JP7825112B2 - dehumidifier - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a dehumidifier.

The main body case, which has an intake and an exhaust port, contains a refrigeration cycle, a dehumidification rotor, a heating unit, a blower, and a drive unit. The refrigeration cycle connects a compressor, a radiator, an expander, and a heat absorber in a circular arrangement, and refrigerant circulates through them. The dehumidification rotor has a moisture absorption unit and a moisture release unit, and is rotated by the drive unit. The compressor, heating unit, blower, and drive unit are controlled by a control unit.

The main body case has an airflow path in which a blower draws air through the intake port, supplies it to the radiator, heating unit, moisture release unit, heat absorber, and moisture absorption unit in that order, and then discharges it through the outlet port, as well as an airflow path in which air is drawn through the intake port, supplied to the radiator, and then discharged through the outlet port (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, a safety device to avoid danger inside the device due to heating by the heating unit includes a first temperature detection means provided around the heating unit and a second temperature detection means provided in the air path after passing through the moisture release unit that the heating unit faces (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

Patent No. 5391642 Patent No. 4432768

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

The present invention aims to improve the safety of dehumidifiers by making it possible to detect abnormal temperature increases during normal use, and also by making it possible to quickly detect abnormal temperature increases during abnormal use.

In order to achieve this object, the dehumidifying device of the present invention comprises: a main body case having an inlet and an outlet; a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, a radiator, an expander, and a heat absorber are sequentially connected in a ring shape to circulate a refrigerant; an air flow path that communicates the inlet and the outlet; a blower that guides air from the inlet to the outlet; a dehumidifying rotor having a flat portion that dehumidifies air passing through the air flow path by passing through the air flow path; a drive unit that rotates the dehumidifying rotor; a heating unit that faces an upstream face of the flat portion, which is an upstream face of the flat portion in the air flow path, and heats the flat portion; and a danger avoidance unit that avoids danger associated with dangerous temperatures, a first temperature sensor that detects a dangerous temperature of the air near the upstream side of the air passage of the heating section; a second temperature sensor that detects a dangerous temperature of the air immediately after it has passed through the heating section and the dehumidifying rotor; a third temperature sensor that detects a dangerous temperature of the air near the upstream surface of the flat section and immediately downstream of the heating section in the direction of rotation that occurs when chemical substances that have adhered to the dehumidifying rotor due to heating by the heating section inhibit the adsorption and release of moisture; and a stopping section that stops the operation of the heating section based on the detection of a dangerous temperature by at least one of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor, thereby achieving the desired purpose.

This invention makes it possible to detect abnormal temperature increases during normal use, and also to quickly detect abnormal temperature increases during abnormal use, thereby providing a dehumidifier with improved safety.

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the internal structure of the main body case of the device, seen from the front. A perspective view of the refrigeration cycle of the device as seen from the front. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the portion of the device enclosed by the frame line B in FIG. 2 . FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a blower of the device; A plan view of the desiccant part of the device seen from the rear side A plan view of the desiccant part of the device from the front side 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dehumidifying device of the first embodiment of the present invention taken along the plane of the frame line A in FIG. 1 . 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dehumidifying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention taken along the plane of the frame line A in FIG.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

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

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

The main body case 2 has an intake port 3 and an exhaust port 4, and is equipped inside with a dehumidifying function unit 5 and a danger avoidance unit 6, which will be described later.

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

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

Next, the detailed structure of the dehumidifying function unit will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is an exploded oblique view of the internal structure of the main body case of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front.

The dehumidifying function unit 5 draws air into the main body case 2 through the intake port 3, dehumidifies it, and blows it out through the outlet port 4. The dehumidifying function unit 5 includes a refrigeration cycle 7, a desiccant unit 8, a blower 9, a water storage unit 10, and an air duct 11, which will be described later.

The refrigeration cycle 7 circulates a refrigerant through a circular flow path, causing a temperature change in the air passing through, thereby dehumidifying the air. Details will be provided below.

The desiccant section 8 dehumidifies the air by absorbing and releasing moisture from the air passing through it using the dehumidifying rotor 16, which will be described later. Details will be provided later.

The blower 9 draws air from the indoor space into the main body case 2 through the intake port 3, and then blows it out into the indoor space through the air outlet 4 via the air flow path 11. Details will be provided later.

The water storage section 10 is detachably mounted below the main body case 2 and collects and stores dehumidified water generated by the refrigeration cycle 7 and desiccant section 8.

The air passage 11 is an air passage that connects the air inlet 3 and the air outlet 4. Details will be provided later.

Next, the detailed structure of the refrigeration cycle will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the refrigeration cycle of a dehumidifier in an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front.

The refrigeration cycle 7 circulates the refrigerant through a compressor 12, a radiator 13, an expander 14, and a heat absorber 15, which are connected in a circular arrangement.

The compressor 12 compresses and heats the gaseous refrigerant passing through it.

The radiator 13 radiates heat from the refrigerant to the air passing through the air passage 11, causing the refrigerant to condense and become a liquid. The radiator 13 heats the air passing through the air passage 11 by radiating heat from the refrigerant.

The expander 14 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant passing through it and expands it, causing some of the liquid to evaporate.

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

Next, the detailed structure of the desiccant unit will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the portion enclosed by the frame line B in Figure 2 of the dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The desiccant unit 8 comprises a dehumidifying rotor 16, a support frame 17, a drive unit 18, and a heating unit 19.

The dehumidifying rotor 16 is disc-shaped and is held by a support frame 17 in the main body case 2. The central axis of the disc-shaped dehumidifying rotor 16 is horizontally and rotatably erected when the dehumidifier is in operation, and is rotated by a drive unit 18. The dehumidifying rotor 16 also has a flat surface 20.

The flat section 20 is a circular surface that passes through the air passage 11 and dehumidifies the air passing through the air passage 11. The flat section 20 comprises a flat section upstream surface 20a (shown later) that is the surface upstream in the air flow direction of the air passage 11, and a flat section downstream surface 20b that is the surface downstream in the air flow direction of the air passage 11. The flat section 20 also comprises a moisture absorption section 21 and a moisture release section 22 that straddle the flat section upstream surface 20a and the flat section downstream surface 20b.

The moisture absorption section 21 is located on the flat section 20 between the second opening 23b and the fourth opening 24b (described below), and absorbs moisture from the air passing through the air passage 11.

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

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

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

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

The drive unit 18 rotates the dehumidifying rotor 16, and in this embodiment, an electrically driven motor is used. As the drive unit 18 rotates the dehumidifying rotor 16, the position of the flat surface portion 20 that belongs to the moisture absorption portion 21 and the moisture release portion 22 continues to change.

The heating section 19 generates heat using an electric heating wire and is located opposite the first opening 23a. That is, it is located opposite the upstream surface 20a of the flat section. The heating section 19 generates heat when power is supplied, and heats the moisture release section 22 of the flat section 20, causing moisture to be released from the moisture release section 22 toward the downstream side of the air passage 11.

Next, the detailed structure of the blower will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the blower of the dehumidifier in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The blower 9 draws indoor air into the main body case 2 through the intake 3, guides it through the air passage 11 to the outlet 4, and blows it out from the outlet 4. It comprises a casing 25 and blades 26.

The casing 25 surrounds the blade portion 26 and has a front air intake port 25a, a rear air intake port 25b, and an exhaust port 25c.

The front air intake port 25a is an opening for drawing air that has passed through the second opening 23b into the casing 25, and is located opposite the second opening 23b.

The rear air intake port 25b is an opening for drawing air that has passed through the radiator 13 into the casing 25, and is located opposite the radiator 13.

The outlet 25c is an opening for blowing out air drawn into the casing 25 from the front air intake 25a and the rear air intake 25b toward the air outlet 4.

The blade section 26 is a sirocco fan, and is divided into a front side and a rear side by a partition plate 26c to form a front side fan 26a and a rear side fan 26b.

The front fan 26a is a sirocco fan that guides air from the front air intake port 25a to the exhaust port 25c.

The rear fan 26b is a sirocco fan that guides air from the rear air intake vent 25b to the exhaust vent 25c.

Next, the detailed structure of the upstream and downstream flat surfaces will be explained using Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a plan view of the desiccant section of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear side. Figure 7 is a plan view of the desiccant section of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front side.

As shown in Figure 6, the planar portion upstream surface 20a has a first section 27 and a second section 28.

The first compartment 27 is a sector-shaped compartment as shown in Figure 6, and faces the first opening 23a of the rear support frame 23, with a portion of it facing the heating unit 19. The first compartment 27 is included in the moisture release unit 22.

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

As shown in Figure 7, the flat downstream surface 20b has a third section 29 and a fourth section 30.

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

The fourth compartment 30 faces the fourth opening 24b of the front support frame 24. The fourth compartment 30 is one with the second compartment 28 and is plane-symmetrical. The fourth compartment 30 is included in the moisture absorber 21.

Next, the detailed structure of the air duct will be described using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along the plane of frame line A in Figure 1.

The air passage 11 is an air passage that connects the air inlet 3 and the air outlet 4, and includes a dehumidifying air passage 11A and a cooling air passage 11B.

The dehumidifying air duct 11A connects the air intake 3 of the main body case 2, the radiator 13, the heating section 19, the first section 27, the third section 29, the heat sink 15, the fourth section 30, the second section 28, the front air intake vent 25a, and the exhaust vent 25c in this order, and leads to the air outlet 4.

The cooling air passage 11B is an air passage that connects the intake port 3 of the main body case 2, the radiator 13, the rear air intake port 25b, and the exhaust port 25c in this order, and leads to the air outlet 4.

Next, we will explain the detailed structure of the danger avoidance unit using Figures 5 to 7.

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

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

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

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

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

The detailed operation of the dehumidifying function unit 5 in the above configuration will now be explained.

Indoor air drawn into the dehumidifying air duct 11A from the air inlet 3 by the blower 9 passes through the radiator 13, where it loses heat from the refrigerant inside the radiator 13, causing the temperature to rise. After passing through the radiator 13, the air then passes through the heating section 19, where it is heated further by the heating section 19.

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

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

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

Air with reduced humidity due to these actions is drawn into the casing 25 through the front air intake 25a, and then blown out through the outlet 25c and the air outlet 4 into the indoor space. This dehumidifies the indoor space.

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

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

The detailed operation of the danger avoidance unit 6 is explained below.

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

As a result, when the temperature of the air near the upstream side of the heating unit 19 in the dehumidifying air duct 11A reaches a dangerous temperature, the operation of the heating unit 19 is quickly stopped, thereby avoiding the danger associated with the dangerous temperature.

The second temperature sensor 32 is fixed to a position near the third opening 24a of the front support frame 24 and therefore detects the temperature of the air immediately after passing through the heating unit 19 and the third section 29 of the dehumidifying rotor 16. That is, it detects the temperature of the air immediately after passing through the heating unit 19 and the dehumidifying rotor 16 in that order. When the heating unit 19 or the dehumidifying rotor 16 experiences an abnormal temperature rise, the temperature of the air passing through the dehumidifying rotor 16 also rises compared to before the abnormality occurred. When the air passing through the dehumidifying rotor 16 reaches a dangerous temperature, the second temperature sensor 32, functioning as the temperature determination unit 35, sends a stop signal to the stop unit 34. The stop unit 34 receives the stop signal via its receiving unit and stops supplying power to the heating unit 19. When power supply is stopped, the heating unit 19 stops operating and heating of the dehumidifying rotor 16 stops, causing the temperature of the air passing through the dehumidifying rotor 16 to drop. As a result, when the temperature of the air passing through the dehumidification rotor 16 reaches a dangerous temperature, the operation of the heating unit 19 is quickly stopped, thereby avoiding the danger associated with dangerous temperatures.

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

As a result, when the temperature of the air near the flat upstream surface 20a of the dehumidifying rotor 16 reaches a dangerous temperature, the operation of the heating unit 19 is quickly stopped, thereby avoiding the danger associated with the dangerous temperature.

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

Furthermore, it is desirable that the third temperature sensor 33 be located immediately downstream of the heating section 19 in the rotational direction of the dehumidification rotor 16, as in this embodiment.

The temperature rise of the air near the flat upstream surface 20a occurs when chemical substances adhering to the dehumidifying rotor 16 due to heating by the heating section 19 inhibit moisture adsorption and release. The chemical substances adhering to the dehumidifying rotor 16 are cooled by the air in the dehumidifying air duct 11A passing through the flat upstream surface 20a. Therefore, the temperature decreases the further downstream from the heating section 19 in the direction of rotation of the dehumidifying rotor 16. Therefore, the temperature of the air near the flat upstream surface 20a is lower at positions further downstream from the heating section 19 in the direction of rotation of the dehumidifying rotor 16 than at positions upstream of that position. In other words, the difference in air temperature before and after the abnormal temperature rise becomes smaller.

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

This configuration makes it possible to accurately detect abnormal temperature increases in the dehumidifying rotor 16 during abnormal use, improving safety.

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

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

This configuration makes it possible to more quickly detect abnormal temperature increases in the dehumidifying rotor 16 during abnormal use, improving safety.

(Embodiment 2)
9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a dehumidifying device according to a second embodiment taken along the plane of frame line A in FIG. 1. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The difference from the first embodiment is the configuration of the danger avoidance unit.

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

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

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

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

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

The detailed operation of the danger avoidance unit 6 in the above configuration will now be explained.

The first temperature sensor 37 is fixed to the back surface of the heating unit 19 and detects the temperature of the air near the upstream side of the dehumidifying air duct 11A of the heating unit 19. When the heating unit 19 experiences an abnormal temperature rise, the temperature of the air near the upstream side of the dehumidifying air duct 11A of the heating unit 19 also rises compared to before the abnormality occurred. When the air near the upstream side of the dehumidifying air duct 11A of the heating unit 19 reaches a dangerous temperature, the first temperature sensor 37 melts and power supply from the power supply board to the heating unit 19 is cut off. With the power supply cut off, the heating unit 19 stops operating and the temperature of the heating unit 19 drops.

As a result, when the temperature of the air near the upstream side of the heating unit 19 in the dehumidifying air duct 11A reaches a dangerous temperature, the operation of the heating unit 19 is quickly stopped, thereby avoiding the danger associated with the dangerous temperature.

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

As a result, when the temperature of the air passing through the dehumidifying rotor 16 reaches a dangerous temperature, the operation of the heating unit 19 is quickly stopped, thereby avoiding the danger associated with dangerous temperatures.

The third temperature sensor 39 protrudes from the rear support frame 23 facing the second compartment 28 and therefore detects the temperature of the air near the second compartment 28 of the dehumidifying rotor 16. That is, it detects the temperature of the air near the flat upstream surface 20a of the dehumidifying rotor 16. When the dehumidifying rotor 16 itself experiences an abnormal temperature rise, the temperature of the air near the flat upstream surface 20a of the dehumidifying rotor 16 also rises compared to before the abnormality occurred. When the air near the flat upstream surface 20a of the dehumidifying rotor 16 reaches a dangerous temperature, the third temperature sensor 39 melts, and power supply from the power supply board to the heating unit 19 is stopped. With the power supply stopped, the heating unit 19 stops operating and stops heating the dehumidifying rotor 16, causing the temperature near the flat upstream surface 20a to drop. As a result, when the temperature of the air near the flat upstream surface 20a of the dehumidifying rotor 16 reaches a dangerous temperature, the operation of the heating unit 19 is quickly stopped, thereby avoiding the danger associated with dangerous temperatures.

The above operation makes it possible to detect abnormal temperature increases in the heating unit 19 and dehumidifying rotor 16 during normal use, and also improves safety by quickly detecting abnormal temperature increases in the dehumidifying rotor 16 during abnormal use.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but it is not limited to these embodiments, and it is readily apparent that various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, each embodiment may be modified by adding or replacing part or parts of the configuration of another embodiment with that embodiment. Furthermore, the numerical values given in each of the above embodiments are merely examples, and other numerical values may of course be adopted.

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

The invention relates to a dehumidifier, and is expected to be used as a dehumidifier with improved safety.

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM 1 Dehumidifier 2 Main body case 3 Intake port 4 Outlet port 5 Dehumidifying function section 6 Hazard avoidance section 7 Refrigeration cycle 8 Desiccant section 9 Blower 10 Water storage section 11 Air supply duct 11A Dehumidifying air duct 11B Cooling air duct 12 Compressor 13 Radiator 14 Expansion device 15 Heat absorber 16 Dehumidifying rotor 17 Support frame 18 Drive section 19 Heating section 20 Planar section 20a Planar section upstream surface 20b Planar section downstream surface 21 Moisture absorption section 22 Moisture release section 23 Rear side support frame 23a First opening 23b Second opening 24 Front side support frame 24a Third opening 24b Fourth opening 25 Casing 25a Front side air intake port 25b Rear air intake port 25c Outlet port 26 Blade section 26a Front fan 26b Rear fan 26c Partition plate 27 First compartment 28 Second compartment 29 Third compartment 30 Fourth compartment 31 First temperature sensor 32 Second temperature sensor 33 Third temperature sensor 34 Stop section 35 Temperature determination section 36 Risk avoidance section 37 First temperature sensor 38 Second temperature sensor 39 Third temperature sensor 40 Stop section

Claims (4)

a main body case having an inlet and an outlet;
a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, a radiator, an expander, and a heat absorber are connected in a circular arrangement in order to circulate a refrigerant;
an air passage communicating the air inlet and the air outlet;
a blower that guides air from the air inlet to the air outlet;
a dehumidifying rotor having a flat surface portion that passes through the air passage to dehumidify air passing through the air passage;
a drive unit that rotates the dehumidifying rotor;
a heating section that faces an upstream surface of the flat section, which is an upstream surface of the flat section in the air passage, and heats the flat section;
a danger avoidance unit for avoiding danger associated with a dangerous temperature,
The danger avoidance unit is
a first temperature sensor that detects a dangerous temperature of air near an upstream side of the heating unit in the air passage;
a second temperature sensor that detects a dangerous temperature of air immediately after passing through the heating unit and the dehumidifying rotor;
a third temperature sensor configured to detect a dangerous temperature of the air generated when a chemical substance adhered to the dehumidifying rotor due to heating by the heating unit is inhibited from adsorbing and releasing moisture near the upstream surface of the flat portion and immediately downstream of the heating unit in the rotation direction; and
a stopping unit that stops operation of the heating unit based on detection of a dangerous temperature by at least one of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor. At least one of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor is a temperature determination unit that measures an ambient temperature and transmits a stop signal to the stop unit when the ambient temperature reaches the dangerous temperature,
The dehumidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the stopping unit stops the operation of the heating unit upon receiving the stop signal from the temperature determining unit. at least one of the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the third temperature sensor is a thermal fuse that melts and stops the operation of the heating unit when the ambient temperature reaches the dangerous temperature;
3. The dehumidifying device according to claim 1, wherein the stopping portion is the thermal fuse itself. the flat surface includes a flat surface downstream surface that is a surface of the flat surface on the downstream side in the air passage,
The upstream surface of the flat portion is divided into a first section and a second section,
the downstream surface of the flat portion is divided into a third section that is plane-symmetrical to the first section and a fourth section that is plane-symmetrical to the second section,
The air passage passes through the first compartment, the third compartment, the fourth compartment, and the second compartment in this order,
The heating section faces the first section,
The dehumidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the third temperature sensor faces the second compartment.