Heat medium temperature control device having dehumidification function

Abstract

To provide a heating medium temperature control device having a dehumidifying function for controlling the temperature of a heating medium by being connected to a temperature adjusting instrument provided with a tube in which the heating medium circulates.SOLUTION: A main tank portion 110, a heat exchange unit 120, a switching unit, and a heating medium circulation unit are provided, the main tank portion 110 may accommodate the circulating heating medium, and the heat exchange unit 120 may include a thermoelectric element 130 and a heating medium block 140 disposed on one surface of the thermoelectric element 130 and provided with a flow path for transferring the heating medium collected from a temperature control device to the main tank portion 110. The switching unit may include a bypass inlet, and a first bypass outlet and a second bypass outlet which are selectively opened and closed to discharge the heating medium, and the heating medium circulating unit may include an inlet line, a discharge line connecting the first bypass outlet and the temperature control device, and a bypass line connecting the second bypass outlet and the heating medium block.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat medium temperature control device using a thermoelectric element for controlling the temperature and circulation of a heat medium. In particular, the present invention relates to a heat medium temperature control device using a thermoelectric element that is detachably connected to a temperature control device to be temperature controlled and controls the state of the temperature control device according to the user's desired conditions by adjusting the temperature of the circulating heat medium. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, a hot water mat includes a mat with a flow path for hot water to flow, a boiler for producing hot water, and a circulation line connecting the boiler and the mat, and heats a room by circulating the heated water. However, since the hot water mat is structured to provide only hot water, it has a problem that it is difficult to use in hot summer or when a user desires cool air in addition to winter.

[0003] To solve this problem, a hot and cold water temperature control device has been recently disclosed that selectively supplies hot and cold water to a mat, thereby providing not only heating but also cooling functions for the mat. As disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2401138, a thermoelectric element having a heat generating surface and a heat absorbing surface is used in the hot and cold water temperature control device to selectively supply hot and cold water. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a heat medium temperature control device that has a dehumidifying function to adjust the humidity of the environment around the device, and that can prevent the heat medium from overheating when operating in dehumidifying mode.

[0005] The technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the detailed description of the invention below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a heat medium temperature control device having a dehumidifying function connected to a temperature control device provided with a tube through which a heat medium circulates, and for controlling the temperature of the heat medium. The heat medium temperature control device having a dehumidifying function may include a main tank unit, a heat exchange unit, a switching unit, and a heat medium circulation unit. The main tank unit may contain the circulating heat medium. The heat exchange unit may include a thermoelectric element and a heat medium block disposed on one surface of the thermoelectric element and provided with a flow path for transferring the heat medium recovered from the temperature control device to the main tank unit. The switching unit may include a bypass inlet that receives the heat medium from the main tank unit, and first and second bypass outlets that are selectively opened and closed to discharge the heat medium. The heat medium circulation unit may include an inlet line connecting the temperature control device and the heat medium block, an outlet line connecting the first bypass outlet and the temperature control device, and a bypass line connecting the second bypass outlet and the heat medium block.

[0007] The heat medium temperature control device having a dehumidifying function according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a control unit that controls the thermoelectric element and the switching unit in accordance with a cold water mode, a hot water mode, and a dehumidifying mode. The control unit may control the switching unit to open the second bypass outlet when operating in the dehumidifying mode.

[0008] The heat medium temperature control device having a dehumidifying function according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the other surface of the thermoelectric element or the temperature of the heat medium contained in at least one of the main tank unit and the heat medium block. In the dehumidifying mode, the control unit may control the switching unit to maintain the second bypass outlet open when a temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor is less than a preset temperature value, and to open the first bypass outlet when the temperature value is equal to or greater than the preset temperature value.

[0009] The heat medium temperature control device having a dehumidifying function according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include an auxiliary tank for storing condensed water generated in the dehumidifying mode, an auxiliary line connecting the auxiliary tank and the main tank, an auxiliary pump for supplying the condensed water from the auxiliary tank to the main tank via the auxiliary line, and a water level sensor for sensing the water level in the auxiliary tank. The control unit may determine whether to drive the auxiliary pump based on water level information from the water level sensor.

[0010] A heat medium temperature control device with a dehumidifying function according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an auxiliary heat dissipation unit including an auxiliary thermoelectric element and an auxiliary heat medium block disposed on one side of the auxiliary thermoelectric element. The auxiliary heat medium block may include a heat medium flow path having an auxiliary block inlet and an auxiliary block outlet formed at one end and the other end, respectively. The bypass line may include a first bypass line connecting the second bypass outlet and the auxiliary block inlet, and a second bypass line connecting the auxiliary block outlet and the heat medium block.

[0011] One surface of the auxiliary thermoelectric element may be fixed and driven as a cooling surface that performs a cooling function.

[0012] The heat medium temperature control device having a dehumidifying function according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the other surface of the thermoelectric element or the temperature of the heat medium contained in at least one of the main tank unit and the heat medium block. In the dehumidifying mode, the control unit may not drive the auxiliary thermoelectric element if the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor is lower than a preset temperature value, and may drive the auxiliary thermoelectric element if the temperature value is equal to or higher than the preset temperature value.

[0013] The heat medium temperature control device having a dehumidifying function according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a circulation pump that guides the circulation of the heat medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The heat medium temperature control device according to the present invention has an advantage of being able to provide a dehumidifying function that can adjust the humidity of the environment around the device. In addition, the heat medium temperature control device according to the present invention can prevent overheating of the heat medium that occurs when the device is operated in dehumidifying mode, thereby preventing a decrease in the performance of the dehumidifying function and extending the life of the device.

[0015] The effects that can be obtained in the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a heat medium temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration and operating state of a heat medium temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the inside of a heat medium temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a heat medium block and a main tank according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the shape of a partition wall according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] and [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram comparing the temperature distribution and fluid trajectory distribution of a fluid when protrusions are formed on a partition wall and when they are not formed on a partition wall. [Figure 8] 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of a heat medium temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention and an operating state in a cold water mode or a hot water mode. [Figure 9] 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the configuration of a heat medium temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention and an operating state in a dehumidification mode. [Figure 10] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the structure of an auxiliary heat dissipation portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In the following description of the embodiments disclosed herein, if it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical ideas disclosed herein should not be limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0018] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0019] When a component is said to be "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that there may be other components in between. In contrast, when a component is said to be "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0020] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0021] In this application, the use of terms such as "comprise" or "have" is intended to specify the presence of any features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof set forth in the specification, but is to be understood as not precluding the possible presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0022] In describing embodiments of the present invention, terms indicating directions such as up / down, front / back, left / right, etc. are intended to provide a relative reference for describing embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to specify a certain direction or position as an absolute reference, and may change relatively depending on the position of the object of interest, the position of the observer, the view direction, etc.

[0023] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a heat medium temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration and operating state of a heat medium temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the interior of a heat medium temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a heat medium block and a main tank according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a heat medium temperature control device 100 with a dehumidifying function (hereinafter referred to as a heat medium temperature control device) according to an embodiment of the present invention is detachably connected to a temperature control device 10 to be temperature-controlled, and can be a device that controls the temperature and humidity of the temperature control device 10 and / or the surrounding environment according to the user's desired conditions by adjusting the temperature of the circulating heat medium. The temperature control device 10 can be, but is not limited to, a hot or cold water mat having a flow path pipe 11 through which the heat medium flows. The heat medium is preferably, but is not limited to, water.

[0025] The heat medium temperature control device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a housing 101 that determines the outer shape of the device. The housing 101 may have a hexahedral shape as shown in the drawing, but is not limited thereto and may have various outer shapes that can accommodate components described below. To ensure ease of assembly, the housing 101 may include a first housing and a second housing that can be assembled and separated as desired by the user.

[0026] A user input unit 102 may be formed on one surface, preferably the top surface, of the housing 101. The user input unit 102 may generate key input data that a user inputs to control the operation of the heat medium temperature control device 100. To this end, the user input unit 102 may be configured with at least one or a combination of a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad, and a touch screen in which a touchpad and a display panel are combined. A connector 103 for connecting the heat medium temperature control device 100 and the temperature control device 10 may be detachably coupled to one surface, preferably one side surface, of the housing 101.

[0027] A heat medium temperature control device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main tank unit 110, a heat exchange unit 120, a heat medium circulating unit 160, a circulation pump 170, and a control unit 180. The main tank unit 110, the heat exchange unit 120, the heat medium circulating unit 160, the circulation pump 170, and the control unit 180 may be accommodated inside a housing 101. The main tank unit 110, the heat exchange unit 120, and the heat medium circulating unit 160 may be interconnected with a flow path 11 of the temperature control device 10 to form a flow path for the heat medium.

[0028] The main tank 110 may contain a heat medium flowing in from the outside and a heat medium to be circulated. The main tank 110 may have an inlet that is open to the outside, and the inlet may be openable and closable via at least one lid 111. Preferably, the inlet may be exposed to the outside of the housing 101, and the lid 111 may be detachably fastened to the inlet outside the housing 101. The main tank 110 may have an outlet 112 provided at a lower portion thereof.

[0029] The heat exchange unit 120 may be configured to conduct heat exchange with a heat medium under the control of the control unit 180 in response to a user operation and / or a preset condition. The heat exchange unit 120 may include a thermoelectric element 130, a heat medium block 140, and a heat dissipation unit 150.

[0030] The thermoelectric element 130 utilizes the Peltier effect, which creates a temperature difference through a potential difference by utilizing the effect that occurs when bipolar semiconductors (e.g., N-type and P-type semiconductors) are combined. When a voltage is applied to the thermoelectric element 130, a temperature difference occurs on both sides of the element, and one of the two sides generates heat and the other side cools by absorbing heat. The heating and absorbing sides of the thermoelectric element 130 change depending on the direction of the current, and the amount of heat generated and absorbed can be adjusted depending on the amount of current.

[0031] The heat medium block 140 may be located on one surface of the thermoelectric element 130. Preferably, one surface of the heat medium block 140 may be located so as to contact one surface of the thermoelectric element 130. The heat medium block 140 may be located between the thermoelectric element 130 and the main tank unit 110. Preferably, the other surface of the heat medium block 140 may be located so as to contact the main tank unit 110.

[0032] The heat medium block 140 may accommodate a circulating heat medium therein. That is, the heat medium block 140 may include a flow path through which the circulating heat medium can be heat exchanged by the thermoelectric elements 130 while flowing from the temperature control device 10 and then being discharged to the main tank unit 110. To this end, the heat medium block 140 may include a block inlet 142, a plurality of partition walls 143, and a block outlet 149. The block inlet 142 may be a portion through which the heat medium recovered from the temperature control device 10 flows into the heat medium block 140. The plurality of partition walls 143 may form a flow path for the heat medium that has flowed in through the block inlet 142. The block outlet 149 may be a portion that is connected to the main tank unit 110 so that the heat medium flowing through the flow path formed by the partition walls 143 is discharged to the main tank unit 110.

[0033] One end of the flow path defined by the partition 143 may be connected to the block inlet 142, and the other end may be connected to the block outlet 149. The block inlet 142 may be open downward toward the bottom of the housing 101, and the block outlet 149 may be open toward the inside of the main tank 110. As a result, a heat medium flow path may be formed within the heat medium block 140, which is a combination of the block inlet 142, the partition 143, and the block outlet 149.

[0034] The partition walls 143 can guide the flow path of the heat medium. The partition walls 143 can extend in the left-right direction (or side direction) within the heat medium block 140 and be spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction. The partition walls 143 can be arranged in a zigzag pattern to guide the heat medium to flow in a zigzag pattern. This can mean that the heat medium flow path can be secured to be sufficiently long in a limited space. As a result, the heat medium can flow along the flow path within the heat medium block 140 and be guided to exchange heat sufficiently with the thermoelectric elements 130, thereby significantly improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0035] The thermal medium block 140 may include a first body 141 and a second body 147 that are assembled together. The outer shape of the thermal medium block 140 may be determined by combining the first body 141 and the second body 147. One surface of the first body 141 may be positioned to contact the thermoelectric element 130. A partition wall 143 may be formed on the other surface of the first body 141. The first body 141 and the partition wall 143 may be formed of the same material, which may be a material with high thermal conductivity, such as a metal material. As a result, the first body 141 and the partition wall 143, which have relatively high thermal conductivity, are in direct contact with the thermoelectric element 130, thereby significantly improving the efficiency of heat exchange with the thermal medium flowing along the flow path defined by the partition wall 143.

[0036] The second body 147 may be fixed to the first body 141 while covering the partition wall 143. By combining the first body 141 and the second body 147, a flow path through the partition wall 143 may be determined in a predetermined direction. One surface of the second body 147 may contact the main tank portion 110. One surface of the main tank portion 110 may be fixed to one surface of the second body 147 in an open state. The second body 147 may be formed of the same material as the first body 141. Alternatively, the second body 147 may be formed of the same material as the main tank portion 110, for example, a plastic material. In this case, the second body 147 and the main tank portion 110 may be formed integrally.

[0037] The heat dissipation unit 150 may include a heat sink 151 and a heat dissipation fan 155 that perform a heat dissipation function. The heat sink 151 may be located on the other side of the thermoelectric element 130. The heat sink 151 may include heat dissipation fins formed on one side adjacent to the thermoelectric element 130 and the other side opposite the other side. The heat dissipation fan 155 may be located on the other side of the heat sink 151 and may be driven to discharge air that has exchanged heat to the outside. The heat dissipation fan 155 may be fixed to the other side of the heat sink 151. If necessary, the heat dissipation fan 155 may be driven to draw outside air into the interior. If necessary, a plurality of heat sinks 151 and a plurality of heat dissipation fans 155 may be provided.

[0038] The heat medium circulating unit 160 may include a flow path pipe through which the heat medium flows. The heat medium circulating unit 160 may connect some components within the heat medium temperature control device 100, and may connect some components within the heat medium temperature control device 100 to the temperature adjustment device 10. The heat medium circulating unit 160 may include at least a discharge line 161 and an inlet line 165.

[0039] The discharge line 161 may connect the main tank unit 110 and the temperature control device 10. The discharge line 161 may be referred to as a flow path pipe through which the heat medium discharged from the discharge port 112 of the main tank unit 110 flows to the temperature control device 10. The inlet line 165 may connect the heat medium block 140 and the temperature control device 10. The inlet line 165 may be referred to as a flow path pipe through which the heat medium recovered from the temperature control device 10 flows to the block inlet port 142 of the heat medium block 140. The inlet line 165 and the discharge line 161 may form a flow path for the heat medium circulating between the heat medium temperature control device 100 and the temperature control device 10. The flow path may be formed as follows, and the heat medium may circulate along the flow path according to a user setting, predetermined conditions, etc.

[0040] <Flow path of circulating heat transfer medium> Heat medium block 140 of heat exchange unit 120 → main tank unit 110 → discharge line 161 → temperature adjustment device 10 → inlet line 165 → heat medium block 140 of heat exchange unit 120

[0041] The circulation pump 170 may circulate the heat medium through the flow path. The circulation pump 170 may be located below the main tank 110 and connected to the discharge line 161, but is not limited thereto.

[0042] The control unit 180 can execute one or more instructions. The control unit 180 can control the heat medium temperature control device 100 according to preset conditions, including a cold water mode and a hot water mode. The preset conditions can include information corresponding to a user's device operation information and sensing information of the surrounding environment. The preset conditions can be received via the user input unit 102. Alternatively, the heat medium temperature control device 100 can further include a communication unit capable of communicating with a user terminal, and the preset conditions can be received by the user terminal. The preset conditions can be stored in advance in a memory.

[0043] For example, the control unit 180 may apply power to the thermoelectric element 130 and drive the circulation pump 170 in response to a power-on (ON) signal. The control unit 180 may control the thermoelectric element 130 in response to a cold water mode (or a temperature setting corresponding to the cold water mode) signal. That is, the control unit 180 may control the direction of current through the thermoelectric element 130 to a predetermined direction so that one side of the thermoelectric element 130 facing the thermal medium block 140 performs a cooling function. The control unit 180 may control the thermoelectric element 130 in response to a hot water mode (or a temperature setting corresponding to the hot water mode) signal. That is, the control unit 180 may control the direction of current through the thermoelectric element 130 to a predetermined opposite direction so that one side of the thermoelectric element 130 facing the thermal medium block 140 performs a heating function. The control unit 180 can obtain sensing information from a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the outlet water and control the amount of current in the thermoelectric element so that the heat medium corresponding to the temperature set by the user can be discharged.

[0044] The controller 180 may be implemented as a non-volatile computer-readable medium containing executable program instructions. Examples of computer-readable medium include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disc (CD)-ROMs, magnetic tape, floppy disks, flash drives, smart cards, and optical data storage devices.

[0045] The control unit 180 may be implemented using at least one of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0046] The heat medium temperature control device 100 may further include a power supply unit for supplying power to at least some components of the device. The power supply unit may receive power from an external source or may include an energy storage device such as a battery.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the shape of the partition wall according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figs. 6 and 7 are diagrams comparing the temperature distribution and fluid trajectory distribution of a fluid when protrusions are formed on the partition wall and when they are not.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the thermal medium block 140 may include partition walls 143. As described above, the partition walls 143 may be arranged vertically at predetermined intervals in a zigzag pattern to form a single flow path. For example, as shown in the figure, one of adjacent partition walls 143 may be shifted left to form a right hole 143a that is open to the right, and the other may be shifted right to form a left hole 143b that is open to the left. Due to this arrangement of the partition walls 143, the thermal medium block 140 may have a structure in which the right holes 143a and the left holes 143b are alternately formed in at least a portion of the region from bottom to top.

[0049] In this structure, at least one of the partition walls 143 may further include a protrusion 135 that protrudes downward (or in the opposite direction to the heat transfer medium inflow direction). The partition wall 143 may include a plurality of protrusions 135, and the plurality of protrusions 135 may be arranged at predetermined intervals. The number and spacing of the protrusions 135 formed on each partition wall 143 may be the same, but is not limited to this.

[0050] 6 and 7, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes protrusions 135, which increase the surface area of ​​the heat conductor that the circulating heat transfer medium contacts. This improves the thermal conductivity from the thermoelectric element 130 and significantly improves the temperature uniformity depending on the position of the heat transfer medium. Furthermore, the inclusion of a resistance structure such as the protrusions 135 can reduce eddy currents in the flowing heat transfer medium.

[0051] As another example, the protrusions 135b formed on the partition walls 143 may be inclined at a predetermined angle along the flow direction of the heat medium. For example, at a position where the flow direction of the heat medium is to the right (e.g., a protrusion formed on a partition wall shifted to the left in FIG. 5(b)), the protrusions that come into contact with the heat medium may be inclined at a predetermined angle toward the right. At a position where the flow direction of the heat medium is to the left (e.g., a protrusion formed on a partition wall shifted to the right in FIG. 5(b)), the protrusions that come into contact with the heat medium may be inclined at a predetermined angle toward the left. This has the advantages of ensuring a predetermined thermal conductivity from the thermoelectric elements 130 without impeding the flow of the heat medium and significantly reducing vortex phenomena.

[0052] Fig. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a heat medium temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention and its operating state in a cold water mode or a hot water mode. Fig. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a heat medium temperature control device according to an embodiment of the present invention and its operating state in a dehumidification mode.

[0053] The heat medium temperature control device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be operated in a dehumidification mode in addition to the cold water mode and hot water mode described above. The control unit 180 may control the heat medium temperature control device 100 in the dehumidification mode in response to a preset signal. The preset signal may include a signal generated in response to device operation information from a user and sensing information of the surrounding environment.

[0054] The control unit 180 can apply power to the thermoelectric element 130 in response to a preset signal and drive the circulation pump 170 to circulate the temperature-controlled heat medium.

[0055] The control unit 180 can control the thermoelectric element 130 and the circulation pump 170 in response to a cold water mode (or a temperature setting corresponding to the cold water mode) signal. The control unit 180 can control the direction of current in the thermoelectric element 130 to a preset direction so that one side of the thermoelectric element 130 facing the heat medium block 140 performs cooling. The control unit 180 can drive the circulation pump 170 to supply the heat medium cooled by the heat exchange unit 120 to the temperature adjustment device 10 via the main tank unit 110.

[0056] The control unit 180 can control the thermoelectric element 130 and the circulation pump 170 in response to a hot water mode signal (or a temperature setting corresponding to the hot water mode). The control unit 180 can control the direction of current in the thermoelectric element 130 to a preset reverse direction so that one side of the thermoelectric element 130 facing the heat medium block 140 generates heat. The control unit 180 can drive the circulation pump 170 to supply the heat medium heated by the heat exchange unit 120 to the temperature adjustment device 10 via the main tank unit 110.

[0057] The control unit 180 may control the thermoelectric element 130 and the circulation pump 170 in response to the dehumidification mode signal. The control unit 180 may control the current direction of the thermoelectric element 130 to a preset reverse direction so that the other side of the thermoelectric element 130 performs a cooling function. As the other side of the thermoelectric element 130 performs a cooling function, the outside air flowing into the housing 101 may be cooled. Moisture contained in the outside air may condense and be separated from the outside air, thereby reducing the humidity of the surrounding environment. Although not shown, the housing 101 may further include a vent unit having a vent hole through which the outside air can flow into the housing. The vent unit is preferably formed at a position facing the other side of the thermoelectric element 130. If necessary, the control unit 180 may drive the heat dissipation fan 155 in the reverse direction to force the outside air into the housing.

[0058] In the dehumidification mode, one side of the thermoelectric element 130 may generate heat. As a result, the temperature of the heat medium contained in the heat medium block 140 and the main tank unit 110 connected to the heat medium block 140 may increase. If the temperature of the heat medium contained in the heat medium block 140 increases too much, heat may be conducted in the opposite direction due to the temperature difference between one side and the other side of the thermoelectric element 130. The increased heat conduction in the opposite direction may reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the other side of the thermoelectric element 130. This may result in a decrease in the performance of the dehumidification function in the dehumidification mode.

[0059] To solve this problem, the heat medium temperature control device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a bypass circulation structure for circulating the heat medium to lower the temperature of the heat medium contained in the heat medium block 140 in the dehumidification mode. The bypass circulation structure may include a switching unit 301 that switches the flow path of the heat medium, and a bypass line 303 that connects the switching unit 301 and the heat medium block 140. The bypass line 303 may be defined as one component of the heat medium circulator 160.

[0060] In the dehumidification mode, the overheated heat medium is cooled while being circulated in a bypass circulation structure and can flow back into the heat medium block 140. As a result, a preferred embodiment of the present invention can prevent one side of the thermoelectric element 130 from being overheated in the dehumidification mode.

[0061] More specifically, the switching unit 301 may include a bypass inlet 301a connected to the main tank 110 to receive the heat medium, and a first bypass outlet 301b and a second bypass outlet 301c selectively opened and closed to discharge the heat medium. The switching unit 301 may be a three-way valve. The main tank 110 and the bypass inlet 301a may be connected via a circulation line.

[0062] The first bypass outlet 301b may be a portion that supplies the heat medium that has flowed in corresponding to the cold water mode or the hot water mode to the temperature adjustment device 10. The first bypass outlet 301b may be connected to the temperature adjustment device 10 via an outlet line 161. The second bypass outlet 301c may be a portion that supplies the heat medium that has flowed in corresponding to the dehumidification mode to a bypass inlet 304 of the heat medium block 140. The second bypass outlet 301c may be connected to the heat medium block 140 via a bypass line 303.

[0063] The bypass inlet 304 of the heat transfer medium block 140 may be provided independently of the block inlet 142. The block inlet 142 may be selectively opened in a cold water mode or a hot water mode, and the bypass inlet 304 may be selectively opened in a dehumidification mode. The heat transfer medium block 140 may further include a check valve to prevent backflow through the bypass inlet 304 and the block inlet 142.

[0064] In the hot / cold water mode and the dehumidification mode, the circulation path of the heat medium may be formed as follows, and the circulation pump 170 may be driven under the control of the control unit 180 to selectively circulate the heat medium to the main path or the bypass path. The circulation pump 170 may be connected to a circulation line connecting the main tank unit 110 and the bypass inlet 301, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] <Main route: cold water mode or hot water mode> Heat medium block 140 → main tank section 110 → switching section 301 → discharge line 161 → temperature adjustment device 10 → inlet line 165 → block inlet 142 → heat medium block 140

[0066] <Bypass route: Dehumidification mode> Heat medium block 140 → main tank section 110 → switching section 301 → bypass line 303 → bypass inlet 304 → heat medium block 140

[0067] The heat medium temperature control device according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include an auxiliary tank unit 305 for storing condensed water in the dehumidification mode, an auxiliary line 307 connecting the auxiliary tank unit 305 and the main tank unit 110, and an auxiliary pump for supplying the condensed water from the auxiliary tank unit 305 to the main tank unit 110 via the auxiliary line 307. In the embodiment of the present invention, the condensed water generated in the dehumidification mode can be reused as a heat medium.

[0068] The heat medium temperature control device according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a sensing unit 310 for sensing environmental information. The sensing unit 310 may further include a temperature sensor 311 for sensing the temperature of the heat medium at least at a predetermined position, a water level sensor 313 for sensing the water level, and a humidity sensor 315 for sensing the humidity of the surrounding environment. The control unit 180 may control at least a portion of the configuration of the heat medium temperature control device 100 based on the sensing information acquired from the sensing unit 310.

[0069] For example, in the dehumidification mode, the temperature sensor 311 may sense the temperature (particularly the temperature of the other surface) of the thermoelectric element 130 or the temperature of the heat medium contained in at least one of the main tank unit 110 and the heat medium block 140. The control unit 180 may control the switching unit 301 based on the temperature information sensed by the temperature sensor 311 in the dehumidification mode.

[0070] When the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor 311 in the dehumidifying mode is lower than a preset temperature value, the control unit 180 may open the second bypass outlet 301c to maintain the state in which the heat medium circulates through the bypass path. When the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor 311 in the dehumidifying mode is equal to or higher than a preset temperature value, the control unit 180 may control the switching unit 301 to open the first bypass outlet 301b to circulate the heat medium through the main path.

[0071] The dehumidification mode may be primarily used in hot and humid environments such as summer. Circulating the heat medium through the main path in a hot and humid environment may cause discomfort to a user using the temperature control device 10 due to an increase in the temperature of the temperature control device 10. Therefore, when the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor 311 is equal to or greater than a preset temperature value, the control unit 180 may additionally sense whether a user is present above the temperature control device 10 through the sensing unit 310. When a user is not present above the temperature control device 10, the control unit 180 may control the switching unit 301 to circulate the heat medium through the main path. In order to sense whether a user is present above the temperature control device 10, the sensing unit 310 may further include, but is not limited to, at least one of a proximity sensor and a pressure sensor.

[0072] As another example, the water level sensor 313 may sense the water level of the condensed water contained in the auxiliary tank 305. The control unit 180 may control whether to drive the auxiliary pump based on the water level information sensed by the water level sensor 313. The control unit 180 may not drive the auxiliary pump when the water level value sensed by the water level sensor 313 is lower than a preset water level value. The control unit 180 may drive the auxiliary pump to supply the condensed water contained in the auxiliary tank 305 to the main tank 110 when the water level value sensed by the water level sensor 313 is equal to or higher than the preset water level value.

[0073] As another example, the humidity sensor 315 may sense the humidity of the surrounding environment. The control unit 180 may determine whether to operate the dehumidification mode based on the humidity information sensed by the humidity sensor 315.

[0074] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the auxiliary heat dissipation portion according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] The auxiliary heat dissipation unit 400 may include an auxiliary heat medium block 401 , an auxiliary thermoelectric element 403 , an auxiliary heat dissipation block 407 , and an auxiliary heat dissipation fan 408 .

[0076] The auxiliary heat medium block 401 may be located on one surface of the auxiliary thermoelectric element 403. Preferably, one surface of the auxiliary heat medium block 401 may be located so as to be in contact with one surface of the auxiliary thermoelectric element 403. One surface of the auxiliary thermoelectric element 403 may be fixed and driven as a cooling surface that performs a cooling function.

[0077] The auxiliary heat medium block 401 can accommodate therein a heat medium that circulates through the bypass path in the dehumidification mode. The auxiliary heat medium block 401 can be connected to the bypass line 303. The bypass line 303 can include a first bypass line 303a that connects the switching unit 301 and the auxiliary heat medium block 401, and a second bypass line 303b that connects the auxiliary heat medium block 401 and the heat medium block 140.

[0078] The auxiliary heat medium block 401 may include a flow path through which the circulating heat medium can be guided to exchange heat with the auxiliary thermoelectric elements 403 as it flows in through the second bypass outlet 301c of the switching unit 301 and is discharged through the bypass inlet 304 of the heat medium block 140. To this end, the auxiliary heat medium block 401 may include an auxiliary block inlet 402a, an auxiliary partition wall, and an auxiliary block outlet 402b. The auxiliary block inlet 402a may be connected to the first bypass line 303a and may be a portion through which the heat medium recovered from the switching unit 301 flows. The plurality of auxiliary partition walls may form a flow path for the heat medium flowing in through the auxiliary block inlet 402a. The auxiliary partition walls may guide the flow path of the heat medium. The auxiliary partition walls may have substantially the same structure as the partition walls 143 of the heat medium block 140, but are not limited thereto. The auxiliary block outlet 402b may be connected to the second bypass line 303b and may be a portion where the heat transfer medium flowing through the flow path formed by the auxiliary partition is discharged to the heat transfer medium block 140. One end of the flow path formed by the auxiliary partition may be connected to the auxiliary block inlet 402a, and the other end may be connected to the auxiliary block outlet 402b.

[0079] <Bypass route: Dehumidification mode> Heat medium block 140 → main tank section 110 → switching section 301 → first bypass line 303a → auxiliary block inlet 402a → auxiliary heat medium block 401 → auxiliary block outlet 402b → second bypass line 303b → bypass inlet 304 → heat medium block 140

[0080] The heat medium circulating through the bypass path can flow into the heat medium block 140 in a cooled state through heat exchange with the auxiliary thermoelectric elements 403 in the auxiliary heat medium block 401 .

[0081] The auxiliary heat dissipation block 407 may be located on the other side of the auxiliary thermoelectric element 403. The auxiliary heat dissipation block 407 may include auxiliary heat dissipation fins formed on one side adjacent to the auxiliary thermoelectric element 403 and the other side opposite the one side. The auxiliary heat dissipation fan 408 may be located on the other side of the auxiliary heat dissipation block 407 and may be driven to exhaust the air that has exchanged heat to the outside. The auxiliary heat dissipation fan 408 may be fixed on the other side of the auxiliary heat dissipation block 407.

[0082] The auxiliary heat dissipation unit 400 cools the heat medium contained in the heat medium block 140 in the dehumidification mode and can be driven under the control of the control unit 180. The auxiliary heat dissipation unit 400 can be driven independently of the heat dissipation unit 150 under preset conditions. The auxiliary heat dissipation unit 400 can be selectively driven under preset conditions. The embodiment according to the present invention has an advantage that power consumption can be reduced because the auxiliary heat dissipation unit 400 can be selectively driven as needed via the control unit 180.

[0083] For example, the control unit 180 can monitor the temperature at a predetermined position within the heat medium temperature control device 100 at a predetermined interval or in real time, and can selectively control the auxiliary heat dissipation unit 400 based on the monitoring information.

[0084] More specifically, the control unit 180 can sense at least one of the temperature of the thermoelectric element 130 (particularly the temperature of the other surface of the thermoelectric element) or the temperature of the heat medium circulating inside at least one of the main tank unit 110 and the heat medium block 140 through the temperature sensor 311.

[0085] When the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor 311 in the dehumidification mode is lower than a preset temperature value, the control unit 180 may not drive the auxiliary thermoelectric element 403 and may drive the circulation pump 170 so that the heat medium circulates along the bypass path. When the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor 311 in the dehumidification mode is equal to or higher than a preset temperature value, the control unit 180 may drive the auxiliary thermoelectric element 403 and may drive the circulation pump 170 so that the heat medium cooled through heat exchange with the auxiliary thermoelectric element 403 circulates along the bypass path. The control unit 180 may reduce power consumption by selectively driving the auxiliary heat dissipation unit 400 under preset conditions.

[0086] Although the embodiments have been described above using limited drawings, those skilled in the art may apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, suitable results may be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are substituted or replaced by other components or equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 10 Temperature control equipment 100 Heat medium temperature control device 110 Main tank section 120 Heat exchange section 130 Thermoelectric element 140 Heat Transfer Medium Block 150 Heat dissipation part 160 Heat medium circulation section 170 Circulation Pump 180 Control Unit 400 Auxiliary heat dissipation section 401 Auxiliary heat transfer medium block 403 Auxiliary thermoelectric element 407 Auxiliary heat dissipation block

Claims

1. A heat medium temperature control device connected to a temperature adjustment device provided with a tube through which a heat medium circulates, and having a dehumidifying function for controlling the temperature of the heat medium, comprising: a main tank portion that accommodates the circulating heat medium; a heat exchange unit including a thermoelectric element and a heat medium block disposed on one surface of the thermoelectric element and having a flow path for transferring the heat medium recovered from the temperature adjustment device to the main tank unit; a switching unit including a bypass inlet that receives the heat medium from the main tank unit, and a first bypass outlet and a second bypass outlet that are selectively opened and closed to discharge the heat medium; a heat medium circulating unit including an inlet line connecting the temperature adjustment device and the heat medium block, an outlet line connecting the first bypass outlet and the temperature adjustment device, and a bypass line connecting the second bypass outlet and the heat medium block; A heat medium temperature control device having a dehumidifying function.

2. a control unit that controls the thermoelectric element and the switching unit in accordance with a cold water mode, a hot water mode, and a dehumidification mode; The control unit The heat medium temperature control device having a dehumidifying function according to claim 1 , wherein the switching unit is controlled to open the second bypass discharge port during the dehumidifying mode operation.

3. The heating element further includes a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the thermoelectric element or the temperature of the heat medium contained in at least one of the main tank portion and the heat medium block, The control unit 3. The heat medium temperature control device with dehumidification function according to claim 2, wherein, in the dehumidification mode, when a temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor is lower than a preset temperature value, the second bypass discharge outlet is kept open, and when the temperature value is equal to or higher than the preset temperature value, the switching unit is controlled so that the first bypass discharge outlet is opened.

4. an auxiliary tank portion for storing condensed water generated in the dehumidification mode; an auxiliary line connecting the auxiliary tank portion and the main tank portion; an auxiliary pump for supplying the condensed water from the auxiliary tank portion to the main tank portion via the auxiliary line; a water level sensor that senses the water level of the auxiliary tank portion; The control unit The heat medium temperature control device with a dehumidifying function according to claim 2, wherein whether or not to drive the auxiliary pump is determined based on water level information from the water level sensor.

5. Further comprising an auxiliary thermoelectric element and an auxiliary heat dissipation unit including an auxiliary heat medium block disposed on one surface of the auxiliary thermoelectric element, The auxiliary heat medium block comprises: a flow path for the heat transfer medium having an auxiliary block inlet and an auxiliary block outlet formed at one end and the other end, respectively; The detour line is 3. The heat medium temperature control device with dehumidifying function according to claim 2, further comprising: a first bypass line connecting the second bypass discharge port and the auxiliary block inlet, and a second bypass line connecting the auxiliary block discharge port and the heat medium block.

6. One surface of the auxiliary thermoelectric element is 6. The heat medium temperature control device with dehumidifying function according to claim 5, wherein the heat medium temperature control device is fixed and driven on a cooling surface that performs a cooling function.

7. The heating element further includes a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the thermoelectric element or the temperature of the heat medium contained in at least one of the main tank portion and the heat medium block, The control unit 7. The heat medium temperature control device with dehumidifying function according to claim 6, wherein, in the dehumidifying mode, when the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor is lower than a preset temperature value, the heat medium is controlled to circulate without driving the auxiliary thermoelectric element, and when the temperature value is equal to or higher than the preset temperature value, the auxiliary thermoelectric element is driven and the heat medium cooled through heat exchange is controlled to circulate.

8. The heat medium temperature control device with dehumidifying function according to claim 1 , further comprising a circulation pump that guides the circulation of the heat medium.

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