JP7508886B2 - Dehumidifier - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a dehumidifier that has a tank that is detachable from the main body and uses a float to detect the water level in the tank water storage area that is created by dehumidification.

Patent Document 1 describes an example of a dehumidifier that has a tank that is detachable from the main body, dehumidifies the air it takes in, and stores water in the tank water storage section, in which a float detects the level of water stored in the tank water storage section caused by dehumidification. In Patent Document 1, the float is equipped with a magnet, and as the level of water stored in the tank water storage section rises, the float rises along a partition wall provided in the tank due to the buoyancy of the water stored in the tank water storage section, and when the float approaches a sensor that detects a magnetic field provided near the top of the partition wall on the main body, it is possible to detect whether the water storage section is full (see Patent Document 1, for example).

Patent No. 6585520

In order to increase the volume of the tank's water storage section so that more water produced by dehumidification can be stored in the tank, it is effective to increase the tank's horizontal cross-sectional area. However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, increasing the tank's horizontal cross-sectional area leads to a decrease in the accuracy of full-water detection, and there was an issue that it was not possible to achieve both the volume of the tank's water storage section and the accuracy of full-water detection.

This disclosure has been made to solve these problems. Its purpose is to provide a dehumidifier that improves the accuracy of full water detection even when the tank's horizontal cross-sectional area is secured to ensure the tank's water storage capacity.

The dehumidifier of the present disclosure comprises a main body having an inlet and an outlet, dehumidification means for dehumidifying moisture in the air sucked in through the inlet, and a tank for storing moisture dehumidified by the dehumidification means and which is detachable from the main body, the tank comprising a partition wall separating a first water storage section and a second water storage section, a through hole provided at a predetermined height in the partition wall, a float disposed in the second water storage section and which moves up and down due to the buoyancy of water stored in the second water storage section, a magnet provided on the float, and a holding member for holding the float in the second water storage section, the main body comprising a sensor for detecting the magnetic field of the magnet, and a control section for detecting the water level in the tank based on the detection result of the sensor, the first water storage section has a larger volume and a larger cross-sectional area in a horizontal plane than the second water storage section, and the first water storage section has a larger water level than the second water storage section, and the tank comprises a partition wall separating a first water storage section and a second water storage section, a through hole provided at a predetermined height in the partition wall, a float disposed in the second water storage section and which moves up and down due to the buoyancy of water stored in the second water storage section, a magnet provided on the float, and a holding member for holding the float in the second water storage section, the main body comprising a sensor for detecting the magnetic field of the magnet, and a control section for detecting the water level in the tank based on the detection result of the sensor, The water section accumulates dehumidified moisture before the second water storage section, and when the water level accumulated in the first water storage section reaches the height of the through hole provided in the partition wall, the water level of the tank is detected by the water that passes through the through hole and accumulates in the second water storage section, and when the float reaches a position in the vertical direction corresponding to the full water position that is preset as the water storage amount for determining when the tank is full, the distance between the sensor and the magnet becomes less than a predetermined distance, causing the sensor to detect the magnetic field of the magnet, and the control section detects that the tank is full, the retaining member is detachable from the upper part of the partition wall, and when the retaining member is attached to the upper part of the partition wall, a water drainage gap is formed between the partition wall and the retaining member .

According to the dehumidifier of the present disclosure, even when the horizontal cross-sectional area of the tank is secured in order to ensure the volume of the tank water storage section, the dehumidifier has the effect of improving the accuracy of full-water detection.

1 is an external perspective view of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a front view of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a top view of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a side view of a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 3 is a cross-sectional view of line BB in FIG. 2 showing the configuration of the airflow direction changing unit according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tank according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a front view of the tank according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side view of the tank according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a side view of the tank as viewed from the opposite side to FIG. 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a top view of the tank according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 9 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 12 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a perspective view of a tank with a lid removed according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tank with a lid and a holder removed according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 1 is an oblique view of the tank in a state in which the lid and holder according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure have been removed and the float has risen until full water is detected. FIG. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the holder of FIG. 15 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 19 illustrates a state in which the holder of FIG. 18 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure has been removed. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a float of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the dehumidifier of the present disclosure. 2 is a front view of a float of the dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the dehumidifier of the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of the tank periphery of FIG. 22 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the tank and its surroundings in a state in which the float has risen until full water is detected in FIG. 23 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the float of FIG. 24 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a tank with a lid removed according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a tank with a lid and holder removed according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of FIG. 12 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

The embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

First embodiment
Fig. 1 to Fig. 25 relate to a dehumidifier according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of the dehumidifier 100. Fig. 2 is a front view of the dehumidifier 100. Fig. 3 is a rear view of the dehumidifier 100. Fig. 4 is a top view of the dehumidifier 100. Fig. 5 is a side view of the dehumidifier 100.

Here, the up-down direction on the paper in FIG. 2 is the up-down direction of the dehumidifier 100. The front direction on the paper in FIG. 2 is the front direction of the dehumidifier 100. The back direction on the paper in FIG. 2 is the rear direction of the dehumidifier 100. In FIG. 2, the left direction on the paper is the right direction of the dehumidifier 100, and the right direction on the paper is the left direction of the dehumidifier 100. In FIG. 3, the front direction on the paper is the rear direction of the dehumidifier 100, and the left-right direction on the paper is the left-right direction of the dehumidifier 100.

The left-right direction on the paper in FIG. 5 is the front-rear direction of the dehumidifier 100. The up-down direction on the paper in FIG. 5 is the up-down direction of the dehumidifier 100. In FIG. 5, the front side of the paper is the left side of the dehumidifier 100, and the back side of the paper is the right side of the dehumidifier 100.

Also, FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier 100 of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a cross-section taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the dehumidifier 100. The up, down, left, and right directions on the paper in FIG. 6 correspond to the up, down, left, and right directions on the paper in FIG. 5.

The dehumidifier 100 includes a housing 1. The housing 1 is the main body of the dehumidifier 100. The housing 1 is formed, for example, in a vertically long box shape that can stand on its own. The dehumidifier 100 may include wheels 2. The wheels 2 are provided, for example, on the bottom of the housing 1. The wheels 2 enable the dehumidifier 100 to move on the floor surface.

The housing 1 is formed with an intake port 3. The intake port 3 is an opening for taking in air into the housing 1. The intake port 3 is formed, for example, on the rear surface of the housing 1. The housing 1 is also formed with an exhaust port 4. The exhaust port 4 is an opening for blowing air from the inside of the housing 1 to the outside. The exhaust port 4 is formed, for example, on the upper part of the front surface of the housing 1. The exhaust port 4 is shaped, for example, like a rectangle extending in the left-right direction of the housing 1.

An air passage 5 is formed inside the housing 1. The air passage 5 is a space extending from the intake 3 to the exhaust 4. The dehumidifier 100 includes a blower fan 7 and a blower fan motor 6 as an example of an exhaust means. The blower fan 7 is a fan that generates an air current in the air passage 5 that flows from the intake 3 to the exhaust 4. The blower fan motor 6 is connected to the blower fan 7. The blower fan motor 6 is a motor that rotates the blower fan 7.

The blower fan 7 and blower fan motor 6 are provided inside the housing 1. The blower fan 7 is disposed in the air duct 5. In this embodiment, the blower fan 7 causes air to flow from the intake port 3 to the exhaust port 4 in the air duct 5. In this embodiment, the blower fan 7 blows air out from the exhaust port 4. In the air duct 5, the side where the intake port 3 is located is the upstream side, and the side where the exhaust port 4 is located is the downstream side. The blower fan 7 causes air to flow from the upstream side to the downstream side in the air duct 5.

The dehumidifier 100 includes a dehumidifier 8 as an example of a dehumidification means for removing moisture contained in the air drawn in through the suction port 3. The dehumidifier 8 is a device that condenses moisture in the air and discharges it. As an example, the dehumidifier 8 drips the condensed moisture downward as liquid water. The dehumidifier 8 removes moisture from the air, i.e., dehumidifies the air. The air dehumidified by the dehumidifier 8 becomes dry air.

The dehumidifier 8 is, for example, a device that uses a heat pump circuit. The dehumidifier 8 that uses a heat pump circuit condenses moisture in the air using an evaporator. The dehumidifier 8 may be a desiccant type device. The desiccant type dehumidifier 8 has an adsorbent that adsorbs moisture in the air and a heat exchanger. The desiccant type dehumidifier 8 condenses the moisture adsorbed by the adsorbent using the heat exchanger.

The dehumidifier 8 is provided inside the housing 1. The dehumidifier 8 is disposed in the air passage 5. As an example, the dehumidifier 8 is disposed between the air inlet 3 and the blower fan 7. In this embodiment, the dehumidifier 8 is disposed upstream of the blower fan 7. In this embodiment, the air inlet 3, the dehumidifier 8, the blower fan 7, and the air outlet 4 are disposed in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side.

The dehumidifier 100 of this embodiment includes a tank 50. The tank 50 stores the condensed water C discharged by the dehumidification unit 8 in the water storage unit 9. The tank 50 is, for example, a container-shaped member with an open top. The tank 50 is provided below the dehumidification unit 8 inside the housing 1. The tank 50 receives and stores the condensed water C dripped from the dehumidification unit 8 through the opening at the top. The tank 50 is detachable from the housing 1.

The dehumidifier 100 may include a filter 10. The filter 10 is provided inside the housing 1. The filter 10 is provided so as to cover the intake port 3 from inside the housing 1. The filter 10 prevents dust and dirt from entering the inside of the housing 1.

The dehumidifier 100 of this embodiment also includes an airflow direction changing unit 30. FIG. 8 is a side view of FIG. 7 with the housing 1 removed. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the airflow direction changing unit 30. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a portion of the cross section of the dehumidifier 100 at position B-B in FIG. 3. The up-down directions on the paper surface of FIG. 7 correspond to the up-down, up-down, left-right directions on the paper surface of FIG. 2.

The air direction changing unit 30 determines the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet 4. Hereinafter, the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet 4 is referred to as the blowing direction. The blowing direction is changed by the movement of the air direction changing unit 30. The air direction changing unit 30 is disposed near the air outlet 4. The air direction changing unit 30 in this embodiment is an example of air direction determination means.

The airflow direction changing section 30 has a vertical louver 31 as an example of a first changing section. The vertical louver 31 is formed to match the shape of the air outlet 4. In this embodiment, the vertical louver 31 is a rectangular frame extending in the left-right direction. As an example, the vertical louver 31 has a plate-shaped member extending in the left-right direction as shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the vertical louver 31 has a rectangular opening extending in the left-right direction. The vertical louver 31 is attached to the housing 1 via an axis extending in the left-right direction. The vertical louver 31 is rotatable around this axis.

The airflow direction changing unit 30 has a vertical louver motor 32 for moving the vertical louvers 31. The vertical louver motor 32 is provided inside the housing 1. The vertical louver motor 32 rotates the vertical louvers 31 via the louver mechanism unit. When the vertical louvers 31 rotate, the orientation of the openings of the vertical louvers 31 is changed to the vertical direction. The blowing direction is changed to the vertical direction by changing the orientation of the openings of the vertical louvers 31 to the vertical direction.

The airflow direction changing unit 30 also has left-right louvers 33 as an example of a second changing unit. The left-right louvers 33 are made up of members that extend in the up-down direction. As an example, the left-right louvers 33 have plate-shaped members that extend in the up-down direction. The plate-shaped members that extend in the up-down direction are, for example, arranged at equal intervals.

The left-right louvers 33 are arranged inside the frame-shaped up-down louvers 31. The left-right louvers 33 are attached to the up-down louvers 31 via an axis along the up-down direction (not shown). The left-right louvers 33 can rotate around this axis along the up-down direction. As an example, the up-down louvers 31 and the left-right louvers 33 are arranged so that the left-right center of the up-down louvers 31 coincides with the left-right center of the entire left-right louvers 33.

The airflow direction changing unit 30 has a left-right louver motor 34 for moving the left-right louvers 33. The left-right louver motor 34 is provided inside the housing 1. The airflow direction changing unit 30 also has a link 35. The link 35 is connected to the rear of the left-right louvers 33. The link 35 is connected to the left-right louver motor 34. The left-right louvers 33 and the left-right louver motor 34 are connected via the link 35. When the left-right louver motor 34 is driven, the left-right louvers 33 rotate via the link 35. The rotation of the left-right louvers 33 changes the blowing direction to the left or right.

The link 35 is formed to move in conjunction with the vertical louvers 31. When the vertical louvers 31 move, the link 35 moves with them. When the link 35 moves, the left-right louvers 33 connected to the link 35 also move. In other words, when the vertical louvers 31 move, the left-right louvers 33 move with the vertical louvers 31. The left-right louvers 33 move in the same direction as the vertical louvers 31.

The vertical louvers 31 and the horizontal louvers 33 are formed to be able to move within a certain range. The blowing direction is changed within a certain range by the movement of the vertical louvers 31 and the horizontal louvers 33. The dehumidifier 100 can send air within a certain range. In this disclosure, the certain range to which the dehumidifier 100 can send air is also referred to as the "air blowing range." The area that is hit by the air blown out from the air outlet 4 is also referred to as the "air blowing area." The air blowing area is changed within the air blowing range by the movement of the vertical louvers 31 and the horizontal louvers 33. The air blowing area is changed together with the blowing direction.

The dehumidifier 100 of this embodiment also includes a sensor unit 36. The sensor unit 36 has a function of emitting visible light and a function of detecting a surface temperature. The sensor unit 36 is disposed inside the frame-shaped vertical louvers 31. As an example, the sensor unit 36 is disposed in the center position of the vertical louvers 31 in the left-right direction.

The dehumidifier 100 of this embodiment also includes a control device 37 (see FIG. 22) and an operation unit 11. The control device 37 is electrically connected to each device provided in the dehumidifier 100. The control device 37 controls each device provided in the dehumidifier 100. The control device 37 is provided inside the housing 1. The operation unit 11 is for the user to operate the dehumidifier 100. The operation unit 11 is provided, for example, on the rear side of the top surface of the housing 1. The control device 37 and the operation unit 11 are electrically connected.

In this embodiment, the control device 37 is electrically connected to the blower fan motor 6, the dehumidifier 8, the vertical louver motor 32, the horizontal louver motor 34, and the sensor unit 36. The control device 37 electrically controls the blower fan motor 6, the dehumidifier 7, the vertical louver motor 32, the horizontal louver motor 34, and the sensor unit 36.

The control device 37 is also electrically connected to the surface temperature detection unit 38. The surface temperature detection unit 38 converts the detected surface temperature information into an electrical signal such as a voltage. The surface temperature detection unit 38 outputs the converted electrical signal to the control device 37. The control device 37 operates based on the electrical signal from the surface temperature detection unit 38.

The operation unit 11 has, for example, an operation button, a mode selection button, a setting button, and operation keys. The operation button is for starting or stopping the operation of the dehumidifier 100.

The mode selection button is for selecting the operating mode of the dehumidifier 100. The mode selection button transmits a signal corresponding to the operation by the user to the control device 37. The setting button is for configuring the settings of the dehumidifier 100. The setting button transmits a signal corresponding to the operation by the user to the control device 37.

The operation key is an example of an operation means for transmitting an operation instruction. The operation key is for moving the airflow direction changing unit 30. The operation key is, for example, a cross key. The operation key transmits an operation instruction according to an operation from the user to the control device 37. When the control device 37 receives an operation instruction, it operates based on the received operation instruction. Note that the operation key may be something other than a cross key.

The tank 50 in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tank. FIG. 9 is a front view of the tank. Here, the up-down, left-right directions on the paper surface in FIG. 5 are the up-down, left-right directions on FIG. 9. That is, the left-right directions on the paper surface in FIG. 9 correspond to the front-rear direction of the dehumidifier 100. FIG. 10 is a side view of the tank. Here, the up-down, left-right directions on the paper surface in FIG. 3 are the up-down, left-right directions on FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is a side view of the tank seen from the opposite side of FIG. 10. Here, the up-down, left-right directions on the paper surface in FIG. 1 are the up-down, left-right directions on FIG. 11. FIG. 12 is a top view of the tank. Here, the up-down direction on the paper surface in FIG. 12 is the left-right direction on FIG. 1, the left-right direction on the paper surface in FIG. 12 is the front-rear direction on FIG. 1, and the front-rear direction on the paper surface in FIG. 12 is the up-down direction on FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of FIG. 9. FIG. 13 shows a cross section at the C-C position in FIG. 9. Figure 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view of Figure 12. Figure 14 shows a cross-section taken at position D-D in Figure 12. The up-down, left-right and up-down directions in Figure 14 correspond to the up-down, left-right and up-down directions in Figure 13.

The tank 50 comprises a water storage container 51 having a water storage section 9, and a lid 52 that can be attached and detached to the water storage container 51, and the lid 52 has a water supply hole 58. The lid 52 around the water supply hole 58 forms a slope that descends toward the water supply hole 58 in the vertical direction of the tank, and when the condensed water C dehumidified by the dehumidification section 8 falls onto the lid 52, it is guided by the slope to the water supply hole 58, and can be collected in the water storage section 9 of the water storage container 51 through the water supply hole 58.

The tank 50 also has a handle 59. The handle 59 can be gripped from outside the dehumidifier 100 when the tank 50 is attached to the housing 1, making it easy to remove the tank 50 from the housing 1 and attach the tank 50 to the housing 1, and since the tank 50 can be gripped when removed from the housing 1, it also makes it easy for the user to carry the tank 50.

The tank 50 also has a water level confirmation window 60. The water level confirmation window 60 is made of a transparent or semi-transparent material and is configured to extend in the vertical direction of the tank 50. One side of the water level confirmation window 60, the water level confirmation window outer surface 60a, constitutes part of the exterior of the dehumidifier 100, and the other side of the water level confirmation window 60, the water level confirmation window inner surface 60b, constitutes part of the water storage section 90. This allows the user to check the water level of the condensed water C accumulated in the water storage section 9 through the water level confirmation window 60 from outside the dehumidifier 100 with the tank 50 attached to the housing 1.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the tank 50 with the lid 52 removed. By removing the lid 12, the tank 50 can drain the condensed water C that has accumulated in the water storage section 9. The tank 50 also has a partition wall 56 of a predetermined height that extends vertically in the water section 9. A holder 61 is provided at the top of the partition wall 56 separately from the water storage container 51, and the holder 61 is detachable from the partition wall 56.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the tank 50 when the lid 52 and the holder 61 are removed. The partition wall 56 divides the water storage section 9 into a first water storage section 62 and a second water storage section 63. In this case, the horizontal cross-sectional area of the second water storage section 63 is smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the first water storage section 62, and the water supply hole 58 of the lid 52 is located at the top of the first water storage section 62. In other words, the structure is such that condensed water C begins to accumulate in the first water storage section 62 before it accumulates in the second water storage section 63.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of float 53. Figure 21 is a front view of float 53. Float 53 is equipped with magnet 54 and has the property of floating on water. Float 53 in embodiment 1 has a structure in which magnet 54 is fixed to the outermost part of float 53 with claws, but it is sufficient that float 53 is equipped with magnet 54. For example, float 53 may be an integrally molded product of magnet 54 and a resin part.

Figure 22 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the dehumidifier 100 of embodiment 1. Figure 22 shows a cross-section at position E-E in Figure 2. Figure 23 shows an enlarged view of the area around the tank in Figure 22. Figure 24 is an enlarged view of the area around the tank when the float 53 has risen until full water is detected. Figure 25 is an enlarged view of the area around the float 53 in Figure 24.

The tank 50 is provided with a float 53. The float 53 in this embodiment is an example of a water level detection means for detecting the water level of the condensed water C accumulated in the tank 50. The float 53 is disposed in the second water storage section 63 in the tank 50. Therefore, the float 53 floats on the surface of the condensed water accumulated in the second water storage section 63, and the position of the float 53 moves up and down in accordance with the up and down movement of the water level of the condensed water C accumulated in the second water storage section 63. The holder 61 prevents the float 53 from being discharged from the second water storage section 63 when the condensed water C is discharged from the water storage section 9.

In addition, with the retainer 61 provided on the upper portion of the partition wall 56, a water drainage gap 61a is formed between the partition wall 56 and the retainer 61. This makes it possible to drain the condensed water C that has accumulated in the second water storage section 63 through the water drainage gap 61a.

When the float 53 reaches the preset full water position M in the vertical direction, the sensor 55 detects the magnetic field of the magnet 54 when the distance between the sensor 55 and the magnet 54 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined distance. The full water position M is preset as the amount of water stored in the tank 50 to determine whether the tank 50 is full. The sensor 55 that detects the magnetic field is electrically connected to the control device 37, and when the float 53 reaches the full water position M in the vertical direction, the control device 37 stops the operation of the dehumidifier 8. This stops the supply of condensed water C to the tank 50, making it possible to prevent the condensed water C from overflowing from the tank 50.

The partition wall 56 has a through hole 57 at a predetermined height that connects the first water storage section 62 and the second water storage section 63. As described above, the structure is such that condensed water C begins to accumulate in the first water storage section 62 before the second water storage section 63. Therefore, after the first water storage section 62 becomes full, condensed water C flows into the second water storage section 63 through the through hole 57, and full water is detected when the vertical position of the float 53 rises to the full water position M. When full water is detected, the notification section 11a notifies the user that full water has been detected. Examples of notification means by the notification section 11a include LED illumination and buzzer sound.

Although the sensor 55 that detects the magnetic field detects that the vertical position of the float 53 has risen to a position corresponding to the full-water position M, there is generally a limit to the accuracy of detection of the distance between the magnet 54, which is located at a distance from the sensor 55, when the magnet 54 approaches the sensor 55 and the sensor 55 begins to detect the magnetic field of the magnet 54. For example, if the designed distance between the two at which the sensor 55 begins to detect the magnetic field of the magnet 54 is xc, the sensor 55 detects that the float 53 has risen to the full-water position M when the distance between the two is in the range of xc-Δx<xc<xc+Δx due to variations in the detection accuracy of the sensor 55. In other words, there is an error of 2Δx for the distance xc. In this way, the vertical position of the float 53 detected as full water varies depending on the accuracy of the sensor 55 that detects the magnetic field. As a result, if the cross-sectional area of the horizontal surface of the condensed water container surrounding the water surface on which the float floats when the full water level is detected is S, the detection error of the volume of condensed water C with a volume of Δx·S due to the detection error of the distance of the sensor 55 will be compared to the volume V of the condensed water when the full water level is detected. Therefore, by reducing the cross-sectional area S of the horizontal surface of the condensed water container surrounding the water surface on which the float floats when the full water level is detected, the detection accuracy of the volume of condensed water when the full water level is detected is improved.

According to embodiment 1, the horizontal cross-sectional area of the second water storage section 63 is smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the first water storage section 62, so it is possible to increase the accuracy of the full water position M in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the horizontal cross-sectional area of the tank is secured to ensure the volume of the water storage section 9, it is possible to improve the accuracy of full water detection.

Thus, according to the dehumidifier of the first embodiment, in a dehumidifier including a main body having an inlet and an outlet, a dehumidifying means for dehumidifying moisture in the air sucked in through the inlet, and a tank for storing moisture dehumidified by the dehumidifying means and detachable from the main body, the tank includes a partition wall separating a first water storage section from a second water storage section, a through hole provided at a predetermined height in the partition wall, a float disposed in the second water storage section and moving up and down due to the buoyancy of the water stored in the second water storage section, a magnet provided on the float, and a holding member for holding the float in the second water storage section. The main body is equipped with a sensor that detects the magnetic field of the magnet and a control unit that detects the water level of the tank based on the detection results of the sensor, the first water storage section has a larger volume and cross-sectional area in the horizontal plane than the second water storage section, the first water storage section accumulates dehumidified moisture before the second water storage section, and when the water level accumulated in the first water storage section reaches the height of the through-hole provided in the partition wall, the water level of the tank is detected by the water that passes through the through-hole and accumulates in the second water storage section, so that the accuracy of full water detection can be improved even if the tank's horizontal cross-sectional area is secured to ensure the volume of the tank water storage section.

Embodiment 2
Figures 26 and 27 show the tank of the dehumidifier according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 26 is a perspective view of the tank with the lid 52 removed. Figure 27 is a perspective view of the tank with the lid 52, the holder 61, and a holder 74, which will be described later, removed. Figure 28 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D in Figure 12. The up, down, left, and right directions in Figure 28 correspond to the up, down, left, and right directions in Figure 13.

The tank 50 allows the condensed water C accumulated in the water storage section 9 to be discharged by removing the lid 12. The tank 50 also has a partition wall 56 and a partition wall 72 of a predetermined height that extend vertically in the water storage section 9. A holder 61 is provided on the top of the partition wall 56, and a holder 74 is provided on the top of the partition wall 72, separately from the water storage container 51, and the holder 61 and the holder 74 are detachable from the partition wall 56 and the partition wall 72.

The partition walls 56 and 72 divide the water storage section 9 into a first water storage section 62, a second water storage section 63, and a third water storage section 76. At this time, the horizontal cross-sectional areas of the second water storage section 63 and the third water storage section 76 are smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the first water storage section 62, and the water supply hole 58 of the lid body 12 is located at the top of the first water storage section 62. In other words, the structure is such that condensed water C begins to accumulate in the first water storage section 62 before it accumulates in the second water storage section 63 and the third water storage section 76.

The tank 50 is provided with a float 53 and a float 70. The float 53 and the float 70 in this embodiment are an example of a water level detection means for detecting the water level of the condensed water C accumulated in the tank 50. The float 53 is arranged in the second water storage section 63, which is partitioned by a partition wall 56 in the tank 50, and the float 70 is arranged in the third water storage section 76, which is partitioned by a partition wall 72. Therefore, the float 53 and the float 70 float on the water surface of the condensed water accumulated in the second water storage section 63 and the third water storage section 76, and the positions of the float 53 and the float 70 also move up and down with the up and down movement of the water surface of the condensed water C accumulated in the second water storage section 63 and the third water storage section 76. The holder 61 and the holder 74 prevent the float 53 and the float 70 from being discharged from the second water storage section 63 and the third water storage section 76 when the condensed water C is discharged from the water storage section 9.

When the holder 61 is provided on the top of the partition wall 56, a water discharge gap 61a is formed between the partition wall 56 and the holder 61. When the holder 74 is provided on the top of the partition wall 72, a water discharge gap 74a is formed between the partition wall 72 and the holder 74. This makes it possible to discharge the condensed water C that has accumulated in the second water storage section 63 and the condensed water C that has accumulated in the third water storage section 76 from the water discharge gap 61a and the water discharge gap 74a, respectively.

When the float 53 reaches a position corresponding to the preset full water position M in the vertical direction, the distance between the sensor 55 and the magnet 54 becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, and the sensor 55 detects the magnetic field of the magnet 54. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the tank 50, and for the sake of convenience, the vertical position of the sensor 55 that detects the magnetic field provided in the housing 1 is shown. The full water position M is preset as the amount of water stored in the tank 50 to determine whether the tank 50 is full. The sensor 55 that detects the magnetic field is electrically connected to the control device 37, and when the float 53 reaches a position corresponding to the full water position M in the vertical direction, the control device 37 stops the operation of the dehumidification unit 8. As a result, the condensed water C is no longer supplied to the tank 50, and it is possible to prevent the condensed water C from overflowing from the tank 50.

The partition wall 56 has a through hole 57 at a predetermined height that connects the first water storage section 62 and the second water storage section 63. As described above, the structure is such that condensed water C begins to accumulate in the first water storage section 62 before the second water storage section 63. Therefore, after the condensed water C accumulated in the first water storage section 62 reaches the through hole 57, the condensed water C flows into the second water storage section 63 through the through hole 57, and when the vertical position of the float 53 rises to a position corresponding to the full water position M, a full water state is detected. When a full water state is detected, the notification section 11a notifies the user that a full water state has been detected. Examples of notification means by the notification section 11a include LED illumination and buzzer sound.

When the float 70 reaches a preset water level detection position N, the distance between the sensor 75 and the magnet 71 becomes equal to or less than a preset distance, and the sensor 75 detects the magnetic field of the magnet 71. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the tank 50, but for ease of explanation, the vertical position of the sensor 75 that detects the magnetic field provided in the housing 1 is shown. The preset water level detection position N is set in advance as the amount of water stored to determine whether the level of the condensed water C accumulated in the tank 50 has reached a preset water level. The sensor 75 that detects the magnetic field is electrically connected to the control device 37, and when the vertical position of the float 70 reaches a position corresponding to the water level detection position N, the control device 37 notifies the user via the operation unit 11 that the preset water level has been reached.

The partition wall 75 has a through hole 73 at a predetermined height that connects the first water storage section 62 and the third water storage section 76. The through hole 73 is located lower in the vertical direction than the through hole 57. As described above, the condensed water C starts to accumulate in the first water storage section 62 before the third water storage section 76. Therefore, after the condensed water C accumulated in the first water storage section 62 reaches the through hole 73, the condensed water C flows into the third water storage section 76 through the through hole 73, and the float 70 detects the water level when it rises to the water level detection position N. In this way, the float 70 detects that the tank 50 is about to become full before the float 53 detects that the tank 50 is full, which is easy to use. When the float 53 or the float 70 detects a predetermined water level, the notification unit 11a notifies the user that the water level has been detected. Examples of notification means by the notification unit 11a include LED light emission and buzzer sound.

In this way, the dehumidifier of the second embodiment has multiple second water storage sections, each of which has a float, a through hole, and a retaining member, and the height of the through hole differs for each of the multiple second water storage sections. Therefore, before one float in a second water storage section detects that the tank is about to become full, another float in another second water storage section can detect that the tank is about to become full.

1 housing,
2 wheels,
3 suction port,
4 air outlet,
5. Air passage,
6 Blower fan motor,
7 Blower fan,
8 Dehumidification section,
9 Water storage section,
10 filters,
11 Operation unit,
11a Notification unit,
13 power cord,
14 Notification department,
30 Wind direction changing unit,
31 Up-down louvers,
32 vertical louver motor,
33 Left and right louvers,
34 Left/right louver motor,
35 links,
36 sensor unit,
37 control device,
38 surface temperature detection unit,
50 tanks,
51 water storage container,
52 Lid body,
53 float,
54 magnet,
55 sensor,
56 Partition wall,
57 through hole,
58 water supply hole,
59 Handle,
60 Water level check window,
61 holder,
61a water drainage gap,
62 First water storage section,
63 Second water storage section,
70 float,
71 Magnet,
72 Partition wall,
73 through hole,
74 holder,
74a water drainage gap,
75 sensors,
76 Third Water Reservoir,
100 Dehumidifier,
P indoor air,
Q Dry air,
C condensed water,
M: Full water position,
N Water level detection position.

Claims (2)

A dehumidifier comprising: a main body having an inlet and an outlet; a dehumidifying means for dehumidifying moisture in air sucked through the inlet; and a tank for storing moisture dehumidified by the dehumidifying means and detachable from the main body,
The tank includes a partition wall separating a first water storage section and a second water storage section, a through hole provided at a predetermined height in the partition wall, a float disposed in the second water storage section and moving up and down due to the buoyancy of water accumulated in the second water storage section, a magnet provided on the float, and a holding member for holding the float in the second water storage section,
The main body includes a sensor that detects the magnetic field of the magnet, and a control unit that detects the water level of the tank based on the detection result of the sensor,
The first water storage section has a larger volume and a larger cross-sectional area in a horizontal plane than the second water storage section,
The first water storage section accumulates moisture that has been dehumidified earlier than the second water storage section,
When the water level of the first water storage portion reaches the height of the through hole provided in the partition wall, the water level of the tank is detected by the water passing through the through hole and storing in the second water storage portion,
When the float reaches a position in the up-down direction corresponding to a full water position that is preset as a water storage amount for determining whether the tank is full, the distance between the sensor and the magnet becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined distance, whereby the sensor detects the magnetic field of the magnet, and the control unit detects that the tank is full ,
The holding member is detachable from the upper portion of the partition wall,
A dehumidifier in which, with the holding member attached to the upper part of the partition wall, a water discharge gap is formed between the partition wall and the holding member . The dehumidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a plurality of the second water storage sections, each of the plurality of second water storage sections has the float, the through hole, and the retaining member, and the height of the through hole is different for each of the plurality of second water storage sections.

Images