air passage becomes the first dehumidification path 21 for dehumidification. In the first dehumidification path 21, the air flowing from the first air intake 6 to the first heat exchange air passage 41 and the cold air that exits the heat absorber 16 and flows to the second heat exchange air passage 42 are heat exchanged in the heat exchanger 11. After that, the air with a higher relative humidity than the indoor air flowing in the first heat exchange air passage 41 is returned to the heat absorber 16 and further cooled in the heat absorber 16.

[0030] Furthermore, as indicated by the arrows, the air drawn in from the second air intake port 7 by the blower 12 flows into the heat absorber 16, where it is cooled and dehumidified. The cooled and dehumidified air passes through the second heat exchange air passage 42 of the heat exchanger 11, flows into the heat radiator 14, is heated in the heat radiator 14, and is then blown out of the main body case 1 by the blower 12. This air passage becomes the second dehumidification path 22 for dehumidification.

[0031] The first partition plate 31 suppresses the mixing of air in the first dehumidification path 21 and air in the second dehumidification path 22.

[0032] Next, the effects of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. According to the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1, the partition member 20 is configured to obstruct the airflow from the first air intake 6 to the heat sink 14. As a result, the amount of air that flows directly from the first air intake 6 to the heat sink 14 is reduced. Consequently, the amount of air flowing through the first dehumidification path 21 increases, which in turn increases the amount of air flowing through the heat sink 16. Therefore, the amount of air to be dehumidified can be increased, thereby improving the dehumidification performance.

[0033] Furthermore, the first dehumidification path 21 is configured such that air drawn into the main body case 1 from the first air intake port 6 by the blower 12 is blown out of the main body case 1 from the air outlet 9 via the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11, the heat absorber 16, the second heat exchange air passage 42 of the heat exchanger 11, the heat radiator 14, and the blower 12. Therefore, in the first dehumidification path 21, the air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11 is cooled by sensible heat exchange with the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage 42 after passing through the heat absorber 16, and air with high relative humidity flows into the heat absorber 16. As a result, the amount of air to be dehumidified can be increased and the sensible heat factor (SHF) can be reduced. Thus, the dehumidification performance can be improved.

[0034] Furthermore, the second dehumidification path 22 is configured to draw air into the main body case 1 from the second air intake port 7 by the blower 12, and then blow it out of the main body case 1 from the air outlet 9 via the heat absorber 16, the second heat exchange air passage 42 of the heat exchanger 11, the heat radiator 14, and the blower 12. As a result, the airflow volume of the air passing through the heat absorber 16 can be increased by the second dehumidification path 22. Therefore, the amount of air to be dehumidified can be increased, and thus the dehumidification performance can be improved.

[0035] According to the dehumidifier 100 of Embodiment 1, the first dehumidification path 21 is configured to allow air that has passed through the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11 to pass on the opposite side of the first air intake port 6 of the heat exchanger 11, and not pass below the heat absorber 16. Therefore, contact between the air and the condensation water formed on the heat absorber 16 can be prevented. Consequently, splashing of condensation water can be prevented, and all the condensation water formed on the heat absorber 16 can be collected in the water receiving means 18 and the tank 19. Furthermore, the condensation water can be collected in the tank 19 while suppressing the return of humidity from the condensation water formed on the heat absorber 16 to the air that has exited the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11. Therefore, by collecting all the condensation water in the tank 19 while preventing humidity return, the dehumidification efficiency can be improved.

[0036] Embodiment 2. Unless otherwise specified, the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 2 has the same configuration, operation, and effects as the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0037] Referring to Figure 5, the configuration of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view at the cross-sectional position corresponding to Figure 3.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, in the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 2, the heat absorber 16 has a first surface S1 and a second surface S2. The first surface S1 faces the heat exchanger 11. The second surface S2 is located on the opposite side of the heat exchanger 11 from the first surface S1. The heat absorber 16 is configured to protrude beyond the heat exchanger 11 in the stacking width direction. The first dehumidification path 21 is configured to allow air to pass from the first surface S1 to the heat absorber 16 and then flow to the heat absorber 16 from the second surface S2. In the stacking width direction of the heat absorber 16, the heat absorber 16 may be the same size as the heat radiator 14.

[0039] Next, the operation of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. Referring to Figure 5, air flows through the first dehumidification path 21 as indicated by the arrows. The air drawn in from the first air intake port 6 by the blower 12 flows into the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11 and is pre-cooled by heat exchange with the air that has already been cooled and dehumidified by the heat absorber 16. After that, the pre-cooled air passes through the opposite side 4 of the first air intake surface 2 of the heat exchanger 11 and passes through the heat absorber 16 from its first surface S1. The air that has passed through the heat absorber 16 then reverses direction and flows into the heat absorber 16 from its second surface S2 and is cooled and dehumidified in the heat absorber 16. In other words, the air that leaves the heat absorber 16 passes through the heat absorber 16 once again. The air, cooled and dehumidified after passing through the heat absorber twice, flows into the second heat exchange air passage 42 of the heat exchanger 11, is heated by the heat radiator 14, and is blown out of the main body case 1 by the blower 12.

[0040] The second dehumidification path 22 is the same as in Embodiment 1, so we will not repeat the explanation. Next, we will explain the operation and effects of the dehumidification device 100 according to Embodiment 2.

[0041] According to the dehumidifier 100 of Embodiment 2, the first dehumidification path 21 is configured to allow air to pass from the first surface S1 to the heat absorber 16, and then to flow from the second surface S2 to the heat absorber 16. Therefore, the air can pass through the heat absorber 16 twice in the first dehumidification path 21. Consequently, the airflow rate of the air passing through the first dehumidification path 21 increases, which in turn increases the airflow rate of the air passing through the heat absorber 16. As a result, the airflow rate of the air to be dehumidified can be increased, thereby improving the dehumidification performance.

[0042] Furthermore, by having the air pass through the heat absorber 16 twice, the air is cooled by the heat absorber 16, which increases the amount of condensation. This improves the dehumidification performance.

[0043] Furthermore, as the air passes through the heat absorber 16 twice, the heat absorber 16 is cooled, which reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the heat absorber 16. This reduces the load on the compressor 13 in the refrigeration cycle RC. Consequently, the power consumption of the compressor 13 can be reduced.

[0044] Embodiment 3. The dehumidifying device 100 according to Embodiment 3 has the same configuration, operation, and effects as the dehumidifying device 100 according to Embodiment 1 unless otherwise specified.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 6, the configuration of the dehumidifying device 100 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the dehumidifying device 100 according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view at the cross-sectional position corresponding to FIG. 3.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, the dehumidifying device 100 according to Embodiment 3 further includes a second partition plate (partition plate) 32. The second partition plate (partition plate) 32 is disposed between the heat exchanger 11 and the heat absorber 16. The second partition plate (partition plate) 32 is configured to impede the flow of air that passes from the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11 through the space between the heat exchanger 11 and the heat absorber 16 and reaches the second heat exchange air passage 42 of the heat exchanger 11.

[0047] Next, the operation of the dehumidifying device 100 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. Referring to FIG. 6, in the first dehumidification path 21, the air that has passed through the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11 passes through the surface 4 side opposite to the first air suction surface 2 of the heat exchanger 11 and flows into the heat absorber 16. At this time, the second partition plate (partition plate) 32 prevents the air that has passed through the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11 from flowing into the second heat exchange air passage 42 of the heat exchanger 11 without passing through the heat absorber 16.

[0048] Next, the effects of the dehumidifying device 100 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. According to the dehumidifying device 100 according to Embodiment 3, the second partition plate (partition plate) 32 is disposed between the heat exchanger 11 and the heat absorber 16. Therefore, the second partition plate (partition plate) 32 prevents the air that has passed through the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11 from flowing into the second heat exchange air passage 42 of the heat exchanger 11 without passing through the heat absorber 16. Thus, the air volume of the air cooled and dehumidified by the heat absorber 16 can be increased, so that the amount of condensation can be increased. For this reason, the dehumidification performance can be improved.

[0049] Furthermore, the air cooled further in the heat absorber 16 exchanges heat with the air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11, thereby further cooling the air in the heat exchanger 11. As a result, air with even higher relative humidity that has passed through the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11 flows into the heat absorber 16, which can lower the sensible heat ratio (SHF). Thus, the dehumidification performance can be improved.

[0050] Embodiment 4. Unless otherwise specified, the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 4 has the same configuration, operation, and effects as the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0051] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the configuration of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the external appearance of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 4. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 7. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in Figure 8.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7, the second air intake surface 3 is provided with a first air intake port 6 and a second air intake port 7. In other words, the first air intake port 6 and the second air intake port 7 are located on the same surface. On the other hand, the first air intake port 6 and the second air intake port 7 are located on different surfaces from the air outlet port 9.

[0053] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the heat exchanger 11 is positioned between the first air intake 6 and the second air intake 7 and the heat absorber 16. The heat exchanger 11 is positioned upstream of the heat absorber 16 in the airflow generated by the blower 12.

[0054] In this embodiment, the second dehumidification path 22 is configured to draw air into the main body case 1 from the second air intake port 7 by the blower 12, and then blow it out of the main body case 1 from the air outlet 9 via the heat absorber 16, the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11, the heat radiator 14, and the blower 12.

[0055] The partition member 20 is configured to separate the cooled and dehumidified air that has passed through the heat absorber 16 in the first dehumidification path 21 from the cooled and dehumidified air that has passed through the heat absorber 16 in the second dehumidification path 22.

[0056] The third partition plate 33 is configured to separate the air that has passed through the second heat exchange air passage 42 of the heat exchanger 11 in the first dehumidification path 21 from the air that has been cooled and dehumidified by passing through the heat absorber 16 in the second dehumidification path 22.

[0057] Next, the operation of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. Referring to Figure 9, as indicated by the arrows, the air drawn in from the first air intake port 6 by the blower 12 flows into the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11 and is pre-cooled by heat exchange with the air that has already been cooled and dehumidified by the heat absorber 16. After that, the air to be used flows into the heat absorber 16 and is cooled and dehumidified. The cooled and dehumidified air reverses direction and flows into the second heat exchange air passage 42 of the heat exchanger 11, is heated by the heat radiator 14, and is blown out of the main body case 1 by the blower 12. This air passage becomes the first dehumidification path 21 for dehumidification.

[0058] Furthermore, as indicated by the arrows, the air drawn in from the second air intake port 7 by the blower 12 passes through the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11 and flows into the heat absorber 16, where it is cooled and dehumidified. The cooled and dehumidified air flows into the heat radiator 14, where it is heated and then blown out of the main body case 1 by the blower 12. This air passage becomes the second dehumidification path 22 for dehumidification.

[0059] The partition member 20 suppresses the mixing of the cooled and dehumidified air that has passed through the heat absorber 16 in the first dehumidification path 21 and the cooled and dehumidified air that has passed through the heat absorber 16 in the second dehumidification path 22.

[0060] The third partition plate 33 suppresses the mixing of air that has passed through the second heat exchange air passage 42 of the heat exchanger 11 in the first dehumidification path 21 and air that has been cooled and dehumidified by passing through the heat absorber 16 in the second dehumidification path 22.

[0061] Next, the effects of the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. In the dehumidifier 100 according to Embodiment 4, the heat exchanger 11 is positioned between the first air intake port 6 and the second air intake port 7 and the heat absorber 16. Therefore, since the heat exchanger 11 is installed upstream of the heat absorber 16, the airflow rate of the air passing through the heat absorber 16 can be increased. Thus, the airflow rate of the air to be dehumidified can be increased, and the dehumidification performance can be improved.

[0062] Furthermore, in the first dehumidification path 21, the air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage 41 of the heat exchanger 11 is cooled by sensible heat exchange with the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage 42 after passing through the heat absorber 16, and air with high relative humidity flows into the heat absorber 16. Therefore, the amount of air to be dehumidified can be increased and the sensible heat ratio (SHF) can be reduced. Thus, the dehumidification performance can be improved.

[0063] The embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications are intended to be within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims.

[0064] 1 Main case, 2 First air intake surface, 3 Second air intake surface, 4 Opposite side, 5 Air outlet surface, 6 First air intake port, 7 Second air intake port, 9 Air outlet, 11 Heat exchanger, 12 Blower, 13 Compressor, 14 Radiator, 15 Expansion valve, 16 Heat absorber, 17 Refrigerant piping, 18 Means, 19 Tank, 20 Partition member, 21 First dehumidification path, 22 Second dehumidification path, 31 First partition plate, 32 Second partition plate, 33 Third partition plate, 41 First heat exchange air passage, 42 Second heat exchange air passage, 43 First heat transfer plate, 44 Second heat transfer plate, 45 Rib, 100 Dehumidification device, RC refrigeration cycle, S1 First surface, S2 Second surface.

Claims

1. A main body case having a first air intake port, a second air intake port, and an air outlet port; a refrigeration cycle connecting a compressor, a heat sink, an expansion valve, and a heat absorber in sequence; a partition member positioned between the first air intake port and the heat sink; a blower that blows air from outside the main body case, drawn in from the first air intake port and the second air intake port, through the refrigeration cycle, and then blows it out of the main body case from the air outlet port; a heat exchanger having a first heat exchange air passage and a second heat exchange air passage, which exchanges heat between the air flowing through the first heat exchange air passage and the air flowing through the second heat exchange air passage; the main body case having a first dehumidification path and a second dehumidification path. The first dehumidification path is configured to blow air drawn into the main body case from the first air intake by the blower, through the first heat exchange air passage of the heat exchanger, the heat absorber, the second heat exchange air passage of the heat exchanger, the heat radiator, and the blower, out of the main body case from the air outlet; the second dehumidification path is configured to blow air drawn into the main body case from the second air intake by the blower, through the heat absorber, the heat exchanger, the heat radiator, and the blower, out of the main body case from the air outlet; the refrigeration cycle is configured so that the refrigerant flows in the order of the compressor, the heat radiator, the expansion valve, and the heat absorber; and the partition member is configured to obstruct the airflow from the first air intake to the heat radiator, in a dehumidification device.

2. The dehumidification device according to claim 1, wherein the first dehumidification path is configured to allow air that has passed through the first heat exchange air passage of the heat exchanger to pass on the side opposite to the first air intake of the heat exchanger and not pass below the heat absorber.

3. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat absorber has a first surface facing the heat exchanger and a second surface positioned on the opposite side of the heat exchanger from the first surface, and is configured to protrude beyond the heat exchanger in the stacking width direction, and the first dehumidification path is configured to allow air to pass from the first surface through the heat absorber and then flow from the second surface to the heat absorber.

4. The dehumidifying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a partition plate disposed between the heat exchanger and the heat absorber.

5. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger is positioned between the first air intake and the second air intake and the heat absorber, respectively.

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