Dehumidifier

Abstract

The dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a base having an outside air suction port formed on one side thereof; the shell is vertically arranged at the edge of the top surface of the base, and a suction grid is formed on the back surface of the shell; the top cover is arranged on the top surface of the shell and is provided with a discharge port; a discharge cover for opening and closing the discharge port; the drainage disc comprises a first part and a second part, the first part transversely extends to divide the internal space of the shell into an upper space and a lower space, and the second part extends from the bottom surface of the first part and is arranged on the base; the water tank is arranged on one side of the top surface of the base and stores condensate water generated in the dehumidification process; the compressor is positioned on one side of the top surface, separated from the water tank, of the base; the fan module is located at the first part, and a discharge port of the fan module is communicated with a discharge port of the top cover; the condenser is located on the first part and located on the suction inlet side of the fan module; the evaporator is located on the first part and located behind the condenser; and a control box coupled to the second portion and erected at a position corresponding to a position directly above the outside air suction port. The fan module comprises a fan cover body located on the first part; the fan is accommodated in the fan cover body; a water falling hole is formed in the fan cover body.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0033872, filed on Mar. 11, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a dehumidifier. Background Art

[0003] A dehumidifier is a device that reduces the humidity of a space in which the dehumidifier is installed by sucking in air, removing moisture contained in the air, and discharging the dehumidified air into the room.

[0004] Typically, dehumidifiers are frequently used to reduce the humidity of indoor air or to quickly dry clothes during humid summer months.

[0005] Dehumidifiers are classified as either desiccant or condensing based on their dehumidification method. Condensing dehumidifiers have a refrigerant cycle installed inside the dehumidifier, allowing air drawn in by a fan to pass through an evaporator, condensing the moisture in the air before being discharged back into the room through the condenser in a heated state.

[0006] Inverter dehumidifiers have high-heating electrical components installed inside the control box, which need to be quickly cooled. However, existing dehumidifiers lack a separate cooling flow path for cooling the control box, resulting in a high risk of overheating. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention is proposed to improve the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the dehumidifier of the embodiment of the present invention comprises: a base, one side of which is formed with an external air suction port; a shell, which is erected on the edge of the top surface of the base and has a suction grid formed on the back side; a top cover, which is arranged on the top surface of the shell and has a discharge port; a discharge cover, which opens and closes the discharge port; a drain pan, which comprises a first part and a second part, the first part extending laterally to divide the internal space of the shell into an upper space and a lower space, the second part extending from the bottom surface of the first part and being arranged on the base; a water tank, which is arranged on one side of the top surface of the base and stores the cold air generated during the dehumidification process Condensed water; a compressor, located on one side of the top surface of the base separated from the water tank; a fan module, located in the first part, whose outlet is connected to the outlet of the top cover; a condenser, located in the first part, and located on the suction port side of the fan module; an evaporator, located in the first part, and located behind the condenser; and a control box, combined with the second part, erected at a position corresponding to directly above the external air suction port; the fan module includes: a fan cover, located in the first part; and a fan, accommodated inside the fan cover; a water drop hole is formed in the fan cover.

[0009] The external air intake port is formed on a top surface of a sleeve extending upward from the base.

[0010] A partition space is formed between the housing and the control box so that indoor air flowing into the housing through the external air intake port contacts the control box and rises.

[0011] An air guide portion is formed between the corners of the first portion and the housing so that the indoor air rising along the surface of the control box is guided toward the upper side of the first portion.

[0012] The water drop hole is formed at the corner of the lower end portion of the fan cover.

[0013] In the dehumidifier of the embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the bottom portion of the dehumidifier, where the control box is located, is formed with holes for indoor air to flow in. The indoor air flowing in through these holes rises and cools the control box before flowing into the fan module through the drain holes formed in the fan module. This provides the advantage of rapidly cooling high-heating electrical components and preventing overheating of the control box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a front perspective view of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a rear perspective view of the dehumidifier.

[0016] Figure 3It is a diagram showing the internal structure of the dehumidifier.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view of a base constituting a cover body of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the base cut through 5-5.

[0019] Figures 6 to 8 It is a diagram showing the flow of indoor air flowing in through the external air inlet of the chassis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 1 is a front perspective view of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a back perspective view of the dehumidifier, Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the internal structure of the dehumidifier.

[0022] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The dehumidifier 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention may have a slender shape with a relatively thin thickness in the front-to-back direction.

[0023] Specifically, the dehumidifier 10 may have a thickness extending in a front-to-rear direction, a width extending in a left-to-right direction, and a height extending in an up-down direction.

[0024] The dehumidifier 10 includes a housing that forms an exterior, a dehumidifier module disposed inside the housing, and a water tank 20 for storing condensed water generated during the dehumidification process.

[0025] The cover may include a base 11 , a shell 12 and a top cover 13 .

[0026] The base 11 may form the lower end of the dehumidifier 10. A plurality of wheels 16 are mounted on the bottom surface of the base 11 to facilitate movement of the dehumidifier 10.

[0027] The housing 12 stands upright on the top edge of the base 11 , and an opening on the top of the housing 12 is shielded by the top cover 13 .

[0028] A suction grille 121 for sucking in indoor air may be formed on the back of the housing 12. A filter module may be installed in front of the suction grille 121. The suction grille 121 may be defined as a suction port for sucking in indoor air.

[0029] A main outlet 131 for discharging dehumidified air is formed on one side of the top cover 13. The main outlet 131 can be selectively opened and closed by a discharge cover 14.

[0030] A handle 15 may be provided on the other side of the top cover 13 .

[0031] The handle 15 may be configured in an N-shape, with its vertical portion being insertable into or extending from the housing 12. Furthermore, if the vertical portion is inserted as far as possible into the housing 12, the horizontal portion of the handle 15, i.e., the top surface of the hand-grip portion, may be flush with the top cover 13.

[0032] The main outlet 131 may be disposed on one side edge of the top cover 13. The handle 15 may be disposed on the other side edge of the top cover 13. The main outlet 131 and the handle 15 may be disposed on opposite sides of each other.

[0033] A discharge cover 14 may be installed at the main discharge port 131 .

[0034] A cutout portion for inserting the water tank 20 may be formed on one side edge of the housing 12, allowing the water tank 20 to be detached from the housing 12. When the water tank 20 is installed in the housing 12, the outer surface of the water tank 20 may form a portion of the housing 12. The water tank 20 may be positioned directly below the main outlet 131.

[0035] The dehumidification module includes a compressor 31 for compressing refrigerant; a condenser 32 for condensing the refrigerant passing through the compressor 31; an expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant passing through the condenser into a two-phase refrigerant; and an evaporator 33 for evaporating the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve. The dehumidification module may also include a fan module 34 for drawing indoor air through the suction grille 121.

[0036] The evaporator 33 may be located in front of the suction grille 121 , the condenser 32 may be located in front of the evaporator 33 , and the fan module 34 may be located in front of the condenser 32 .

[0037] The condenser 32 and the evaporator 33 may be mounted on a top surface of a drain pan 35. Condensed water dripping from the surface of the evaporator 33 flows along the drain pan 35 and is collected in the water tank 20.

[0038] The outlet of the fan module 34 may be connected to the main outlet 131 .

[0039] Indoor air may be sucked into the fan module 34 after sequentially passing through the suction grille 121 , the filter module, the evaporator 33 , and the condenser 32 . The air sucked into the fan module 34 may be discharged from the main outlet 131 .

[0040] The air flowing into the housing 12 through the suction grille 121 is dehumidified while passing through the evaporator 33, and moisture contained in the air is condensed. As a result, the inflowing air becomes low-temperature and dry while passing through the evaporator 33.

[0041] The low-temperature, dry air absorbs heat while passing through the condenser 32, and as a result, changes to a high-temperature, dry air. The air is then discharged back into the room through the main outlet 131. The high-temperature air may be understood as air having a temperature slightly higher than that of the indoor space in which the dehumidifier 10 is installed.

[0042] A control box 17 for controlling the operation of the dehumidification module and various driving components is housed inside the housing 12 .

[0043] The housing 12 may further include a sub-discharge port 122 for discharging dehumidified air. The sub-discharge port 122 may be selectively opened and closed by a damper module 40 .

[0044] When the auxiliary outlet 122 is opened, the main outlet 131 can be closed, and when the auxiliary outlet 122 is closed, the main outlet 131 can be opened. Therefore, dehumidified air can be selectively discharged from only one of the main outlet 131 and the auxiliary outlet 122.

[0045] The auxiliary outlet 122 may be formed on the front or rear surface of the housing 12 . The auxiliary outlet 122 may be disposed on the upper side of the fan module 34 .

[0046] As an example, the sub-discharge port 122 may be formed on the rear surface of the housing 12 and disposed above the suction grille 121 .

[0047] The dehumidifier 10 may further include a damper module 40 for selectively opening and closing the auxiliary outlet 122. The damper module 40 may be disposed inside the auxiliary outlet 122 and may open or close the auxiliary outlet 122. The damper module 40 may be rotated in a direction to close the auxiliary outlet 122.

[0048] Figure 4 1 is a perspective view of a base constituting a cover of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5It is along Figure 4 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the base cut through 5-5.

[0049] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The top surface of the base 11 of the dehumidifier 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a water tank mounting portion 111 , a compressor mounting portion 112 , and a control box mounting portion 113 .

[0050] Specifically, an external air inlet 114 may be formed on one side of the base 11 corresponding to the control box mounting portion 113. The external air refers to the air outside the dehumidifier 10, that is, the indoor air.

[0051] The external air inlet 114 may be a hole extending through the base 11 or, as shown in the figure, may be a sleeve with an opening on the top surface for allowing external air to flow in. The external air inlet 114 may be located directly below the control box 17 and may be formed at a position spaced apart from the bottom surface of the control box 17.

[0052] Figures 6 to 8 It is a diagram showing the flow of indoor air flowing in through the external air inlet of the chassis.

[0053] Reference Figure 6 A portion of the indoor air flowing into the dehumidifier 10 through the external air inlet 114 flows into the control box 17 through the opening formed in the bottom of the control box 17, while the remaining air rises along the bottom and side surfaces of the control box 17. Specifically, the air rises along the narrow space formed between the housing 12 and the control box 17, cooling the control box 17. Furthermore, a circuit board 173 is mounted inside the control box 17. A plurality of electrical components are mounted on the circuit board 173. In particular, a heat sink 171 may be mounted on the heat generating component 172.

[0054] Furthermore, the heat sink 171 may penetrate the control box 17 and protrude outside the control box 17. That is, the heat sink 171 is exposed in the narrow space between the housing 12 and the control box 17, thereby being able to directly exchange heat with the rising air flowing into the external air inlet 114.

[0055] Indoor air flowing in through the external air inlet 114 may rise along a space formed between the control box 17 and the housing 12 and cool the heat sink 171 .

[0056] Reference Figure 7 The indoor air that has cooled the control box 17 and risen flows toward the drain pan 35 and into the gap between the fan module 34 and the drain pan 35 .

[0057] In detail, the drain pan 35 includes a first portion 351 and a second portion 352 . The first portion 351 extends laterally for mounting the fan cover of the fan module 34 . The second portion 352 extends downward from the bottom surface of the first portion 351 and is disposed on the base 11 .

[0058] The second portion 352 may extend from one side edge of the first portion 351 and may extend from the one side edge to a position spaced apart from the other side. In the second portion 352, the second portion extending from the one side edge of the first portion 351 is coupled to the control box 17, and the second portion extending from the one side edge to a position spaced apart from the other side surrounds the side surface of the water tank 20.

[0059] In addition, an air guide 353 is formed on one side edge of the first portion 351, particularly on the edge of the first portion 351 corresponding to the upper end of the second portion 352 where the control box 17 is mounted. Air rising along the surface of the control box 17 rises toward the fan module 34 through the air guide 353.

[0060] Reference Figure 8 The fan module 34 includes a fan housing and a fan housed therein. A water droplet 341 is formed at the lower end of the fan housing. During the dehumidification process, condensed water condensed on the surface of the fan and the inner surface of the fan housing is discharged to the drain pan 35 through the water droplet 341.

[0061] The rising air that cools the control box 17 flows into the fan cover through the water drop hole 341. In addition, when the fan rotates, the air flowing into the fan cover evaporates part of the condensed water condensed on the fan and the fan cover, and is discharged back into the room through the main outlet 131.

[0062] With the water drop hole 341 formed, when the fan rotates, negative pressure is generated outside the fan cover, causing indoor air to flow into the dehumidifier 10 through the external air inlet 114 .

[0063] In addition, the indoor air flowing into the dehumidifier 10 through the outside air inlet 114 cools the control box 17 while rising, and absorbs heat while passing through the control box 17 to increase its temperature.

[0064] In addition, the heated indoor air flows into the fan module 34 through the drain hole 341, thereby evaporating condensed water inside the fan module 34. As the air flows into the fan module 34 through the drain hole 341, the inside of the fan module 34 is dried, thereby preventing mold from growing inside the fan module 34.

Claims

1. A dehumidifier, characterized in that: include: The base has an external gas suction port formed on one side; a shell, standing upright on the top edge of the base, with a suction grid formed on the back; A top cover is provided on the top surface of the shell and is formed with a discharge port; A discharge cover for opening and closing the discharge port; a drain pan comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion extends transversely to divide the interior space of the housing into an upper space and a lower space, and the second portion extends from a bottom surface of the first portion and is disposed on the base; A water tank is provided on one side of the top surface of the base and stores condensed water generated during the dehumidification process; a compressor located on a side of a top surface of the base separated from the water tank; a fan module, located in the first portion, wherein an outlet of the fan module is connected to an outlet of the top cover; a condenser, located in the first portion and on the suction side of the fan module; an evaporator located in the first portion and behind the condenser; as well as a control box, coupled to the second portion, and erected at a position corresponding to directly above the external air intake port; The fan module includes: a fan cover located in the first portion; and a fan, housed inside the fan cover; A water drop hole is formed in the fan cover.

2. The dehumidifier according to claim 1, characterized in that The external air intake port is formed on a top surface of a sleeve extending upward from the base.

3. The dehumidifier according to claim 2, characterized in that A partition space is formed between the housing and the control box so that indoor air flowing into the housing through the external air intake port contacts the control box and rises.

4. The dehumidifier according to claim 3, characterized in that An air guide portion is formed between the corners of the first portion and the housing so that the indoor air rising along the surface of the control box is guided toward the upper side of the first portion.

5. The dehumidifier according to claim 4, characterized in that The water drop hole is formed at the corner of the lower end portion of the fan cover.

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