Dehumidifying device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dehumidifying apparatus. The dehumidifying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can include a plurality of dehumidifying modules including dehumidifying members to separate moisture from humid air, an upper cover disposed at an upper side of the plurality of dehumidifying modules, a lower cover disposed at a lower side of the plurality of dehumidifying modules, and a flow path guide disposed between the upper cover and the lower cover and covering both sides of the plurality of dehumidifying modules, a portion of the flow path guide protruding toward a space between dehumidifying modules adjacent to each other among the plurality of dehumidifying modules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dehumidification device. Background Technology

[0002] A dehumidifier is a household appliance that reduces the humidity of a desired space by drawing in air, removing the moisture contained in the air, and then expelling the dehumidified air back into the desired space.

[0003] Existing dehumidifiers draw in air from the desired space and pass it through a heat exchanger consisting of a condenser and an evaporator, whereby the refrigerant flowing in the condenser and evaporator exchanges heat with the passing air to remove moisture.

[0004] The evaporator absorbs heat from the surrounding air by evaporating the liquid refrigerant, and the condenser releases heat and transfers heat to the surrounding air by condensing the gaseous refrigerant. That is, the process involves the following: air passing through the heat exchanger exchanges heat with the refrigerant and its humidity decreases as it passes through the evaporator; the air, now with reduced humidity, exchanges heat with the refrigerant again as it passes through the condenser and is then dried.

[0005] The dried air passing through the heat exchanger is expelled into the desired space, thereby reducing the humidity in the air of the desired space.

[0006] Existing dehumidifiers have the problem of causing discomfort to users due to the increased temperature of the expelled air.

[0007] The existing literature information is as follows: (1) First Patent Document Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0083058 (Publication Date: June 9, 2023) Invention Title: Air Circulation System with Membrane Dehumidification Module (2) Second Patent Document Korean Patent No. 10-1328447 (Granted on November 6, 2013) Invention Title: Dehumidification Pipeline Utilizing Hollow Fiber Membrane Module (3) Third Patent Document Korean Patent No. 10-1980257 (Granted on May 14, 2019) Invention Title: Hybrid Dehumidification Air Conditioning Device with Separation Membrane (4) Fourth Patent Document Korean Patent No. 10-1980284 (Granted on May 14, 2019) Invention Title: Dehumidification System Utilizing a Membrane Installed in Pipeline Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dehumidification device that selectively separates moisture from the air using a membrane-equipped dehumidification module instead of driving a refrigeration cycle, thereby achieving constant temperature dehumidification without causing an increase in indoor space temperature.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dehumidification device that utilizes a hollow fiber membrane to facilitate airflow and prevent significant pressure loss.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dehumidification device that can increase the contact surface area between air and the dehumidification module.

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dehumidification device in which the airflow direction of the dehumidification module is perpendicular to the discharge direction of the separated water vapor.

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dehumidification device that allows water vapor separated from the humid air passing through the dehumidification module to flow along a vacuum line and be discharged.

[0014] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dehumidification device that can stably fix a plurality of dehumidification modules.

[0015] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dehumidification device that can increase the dehumidification capacity by increasing the residence time of air passing through the dehumidification module.

[0016] Technical solutions to the problem

[0017] The dehumidification device of this invention embodiment may include: a plurality of dehumidification modules, each including a dehumidification component provided with polymer membrane fibers to separate moisture from humid air; an upper cover disposed on the upper side of the plurality of dehumidification modules; a lower cover disposed on the lower side of the plurality of dehumidification modules; and a flow path guide disposed between the upper cover and the lower cover, covering both sides of the plurality of dehumidification modules.

[0018] A portion of the flow path guide may protrude into the space between adjacent dehumidification modules in the plurality of dehumidification modules.

[0019] The first direction of the humid air flowing into the dehumidifying component can be perpendicular to the second direction of the water flow separated within the dehumidifying component.

[0020] The dehumidification component may have a length extending along the second direction between the upper cover and the lower cover.

[0021] The flow path guide may include: a guide plate, which is separated from both sides of the plurality of dehumidification modules; and a protrusion that protrudes from the inside of the guide plate toward the dehumidification module.

[0022] The protrusion may extend along the second direction on the inner surface of the guide plate.

[0023] The protrusions may be provided in a plurality of ways, and a portion of the plurality of dehumidification modules may be arranged between the plurality of protrusions.

[0024] The flow path guide may include: a first flow path guide covering one side of the plurality of dehumidification modules; and a second flow path guide covering the other side of the plurality of dehumidification modules.

[0025] The first flow path guide and the second flow path guide can be arranged on opposite sides of each other with reference to the dehumidification module.

[0026] An airflow path for airflow can be formed between the first flow path guide and the second flow path guide.

[0027] The plurality of dehumidification modules can be arranged in a Z-shape in the airflow path.

[0028] The dehumidification module may also include a cap attached to the end of the dehumidification component.

[0029] The cap may have an internal space through which moisture separated from the dehumidifying component can pass.

[0030] The cap may have cap holes that guide moisture from the interior space into the interior of the upper or lower cover.

[0031] The upper cover may have an upper hole for inserting the dehumidification module.

[0032] The internal space of the cap can communicate with the flow space of the upper cover through the cap opening.

[0033] The upper cover is provided with a connection port for discharging moisture from the flow space to the outside.

[0034] The upper cover may include: an upper plate forming the bottom surface of the upper cover; and an upper extension extending upward along the edge of the upper plate.

[0035] The upper hole can be formed in the upper plate.

[0036] The dehumidification device may also include an upper cover, which is attached to the upper cover to cover the open top surface of the upper cover.

[0037] The lower cover may have a lower hole for inserting the dehumidification module.

[0038] The internal space of the cap can communicate with the flow space of the lower cover through the cap opening.

[0039] The lower cover may be provided with a connection port for discharging moisture from the flow space to the outside.

[0040] The lower cover may include: a lower plate forming the top surface of the lower cover; and a lower extension extending downward along the edge of the lower plate.

[0041] The lower hole can be formed in the lower plate.

[0042] The dehumidifier may also include a lower cover, which is attached to the lower cover to cover the open bottom surface of the lower cover.

[0043] The upper cover or the lower cover may be provided with a connection port for discharging the moisture separated within the dehumidification component.

[0044] A flow space can be formed inside the upper cover or the lower cover to allow the flow of moisture separated by the dehumidifying component.

[0045] A connecting pipe extending from the vacuum pump can be connected to the connection port.

[0046] Invention Effects

[0047] According to embodiments of the present invention, moisture in the air can be selectively separated by a dehumidification module with a membrane without driving a refrigeration cycle, thereby achieving constant temperature dehumidification without causing an increase in indoor space temperature.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dehumidification module utilizing a membrane (hollow fiber membrane) is provided, which has the advantages of increasing the contact surface area between air and the dehumidification component and reducing pressure loss.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dehumidification module is provided in which the flow direction of humid air is perpendicular to the discharge direction of separated water vapor, thereby increasing the contact surface area between the dehumidification component and the humid air and improving the moisture separation performance.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, water vapor separated from humid air can flow and be discharged along a vacuum line, thus facilitating pressure control and minimizing air leakage.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since an upper cover and a lower cover are provided to support a plurality of dehumidification modules, the plurality of dehumidification modules can be stably supported.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the plurality of dehumidification modules are arranged in a Z-shape and flow path guides for forming turbulence are provided on both sides of the dehumidification modules, the residence time of the air passing through the dehumidification modules is increased, thereby increasing the dehumidification capacity. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the dehumidification device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a bottom perspective view of the dehumidification device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the dehumidification device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the dehumidification module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the potting portion of the dehumidification component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 A sectional view taken along line 6-6.

[0059] Figure 7 This is a top view showing the configuration of the dehumidification device according to an embodiment of the present invention with the upper cover and upper cap removed.

[0060] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the flow direction of air and moisture in the dehumidification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when assigning reference numerals to the constituent elements of the various drawings, the same reference numerals will be assigned to the same constituent elements as much as possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the process of describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related well-known structure or function would hinder the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such a detailed description will be omitted.

[0062] Furthermore, when describing the constituent elements of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. Such terms are merely for distinguishing the constituent element from other constituent elements and are not used to define the nature, sequence, or order of the corresponding constituent elements. When a constituent element is described as being "connected," "combined," or "linked" to another constituent element, the constituent element may be directly connected or linked to the other constituent element; however, it should be understood that another constituent element may also be "connected," "combined," or "linked" between the constituent elements.

[0063] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the dehumidification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a bottom perspective view of the dehumidification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the dehumidification device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the dehumidification module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the potting portion of the dehumidifying component according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 A sectional view cut along line 6-6. Figure 7 This is a top view showing the configuration of the dehumidification device according to an embodiment of the present invention with the upper cover and upper cap removed.

[0065] Reference Figures 1 to 7 The dehumidification device 10 of this embodiment of the invention may have a three-dimensional shape in which the height in the vertical direction is greater than the width in the front-back direction.

[0066] Define the direction.

[0067] by Figure 1 Based on this, the direction in which the front part of the dehumidification module 100 is exposed to the outside is defined as the front, and the direction in which the rear part of the dehumidification module 100 is exposed to the outside is defined as the rear. The front-back direction can be referred to as the "first direction".

[0068] by Figure 1 Based on this, the length direction of the dehumidification module 100 is defined as the vertical direction. The vertical direction can be referred to as the "second direction".

[0069] by Figure 1 Based on this, the outward direction of a pair of flow path guides 400 and 500 is defined as the lateral or left-right direction. The lateral direction can be referred to as the "third direction".

[0070] The dehumidifier 10 may have a shape that is open at the front and back and shielded on both sides. Humid air can flow in through the front of the dehumidifier 10 and be discharged through the back.

[0071] The dehumidification device 10 may include a dehumidification module 100 that contacts humid air to separate moisture from the humid air. The dehumidification module 100 may be formed elongated in the vertical direction.

[0072] The dehumidification module 100 can be provided in multiples. The multiple dehumidification modules 100 can be arranged separately from each other inside the dehumidification device 10. The multiple dehumidification modules 100 can be arranged separately from each other in the front-back direction and the left-right direction. As an example, the multiple dehumidification modules 100 can be arranged in a grid shape. The multiple dehumidification modules 100 can be arranged in a Z-shaped shape.

[0073] The humid air can have its moisture separated as it passes through the interior of the dehumidification module 100. The humid air can flow in a first direction and pass through the dehumidification module 100. The dehumidified air, with its moisture separated, can be discharged in the first direction, while the separated moisture can be discharged in a second direction. The first and second directions can be orthogonal to each other.

[0074] As an example, the humid air flowing in from the front of the dehumidifier 10 can be discharged to the rear of the dehumidifier 10 after the moisture is separated during the process of passing through the dehumidifier module 100. The separated moisture can flow downward from the inside of the dehumidifier module 100 and be discharged.

[0075] The dehumidification module 100 may include a dehumidification component 110 capable of selectively separating moisture from the intake air. The dehumidification component 110 may have a cylindrical shape. The dehumidification component 110 may be formed as a cylindrical shape having a length in the vertical direction.

[0076] The dehumidification component 110 may include a membrane.

[0077] The dehumidification component 110 may include hollow-shaped polymer membrane fibers with excellent selectivity for moisture. The polymer membrane fibers can be cut to a specified length for use. The polymer membrane fibers may be referred to as "hollow fiber membranes".

[0078] As an example, the polymer membrane fiber can be configured to have a diameter of about 400 to 420 μm.

[0079] As an example, the polymer membrane fiber may be made of polysulfone or polypropylene.

[0080] A coating for improving the selectivity of the polymer membrane fiber to absorb moisture from the air can be provided on its surface. The coating can be made of polyamide.

[0081] The polymer membrane fiber can be provided with multiple fibers.

[0082] The dehumidification component 110 may further include a covering component (not shown) surrounding the plurality of polymer membrane fibers to fix the plurality of polymer membrane fibers.

[0083] The plurality of polymer membrane fibers can be bundled together using the covering member. The bundle of dehumidifying members 110 can constitute a single dehumidifying member.

[0084] The encapsulation component is made of resin, which provides strong resistance to water and inhibits bacterial growth and mold development. Furthermore, the encapsulation component can block larger dust particles in the air, thus protecting the dehumidifying component 110. For example, the encapsulation component can be made of polypropylene.

[0085] The dehumidification module 100 may further include a potting section 111, which is constructed by a potting method to fix the dehumidification component 110.

[0086] The potting portion 111 can be configured to fill the interior of the potting cap 112 in liquid form and then solidify to fix the position of the dehumidifying component 110. As an example, the potting portion 111 can be made of polyurethane or epoxy resin.

[0087] The potting section 111 may include a first potting section for fixing one end of the dehumidifying member 110 and a second potting section for fixing the other end.

[0088] The filling cap 112 may include a first cap disposed on the upper side of the dehumidification member 110 and a second cap disposed on the lower side.

[0089] The first filling portion can be disposed inside the first cap. The second filling portion can be disposed inside the second cap. A filling space can be formed inside the filling cap 112 to accommodate the filling portion 111. The end of the dehumidifying member 110, which is fixed by the filling portion 111, can protrude to the outside of the filling cap 112.

[0090] The dehumidification module 100 may further include caps 120 and 130 covering both ends of the dehumidification component 110. The caps 120 and 130 may cover the potting cap 112. The caps 120 and 130 may protect both ends of the dehumidification component 110.

[0091] The caps 120 and 130 may include an upper cap 120 covering the upper end of the dehumidifying member 110 and a lower cap 130 covering the lower end of the dehumidifying member 110.

[0092] The upper cap 120 can be attached to the upper end of the dehumidifying member 110. The upper cap 120 can be arranged to surround the filling cap. As an example, the upper cap 120 can be formed into a cylindrical shape with an open bottom surface.

[0093] An internal space 121 may be formed on the inner side of the upper cap 120 for the flow of moisture (water vapor) dehumidified by the dehumidifying member 110. The internal space 121 may be connected to the end of the dehumidifying member 110. When the upper cap 120 is attached to the end of the dehumidifying member 110, the end of the dehumidifying member 110 may be located in the internal space 121 of the upper cap 120.

[0094] The upper cap 120 may have a cap hole 122 for water separated by the dehumidifying member 110 to pass through.

[0095] The cap hole 122 can be formed through the top surface of the upper cap 120 to the downward side. The cap hole 122 can communicate with the internal space 121 of the upper cap 120. The cap hole 122 can be arranged at the center of the top surface of the upper cap 120.

[0096] The moisture separated by the dehumidifying component 110 moves to the internal space 121 of the upper cap 120 through the pressure difference, and the moisture in the internal space 121 can move to the upper cover 200 through the cap hole 122.

[0097] The upper cap 120 may have a connecting portion 123 for engaging with the upper cover 200. The connecting portion 123 may be provided on the outer side of the upper cap 120.

[0098] As an example, the connecting portion 123 may be formed by a recess in a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the upper cap 120. The connecting portion 123 may be formed by a radial inward recess in the outer peripheral surface of the upper cap 120. The connecting portion 123 may be inserted into and fixed to the upper hole 211 of the upper cover 200.

[0099] The connecting portion 123 can be formed in a plurality of separate portions on the outer peripheral surface of the upper cap 120. The plurality of connecting portions 123 can be arranged separately along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the upper cap 120. The plurality of connecting portions 123 can be arranged on opposite sides of each other with the center of the upper cap 120 as a reference.

[0100] The lower cap 130 can be attached to the lower end of the dehumidifying member 110. The lower cap 130 can be arranged to surround the filling cap. As an example, the lower cap 130 can be formed into a cylindrical shape with an open top surface.

[0101] The lower cap 130 may have the same shape and size as the upper cap 120. The lower cap 130 may be formed symmetrically with the upper cap 120.

[0102] An internal space 131 may be formed on the inner side of the lower cap 130 for the flow of moisture (water vapor) dehumidified by the dehumidifying member 110. The internal space 131 may be connected to the end of the dehumidifying member 110. When the lower cap 130 is attached to the end of the dehumidifying member 110, the end of the dehumidifying member 110 may be located in the internal space 131 of the lower cap 130.

[0103] The lower cap 130 may have a cap hole 132 for water separated by the dehumidifying member 110 to pass through.

[0104] The cap hole 132 can be formed through the bottom surface of the lower cap 130 to the upward side. The cap hole 132 can communicate with the internal space 131 of the lower cap 130. The cap hole 132 can be arranged at the center of the bottom surface of the lower cap 130.

[0105] The moisture separated by the dehumidifying component 110 moves to the internal space 131 of the lower cap 130 through the pressure difference, and the moisture in the internal space 131 can move to the lower cover 300 through the cap hole 132.

[0106] The lower cap 130 may have a connecting portion 133 for engaging with the lower cover 300. The connecting portion 133 may be provided on the outer side of the lower cap 130.

[0107] As an example, the connecting portion 133 may be formed by a recess in a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the lower cap 130. The connecting portion 133 may be formed by a radial inward recess in the outer peripheral surface of the lower cap 130. The connecting portion 133 may be inserted into and fixed to the insertion hole 311 of the lower cover 300.

[0108] The connecting portion 133 can be formed in a plurality of separate portions on the outer peripheral surface of the lower cap 130. The plurality of connecting portions 133 can be arranged separately along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the lower cap 130. The plurality of connecting portions 133 can be arranged on opposite sides of each other with the center of the lower cap 130 as a reference.

[0109] The dehumidification device 10 may also include an upper cover 200 attached to the upper part of the dehumidification module 100.

[0110] The upper cover 200 is attached to the upper part of each of the plurality of dehumidification modules 100, serving to fix the plurality of dehumidification modules 100. The upper cover 200 can be inserted into the upper part of each of the plurality of dehumidification modules 100.

[0111] The upper cover 200 may include an upper plate 210 and an upper extension 220 extending upward from the edge of the upper plate 210.

[0112] As an example, the upper plate 210 may have a rectangular shape. The upper plate 210 may have an area capable of covering the entire upper part of the plurality of dehumidification modules 100.

[0113] The upper cover 200 may include an upper hole 211 into which a portion of the dehumidification module 100 is inserted. The upper hole 211 may be formed on the upper plate 210. The upper hole 211 may form a channel for moisture flowing in via the cap hole 122 of the upper cap 120.

[0114] The upper hole 211 can be formed by penetrating at least a portion of the upper plate 210. The upper hole 211 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the upper shape of the upper cap 120.

[0115] The upper cap 120's connecting portion 123 can be inserted into the upper hole 211. When the connecting portion 123 of the upper cap 120 is inserted into the upper hole 211, the upper plate 210 can be placed and supported on the connecting portion 123. The upper hole 211 can be formed in a number corresponding to the number of dehumidification modules 100.

[0116] A flow space 201 can be formed inside the upper cover 200 to allow water separated from the dehumidifying member 110 to flow. The flow space 201 can communicate with the upper hole 211.

[0117] The dehumidification device 10 may also include an upper cover 250 attached to the upper part of the upper cover 200.

[0118] The upper cover 250 can cover the open top surface of the upper cover 200. The upper cover 250 can have a rectangular plate shape. The upper cover 250 can be attached to the upper part of the upper cover 200 to seal the flow space 201 of the upper cover 200.

[0119] The dehumidification device 10 may further include a lower cover 300 attached to the lower part of the dehumidification module 100. The lower cover 300 may have a shape corresponding to the upper cover 200.

[0120] The lower cover 300 is attached to the lower part of each of the plurality of dehumidification modules 100, serving to fix the plurality of dehumidification modules 100. The lower cover 300 can be inserted into the lower end of each of the plurality of dehumidification modules 100.

[0121] The lower cover 300 may include a lower plate 310 and a lower extension 320 extending downward from the edge of the lower plate 310.

[0122] As an example, the lower plate 310 may have a rectangular shape. The lower plate 310 may have an area capable of covering the entire lower end of the plurality of dehumidification modules 100.

[0123] The lower cover 300 may include a lower hole 311 into which a portion of the dehumidification module 100 is inserted. The lower hole 311 may be formed in the lower plate 310. The lower hole 311 may form a channel for moisture flowing in via the cap hole 132 of the lower cap 130.

[0124] The lower hole 311 can be formed by penetrating at least a portion of the lower plate 310. The lower hole 311 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the lower shape of the lower cap 130.

[0125] The lower cap 130's connecting portion 133 can be inserted into the lower hole 311. When the connecting portion 133 of the lower cap 130 is inserted into the lower hole 311, the lower plate 310 can be placed and supported on the connecting portion 133. The number of lower holes 311 can correspond to the number of dehumidification modules 100.

[0126] A flow space 301 can be formed inside the lower cover 300 to allow water separated from the dehumidifying member 110 to flow. The flow space 301 can communicate with the lower hole 311.

[0127] The lower cover 300 may be provided with a connection port 312 for discharging the moisture separated by the dehumidifying member 110 to the outside.

[0128] The connection port 312 may be formed on the side of the lower cover 300. The connection port 312 may be formed to protrude from or be recessed from the side of the lower cover 300. The connection port 312 may communicate with the flow space 301. As an example, the connection port 312 may be formed through a portion of the lower extension 320.

[0129] A connecting pipe for connecting to a vacuum pump can be inserted into the connection port 312. With the connecting pipe inserted into the connection port 312, when the vacuum pump is driven, a pressure difference is generated between the outside and inside of the dehumidification member 110, thereby causing moisture (water vapor) in the air passing through the dehumidification member 110 to move towards the lower side of the dehumidification member 110.

[0130] Moisture moving toward the lower side of the dehumidification component 110 can move toward the flow space 301 via the cap hole 132 of the lower cap 130, and then toward the vacuum pump side via the connection port 312.

[0131] The dehumidification device 10 may also include a lower cover 350 attached to the lower part of the lower cover 300.

[0132] The lower cover 350 can cover the open bottom surface of the lower cover 300. The lower cover 350 can have a rectangular plate shape. The lower cover 350 can be attached to the lower part of the lower cover 300 to seal the flow space 301 of the lower cover 300.

[0133] In this embodiment, the connection port 312 is described as being located on the lower cover 300. However, it is not limited to this; the connection port 312 may also be located on the upper cover 200 instead of the lower cover 300.

[0134] In this case, the connection port 312 is located on the side of the upper cover 200, and the moisture (water vapor) in the air through the dehumidification member 110 can move upward to the dehumidification member 110 and move towards the upper cover 200 through the cap hole 122 of the upper cap 120.

[0135] The dehumidification device 10 may also include flow path guides 400 and 500 arranged on one side of the dehumidification module 100 and forming an air flow path 401.

[0136] The flow path guides 400 and 500 can be arranged between the upper cover 200 and the lower cover 300. The flow path guides 400 and 500 can be placed vertically on the top surface of the lower cover 300, forming the side appearance of the dehumidification device 10. The flow path guides 400 and 500 can be arranged on both sides of the plurality of dehumidification modules 100, and cover both sides of the plurality of dehumidification modules 100.

[0137] The flow path guides 400 and 500 may include a first flow path guide 400 covering one side of the plurality of dehumidification modules 100 and a second flow path guide 500 covering the other side of the plurality of dehumidification modules 100.

[0138] An airflow path 401 for airflow can be formed between the first flow path guide 400 and the second flow path guide 500. The first flow path guide 400 and the second flow path guide 500 can be arranged facing each other. The plurality of dehumidification modules 100 can be arranged on the airflow path 401.

[0139] Therefore, the humid air flowing in from the front of the dehumidifier 10 can be separated from the moisture as it passes through the plurality of dehumidifier modules 100 arranged on the airflow path 401, and the dehumidified dry air can be discharged from the back of the dehumidifier 10.

[0140] The first flow path guide 400 and the second flow path guide 500 may have the same shape. Both the first flow path guide 400 and the second flow path guide 500 may include guide plates 410 and 510 and protrusions protruding from the guide plates 410 and 510 toward the dehumidification module 100.

[0141] The guide plates 410 and 510 may have a vertically upright rectangular shape. The guide plates 410 and 510 may include an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface of the guide plates 410 and 510 may be formed as a plane, and the inner surface of the guide plates 410 and 510 may be formed as a curved surface.

[0142] At least a portion of the inner surfaces of the guide plates 410 and 510 may be formed in an arc shape or at an angle. Therefore, the air flowing in the airflow path 401 can switch its flow direction along the inner surfaces of the guide plates 410 and 510.

[0143] The protrusion is arranged adjacent to the dehumidification module 100 and functions to create turbulent flow in the airflow path 401. The protrusion can extend from the inner surface of the guide plates 410 and 510 toward the dehumidification module 100. The protrusion can extend long in the vertical direction along the inner surface of the guide plates 410 and 510. The protrusion can extend from the upper end to the lower end of the guide plates 410 and 510.

[0144] The protrusions may be provided in multiples. The protrusions may include first protrusions 420 and 520 and second protrusions 430 and 530 separated from the first protrusions.

[0145] The first protrusions 420, 520 and the second protrusions 430, 530 can be separated along the front-rear direction on the inner surface of the guide plates 410, 510. That is, the first protrusions 420, 520 and the second protrusions 430, 530 can be separated along the flow direction of the air flowing in the airflow path 401. The first protrusions 420, 520 and the second protrusions 430, 530 can have the same protrusion length.

[0146] The inner surfaces of the flow path guides 400 and 500 may include a first inner surface 411 and 511 corresponding to the front of the first protrusions 420 and 520, a second inner surface 412 and 512 corresponding to the space between the first protrusions 420 and 520 and the second protrusions 430 and 530, and a third inner surface 413 and 513 corresponding to the rear of the second protrusions 430 and 530.

[0147] The first inner surfaces 411, 511, the first protrusions 420, 520, the second inner surfaces 412, 512, the second protrusions 430, 530, and the third inner surfaces 413, 513 can be connected to each other. Therefore, a portion of the air flowing into the airflow path 401 can be guided and discharged along the first inner surfaces 411, 511, the first protrusions 420, 520, the second inner surfaces 412, 512, the second protrusions 430, 530, and the third inner surfaces 413, 513.

[0148] The first flow path guide 400 and the second flow path guide 500 can be disposed on the top edge of the lower cover 300. The first flow path guide 400 can be disposed on the left edge of the top surface of the lower cover 300, and the second flow path guide 500 can be disposed on the right edge of the top surface of the lower cover 300.

[0149] The first flow path guide 400 can be arranged on the left side of the dehumidification module 100 and form the left side of the dehumidification device 10, and the second flow path guide 500 can be arranged on the right side of the dehumidification module 100 and form the right side of the dehumidification device 10.

[0150] In this embodiment, the plurality of dehumidification modules 100 can be arranged in a Z-shape in the space between the first flow path guide 400 and the second flow path guide 500, i.e., the air flow path 401.

[0151] The first flow path guide 400 can be arranged adjacent to the dehumidification module 100 corresponding to the left edge of the plurality of dehumidification modules 100. Therefore, a predetermined gap can be formed between the inner surface of the first flow path guide 400 and the plurality of dehumidification modules 100.

[0152] A portion of the plurality of dehumidification modules 100 may be arranged adjacent to the first protrusions 420, 520 and the second protrusions 430, 530. The flow path guides 400, 500 may protrude into the space between adjacent dehumidification modules of the plurality of dehumidification modules 100. That is, a portion of the dehumidification modules of the plurality of dehumidification modules 100 may be arranged in the space between the first protrusions 420, 520 and the second protrusions 430, 530.

[0153] According to this configuration, the air flowing in from the front of the dehumidifier 10 can come into contact with the plurality of dehumidification modules 100 and the flow path guides 400 and 500 as it flows in the air flow path 401.

[0154] In particular, a portion of the incoming air generates a wake flow as it passes between the dehumidification module 100 and the flow path guides 400 and 500, which can result in turbulence. If the intensity of the turbulence increases, the residence time of the air in the air flow path 401 increases, thereby increasing the flow rate of air in contact with the dehumidification component 110, and thus improving the dehumidification capacity.

[0155] Specifically, air can form turbulence as it passes through the space between the first inner surfaces 411, 511 of the flow path guides 400, 500 and the dehumidification module 100, and can also form turbulence as it passes through the space between the first protrusions 420, 520 of the flow path guides 400, 500 and the dehumidification module 100.

[0156] In addition, air can form turbulence in the process of passing through the space between the second inner surfaces 412, 512 of the flow path guides 400, 500 and the dehumidification module 110, and can also form turbulence in the process of passing through the space between the second protrusions 430, 530 of the flow path guides 400, 500 and the dehumidification module 100.

[0157] Furthermore, since the plurality of dehumidification modules 100 are arranged in a Z-shaped configuration that is staggered from each other, turbulence is formed as the air passes through the space between adjacent dehumidification modules 100, thereby increasing the airflow in contact with the dehumidification component 110 and thus improving the dehumidification capacity.

[0158] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the flow direction of air and moisture in the dehumidification device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0159] Reference Figure 8 The dehumidification device 10 can be connected to a fan and a vacuum pump.

[0160] As an example, the dehumidification device 10 can be installed inside a dehumidifier, air conditioner, air circulation device, etc., which has a fan and a vacuum pump. The dehumidification device 10 can generate airflow by driving the fan. The dehumidification device 10 can be arranged on the suction side of the fan.

[0161] The dehumidification device 10 can be fluidly connected to the vacuum pump. As an example, the connecting pipe connected to the vacuum pump can be connected to the connecting port 312 of the lower cover 300.

[0162] Both sides of the dehumidifier 10 can be covered by a pair of flow path guides 400, 500. Therefore, an airflow can be generated that draws in air through the front of the dehumidifier 10 and discharges it through the back of the dehumidifier 10.

[0163] When the fan is driven, humid air can be drawn in along a direction that intersects with the front of the dehumidification module 100. The humid air drawn in from the front of the dehumidification module 100 can pass along a direction that intersects with the extension of the plurality of dehumidification components 110, i.e., the vertical direction (front-back direction).

[0164] When the vacuum pump is driven, a negative pressure lower than the external pressure can be formed inside the dehumidification member 110. As humid air passes through the dehumidification member 110, the moisture contained in the air can come into contact with the surface of the dehumidification member 110 and be adsorbed. Furthermore, the adsorbed moisture detaches from the surface after diffusion, thereby selectively separating it from the humid air.

[0165] The separated moisture flows downward from the interior of the dehumidifying member 110 and can flow into the interior space 131 of the lower cap 130. That is, the separated moisture ( Figure 8 The direction of flow (below) indicated by the dashed arrow in the image can be related to airflow (…). Figure 8 The direction of flow (front and back) of the solid arrow in the image forms a vertical direction.

[0166] Moisture flowing into the interior of the upper cap 130 can flow into the flow space 301 of the lower cover 300 through the cap hole 132 of the upper cap 130. Moisture flowing into the flow space 301 can be discharged towards the vacuum pump side through the connection port 312. Dry air, whose moisture has been removed by the dehumidification member 110, can be discharged towards the rear of the dehumidification device 10.

Claims

1. A dehumidification device, wherein, include: Multiple dehumidification modules, including dehumidification components provided with polymer membrane fibers, to separate moisture from humid air; The upper cover is arranged on the upper side of the plurality of dehumidification modules; The lower cover is arranged on the underside of the plurality of dehumidification modules; as well as A flow path guide is arranged between the upper cover and the lower cover, and covers both sides of the plurality of dehumidification modules; A portion of the flow path guide protrudes into the space between adjacent dehumidification modules in the plurality of dehumidification modules.

2. The dehumidification device according to claim 1, wherein, The first direction of the humid air flowing into the dehumidifying component is perpendicular to the second direction of the water flow separated within the dehumidifying component.

3. The dehumidification device according to claim 2, wherein, The dehumidifying component has a length extending along the second direction between the upper cover and the lower cover.

4. The dehumidification device according to claim 3, wherein, The flow path guide includes: Guide plates are separated from both sides of the plurality of dehumidification modules; and The protrusion extends from the inside of the guide plate toward the dehumidification module.

5. The dehumidification device according to claim 4, wherein, The protrusion extends along the second direction on the inner surface of the guide plate.

6. The dehumidification device according to claim 5, wherein, The protrusions are provided in multiples; A portion of the plurality of dehumidification modules are arranged between the plurality of protrusions.

7. The dehumidification device according to claim 1, wherein, The flow path guide includes: A first flow path guide covers one side of the plurality of dehumidification modules; and The second flow path guide covers the other side of the plurality of dehumidification modules; The first flow path guide and the second flow path guide are arranged on opposite sides of each other with respect to the dehumidification module.

8. The dehumidification device according to claim 7, wherein, An airflow path for airflow is formed between the first flow path guide and the second flow path guide; The plurality of dehumidification modules are arranged in a Z-shape in the airflow path.

9. The dehumidification device according to claim 1, wherein, The dehumidification module also includes a cap attached to the end of the dehumidification component; The cap has an internal space through which moisture separated by the dehumidifying component can pass.

10. The dehumidification device according to claim 9, wherein, The cap has a cap hole that guides moisture from the interior space into the interior of the upper or lower cover.

11. The dehumidification device according to claim 10, wherein, An upper hole is formed in the upper cover for inserting the dehumidification module; The internal space of the cap is connected to the flow space of the upper cover through the cap opening.

12. The dehumidification device according to claim 11, wherein, The upper cover is provided with a connection port for discharging moisture from the flow space to the outside.

13. The dehumidification device according to claim 11, wherein, The upper cover includes: The upper plate forms the bottom surface of the upper cover; and The upper extension extends upward along the edge of the upper plate; The upper hole is formed in the upper plate.

14. The dehumidification device according to claim 13, wherein, It also includes an upper cover, which is attached to the upper cover to cover the open top surface of the upper cover.

15. The dehumidification device according to claim 10, wherein, The lower cover has a lower hole for inserting the dehumidification module; The internal space of the cap is connected to the flow space of the lower cover through the cap opening.

16. The dehumidification device according to claim 15, wherein, The lower cover is provided with a connection port for discharging moisture from the flow space to the outside.

17. The dehumidification device according to claim 15, wherein, The lower cover includes: The lower plate forms the top surface of the lower cover; and The lower extension extends downward along the edge of the lower plate; The lower hole is formed in the lower plate.

18. The dehumidification device according to claim 17, wherein, It also includes a lower cover, which is attached to the lower cover to cover the open bottom surface of the lower cover.

19. A dehumidification device, wherein, include: Multiple dehumidification modules, including dehumidification components provided with polymer membrane fibers, to separate moisture from humid air; The upper cover is arranged on the upper side of the plurality of dehumidification modules; The lower cover is arranged on the underside of the plurality of dehumidification modules; as well as A flow path guide is arranged between the upper cover and the lower cover, and covers both sides of the plurality of dehumidification modules; The upper cover or the lower cover is provided with a connection port for discharging the moisture separated within the dehumidification component.

20. The dehumidification device according to claim 19, wherein, A flow space is formed inside the upper cover or the lower cover to allow the flow of moisture separated by the dehumidifying component; A connecting pipe extending from the vacuum pump is connected to the connection port.

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