Dehumidifying device and dehumidifying module

The present application discloses a dehumidifying device including a base configured to define an inlet channel for first air flow, and an outlet channel for second air flow less humid than the first; and a first dehumidifier including a first inlet and outlet in communication with the inlet and outlet channel, and configured to dehumidify the first air between the first inlet and the first outlet to generate the second air. The base includes a first base portion configured to define first inlet and outlet regions for the first and second air flows; and a second base portion configured to define second inlet and outlet regions in communication with the first inlet and outlet regions. The first and second inlet regions form at least a part of the inlet channel. The first and second outlet regions form at least a part of the outlet channel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying the air, and a dehumidifying module for use in the dehumidifying device.

Description of the Related Art

Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3150077 (hereinafter, called as Patent Document 1) discloses a dehumidifying device for dehumidifying compressed air which causes a braking force in a railway vehicle. In Patent Document 1, the air compressed by an air compression unit is cooled by an after-cooler. After the compressed air is cooled, the compressed air is dehumidified by the dehumidifying device, and the compressed air after the dehumidification is stored in a compressed air tank.

FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1 discloses a columnar dehumidifying device. The size (length and diameter) of the dehumidifying device is determined to meet required dehumidification performance. If there is a change in the required dehumidification performance for the dehumidifying device, a designer has to redesign the dehumidifying device. This means that a variety of the dehumidification performance required for a dehumidifying device results in an increase in types of dehumidifying devices. Consequently, a manufacturer has to put a lot of efforts for production control of dehumidifying devices.

If the maximum dehumidification performance among the requirements for dehumidifying devices is given to all the types of dehumidifying devices, there may be a decrease in the efforts for the production control of dehumidifying devices. In this case, however, the dehumidifying devices may be oversized unnecessarily.

An object of the present invention is to provide techniques for easily changing a design of a dehumidifying device so as to meet dehumidification performance requirement from a user using the dehumidifying device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A dehumidifying device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a base configured to define an inlet channel, through which first air flows, and an outlet channel, through which second air less humid than the first air flows; and a first dehumidifier including a first inlet in communication with the inlet channel and a first outlet in communication with the outlet channel, the first dehumidifier dehumidifying the first air between the first inlet and the first outlet to generate the second air. The base includes a first base portion configured to define a first inlet region, through which the first air flows, and a first outlet region, through which the second air flows; and a second base portion configured to define a second inlet region in communication with the first inlet region and a second outlet region in communication with the first outlet region. The first and second inlet regions form at least a part of the inlet channel. The first and second outlet regions form at least a part of the outlet channel.

A dehumidifying module according to another aspect of the present invention is connectable to another base portion which defines channels through which air flows. The dehumidifying module includes a base portion configured to define an inlet region, through which first air flows, and an outlet region, through which second air less humid than the first air flows; and a first dehumidifier including a first inlet in communication with the inlet region and a first outlet in communication with the outlet region, the first dehumidifier dehumidifying the first air between the first inlet and the first outlet to generate the second air. The inlet region communicates with one of the channels to partially define an inlet channel, through which the first air flows, and the outlet region communicates with another of the channels to define an outlet channel, through which the second air flows, when the base portion is connected to the other base portion.

The aforementioned techniques allow an easy design change of a dehumidifying device so as to meet dehumidification performance requirement from a user using the dehumidifying device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An exemplificative dehumidifying device is described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a dehumidifying device is used for dehumidifying compressed air for use in a railway vehicle. The dehumidifying device, however, may be used for other applications. The following principle of the dehumidifying device is not limited to a specific application of the dehumidifying device.

FIGS. 1 and 2are schematic perspective views of an exemplificative dehumidifying device1.FIG. 1mainly shows an upper portion of the dehumidifying device1.FIG. 2mainly shows a lower portion of the dehumidifying device1.FIG. 3is a schematic plan view of the dehumidifying device1.FIG. 4is a schematic enlarged view of the dehumidifying device1shown inFIG. 3around a dehumidifying unit10.FIG. 5is a schematic right side view of the dehumidifying device1. A part of components is removed from the dehumidifying device1shown inFIG. 5. Therefore,FIG. 5shows an internal structure of the dehumidifying device1.

With regard toFIGS. 1 to 5, the direction of the arrow with the term “FRONT” is called as front side or forward. The direction of the arrow with the term “REAR” is called as rear side or rearward. The direction of the arrow with the term “RIGHT” is called as right side or rightward. The direction of the arrow with the term “LEFT” is called as left side or leftward. The direction of the arrow with the term “UP” is called as upper side or upward. The direction of the arrow with the term “DOWN” is called as lower side or downward.

The dehumidifying device1is mounted onto a railway vehicle (not shown). The dehumidifying device1dehumidifies compressed air for use in causing a braking force which acts on the railway vehicle.

The compressed air is generated by an air compressor (not shown). The compressed air flows into the dehumidifying device1. The compressed air which has dehumidified by the dehumidifying device1is stored in a compressed air tank (not shown) situated at the downstream of the dehumidifying device1. The compressed air which has stored in the compressed air tank is used for generating the braking force of the railway vehicle.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 5, the dehumidifying device1includes a separation device2, the dehumidifying unit and a check valve6. The dehumidifying unit10is connected to the separation device2and the check valve6. The separation device2separates moisture and oil from the compressed air. The compressed air then flows into the dehumidifying unit10. The dehumidifying unit10dehumidifies the compressed air. The compressed air after the dehumidification flows into the compressed air tank through the check valve6. The check valve6prevents backflow of the compressed air. In the present embodiment, the separator is exemplified by the separation device2. The first air is exemplified by the compressed air which flows from the separation device2into the dehumidifying unit10.

As shown inFIG. 5, the separation device2includes a housing3and a separation processor4. The separation processor4is situated in the housing3. The housing3defines a spiral flow channel5.

The compressed air flows in from an upper portion of the separation device2, and then flows downward along the spiral flow channel5. Thereafter, the compressed air flows into a lower portion of the separation processor4, and then flows upward through the separation processor4. At this time, the moisture and the oil in the compressed air are adhered to the separation processor4. Consequently, the moisture and the oil are removed from the compressed air. The separation processor4may be an aluminum crusher (a fibrous mass of entangled aluminum fibers). The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific structure of the separation processor4.

When the compressed air passes through the separation device2, a large part of moisture in the compressed air is removed from the compressed air. The compressed air is then dehumidified by the dehumidifying unit10.

As shown inFIG. 3, the separation device2includes two outlets2a,2b. The compressed air which has passed through the separation processor4flows into the dehumidifying unit10through the outlets2a,2b.

As shown inFIG. 2, the dehumidifying unit10includes dehumidifiers11(11A to11F). The dehumidifiers11are connected to each other. After the removal of the moisture and the oil from the compressed air by the separation device2, the compressed air passes through the dehumidifying unit10. Meanwhile, the compressed air is dehumidified by the dehumidifiers11.

The compressed air dehumidified by the dehumidifying unit10is discharged from the dehumidifying device1through the check valve6. On the other hand, the check valve6prevents a backflow of the compressed air into the dehumidifying device1.

As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the check valve6includes two inlets6a,6b. The compressed air dehumidified by the dehumidifying unit10flows into the check valve6through each of the inlets6a,6b. After the compressed air passes through the check valve6, the compressed air is stored in the compressed air tank. The check valve6may be a commercially available check valve. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific structure of the check valve6.

As shown inFIG. 2, the dehumidifying unit10includes dehumidifying modules30F,30M,30R. Each of the dehumidifying modules30F,30M,30R includes the two dehumidifiers11and a base portion20. The dehumidifying modules30F,30M,30R may be the same in shape, structure and size. Therefore, the description about one of the dehumidifying modules30F,30M,30R is applicable to the other dehumidifying modules.

The principle of the present embodiment is also applicable to a dehumidifying device including two dehumidifying modules. The principle of the present embodiment is also applicable to a dehumidifying device including four or more dehumidifying modules. Therefore, the principle of the present embodiment is not limited by how many dehumidifying modules are incorporated in a dehumidifying device.

As shown inFIG. 1, the base portion20of the dehumidifying module30F is called as the base portion20F in the following description. The base portion20of the dehumidifying module30M is called as the base portion20M. The base portion20of the dehumidifying module30R is called as the base portion20R. The base portion20M is situated between the base portions20F,20R. In the present embodiment, the base is exemplified as a group of the base portions20M,20F,20R.

As shown inFIG. 2, in the following description, the two dehumidifiers11mounted on the base portion20F are called as the dehumidifiers11A,11B. The two dehumidifiers11mounted on the base portion20M are called as the dehumidifiers11C,11D. The two dehumidifiers11mounted on the base portion20R are called as the dehumidifiers11E,11F.

The dehumidifiers11A to11F may be the same in shape, structure and size. As shown inFIG. 2, each of the dehumidifiers11A to11F includes a housing12and hollow fiber membranes15. The hollow fiber membranes15are stored in the housing12.

As shown inFIG. 2, the housing12is formed into a tubular shape. The housing12includes two straight portions13a,13band a curved portion14. The curved portion14is integrally formed with the straight portions13a,13b. Each of the straight portions13a,13bis a linearly extending tubular member. The straight portion13ais distant from the straight portion13b. The straight portion13aextends substantially in parallel to the straight portion13b. The curved portion14is formed into a U-shape. The curved portion14includes an end integrally formed with the straight portion13aand the other end integrally formed with the straight portion13b.

The housing12includes an inlet12aand an outlet12b. The compressed air flows into the housing12through the inlet12a. The compressed air is then discharged from the housing12through the outlet12b. While the compressed air flows from the inlet12ato the outlet12b, the compressed air is dehumidified. In the present embodiment, the second air is exemplified by the compressed air to be discharged through the outlet12b.

As shown inFIG. 3, the base portion20F is formed with two inner through-holes221f,222fand two outer through-holes231f,232f. The inner through-holes221f,222fare situated between the outer through-holes231f,232f. The inner through-hole221fis situated between the inner and outer through-holes222f,231f. The inner through-hole222fis situated between the inner and outer through-holes221f,232f.

As shown inFIG. 3, the base portion20M is formed with two inner through-holes221m,222mand two outer through-holes231m,232m. The inner through-holes221m,222mare situated between the outer through-holes231m,232m. The inner through-hole221mis situated between the inner and outer through-holes222m,231m. The inner through-hole222mis situated between the inner and outer through-holes221m,232m.

As shown inFIG. 3, the base portion20R is formed with two inner through-holes221r,222rand two outer through-holes231r,232r. The inner through-holes221r,222rare situated between the outer through-holes231r,232r. The inner through-hole221ris situated between the inner and outer through-holes222r,231r. The inner through-hole222ris situated between the inner and outer through-holes221r,232r.

As shown inFIG. 3, when the base portions20F,20M,20R are connected to each other, the linearly aligned inner through-holes221f,221m,221rform an inlet channel221. When the base portions20F,20M,20R are connected to each other, the linearly aligned inner through-holes222f,222m,222rform an inlet channel222. When the base portions20F,20M,20R are connected to each other, the linearly aligned outer through-holes231f,231m,231rform an outlet channel231. When the base portions20F,20M,20R are connected to each other, the linearly aligned outer through-holes232f,232m,232rform an outlet channel232.

The inlet12aof the housing12of the dehumidifier11A is connected to the inner through-hole221fof the base portion20F whereas the outlet12bof the housing12of the dehumidifier11A is connected to the outer through-hole231f. The inlet12aof the housing12of the dehumidifier11B is connected to the inner through-hole222fof the base portion20F. Since the housing12is curved by the U-shaped curved portion14, the outlet12bof the housing12of the dehumidifier11B is connected to the outer through-hole232f. Therefore, the compressed air may smoothly flow from the inlet12ato the outlet12b.

The inlet12aof the housing12of the dehumidifier11C is connected to the inner through-hole221mof the base portion20M whereas the outlet12bof the housing12of the dehumidifier11C is connected to the outer through-hole231m. The inlet12aof the housing12of the dehumidifier11D is connected to the inner through-hole222mof the base portion20M. Since the housing12is curved by the U-shaped curved portion14, the outlet12bof the housing12of the dehumidifier11D is connected to the outer through-hole232m. Therefore, the compressed air may smoothly flow from the inlet12ato the outlet12b.

The inlet12aof the housing12of the dehumidifier11E is connected to the inner through-hole221rof the base portion20R whereas the outlet12bof the housing12of the dehumidifier11E is connected to the outer through-hole231r. The inlet12aof the housing12of the dehumidifier11F is connected to the inner through-hole222rof the base portion20F. Since the housing12is curved by the U-shaped curved portion14, the outlet12bof the housing12of the dehumidifier11F is connected to the outer through-hole232r. Therefore, the compressed air may smoothly flow from the inlet12ato the outlet12b.

Each of the hollow fiber membranes15in the housing12includes two ends having openings. The compressed air flows into one end of the hollow fiber membrane15and flows out from the other end. Meanwhile, moisture in the compressed air is exhausted from each of the hollow fiber membranes15through a membrane portion extending between the two ends. Therefore, the compressed air is appropriately dehumidified.

The hollow fiber membranes15are placed in the housing12in parallel. One end of each of the hollow fiber membranes15is opened toward one of the inlet channels221,222at the inlet12a. The other end of each of the hollow fiber membranes15is opened toward one of the outlet channels231,232at the outlet12b. Therefore, the compressed air which has flowed through the inlet12ais dehumidified by the hollow fiber membranes15before arrival at the outlet12b. The compressed air is then exhausted to the outlet channels231,232.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, each of the base portions20includes a substantially rectangular block portion21. The block portion21extends in the left and right directions. The inner through-holes221f,221m,221r,222f,222m,222rand the outer through-holes231f,231m,231r,232f,232m,232rare formed in the block portions21. The inlet channels221,222formed by the communicated inner through-holes221f,221m,221r,222f,222m,222rextend in the front and rear directions. Likewise, the outlet channels231,232formed by the communicated outer through-holes231f,231m,231r,232f,232m,232ralso extend in the front and rear directions. The inlet channels221,222and the outlet channels231,232align with each other in the left and right directions.

The compressed air passing through the separation device2flows into the inlet channels221,222formed between the outlet channels231,232. The compressed air then flows into the outlet channels231,232through the hollow fiber membranes15in the housing12.

In the following description, the front end of each of the inner through-holes221f,221m,221r,222f,222m,222ris called as the inlet22a. The rear end of each of the inner through-holes221f,221m,221r,222f,222m,222ris called as the outlet22b.

Likewise, in the following description, the front end of each of the outer through-holes231f,231m,231r,232f,232m,232ris called as the inlet23a. The rear end of each of the outer through-holes231f,231m,231r,232f,232m,232ris called as the outlet23b.

As shown inFIG. 4, the inlet22aof each of the inner through-holes221f,222fof the base portion20F communicates with the separation device2. The outlet22bof each of the inner through-holes221f,222fof the base portion20F communicates with the inlet22aof each of the inner through-holes221m,222mof the base portion20M. The inlet23aof each of the outer through-holes231f,232fof the base portion20F is blocked by the separation device2. On the other hand, the outlet23bof each of the outer through-holes231f,232fof the base portion20F communicates with the inlet23aof each of the outer through-holes231m,232mof the base portion20M. In the present embodiment, the first base portion is exemplified by the base portion20F. The first inlet region is exemplified by one of the inner through-holes221f,222f. The first outlet region is exemplified by one of the outer through-holes231f,232f. The first downstream opening is exemplified by the outlet22bof one of the inner through-holes221f,222f. The second downstream opening is exemplified by the inlet22aof one of the outer through-holes231f,232f. The first upstream opening is exemplified by the inlet22aof one if the inner through-holes221m,222m. The second upstream opening is exemplified by the inlet23aof one of the outer through-holes231m,232m. The first dehumidifier is exemplified by one of the dehumidifiers11A,11B. The first inlet is exemplified by the inlet12aof one of the dehumidifiers11A,11B. The first outlet is exemplified by the outlet12bof one of the dehumidifiers11A,11B.

As shown inFIG. 4, the outlet22bof each of the inner through-holes221m,222mof the base portion20M communicates with the inlet22aof each of the inner through-holes221r,222rof the base portion20R. The outlet23bof each of the outer through-holes231m,232mof the base portion20M communicates with the inlet23aof each of the outer through-holes231r,232rof the base portion20R. In the present embodiment, the second or third base portion may be exemplified by the base portion20M. The second inlet region may be exemplified by one of the inner through-holes221m,222m. The second outlet region may be exemplified by one of the outer through-holes231m,232m. The second dehumidifier is exemplified by one of the dehumidifiers11C,11D. The second inlet is exemplified by the inlet12aof one of the dehumidifiers11C,11D. The second outlet is exemplified by the outlet12bof one of the dehumidifiers11C,11D.

As shown inFIG. 4, the outlet22bof each of the inner through-holes221r,222rof the base portion20R is blocked by the check valve6. On the other hand, the outlet22bof each of the outer through-holes231m,232mof the base portion20R communicates with the check valve6. In the present embodiment, the second base portion may be exemplified by the base portion20R. In this case, the third base portion is exemplified by the base portion20M.

As shown inFIG. 4, two holes24and two holes25are formed in each of the block portions21. One of the two holes24communicates with one of the inlet channel221,222. The other of the two holes24communicates with the other of the inlet channels221,222. One of the two holes25communicates with one of the outlet channels231,232. The other of the two holes25communicates with the other of the outlet channels231,232.

FIG. 2conceptually shows three imaginary planes PPH orthogonal to the inlet channels221,222and the outlet channels231,232. Each of the dehumidifiers11A to11F extends downward from the holes24,25along one of the three imaginary planes PPH.

As shown inFIG. 4, the base portions20F,20M,20R are aligned with each other in the front and rear directions. Meanwhile, the inner through-holes221f,221m,221rcommunicate with each other to form the inlet channel221. The inner through-holes222f,222m,222rcommunicate with each other to form the inlet channel222. The outer through-holes231f,231m,231rcommunicate with each other to form the outlet channel231. The outer through-holes232f,232m,232rcommunicate with each other to form the outlet channel232.

The outlet22bof the inner through-hole221fis brought into firm contact with the inlet22aof the inner through-hole.221mwith a seal member or a gasket. The outlet22bof the inner through-hole221mis brought into firm contact with the inlet22aof the inner through-hole221rwith a seal member or a gasket.

The outlet22bof the inner through-hole222fis brought into firm contact with the inlet22aof the inner through-hole222mwith a seal member or a gasket. The outlet22bof the inner through-hole222mis brought into firm contact with the inlet22aof the inner through-hole222rwith a seal member or a gasket.

The outlet23bof the outer through-hole231fis brought into firm contact with the inlet23aof the outer through-hole231mwith a seal member or a gasket. The outlet23bof the outer through-hole231mis brought into firm contact with the inlet23aof the outer through-hole231rwith a seal member or a gasket.

The outlet23bof the outer through-hole232fis brought into firm contact with the inlet23aof the outer through-hole232mwith a seal member or a gasket. The outlet23bof the outer through-hole232mis brought into firm contact with the inlet23aof the outer through-hole232rwith a seal member or a gasket.

As shown inFIG. 4, the separation device2includes a wall portion2c. The wall portion2cair-tightly blocks the two inlets23aformed in the base portion20F with a seal member (not shown). The check valve6includes a wall portion6c. The wall portion6cair-tightly blocks the two outlets22bformed in the base portion20R with a seal member (not shown).

Each of the dehumidifiers11A,11B is fixedly mounted on the base portion20F. Each of the dehumidifiers11C,11D is fixedly mounted on the base portion20M. Each of the dehumidifiers11E,11F is fixedly mounted on the base portion20R. The dehumidifiers11A to11F may be connected to the base portions20F,20M,20R by bolts. Alternatively, the dehumidifiers11A to11F may be fixedly mounted on the base portions20F,20M,20R by another appropriate fastening member.

As described above, the dehumidifying unit10is situated between the separation device2and the check valve6. Meanwhile, the inlets22aof the base portion20F communicate with the separation device2. The outlets23bof the base portion20R are connected to the check valve6. The check valve6allows for the compressed air to flow from the outlets23btoward the check valve6. On the other hand, the check valve6blocks the compressed air from flowing back from the check valve6to the outlets23b. In the present embodiment, the first direction is exemplified by the flow direction of the compressed air flowing from the outlets23btoward the check valve6. The second direction is exemplified by the flow direction of the compressed air flowing back from the check valve6to the outlets23b. The upstream opening is exemplified by the inlets22aof the base portion20F. The downstream opening is exemplified by the outlets23bof the base portion20R.

As shown inFIG. 5, the dehumidifying device1includes two fastening screws7. Each of the fastening screws7includes a tip end having a male screw portion. The fastening screws7extend through the check valve6and the dehumidifying unit10. The male screw portion formed on the tip end of each of the fastening screws7engages in a female screw portion formed in the separation device2. Consequently, the separation device2, the base portions20F,20M,20R and the check valve6are tightly fastened to each other.

[Flow of Compressed Air in Dehumidifying Device]

The compressed air generated in the air compressor flows into the separation device2. The compressed air passes through the spiral flow channel5described with reference toFIG. 5, and then flows into the separation processor4. Meanwhile, oil and moisture contained in the compressed air are removed. The compressed air then flows into the dehumidifying unit10through the outlets2a,2bof the separation device2.

FIG. 6is a schematic view of a flow channel of the compressed air in the dehumidifying unit10. The bold arrows inFIG. 6conceptually represent flows of the compressed air. The compressed air passing through the separation device2is split into a flow directing toward the outlet2aand a flow directing toward the outlet2b. The compressed air directing toward the outlet2aflows into the inlet22aof the base portion20F (the upstream end of the inlet channel221). The compressed air directing toward the outlet2bflows into the inlet22aof the base portion20F (the upstream end of the inlet channel222).

Each of the base portions20F,20M,20R is formed with the corresponding hole24in communication with the inlet channel221. A part of the compressed air which has flowed into the inlet channel221through the inlet22aof the base portion20F enters the inlet12aof the dehumidifier11A through the hole24of the base portion20F. The dehumidifier11A then dehumidifies the compressed air. Another part of the compressed air which has flowed into the inlet channel221enters the inlet12aof the dehumidifier11C through the hole24of the base portion20M. The dehumidifier11C then dehumidifies the compressed air. The rest part of the compressed air which has flowed into the inlet channel221enters the inlet12aof the dehumidifier11E through the hole24of the base portion20R. The dehumidifier11E then dehumidifies the compressed air.

Each of the base portions20F,20M,20R is formed with the corresponding hole25in communication with the outlet channel231. The compressed air dehumidified by the dehumidifier11A flows into the outlet channel231through the outlet12bof the dehumidifier11A and the hole25formed in the base portion20F. The compressed air dehumidified by the dehumidifier11C flows into the outlet channel231through the outlet12bof the dehumidifier11C and the hole25formed in the base portion20M. The compressed air dehumidified by the dehumidifier11E flows into the outlet channel231through the outlet12bof the dehumidifier11E and the hole25formed in the base portion20R. The compressed air then flows into the inlet6aof the check valve6through the outlet23bformed in the base portion20R.

Each of the base portions20F,20M,20R is formed with the corresponding hole24in communication with the inlet channel222. A part of the compressed air which has flowed into the inlet channel222through the inlet22aof the base portion20F enters the inlet12aof the dehumidifier11B through the hole24of the base portion20F. The dehumidifier11B then dehumidifies the compressed air. Another part of the compressed air which has flowed into the inlet channel222enters the inlet12aof the dehumidifier11D through the hole24of the base portion20M. The dehumidifier11D then dehumidifies the compressed air. The rest part of the compressed air which has flowed into the inlet channel222enters the inlet12aof the dehumidifier11F through the hole24of the base portion20R. The dehumidifier11F then dehumidifies the compressed air.

Each of the base portions20F,20M,20R is formed with the corresponding hole25in communication with the outlet channel232. The compressed air dehumidified by the dehumidifier11B flows into the outlet channel232through the outlet12bof the dehumidifier11B and the hole25formed in the base portion20F. The compressed air dehumidified by the dehumidifier11D flows into the outlet channel232through the outlet12bof the dehumidifier11D and the hole25formed in the base portion20M. The compressed air dehumidified by the dehumidifier11F flows into the outlet channel231through the outlet12bof the dehumidifier11F and the hole25formed in the base portion20R. The compressed air then flows into the inlet6bof the check valve6through the outlet23bformed in the base portion20R.

The compressed air discharged through the outlet channel231join the compressed air discharged through the outlet channel232in the check valve6. The compressed air dehumidified by the dehumidifying unit10is fed further downstream through the check valve6. The dehumidified compressed air is then stored in the compressed air tank (not shown).

The base portion20F and the dehumidifiers11A,11B form the dehumidifying module30F. The base portion20F is connected to the other base portions (base portions20M,20R). Meanwhile, the inner through-holes221f,222fand the outer through-holes231f,232fof the base portion20F may communicate respectively with corresponding through-holes formed in the adjacent base portions.

When the dehumidification performance required by a user is accomplished solely by the dehumidifier11A, only the dehumidifier11A may be mounted on the base portion20F. When the dehumidification performance required by the user is accomplished by the dehumidifiers11A,11B, the dehumidifiers11A,11B are mounted on the base portion20F.

When the user requires higher dehumidification performance, a manufacturer may connect the base portion20F to the base portion20M. The manufacturer may mount an additional dehumidifier (at least one of the dehumidifiers11C,11D) on the base portion20M to meet the user's demand.

When the user requires much higher dehumidification performance, the manufacturer may connect the base portion20R to the base portion20M. The manufacturer may mount an additional dehumidifier (at least one of the dehumidifiers11E,11F) on the base portion20R to meet the user's demand.

The inner through-holes221f,221m,221rof the base portion20F,20M,20R are communicated with each other to form the inlet channel221. Likewise, the inner through-holes222f,222m,222rof the base portion20F,20M,20R are communicated with each other to form the other inlet channel222. Likewise, the outer through-holes231f,231m,231rof the base portion20F,20M,20R are communicated with each other to form the outlet channel231. Likewise, the outer through-holes232f,232m,232rof the base portion20F,20M,20R are communicated with each other to form the other outlet channel232. Therefore, the compressed air may smoothly pass through the dehumidifying device1under a variety of combinations of the dehumidifying modules. When the compressed air passes through the dehumidifying device1, the compressed air may be appropriately dehumidified.

The dehumidification performance of one dehumidifying module is determined by the dehumidifier11. A designer may divide dehumidification performance required by a user by the dehumidification performance of the one dehumidifying module so as to obtain the number of dehumidifying modules. The manufacturer may manufacture a plurality of dehumidifying modules from a common design drawing. The manufacturer may then combine the dehumidifying modules on the basis of the designer's decision to the dehumidifying device1. Therefore, the manufacturer may manufacture the dehumidifying device1having a variety of dehumidification performance without managing various dehumidifying modules. Accordingly, there is a large decrease in effort for production control of dehumidifying modules.

The compressed air successively passes through the inlet channels221,222, the dehumidifiers11and the outlet channels231,232. If there is a plurality of dehumidifiers11between the inlet channels221,222and the outlet channels231,232, a flow of compressed air is split into a plurality of flows of the compressed air in accordance with the number of the dehumidifiers11. Therefore, excessively high dehumidification performance is not required for each of the dehumidifiers11.

The base portions20F,20M,20R are connected to each other without tubes. Therefore, a set of the inner through-holes221f,221m,221rand a set of the inner through-holes222f,222m,222rrespectively form the inlet channels221,222. Likewise, a set of the outer through-holes231f,231m,231rand a set of the outer through-holes232f,232m,232rrespectively form the outlet channels231,232. Accordingly, a designer may set the entire length of the base including the base portions20F,20M,20R (in the extension direction of the inlet channels221,222and the outlet channels231,232) to a small value.

The dehumidifier11extends along the imaginary planes PPH intersecting with the inlet channels221,222and the outlet channels231,232. Since there is little interference between the dehumidifiers11adjacent to each other, a designer may connect the base portions20F,20M,20R to each other. Therefore, the designer may set the entire length of the base including the base portions20F,20M,20R (in the extension direction of the inlet channels221,222and the outlet channels231,232) to a small value. Accordingly, the dehumidifying device1may be placed even in a small installation space.

The base portions20F,20M,20R are fastened to each other by the fastening screws7. Therefore, a manufacturer may easily assemble the dehumidifying device1.

The separation device2and the check valve6are mounted to the dehumidifying unit10. The separation device2is mounted at the upstream of the dehumidifying unit10. Therefore, the dehumidifying device1has high dehumidification performance. The check valve6is mounted at the downstream of the dehumidifying unit10. Therefore, the compressed air after a dehumidification process is less likely to flow back to the dehumidifying unit10. Therefore, there is appropriately operation of the dehumidifying device1.

A person skilled in the art may design a variety of dehumidifying devices on the basis of the principle of the present embodiment.

The dehumidifying unit10uses the hollow fiber membranes15as the dehumidifiers11. Alternatively, drying agents such as zeolite may be used as the dehumidifiers11. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific structure of dehumidifiers11.

Two dehumidifiers11are fixedly mounted on the base portion20. Alternatively, one dehumidifier may be mounted on one base portion. Further alternatively, three or more dehumidifiers may be fixedly mounted on one base portion. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited by how many dehumidifiers are mounted on one base portion.

In the present embodiment, the outlet22b(through-hole) of the upstream base portion20is brought into firm contact with the inlet22a(through-hole) of the downstream base portion20. Alternatively, a pipe may be situated between the outlet (through-hole) of the upstream base portion and the inlet (through-hole) of the downstream base portion. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific connection structure between base portions.

The dehumidifying device and the dehumidifying module described in the context of the aforementioned embodiment mainly include the following features.

A dehumidifying device according to one aspect of the aforementioned embodiment includes a base configured to define an inlet channel, through which first air flows, and an outlet channel, through which second air less humid than the first air flows; and a first dehumidifier including a first inlet in communication with the inlet channel and a first outlet in communication with the outlet channel, the first dehumidifier dehumidifying the first air between the first inlet and the first outlet to generate the second air. The base includes a first base portion configured to define a first inlet region, through which the first air flows, and a first outlet region, through which the second air flows; and a second base portion configured to define a second inlet region in communication with the first inlet region and a second outlet region in communication with the first outlet region. The first and second inlet regions form at least a part of the inlet channel. The first and second outlet regions form at least a part of the outlet channel.

According to the aforementioned configuration, since the first and second inlet regions form at least a part of the inlet channel whereas the first and second outlet regions form at least a part of the outlet channel, a manufacturer may attach an additional dehumidifier to the second base portion when a user requires higher dehumidification performance than dehumidification performance of the first dehumidifier for the dehumidifying device.

In the aforementioned configuration, the dehumidifying device may further include a second dehumidifier including a second inlet in communication with the inlet channel and a second outlet in communication with the outlet channel, the second dehumidifier dehumidifying the first air between the second inlet and the second outlet to generate the second air. The first dehumidifier may be attached to the first base portion. The second dehumidifier may be attached to the second base portion.

According to the aforementioned configuration, a manufacturer may attach the first and second dehumidifiers to the first and second base portions. Consequently, the dehumidifying device may have high dehumidification performance.

In the aforementioned configuration, the first base portion may define a first downstream opening as a downstream end of the first inlet region and a second downstream opening as a downstream end of the first outlet region. The second base portion may define a first upstream opening as an upstream end of the second inlet region and a second upstream opening as an upstream end of the second outlet region. The first base portion may be adjacent to the second base portion so that the first downstream opening communicates with the first upstream opening and the second downstream opening communicates with the second upstream opening.

According to the aforementioned configuration, since the first base portion is adjacent to the second base portion so that the first downstream opening communicates with the first upstream opening whereas the second downstream opening communicates with the second upstream opening, a designer may give the base small dimensional values.

In the aforementioned configuration, the first dehumidifier may extend along an imaginary plane intersecting with the inlet and outlet channels.

According to the aforementioned configuration, since the first dehumidifier extends along the imaginary plane intersecting with the inlet and outlet channels, there may be little interference with another dehumidifier next to the first dehumidifier. Consequently, a designer may give the base small dimensional values.

In the aforementioned configuration, the first base portion may be fastened to the second base portion by a fastening member extending through the first and second base portions.

According to the aforementioned configuration, since the first base portion is fastened to the second base portion by the fastening member extending through the first and second base portions, a manufacturer may easily manufacture the dehumidifying device.

In the aforementioned configuration, the dehumidifying device may further include a separator configured to separate moisture from the first air; and a check valve which allows passage of the second air in a first direction from the first inlet to the first outlet and blocks the second air from passing in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first base portion may define an upstream opening as an upstream end of the inlet channel. The second base portion may define a downstream opening as a downstream end of the outlet channel. The separator may be connected to the upstream opening. The check valve may be connected to the downstream opening.

According to the aforementioned configuration, since the separator is connected to the upstream opening, the dehumidifying device may have high dehumidification performance. Since the check valve is connected to the downstream opening, the dehumidifying device may operate appropriately.

In the aforementioned configuration, the base may include a third base portion situated between the first and second base portions. The third base portion may define the inlet and outlet channels in cooperation with the first and second base portions.

According to the aforementioned configuration, since the third base portion defines the inlet and outlet channels in cooperation with the first and second base portions, a manufacturer may give the dehumidifying device appropriate dehumidification performance in light of a user's request for the dehumidification performance.

A dehumidifying module according to another aspect of the aforementioned embodiment is connectable to another base portion configured to define channels through which air flows. The dehumidifying module includes a base portion configured to define an inlet region, through which first air flows, and an outlet region, through which second air less humid than the first air flows; and a first dehumidifier including a first inlet in communication with the inlet region and a first outlet in communication with the outlet region, the first dehumidifier dehumidifying the first air between the first inlet and the first outlet to generate the second air. The inlet region communicates with one of the channels to partially define an inlet channel, through which the first air flows, and the outlet region communicates with another of the channels to define an outlet channel, through which the second air flows, when the base portion is connected to the other base portion.

According to the aforementioned configuration, since the inlet region communicates with one of the channels to partially define the inlet channel, through which the first air flows whereas the outlet region communicates with another of the channels to define the outlet channel, through which the second air flows, a manufacturer may connect the other base portion to the base portion so as to mount an additional dehumidifier when a user requests higher dehumidification performance than dehumidification performance of the first dehumidifier for the dehumidifying device.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The principle of the aforementioned embodiment is applicable to a variety of technical fields in which require air dehumidification.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-134412 filed on Jun. 30, 2014, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.