Dehumidifier with a variable rear grille that can be used as an intake or exhaust port

Abstract

The present invention has the advantage of being able to actively respond to user needs because the rear grille placed on the rear panel can be used as an intake or an exhaust port, and when necessary, a large amount of indoor air can be introduced into the cabinet to significantly increase dehumidification performance, and the temperature of the exhaust air can be controlled in a cooling mode or a heating mode.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidifier in which the rear grille can be varied as an intake port or an exhaust port. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, a dehumidifier is a device that lowers indoor humidity by drawing humid air from an indoor space into a case, passing it through a heat exchanger consisting of a condenser and an evaporator through which refrigerant flows to lower the humidity, and then discharging the dehumidified air back into the indoor space.

[0004] In other words, a dehumidifier uses a method of removing heat from the surrounding air by evaporating a refrigerant in a liquid state in an evaporator. As the refrigerant evaporates, the temperature of the evaporator decreases, and the temperature of the air passing through the evaporator also decreases. Consequently, as the temperature around the evaporator decreases, the moisture contained in the air condenses and forms dew on the surface of the evaporator, and the dehumidified air is discharged into the room to lower the humidity of the indoor space.

[0005] Recently, such dehumidifiers have been increasing in capacity and functionality to improve dehumidification performance and ease of use; consequently, products with large sizes as well as high dehumidification capacities are preferred.

[0006] Korean Published Patent No. 10-2005-0083417 discloses a dehumidifier formed in the shape of a basket below an evaporator to collect and store condensed water. In a dehumidifier of this structure, when water exceeding a set amount is collected in the basket, the user pulls the basket forward to empty the water inside the basket and reattaches it.

[0007] However, as the capacity of the dehumidifier increases, the capacity of the basket in which the collected water is stored also inevitably increases. In such cases, there is a problem in that the basket is not easy to remove due to the weight of the collected water when the basket is full.

[0008] A conventional dehumidifier includes a main body portion having an air intake portion and an air discharge portion, a heat exchanger provided inside the air intake portion to perform dehumidification by exchanging heat with indoor air, a fan assembly located in front of the heat exchanger to force the flow of indoor air, and a water tank provided on one side of the heat exchanger to collect condensate.

[0009] The condensate condensed in the above evaporator is stored in a drain pan and flows into the above water tank along a predetermined guide structure. When a predetermined amount of water is stored in the above water tank, the user can detach the above water tank and empty the water from the water tank.

[0010] In the case of conventional dehumidifiers, a water tank is provided inside the main body, and a separate water tank cover is provided to cover the water tank. When the water tank cover is provided, the user experiences the inconvenience of having to open the cover and then pull out the water tank in order to separate the water tank from the main body.

[0011] To solve this problem, Korean published patent No. 10-2013-0138478 discloses a structure in which a water tank is rotatably mounted in a recessed water tank mounting part of a main body, and the water tank can be withdrawn in a rotated state by operating a water tank handle provided on the front of the water tank.

[0012] However, conventional dehumidifiers had a problem in that their dehumidification capacity was limited because they required space to accommodate a water tank. Prior art literature

[0014] Republic of Korea Published Patent No. 10-2005-0083417 Republic of Korea Published Patent No. 10-2013-0138478 The problem to be solved

[0015] The present invention was devised to solve the aforementioned conventional problems and aims to provide a dehumidifier capable of discharging condensate to the outside. means of solving the problem

[0017] The present invention provides a dehumidifier comprising: a cabinet (100); a compressor (250) disposed inside the cabinet (100); a four-way valve (260) for controlling the flow direction of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (250); a heat exchange assembly (200) disposed inside the cabinet (100); a blower fan assembly (300) disposed inside the cabinet (100); and a drain assembly (500) disposed inside the cabinet (100) and for discharging condensate generated in the heat exchange assembly (200).

[0018] The cabinet (100) may include a first side panel (110) and a second side panel (120) spaced apart in a horizontal direction, a base (150) that supports the bottom of the first side panel (110) and the second side panel (120) and covers the bottom surface of the first side panel (110) and the second side panel (120), a front panel (130) that covers the front surface of the first side panel (110) and the second side panel (120), a rear panel (140) that covers the rear surface of the first side panel (110) and the second side panel (120), and a top panel (160) that covers the top surface of the first side panel (110) and the second side panel (120).

[0019] It may include a front grille (135) penetrating the front panel (130), a top grille (165) penetrating the top panel (160), and a rear grille (145) penetrating the rear panel (140).

[0020] The heat exchange assembly (200) may include a first heat exchanger (210), a second heat exchanger (220), a third heat exchanger (230), and a fourth heat exchanger (240) disposed inside the cabinet (100).

[0021] The first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220) are positioned at the front, and the third heat exchanger (230) and the fourth heat exchanger (240) are positioned at the rear of the first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220); the first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220) are stacked vertically; the third heat exchanger (230) and the fourth heat exchanger (240) are stacked vertically; the first heat exchanger (210) is positioned on the upper side, the second heat exchanger (220) is positioned on the lower side, the third heat exchanger (230) is positioned on the upper side, and the fourth heat exchanger (240) is positioned on the lower side; and the first heat exchanger (210) and the second A heat exchanger (220) may be positioned at the rear of the front grill (135), and a fourth heat exchanger (240) may be positioned at the front of the rear grill (145).

[0022] The above blower fan assembly (300) may include a first blower fan (310), a second blower fan (320), a third blower fan (330), and a fourth blower fan (340).

[0023] The first blower fan (310) is positioned in front of the first heat exchanger (210), the second blower fan (320) is positioned in front of the second heat exchanger (220), the third blower fan (330) is positioned above the first heat exchanger (210) and the third heat exchanger (230), the fourth blower fan (340) is positioned behind the fourth heat exchanger (240), the first blower fan (310) and the second blower fan (320) are positioned behind the front grille (135), the third blower fan (330) is positioned below the top grille (165), the fourth blower fan (340) is positioned in front of the rear grille (145), and the first blower fan (310) and The second blower fan (320) blows indoor air into the cabinet (100), and the third blower fan (330) can blow air inside the cabinet (100) to the outside of the cabinet (100).

[0024] The above-mentioned fourth blower fan (340) is a bidirectional fan, and when the above-mentioned fourth blower fan (340) is rotated in the forward direction, it blows the internal air of the cabinet (100) to the outside of the cabinet (100), and when the above-mentioned fourth blower fan (340) is rotated in the reverse direction, it blows the indoor air into the interior of the cabinet (100). Effects of the invention

[0026] First, the present invention has the advantage of being able to significantly increase dehumidification performance by introducing a large amount of indoor air into the cabinet when necessary, because the rear grille placed on the rear panel can be used as either an intake or an exhaust port.

[0027] Second, the present invention has the advantage of being able to actively respond to user needs because it can control the temperature of the discharged air in a cooling mode or a heating mode. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a front view of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a rear view of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a plan view of Figure 1. Fig. 5 is an interior perspective view of Fig. 1. Figure 6 is a diagram of the configuration of Figure 1. FIG. 7 is an example diagram of a cooling dehumidification strong operation mode of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an example diagram of an operation mode during cooling and dehumidification of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an example diagram of a cooling dehumidification weak operation mode of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an example diagram of a heating and dehumidification strong operation mode of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an example diagram of an operating mode during heating and dehumidification of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an example diagram of a heating and dehumidification weak operation mode of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a cooling and dehumidification operation mode of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of the heating and dehumidification operation mode of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0031] Terms such as first, second, A, B, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0032] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0033] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0035] In this document, "configured to" may be used interchangeably with, depending on the context, for example, in hardware or software, "suitable for," "capable of," "modified to," "made to," "capable of," or "designed to." In some situations, the expression "device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" in conjunction with other devices or components.

[0036] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. In order to facilitate an overall understanding of the present invention, the same reference numerals are used for identical components in the drawings, and redundant descriptions of identical components are omitted.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a rear view of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a top view of FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is an internal perspective view of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of FIG. 1.

[0038] A large-capacity dehumidifier according to the present embodiment comprises a cabinet (100), a compressor (250) disposed inside the cabinet (100), a four-way valve (260) for controlling the flow direction of the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (250), a heat exchange assembly (200) disposed inside the cabinet (100), a blower fan assembly (300) disposed inside the cabinet (100), and a drain assembly (500) disposed inside the cabinet (100) and for discharging condensate generated in the heat exchange assembly (200).

[0039] The cabinet (100) comprises a first side panel (110) and a second side panel (120) spaced apart in the horizontal direction, a base (150) that supports the bottom of the first side panel (110) and the second side panel (120) and covers the bottom surface of the first side panel (110) and the second side panel (120), a front panel (130) that covers the front surface of the first side panel (110) and the second side panel (120), a rear panel (140) that covers the rear surface of the first side panel (110) and the second side panel (120), and a top panel (160) that covers the top surface of the first side panel (110) and the second side panel (120).

[0040] A drain hole (125) is formed in at least one of the first side panel (110) and the second side panel (120), and a drain hose (180) is inserted into the drain hole (125). The drain hose (180) discharges condensate generated in the heat exchange assembly (200) to the outside.

[0041] The lower end of the front panel (130) is supported on the base (150) and is installed so as to be detachable from the cabinet (100).

[0042] A control panel (170) is placed on the top panel (160), and a display for displaying information and a touch panel or button capable of receiving user operation signals are placed on the control panel (170).

[0043] A front grille (135) is formed penetrating the front panel (130), and air can pass through the front grille (135). A top grille (165) is formed penetrating the top panel (160), and air can pass through the top grille (165). A rear grille (145) is formed penetrating the rear panel (140), and air can pass through the rear grille.

[0044] A temperature sensor and a humidity sensor are placed on the front panel (130), rear panel (140), and top panel (160), respectively, to detect the temperature of the flowing air.

[0045] In this embodiment, indoor air is drawn in through the front grille (135), and dehumidified air is discharged into the room through the top grille (165).

[0046] In this embodiment, the rear grille (145) has the characteristic of being used as an intake port for indoor air intake or as an exhaust port for dehumidified air exhaust.

[0047] In this embodiment, the rear grille (145) is used variably as an intake port or an exhaust port, so the dehumidification capacity can be effectively controlled.

[0048] The heat exchange assembly (200) includes a first heat exchanger (210), a second heat exchanger (220), a third heat exchanger (230), and a fourth heat exchanger (240) disposed inside the cabinet (100).

[0049] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220) are positioned at the front, and the third heat exchanger (230) and the fourth heat exchanger (240) are positioned at the rear of the first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220).

[0050] The first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220) are stacked vertically, and the third heat exchanger (230) and the fourth heat exchanger (240) are stacked vertically.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first heat exchanger (210) is positioned on the upper side, and the second heat exchanger (220) is positioned on the lower side. The third heat exchanger (230) is positioned on the upper side, and the fourth heat exchanger (240) is positioned on the lower side.

[0052] The first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220) are positioned at the rear of the front grille (135). The fourth heat exchanger (240) is positioned at the front of the rear grille (145).

[0053] The front grille (135) is formed with an area capable of covering both the first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220). The rear grille (145) is formed with an area capable of covering the rear of the fourth heat exchanger (240).

[0054] The rear panel (140) is positioned behind the third heat exchanger (230) and closed.

[0055] A drain tank (190) is disposed at the bottom of the second heat exchanger (220) and the fourth heat exchanger (240), and the drain tank (190) is supported on the base (150). The bottom ends of the second heat exchanger (220) and the fourth heat exchanger (240) are disposed to be inserted into the drain tank (190). A drain pump (195) is further included to suck condensate from the drain tank (190) and discharge it through the drain hose (180), and the drain pump (195) is integrally assembled and disposed on the upper side of the drain tank (190).

[0056] Condensate generated in the first heat exchanger (210), second heat exchanger (220), third heat exchanger (230), or fourth heat exchanger (240) flows down by gravity and is stored in the drain tank (190), and an unillustrated drain pump is operated to discharge the condensate to the outside through the drain hose (180).

[0057] The above blower fan assembly (300) includes a first blower fan (310), a second blower fan (320), a third blower fan (330), and a fourth blower fan (340).

[0058] The first blower fan (310) is positioned in front of the first heat exchanger (210), the second blower fan (320) is positioned in front of the second heat exchanger (220), the third blower fan (330) is positioned above the first heat exchanger (210) and the third heat exchanger (230), and the fourth blower fan (340) is positioned behind the fourth heat exchanger (240).

[0059] The first blower fan (310) and the second blower fan (320) are positioned at the rear of the front grill (135), the third blower fan (330) is positioned at the lower side of the top grill (165), and the fourth blower fan (340) is positioned at the front of the rear grill (145).

[0060] The first blower fan (310) and the second blower fan (320) blow indoor air into the cabinet (100). The third blower fan (330) blows air inside the cabinet (100) to the outside of the cabinet (100).

[0061] The above fourth blower fan (340) uses a bidirectional fan.

[0062] When the fourth blower fan (340) is rotated in the forward direction, it blows the air inside the cabinet (100) to the outside of the cabinet (100). At this time, the air inside the cabinet (100) can be discharged to the top grill (165) or the rear grill (145).

[0063] When the fourth blower fan (340) is rotated in the reverse direction, the indoor air is blown into the cabinet (100). When indoor air is introduced through the front grille (135) and the rear grille (145), the flow rate and velocity of the air discharged to the top grille (165) can be increased, thereby promoting the circulation of indoor air.

[0064] By controlling the above-mentioned fourth blower fan (340) in a forward or reverse direction, the flow rate of indoor air entering the cabinet (100) can be increased and the amount of dehumidification can be maximized.

[0065] The dehumidifier according to the present embodiment further includes a first electronic expansion valve (350) connecting the first heat exchanger (210) and the third heat exchanger (230), and a second electronic expansion valve (360) connecting the second heat exchanger (220) and the fourth heat exchanger (240).

[0066] In the dehumidifier according to the present embodiment, the four-way valve (260) includes a first port (261), a second port (262), a third port (263), and a fourth port (264).

[0067] The dehumidifier according to the present embodiment further includes a first port pipe (251) connecting the first port (261) and the discharge side of the compressor (250), and a third port pipe (253) connecting the fourth port (264) and the suction side of the compressor.

[0068] Although not shown, each pipe described below is equipped with a check valve that restricts the flow direction of the refrigerant and prevents backflow.

[0069] The second port (262) is connected to the first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220). It includes a second port connecting pipe (275) connected to the second port (262), a second-1 port branch pipe (271) branched from the second port connecting pipe (275) and connected to the first heat exchanger (210), and a second-2 port branch pipe (272) branched from the second port connecting pipe (275) and connected to the second heat exchanger (220).

[0070] The fourth port (262) is connected to the third heat exchanger (230) and the fourth heat exchanger (240). It includes a fourth port connecting pipe (285) connected to the fourth port (264), a fourth-1 port branching pipe (281) branched from the fourth port connecting pipe (285) and connected to the third heat exchanger (230), and a fourth-2 port branching pipe (242) branched from the fourth port connecting pipe (285) and connected to the fourth heat exchanger (240).

[0071] The dehumidifier according to the present embodiment further includes a first shut-off valve (215) disposed in the 2-1 port branch pipe (271), a second shut-off valve (225) disposed in the 2-2 port branch pipe (272), a third shut-off valve (235) disposed in the 4-1 port branch pipe (281), and a fourth shut-off valve (245) disposed in the 4-2 port branch pipe (282).

[0072] The refrigerant flow of the first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220) can be controlled by controlling the first shut-off valve (215) or the second shut-off valve (225). The refrigerant flow of the third heat exchanger (230) and the fourth heat exchanger (240) can be controlled by controlling the third shut-off valve (235) or the fourth shut-off valve (245).

[0073] The user can select either cooling dehumidification or heating dehumidification by operating the control panel (170). The dehumidifier according to the present embodiment has the feature of being able to adjust the dehumidification intensity in cooling dehumidification or heating dehumidification.

[0074] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of a cooling dehumidification strong operation mode of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram of a cooling dehumidification medium operation mode of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram of a cooling dehumidification weak operation mode of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram of a heating dehumidification strong operation mode of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram of a heating dehumidification medium operation mode of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is an exemplary diagram of a heating dehumidification weak operation mode of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] In FIG. 7 or FIG. 8, the first shut-off valve (215), the second shut-off valve (225), the third shut-off valve (235), and the fourth shut-off valve (245) are all opened, as an example.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, since the capacity of the air sucked into the cabinet (100) to come into contact with the evaporator is large, the temperature of the discharged air can be formed lower than the indoor temperature and can meet the user's cooling needs.

[0077] In this embodiment, this is defined as cooling dehumidification, and cooling dehumidification can be used when one feels discomfort from warm air, such as during the summer.

[0078] By controlling the above four-way valve (260), the compressed refrigerant is supplied to the third heat exchanger (230) and the fourth heat exchanger (240) through the above fourth port (264), and the third heat exchanger (230) and the fourth heat exchanger (240) can be operated as condensers.

[0079] Because the air flow rate in the third heat exchanger (230), which operates as a condenser, is lower than that of the other heat exchangers, the temperature of the discharged air can be formed low even if the internal air of the cabinet (100) passes through all four heat exchangers.

[0080] The refrigerant is condensed in the third heat exchanger (230) and releases condensation heat into the air, and the first electronic expansion valve (350) expands the refrigerant and supplies it to the first heat exchanger (210), and the refrigerant expanded in the first heat exchanger (210) cools the air while absorbing evaporation heat.

[0081] Likewise, the refrigerant is condensed in the fourth heat exchanger (240) and releases condensation heat into the air, and the second electronic expansion valve (360) expands the refrigerant and supplies it to the second heat exchanger (220), and the refrigerant expanded in the second heat exchanger (220) cools the air while absorbing evaporation heat.

[0082] At this time, the first blower fan (310) and the second blower fan (320) blow indoor air into the cabinet (100). The third blower fan (330) blows air inside the cabinet (100) to the outside of the cabinet (100).

[0083] Then, the above-mentioned fourth blower fan (340) is controlled to rotate in the reverse direction to blow the indoor air into the cabinet (100).

[0084] In this way, when indoor air is introduced into the cabinet (100) through three blower fans from the front grille (135) and the rear grille (145), the dehumidification capacity can be maximized and the flow rate of air discharged from the top grille (165) can be maximized.

[0085] In this embodiment, this is defined as the strong operation mode during cooling and dehumidification.

[0086] In contrast, referring to FIG. 8, indoor air is drawn into the cabinet (100) through two blower fans of the front grille (135), and when the fourth blower fan (340) is rotated in the forward direction, the third blower fan (330) and the fourth blower fan (340) blow the air inside the cabinet (100) to the outside of the cabinet (100).

[0087] In this case, since the flow rate of air sucked into the cabinet (100) is reduced, it provides lower dehumidification performance than Fig. 7, and in this embodiment, this is referred to as the operating mode during cooling dehumidification.

[0088] Since the air flow path passing through the second heat exchanger (220) and the fourth heat exchanger (240) is formed in a straight line, the air flow resistance is reduced, and dehumidified air is discharged to the rear of the cabinet (100), so effective air circulation in the room can be expected.

[0089] That is, in the case of Fig. 8, there is an advantage in that dehumidified air is discharged upward and backward.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 9, the first shut-off valve (215) and the third shut-off valve (235) are opened, and the second shut-off valve (225) and the fourth shut-off valve (245) are closed, thereby preventing the second heat exchanger (220) and the fourth heat exchanger (240) from operating.

[0091] Here, the first blower fan (310) and the second blower fan (320) blow indoor air into the cabinet (100). The third blower fan (330) blows indoor air from the cabinet (100) to the outside of the cabinet (100), and controls the fourth blower fan (340) to rotate in the reverse direction to blow indoor air into the cabinet (100).

[0092] That is, when indoor air is drawn into the cabinet (100) through three blower fans while only half of the four heat exchangers are in operation, the dehumidification performance is lower than that of FIG. 8, but the air circulation speed can be improved.

[0093] In this embodiment, this is referred to as the operating mode during cooling and dehumidification.

[0094] Figures 10 and 11 are exemplary diagrams regarding heating and dehumidification.

[0095] Heating dehumidification has the characteristic that, because the capacity of the air sucked into the cabinet (100) to come into contact with the condenser is large, the temperature of the discharged air can be formed higher than the indoor temperature, thereby responding to the user's heating needs.

[0096] Heating dehumidification can be used when one feels discomfort from cold air, such as during the winter.

[0097] The first shut-off valve (215), the second shut-off valve (225), the third shut-off valve (235), and the fourth shut-off valve (245) are all opened, and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (250) is guided from the four-way valve (260) to the second port (262) to operate the first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220) as condensers, and the third heat exchanger (230) and the fourth heat exchanger (240) as evaporators.

[0098] Because the air flow rate in the third heat exchanger (230), which operates as an evaporator, is lower than that of the other heat exchangers, the temperature of the discharged air can be formed high even if the internal air of the cabinet (100) passes through all four heat exchangers.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 10, the first blower fan (310), the second blower fan (320), and the fourth blower fan (340) blow indoor air into the cabinet (100), and the third blower fan (330) blows air inside the cabinet (100) to the outside of the cabinet (100).

[0100] This type of control is defined as the strong operation mode during heating and dehumidification.

[0101] Since the capacity for heat exchange with the condenser among the air sucked into the cabinet (100) is greater than the capacity for heat exchange with the evaporator, the temperature of the air discharged from the top grill (165) can be formed higher than the indoor temperature.

[0102] When heating and dehumidifying, the opening value of either the first electronic expansion valve (350) or the second electronic expansion valve (360) can be set low to increase the temperature of the discharge air, thereby lowering the evaporator performance of the third heat exchanger (230) or the fourth heat exchanger (240).

[0103] Lowering the opening value of the first electronic expansion valve (350) positioned on the upper side to lower the evaporator performance of the third heat exchanger (230) is disadvantageous for temperature control of the discharged air, but it is advantageous in terms of the amount of dehumidification.

[0104] Lowering the opening value of the second electronic expansion valve (360) located at the bottom to lower the evaporator performance of the fourth heat exchanger (240) is advantageous for controlling the temperature of the discharged air, but it is disadvantageous in terms of the amount of dehumidification.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 11, the fourth blower fan (340) can be rotated in the forward direction, and since the flow rate of air sucked into the cabinet (100) is reduced, it provides lower dehumidification performance than FIG. 10.

[0106] In this embodiment, this is referred to as the operating mode during heating and dehumidification.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 12, the first shut-off valve (215) and the third shut-off valve (235) are closed, and the second shut-off valve (225) and the fourth shut-off valve (245) are opened, thereby preventing the first heat exchanger (210) and the third heat exchanger (230) from operating.

[0108] The second heat exchanger (220) above operates as a condenser, and the fourth heat exchanger (240) above operates as an evaporator.

[0109] The first blower fan (310), the second blower fan (320), and the fourth blower fan (340) blow indoor air into the cabinet (100), and the third blower fan (330) blows air inside the cabinet (100) to the outside of the cabinet (100).

[0110] That is, when indoor air is drawn into the cabinet (100) through three blower fans while only half of the four heat exchangers are in operation, the dehumidification performance is lower than in Fig. 10, but the air circulation speed can be improved.

[0111] In this embodiment, this is referred to as the operating mode during heating and dehumidification.

[0112] As such, the large-capacity dehumidifier according to the present embodiment has the feature of being able to provide heating dehumidification or cooling dehumidification.

[0113] In addition, the large-capacity dehumidifier according to the present embodiment is characterized by being able to provide dehumidification performance in three stages—strong, medium, and weak—during heating dehumidification, as well as in three stages—strong, medium, and weak—during cooling dehumidification.

[0115] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a cooling dehumidification operation mode of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a heating dehumidification operation mode of a large-capacity dehumidifier according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] The large-capacity dehumidifier according to the present embodiment further includes a temperature control assembly (400) for controlling the temperature of the discharged air.

[0117] The above temperature control assembly (400) comprises a temperature control heat exchanger (410) that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and air, a first temperature control pipe (421) connecting the temperature control heat exchanger (410) and a second port connection pipe (275), a second temperature control pipe (422) connecting the temperature control heat exchanger (410) and a third port pipe (253), a temperature control shut-off valve (430) disposed in the first temperature control pipe (421), a second port shut-off valve (440) disposed in the second port connection pipe (275), and a first temperature control pipe (421) disposed between the temperature control shut-off valve (430) and the temperature control heat exchanger (410), wherein the refrigerant flows only from the temperature control shut-off valve (430) toward the temperature control heat exchanger (410). It includes a first temperature control check valve (450) and a second temperature control check valve (460) disposed in the second temperature control pipe (422) and allowing refrigerant to flow only in the direction of the third port pipe (253) from the temperature control heat exchanger (410).

[0118] In this embodiment, the temperature control heat exchanger (410) is positioned below the third blower fan (330) and above the first heat exchanger (210) and the third heat exchanger (230).

[0119] The above temperature control heat exchanger (410) is arranged horizontally and is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first heat exchanger (210) and the third heat exchanger (230).

[0120] The above temperature control heat exchanger (410) can control the temperature of the dehumidified air discharged into the room.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 13, when cooling and dehumidifying, the temperature control shut-off valve (430) is opened and the second port shut-off valve (440) is closed, thereby allowing the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220) to pass through the temperature control heat exchanger (410) and then be recovered to the compressor (250) through the third port pipe (253).

[0122] Since the refrigerant discharged from the first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220) is supplied to the temperature control heat exchanger (410), the temperature control heat exchanger (410) can be operated as an evaporator, and thereby can be formed at a low temperature.

[0123] It has the feature of being able to lower the temperature of the discharged air to a lower temperature than the indoor temperature through a temperature control heat exchanger (410) that operates as an evaporator.

[0124] The above temperature control heat exchanger (410) has the feature of being able to induce the evaporation of the refrigerant that has not evaporated again, thereby improving the efficiency of the cooling cycle.

[0125] If the temperature of the dehumidifying air passing through the top grill (165) is excessively low, the temperature control shut-off valve (430) is closed and the second port shut-off valve (440) is opened to stop the operation of the evaporator of the temperature control heat exchanger (410) and return to the refrigerant flow as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 14, when heating and dehumidifying, the temperature control shut-off valve (430) and the second port shut-off valve (440) can be opened, and the temperature control heat exchanger (410) can be operated as a condenser. The refrigerant that has passed through the temperature control heat exchanger (410) can be recovered to the compressor (250) through the third port pipe (253).

[0127] It has the feature of being able to raise the temperature of the discharged air higher than the indoor temperature through a temperature-controlled heat exchanger (410) that operates as a condenser.

[0128] If the temperature of the dehumidifying air passing through the top grill (165) is excessively high, the temperature control shut-off valve (430) is closed and the second port shut-off valve (440) is opened to stop the operation of the condenser of the temperature control heat exchanger (410) and return to the refrigerant flow as shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12.

[0129] The remaining configurations below are similar to the first embodiment above, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0131] Although specific embodiments have been described in the detailed description of the present invention, it is understood that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims set forth below as well as equivalents thereof. Explanation of the symbols

[0133] 100 : Cabinet 200 : Heat exchange assembly 210: 1st heat exchanger 220 : 2nd heat exchanger 230: 3rd heat exchanger 240: 4th heat exchanger 300 : Blower fan assembly 310: 1st blower fan 320 : 2nd blower fan 330 : 3rd blower fan 340 : 4th blower fan

Claims

Claim 1 Cabinet (100); a compressor (250) disposed inside the cabinet (100); a four-way valve (260) for controlling the flow direction of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor (250); a heat exchange assembly (200) disposed inside the cabinet (100); a blower fan assembly (300) disposed inside the cabinet (100); The cabinet (100) comprises a drain assembly (500) disposed inside the cabinet (100) and discharging condensate generated in the heat exchange assembly (200); wherein the cabinet (100) comprises a first side panel (110) and a second side panel (120) disposed spaced apart in a horizontal direction, a base (150) supporting the lower ends of the first side panel (110) and the second side panel (120) and covering the bottom surface of the first side panel (110) and the second side panel (120), a front panel (130) covering the front surface of the first side panel (110) and the second side panel (120), a rear panel (140) covering the rear surface of the first side panel (110) and the second side panel (120), and the first side panel (110) and the second It includes a top panel (160) covering the upper surface of a side panel (120), a front grille (135) penetrating the front panel (130), a top grille (165) penetrating the top panel (160), and a rear grille (145) penetrating the rear panel (140); the heat exchange assembly (200) includes a first heat exchanger (210), a second heat exchanger (220), a third heat exchanger (230), and a fourth heat exchanger (240) disposed inside the cabinet (100); the first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220) are disposed at the front, and the third heat exchanger (230) and the fourth heat exchanger (240) are disposed at the rear of the first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220). The first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220) are arranged in a stacked manner, and the third heat exchanger (230) and the fourth heat exchanger (240) are arranged in a stacked manner.The first heat exchanger (210) is positioned on the upper side, the second heat exchanger (220) is positioned on the lower side, the third heat exchanger (230) is positioned on the upper side, and the fourth heat exchanger (240) is positioned on the lower side, the first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220) are positioned behind the front grille (135), and the fourth heat exchanger (240) is positioned in front of the rear grille (145), and the blower fan assembly (300) includes a first blower fan (310), a second blower fan (320), a third blower fan (330), and a fourth blower fan (340), the first blower fan (310) is positioned in front of the first heat exchanger (210), and the second A blower fan (320) is positioned in front of the second heat exchanger (220), a third blower fan (330) is positioned above the first heat exchanger (210) and the third heat exchanger (230), a fourth blower fan (340) is positioned behind the fourth heat exchanger (240), the first blower fan (310) and the second blower fan (320) are positioned behind the front grille (135), the third blower fan (330) is positioned below the top grille (165), and the fourth blower fan (340) is positioned in front of the rear grille (145), and the first blower fan (310) and the second blower fan (320) blow indoor air into the cabinet (100), and the third The blower fan (330) blows air inside the cabinet (100) to the outside of the cabinet (100), and the fourth blower fan (340) is a bidirectional fan, and when the fourth blower fan (340) rotates in the forward direction, it blows air inside the cabinet (100) to the outside of the cabinet (100), and when the fourth blower fan (340) rotates in the reverse direction, it blows indoor air into the interior of the cabinet (100), and a first electronic expansion valve (350) connecting the first heat exchanger (210) and the third heat exchanger (230), andThe apparatus further includes a second electronic expansion valve (360) connecting the second heat exchanger (220) and the fourth heat exchanger (240), wherein the four-way valve (260) includes a first port (261), a second port (262), a third port (263), and a fourth port (264), and further includes a first port pipe (251) connecting the first port (261) and the discharge side of the compressor (250), and a third port pipe (253) connecting the fourth port (264) and the suction side of the compressor, wherein the second port (262) is connected to the first heat exchanger (210) and the second heat exchanger (220), and a second port connecting pipe (275) connected to the second port (262), and a branch from the second port connecting pipe (275) to the second port connecting pipe (275) It includes a 2-1 port branch pipe (271) connected to a 1st heat exchanger (210), and a 2-2 port branch pipe (272) branched from the 2nd port connection pipe (275) and connected to the 2nd heat exchanger (220); the 4th port (264) is connected to the 3rd heat exchanger (230) and the 4th heat exchanger (240); it includes a 4th port connection pipe (285) connected to the 4th port (264), a 4-1 port branch pipe (281) branched from the 4th port connection pipe (285) and connected to the 3rd heat exchanger (230), and a 4-2 port branch pipe (282) branched from the 4th port connection pipe (285) and connected to the 4th heat exchanger (240); and the 2-1 The apparatus further comprises a first shut-off valve (215) disposed in the port branch pipe (271), a second shut-off valve (225) disposed in the second-second port branch pipe (272), a third shut-off valve (235) disposed in the fourth-first port branch pipe (281), and a fourth shut-off valve (245) disposed in the fourth-second port branch pipe (282), and further comprises a temperature control assembly (400) for controlling the temperature of the air discharged to the third blower fan (330), wherein the temperature control assembly (400) comprises:A temperature control heat exchanger (410) that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and air, a first temperature control pipe (421) connecting the temperature control heat exchanger (410) and a second port connection pipe (275), a second temperature control pipe (422) connecting the temperature control heat exchanger (410) and a third port pipe (253), a temperature control shut-off valve (430) disposed in the first temperature control pipe (421), a second port shut-off valve (440) disposed in the second port connection pipe (275), and a first that is disposed in the first temperature control pipe (421), is disposed between the temperature control shut-off valve (430) and the temperature control heat exchanger (410), and allows the refrigerant to flow only from the temperature control shut-off valve (430) toward the temperature control heat exchanger (410). It includes a temperature control check valve (450) and a second temperature control check valve (460) disposed in the second temperature control pipe (422) and allowing refrigerant to flow only in the direction of the third port pipe (253) from the temperature control heat exchanger (410); the temperature control heat exchanger (410) is disposed below the third blower fan (330) and above the first heat exchanger (210) and the third heat exchanger (230); the temperature control heat exchanger (410) is disposed horizontally and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first heat exchanger (210) and the third heat exchanger (230); the temperature control heat exchanger (410) controls the temperature of the dehumidified air discharged into the room; a control panel (170) is disposed on the top panel (160); and the A display for displaying information on a control panel (170) and a touch panel or button capable of receiving user operation signals are arranged thereon, a drain tank (190) is arranged at the bottom of the second heat exchanger (220) and the fourth heat exchanger (240), the drain tank (190) is supported by the base (150), and a drain pump (195) for sucking in and discharging condensate from the drain tank (190) is further included.A dehumidifier in which the drain pump (195) is integrally assembled and positioned on the upper side of the drain tank (190), and the rear grille is variable as an intake port or an exhaust port.

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