Dryer

Abstract

The dryer comprises a cabinet, a drum provided inside the cabinet to accommodate a drying object, a first opening provided on the front of the cabinet to introduce a drying object into the drum, a heat exchanger provided inside the cabinet to exchange heat with air, a second opening provided on the front of the cabinet to access the heat exchanger, and a dehumidification unit for discharging air discharged from the drum to the outside of the cabinet and supplying external air to the heat exchanger.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dryer, and more specifically, to a dryer capable of performing a dehumidification function. Background Technology

[0002] A dryer is a device that dries objects contained within a drum by blowing hot air (high-temperature, dry air) into the drum. A common example of a dryer is the clothing dryer, which is used to process wet laundry after washing.

[0003] Typically, clothes dryers in households are installed and used in a separate laundry room or utility room, but these rooms often lack windows or are narrow, resulting in poor ventilation. High humidity in the laundry room or utility room can cause the dryer installed there to corrode and may also cause discomfort to users entering and exiting the room.

[0004] A dryer can dry objects using a refrigerant cycle. Specifically, the dryer can remove moisture from humid air flowing out of the drum, raise the temperature, and then send it back to the drum for circulation. In other words, since the dryer dries objects through the circulation of air, a closed flow path is formed inside the main body.

[0005] Meanwhile, a dehumidifier is a device used to remove moisture. It draws in air from the outside, removes moisture, raises the temperature, and then discharges the dehumidified air to the outside. In other words, an open airflow path is formed inside the dehumidifier.

[0006] As mentioned above, an additional dehumidifier could be installed to control humidity in the space where the dryer is installed, but since the laundry room or utility room is relatively small, there may not be enough space to install a dehumidifier, and the very act of having to purchase a separate dehumidifier is quite inefficient. The problem to be solved

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a dryer capable of not only drying an object to be dried but also dehumidifying the surrounding space.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention provides a dryer that can easily recognize whether a dehumidification unit, which must be installed for the dryer to operate in a dehumidification mode, is installed.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention provides a dryer that facilitates switching from a drying mode for drying clothes to a dehumidification mode for indoor dehumidification. means of solving the problem

[0010] A dryer according to the concept of the present invention comprises a cabinet, a drum provided inside the cabinet to accommodate a drying object, a first opening provided on the front of the cabinet to introduce a drying object into the drum, a heat exchanger provided inside the cabinet to exchange heat with air, a second opening provided on the front of the cabinet to access the heat exchanger, and a dehumidification unit for discharging air discharged from the drum to the outside of the cabinet and supplying external air to the heat exchanger. The dehumidification unit may include an inlet port provided at the front to allow air to be introduced through the second opening, an outlet provided at the rear to guide the air introduced through the inlet port to the heat exchanger, an inlet port provided at the side to allow air discharged from the drum to be introduced, an outlet port provided at the front to allow the air introduced through the inlet port to be discharged through the second opening, and a guide for partitioning a first flow path extending from the inlet port to the outlet port and a second flow path extending from the inlet port to the outlet port.

[0011] The above inlet port and the above outlet port can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0012] The drum may further include a fan positioned in the middle of a flow path leading from the inlet of the drum to the inlet, which is rotatably placed inside the cabinet.

[0013] With respect to a vertical line passing through the center of the first opening, the outlet port may be positioned closer to the vertical line than the inlet port.

[0014] The above guide may include a curved section so that a curved section is formed in the above second Euro.

[0015] The above dryer may further include a discharge rib that protrudes horizontally from the guide and divides the second flow path into upper and lower regions.

[0016] The inlet port is positioned to the right of the outlet port, and a plurality of inlet guide ribs extending diagonally are arranged in the inlet port to allow air to flow in from the lower right direction, and a plurality of outlet guide ribs extending diagonally are arranged in the outlet port to allow air to be discharged in the upper left direction.

[0017] The above dehumidification unit may further include at least one of an intake filter for filtering foreign substances in the air entering through the inlet port and an exhaust filter for filtering foreign substances in the air to be discharged through the outlet port.

[0018] The above dehumidification unit may include an identification unit for detecting whether the dryer is equipped with the dehumidification unit.

[0019] The area occupied by the inlet port and the area occupied by the outlet port may be the same.

[0020] A dryer according to the concept of the present invention comprises a cabinet, a drum rotatably disposed inside the cabinet to accommodate a drying object, a first opening provided on the front of the cabinet to introduce a drying object into the drum, a heat exchanger disposed inside the cabinet to exchange heat with air, a second opening provided on the front of the cabinet to access the heat exchanger, and a dehumidification unit for discharging air discharged from the drum to the outside of the cabinet and supplying external air to the heat exchanger, wherein the dehumidification unit may include an inlet port provided at the front to allow air to be introduced through the second opening, an outlet port provided to guide the air introduced through the inlet port to the heat exchanger, an inlet port provided to allow air discharged from the drum to be introduced, an outlet port provided at the front to allow the air introduced through the inlet port to be discharged through the second opening, a guide for partitioning a first flow path extending from the inlet port to the outlet port and a second flow path extending from the inlet port to the outlet port, and a protrusion protruding from the front of the cabinet when the dehumidification unit is mounted.

[0021] The above protrusion may be positioned between the inlet port and the outlet port.

[0022] The above dryer further includes a unit cover that opens and closes the second opening, and the unit cover may not be closed when the dehumidification unit is installed.

[0023] A dryer according to the concept of the present invention comprises a cabinet, a drum rotatably disposed inside the cabinet to receive a drying object, a first opening provided on the front of the cabinet to introduce a drying object into the drum, a heat exchanger disposed inside the cabinet to exchange heat with air, a second opening provided on the front of the cabinet to access the heat exchanger, and a dehumidification unit for discharging air discharged from the drum to the outside of the cabinet and supplying external air to the heat exchanger, wherein the dehumidification unit comprises an inlet port provided at the front to allow air to be introduced through the second opening, an outlet port provided to guide the air introduced through the inlet port to the heat exchanger, an inlet port provided to allow air discharged from the drum to be introduced, an outlet port provided at the front to allow the air introduced through the inlet port to be discharged to the outside through the second opening, and a guide for forming a flow path inside the dehumidification unit, wherein the guide partitions a first flow path extending from the inlet port to the outlet port and a second flow path extending from the inlet port to the outlet port. It is possible to move between a first position and a second position that forms a third path extending from the inlet to the outlet.

[0024] The above guide is rotatably positioned and can be rotated from the first position to switch to the second position.

[0025] The above inlet port and the above outlet port can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0026] A dryer according to the concept of the present invention comprises: a cabinet; a drum rotatably disposed inside the cabinet to receive a drying object; a first opening provided on the front of the cabinet to introduce a drying object into the drum; a heat exchanger disposed inside the cabinet to exchange heat with air; a second opening provided on the front of the cabinet to access a unit receiving portion inside the cabinet; a filter unit that is detachably mounted on or detachable from the unit receiving portion through the second opening and provides a first flow path for supplying air discharged from the drum to the heat exchanger; and a dehumidification unit that is detachably mounted on the unit receiving portion when the filter unit is detached from the cabinet and provides a second flow path for discharging air discharged from the drum to the outside of the cabinet and a third flow path for supplying external air to the heat exchanger; wherein the filter unit is provided with a first identification portion and the dehumidification unit is provided with a second identification portion, and may further include a first sensor corresponding to the first identification portion and a second sensor corresponding to the second identification portion.

[0027] The above dryer further includes a unit cover that opens and closes the second opening, and the unit cover may not be closed when the dehumidification unit is mounted on the dryer.

[0028] The above dehumidification unit may further include a guide that partitions the second Euro and the third Euro.

[0029] The above dryer may further include a control unit that determines whether to perform a dehumidification mode based on a signal received from the second sensor. Effects of the invention

[0030] According to the concept of the present invention, the dryer can perform not only a drying function but also a dehumidifying function.

[0031] According to the concept of the present invention, the dryer can easily recognize whether a dehumidification unit is installed.

[0032] According to the concept of the present invention, the dryer facilitates easy switching between a drying mode and a dehumidification mode. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0033] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a dryer with a filter unit installed. Figure 3 is a drawing showing the filter unit of the dryer illustrated in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a planar cross-section of the filter unit illustrated in Figure 3. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a dryer equipped with a dehumidification unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a drawing showing a side cross-section of the dryer illustrated in Figure 5. Figure 7 is a drawing showing the base of the dryer illustrated in Figure 5. Figure 8 is a drawing illustrating the dehumidification unit shown in Figure 5. Figure 9 is a drawing showing the dehumidification unit illustrated in Figure 8 from a different direction. Figure 10 is a disassembled drawing of the dehumidification unit shown in Figure 8. FIG. 11 is a planar cross-section drawing of the dehumidification unit illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the front cover of the dehumidification unit illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a cross-section of the front cover along line AA of FIG. 12. Figure 14 is a drawing showing a cross-section of the front cover along the BB line of Figure 12. FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a dehumidification unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 is a disassembled drawing of the dehumidification unit shown in Figure 15. FIG. 17 is a planar cross-sectional view of the guide of the dehumidification unit shown in FIG. 15 in a state where it is positioned at a first position. FIG. 18 is a planar cross-sectional view of the guide of the dehumidification unit shown in FIG. 15 in a state where it is positioned at a second position. FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating a controller of a dryer according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a drawing showing a dryer equipped with a dehumidification unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a drawing showing a side cross-section of the dryer illustrated in FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a drawing showing the base of the dryer illustrated in FIG. 20. FIG. 23 is a drawing illustrating the dehumidification unit shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 24 is a drawing showing the dehumidification unit illustrated in FIG. 23 from a different direction. FIG. 25 is a drawing showing the top surface of the dehumidification unit illustrated in FIG. 23. FIG. 26 is a drawing showing the front view of the dehumidification unit illustrated in FIG. 23. FIG. 27 is a drawing showing the rear view of the dehumidification unit illustrated in FIG. 23. FIG. 28 is a drawing showing the left side of the dehumidification unit illustrated in FIG. 23. FIG. 29 is a drawing showing the right side of the dehumidification unit illustrated in FIG. 23. FIG. 30 is a planar cross-section of the dehumidification unit illustrated in FIG. 23. FIG. 31 is a side cross-sectional view of the dehumidification unit illustrated in FIG. 23. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0034] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and various modifications that may replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0035] Additionally, the same reference numerals or symbols presented in each drawing of this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0036] Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit or / or restrict the disclosed invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0037] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., used herein may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms, and said 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 one of a plurality of related described items.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. A dryer (1, 2) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used to dry and / or manage clothing, shoes, miscellaneous goods, etc.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a side cross-section of a dryer with a filter unit installed. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a filter unit of the dryer illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a plan cross-section of the filter unit illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, the direction along the X-axis can be defined as the front-back direction, the direction along the Y-axis as the left-right direction, and the direction along the Z-axis as the up-down direction. Meanwhile, terms such as "front-back direction," "left-right direction," and "up-down direction" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet (10). The cabinet (10) includes a front surface (11), a top surface (12), a side surface (13), a rear surface (14), and a bottom surface (15), and may be provided in a roughly rectangular shape. The cabinet (10) may form the main body of the dryer (1).

[0042] A recovery water container (16) may be provided in the cabinet (10). Specifically, the recovery water container (16) may be provided on the upper part of the front (11) of the cabinet (10). The recovery water container (16) may store condensate generated by the operation of the refrigerant cycle described later.

[0043] A control unit (17) for operating the dryer may be provided in the cabinet (10). Specifically, the control unit (17) may be provided on the upper front (11) of the cabinet (10). The control unit (17) may include at least one of a rotary switch (17a), a display (17b), and a button (17c). The rotary switch (17a) may be provided so that the user can select a mode of the dryer (1) by grasping and rotating it. The display (17b) may be provided to display the operating status of the dryer (1) and / or the user's operation status. The display (17b) may be provided to allow touch input. The button (17c) may be provided so that the user can select a mode of the dryer (1) by pressing it. However, it is not limited thereto, and various operation methods may be applied.

[0044] The cabinet (10) may include a base (60). The base (60) may be provided at the bottom of the cabinet (10) to form a bottom surface (15). Legs (19) for supporting the cabinet (10) may be provided on the bottom surface (15).

[0045] The dryer (1) may include a drum (20) provided to accommodate a drying object. The drum (20) may include an inlet into which the drying object is introduced. The drum (20) may be rotatably positioned inside a cabinet (10).

[0046] The dryer (1) may include a drive unit that rotates the drum (20). Referring to FIG. 7, the drive unit may include a drive motor (31) mounted on a base (60), a pulley (32) that rotates by the drive motor (31), and a belt (not shown) that connects the pulley (32) and the drum (20) to transmit the power of the drive motor (31) to the drum (20).

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, the drum (20) may include an inlet (21) through which air is introduced into the interior (23) of the drum and an outlet (22) through which air is discharged from the interior (23) of the drum to the outside of the drum. The inlet (21) may be formed on one side of the drum (20), and the outlet (22) may be formed on the other side of the drum (20). Specifically, the inlet (21) may be a rear opening of the drum (20), and the outlet (22) may be a front opening of the drum (20). For example, the front opening of the drum (20) may be the inlet of the drum.

[0048] High-temperature dry air can be introduced into the drum (20) through the inlet (21) to dry the object contained in the drum (20). Additionally, after drying the object, the air containing a large amount of moisture can exit the drum (20) through the outlet (22).

[0049] A plurality of lifters (24) may be arranged inside the drum (20). The lifters (24) raise and drop the object to be dried, causing the object to come into contact with hot air while floating in the space inside the drum (20).

[0050] A first opening (or input opening) (25) may be formed on the front of the cabinet (10) so that a drying object can be inserted into the drum (20), and a door (30) for opening and closing the first opening (25) may be installed. The door (30) may be hinge-connected to one side of the first opening (25) and may be rotatably provided.

[0051] A base (60) may be placed at the bottom of the drum (20). Referring to FIG. 7, a heat exchanger (70), a compressor (73), an expansion device (74), etc., forming a refrigerant cycle may be mounted on the base (60). Additionally, a fan (80), a drive motor (31), a pulley (32), etc., may be mounted on the base (60). A base cover (75) may be provided on the top of the base (60) to cover the heat exchanger (70), etc. For example, the base cover (75) may form a duct structure together with the base (60).

[0052] A fan (80) may be provided on a base (60). The fan (80) may generate blowing force to form an air passage. For example, the fan (80) may discharge air in a radial direction. To this end, the fan (80) may include a rotation axis (83) formed in the center and a plurality of blades (84) formed circumferentially around the rotation axis (83).

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the fan (80) may be positioned adjacent to the dehumidification unit (100, 200) described later. For example, the fan (80) may be positioned on a path connecting the drum (20) and the dehumidification unit (100, 200). Specifically, the fan (80) may be positioned on a path connecting the inlet of the drum and the inlet (112, 212) of the dehumidification unit (100, 200) described later. For example, the fan (80) may be positioned in the middle of the path leading from the inlet of the drum to the inlet (112, 212) of the dehumidification unit (100, 200). Additionally, the discharge side (82) of the fan (80) may be positioned to face the inlet (112, 212) of the dehumidification unit (100, 200). Accordingly, air discharged from the drum (20) is easily drawn into the interior of the dehumidification unit (100, 200) by the blowing force of the fan (80), and the incoming air can be easily discharged to the outside of the cabinet (10) along the discharge path (180, 280) inside the dehumidification unit. Ultimately, the fan (80) can act to allow dehumidified air, which has been heat exchanged with the heat exchanger (70), to be easily discharged to the outside of the cabinet (10). However, it is not limited to this, and the fan (80) can be placed anywhere that allows for smooth air flow. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the fan (80) may be provided on the base (60) at the rear of the heat exchanger (70).

[0054] Inside the cabinet (10), a refrigerant cycle for heating and condensing air may be formed. The refrigerant may circulate through a series of processes consisting of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation. Specifically, the refrigerant cycle may include a heat exchanger (70), a compressor (73), and an expansion device (74). The heat exchanger (70) may exchange heat with air and may include an evaporator (71) and a condenser (72).

[0055] The compressor (73) compresses the refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure state and discharges it, and the discharged refrigerant flows into the condenser (72). The condenser (72) condenses the compressed refrigerant and can release heat to the surroundings through the condensation process. Additionally, the expansion device (74) expands the refrigerant, which is in a high temperature and high pressure state condensed in the condenser (72), into a low pressure state. The evaporator (71) evaporates the expanded refrigerant and can remove heat from the surroundings through the evaporation process.

[0056] When a drying object is introduced into the dryer and operated in drying mode, the high-temperature, high-humidity air discharged from the drum (20) can pass through the evaporator (71). Accordingly, the high-temperature, high-humidity air discharged from the drum (20) is cooled as it passes through the evaporator (71), so it can be transformed into low-temperature, dry air. At this time, condensation may occur as the high-temperature, high-humidity air is cooled in the evaporator (71). The condensation may be moved to a water tank (16) for recovery or drained to the outside of the cabinet (10). Additionally, the low-temperature, dry air that has passed through the evaporator (71) can pass through the condenser (72). Accordingly, the low-temperature, dry air discharged from the evaporator (71) is heated as it passes through the condenser (72), so it can be transformed into high-temperature, dry air. The high-temperature, dry air can be introduced into the drum (20) through the inlet (21) to dry the drying object. As the object to be dried is dried, high-temperature, high-humidity air containing a large amount of moisture can be discharged through the outlet (22). The discharged air can then pass through the evaporator (71). In summary, the air can circulate inside the cabinet (10) and dry the object to be dried contained in the drum (20).

[0057] Generally, in drying mode, a closed flow path may be formed inside the cabinet (10) of the dryer (1). Here, the closed flow path may be an air movement path (see arrow in FIG. 2) configured so that air inside the cabinet circulates through the heat exchanger (70) and the drum (20). The closed flow path may not be connected to the outside of the cabinet (10) so that air from outside the cabinet (10) does not enter or exit. That is, the air flow may form a closed loop.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 1, the dryer (1) may include a second opening (65) provided on the front of the cabinet (10) to allow access to the heat exchanger (70). The dehumidification unit (100, 200) and the filter unit (50), which will be described later, may be mounted inside the cabinet (10) through the second opening (65). Specifically, the dehumidification unit (100, 200) and the filter unit (50) may be detachably mounted in a unit receiving portion (61) formed inside the cabinet (10) through the second opening (65). That is, the dehumidification unit (100, 200) or the filter unit (50) may be mounted in the unit receiving portion (61), and the dehumidification unit (100, 200) and the filter unit (50) may be provided interchangeably. For example, if a dehumidification unit (100, 200) is mounted in the unit receiving portion (61), the dryer (1) can perform a dehumidification mode (dehumidification operation) to dehumidify the surrounding space. If a filter unit (50) is mounted in the unit receiving portion (61), the dryer (1) can perform a drying mode (drying operation) to dry objects such as clothing. Meanwhile, a unit cover (40) may be provided on the front of the cabinet (10) to open and close the second opening (65).

[0059] With the unit cover (40) closing the second opening (65), the front of the unit cover (40) and the front of the cabinet (10) (11) are connected to form a smooth, seamless surface. If the filter unit (50) or dehumidification unit (100, 200) is not installed inside the cabinet (10), the user can access the heat exchanger through the second opening (65). When the dryer is used for a long time, foreign substances such as lint may adhere to the heat exchanger, and the user can remove these foreign substances through the second opening (65).

[0060] The unit cover (40) may include a coupling projection (41). The coupling projection (41) may protrude from the inner surface of the unit cover (40). The cabinet (10) may include a coupling groove (63) corresponding to the coupling projection (41). When the coupling projection (41) and the coupling groove (63) are coupled, the unit cover (40) may be in a closed state. However, this is not limited thereto, and the cabinet (10) may include a coupling projection and the unit cover (40) may include a coupling groove. That is, the coupling between the cabinet (10) and the unit cover (40) may be provided in various forms.

[0061] Additionally, the unit cover (40) may include a coupling hinge (42) that provides a rotation axis to rotate relative to the cabinet (10). The coupling hinge (42) may be provided at the bottom of the unit cover (40). The cabinet (10) may include a coupling hinge mounting portion (62) corresponding to the coupling hinge (42). The coupling hinge (42) may be coupled to the coupling hinge mounting portion (62) and rotate, and by this rotation, the space where the dehumidification unit (100, 200) or filter unit (50) is mounted, i.e., the unit receiving portion (61), may be opened and closed.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 2, the filter unit (50) can be detachably mounted to the dryer (1). Specifically, the filter unit (50) can be detachably mounted inside the cabinet (10) through the second opening (65). The filter unit (50) can be mounted or detached from the unit receiving portion (61). The filter unit (50) can prevent air from escaping from the closed flow path. That is, the filter unit (50) can prevent the drying efficiency of the dryer (1) from decreasing. The filter unit (50) can be placed on the base (60).

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, the filter unit (50) may include a body (51). The filter unit (50) may include a front cover (52) coupled to the front side of the body (51).

[0064] The body (51) may be provided in a roughly box shape. An inlet (58) for air to enter and an outlet (59) for air to exit may be formed in the body (51). For example, the outlet (59) may be provided on the rear side, and the inlet (58) may be provided on the side. However, this is not limited thereto, and although the inlet (58) is shown as being provided on the left side in FIG. 4, it may be provided on the right side. Specifically, high-temperature, high-humidity air exited from the drum (20) may enter the filter unit (50) through the inlet (58). Additionally, the high-temperature, high-humidity air that has entered the filter unit (50) may exit through the outlet (59) and move toward the heat exchanger (70).

[0065] Inside the body (51), a partition wall (55) may be provided to connect the inlet (58) and the outlet (59) and to form a flow path (50a). The flow path (50a) may be a part of a closed flow path. A partition wall projection (55a) may be formed on the partition wall (55). The partition wall projection (55a) can improve flow uniformity by controlling the flow velocity of the air flowing into the heat exchanger (70).

[0066] A filter member (57) may be provided at the rear of the body (51) of the filter unit (50). The filter member (57) can filter foreign substances in the air flowing into the heat exchanger (70). The filter member (57) may be composed of a filter frame (57a) and a filter (57b) mounted on the filter frame (57a). For example, the filter (57b) may include at least one of woolen fabric (cloth), PET, and steel.

[0067] A fixing member (53) may be provided on the front of the front cover (52) of the filter unit (50). The fixing member (53) can fix the filter unit (50) to the dryer (1). Additionally, a gripping groove (56) may be provided on the front of the front cover (52). The gripping groove (56) may be provided so that a user can grip it to easily attach or detach the filter unit (50) from the dryer (1).

[0068] A first identification unit (54) may be provided in the filter unit (50). For example, the first identification unit (54) may be provided on the upper right side of the front cover (52). A first sensor (410a, see FIG. 19) for detecting the first identification unit (54) may be provided in the dryer (1) to which the filter unit (50) is mounted. For example, the first identification unit (54) may be a magnet. Details regarding the first identification unit (54) are described in the relevant section below.

[0069] When a filter unit (50) is installed in a dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the dryer (1) can perform a drying operation (drying mode). For example, when the first sensor (410a) detects the first identification unit (54), the control unit (controller) (400) can control the operation of the dryer to perform a drying mode. However, in the dryer (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the filter unit (50) may not be an essential component. In other words, even when the filter unit (50) is not installed, the dryer (1) can perform a drying mode.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a dryer equipped with a dehumidification unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a side cross-section of the dryer shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the base of the dryer shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the dehumidification unit shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the dehumidification unit shown in FIG. 8 from a different direction. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the dehumidification unit shown in FIG. 8 disassembled. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a plan cross-section of the dehumidification unit shown in FIG. 8.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, a dehumidification unit (100, 200) can be detachably mounted in the dryer (1). The dehumidification unit (100, 200) can be mounted inside the cabinet (10) through a second opening (65) provided on the front of the cabinet (10). Additionally, the dehumidification unit (100, 200) can be mounted in the dryer (1) instead of the filter unit (50). That is, the dehumidification unit (100, 200) and the filter unit (50) can be provided interchangeably. In other words, the user can mount the dehumidification unit (100, 200) or the filter unit (50) in the dryer (1) depending on the function (dehumidification mode or drying mode) to be used. For example, when the filter unit (50) is detached from the cabinet (10), the dehumidification unit (100, 200) can be detachably mounted in the unit receiving portion (61). Additionally, the dehumidification unit (100, 200) can be detachably mounted on the base (60).

[0072] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the dehumidification unit (100, 200) may be provided on the base (60). Specifically, the dehumidification unit (100, 200) may be detachably mounted on the base (60).

[0073] In particular, as the dehumidification unit (100, 200) is installed in the dryer (1), the dryer (1) may have an open air passage. Here, the open air passage may be an air flow path (see arrow in FIG. 6) configured such that external air is drawn into the dryer (1), passes through the heat exchanger (70) and drum (20), and is discharged outside the dryer (1). Alternatively, the open air passage may be an air flow path configured such that external air is drawn into the dryer (1), passes through the heat exchanger (70), and is discharged outside the dryer (1). Both ends of the open air passage (inlet port (121) and outlet port (122) to be described later) are each connected to the outside of the cabinet (10), and the air flow may form an open loop.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 6, when the filter unit (50) is removed and the dehumidification unit (100, 200) is installed in the dryer (1), the closed flow path can be converted into an open flow path. Accordingly, the dryer (1) can perform a dehumidification operation (dehumidification mode). That is, the dryer can be switched from a drying mode to a dehumidification mode.

[0075] Hereinafter, a dehumidification unit (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 8, a dehumidification unit (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a body (110). The body (110) may be provided in a roughly box shape. The dehumidification unit (100) may include an inlet port (121) and an outlet port (122). The inlet port (121) and the outlet port (122) may be provided on the front side of the body (110). The inlet port (121) may be provided so that air is introduced from outside the cabinet (10) through a second opening (65). The outlet port (122) may be provided so that air is discharged to the outside of the cabinet (10) through the second opening (65). Specifically, humid outside air can be drawn into the dryer (1) through the inlet port (121), and hot dry air can be discharged from the dryer (1) to the outside through the outlet port (122).

[0077] The outlet port (122) may be positioned to the side of the inlet port (121). Specifically, the inlet port (121) and the outlet port (122) may be positioned side by side in the left-right direction. The inlet port (121) and the outlet port (122) may be located on the same plane (e.g., the YZ plane in FIG. 8). According to the present disclosure, when viewed toward the front of the dryer (1), the outlet port (122) may be positioned on the left and the inlet port (121) on the right. This arrangement structure is determined by which side the heat exchanger (70) is located relative to the drum (20) of the dryer (1). As shown in FIG. 5, in a structure where the heat exchanger (70) is positioned to the right of the drum (20) when viewed from the front of the dryer (1), the outlet port (122) is positioned close to the drum (20) and the inlet port (121) is positioned far from the drum (20), thereby simplifying the flow path. In other words, to facilitate the flow of air discharged from the drum (20), it is advantageous to position the outlet port (122) close to the center of the dryer (1) and the inlet port (121) close to the side of the dryer (1). That is, as shown in FIG. 5, with respect to a vertical line (P) passing through the center of the first opening (25), the outlet port (122) can be positioned closer to the vertical line (P) than the inlet port (121).

[0078] In the present disclosure, since the dehumidification unit (100) has a rectangular shape with a wide width (W1) and a low height (H1), it is efficient to divide the width (W1) in half to form an inlet port (121) and an outlet port (122). That is, by configuring the area occupied by the inlet port (121) and the area occupied by the outlet port (122) on the front of the dehumidification unit (100) to be approximately the same, the flow velocity of the incoming air and the flow velocity of the outgoing air are formed to be equal.

[0079] An outlet (111) may be provided on the first side of the body (110) of the dehumidification unit (100). For example, the outlet (111) may be formed on the rear side of the body (110). The outlet (111) may guide external air introduced through the inlet port (121) to the heat exchanger (70). That is, the outlet (111) may be in communication with the inlet port (121). The heat exchanger (70) may be positioned behind the outlet (111), and the outlet (111) may be positioned to face the heat exchanger (70). The introduced external air is air before dehumidification, and may be humid air.

[0080] An inlet port (112) may be provided on the second side of the body (110) of the dehumidification unit (100). For example, the inlet port (112) may be formed on the side of the body (110). In FIGS. 9 to 11, the inlet port (112) is shown as being formed on the left side of the body (110), but is not limited thereto. For example, by changing the air flow path, base structure, etc., the inlet port (112) may be formed on the right side of the body (110). According to the present disclosure, in a structure in which the dehumidification unit (100) is positioned on the right side of the drum (20), a smooth flow path can be formed by providing an inlet port (112) on the left side of the dehumidification unit (100). The inlet port (112) may be connected to an outlet port (122) so that air discharged from the drum (20) is discharged to the outside through the outlet port (122). Here, the air discharged from the drum (20) may be high-temperature dry air discharged through the drum (20), which is air that has been dehumidified and heated while passing through the heat exchanger (70). In detail, when the dryer (1) according to the present disclosure is operated in a dehumidification mode, the inside of the drum (20) is normally empty, so there is substantially no change in humidity during the process of the high-temperature dry air flowing into the rear of the drum (20) being discharged through the inlet of the drum (20).

[0081] The dehumidification unit (100) may further include at least one of an intake filter (140) and an exhaust filter (150). Specifically, the intake filter (140) and the exhaust filter (150) may be detachably mounted on the body (110) of the dehumidification unit (100). The intake filter (140) filters out foreign substances entering the interior of the dehumidification unit (100), and the exhaust filter (150) filters out foreign substances to be discharged outside the dryer (1).

[0082] The suction filter (140) may be provided at the rear of the inlet port (121). Specifically, it may be provided at the outlet (111). The suction filter (140) may be detachably mounted on the body (110). The body (110) may be provided with a filter rail (117) for mounting the suction filter (140). The suction filter (140) may include a filter frame (141) and a filter (142) mounted on the filter frame (141). The suction filter (140) can filter foreign substances in the air flowing in from outside the cabinet (10) through the inlet port (121). Accordingly, when external air flows in, it can prevent foreign substances from entering the inside of the heat exchanger (70). For example, the filter (142) may include at least one of woolen fabric (cloth), PET, and steel.

[0083] The discharge filter (150) may be provided at the rear of the outlet port (122). Specifically, it may be provided on the discharge path (180) described later. The discharge filter (150) may be detachably mounted on the body (110). The body (110) may be provided with a filter rail (118) for mounting the discharge filter (150). The discharge filter (150) may include a filter frame (151) and a filter (152) mounted on the filter frame (151). The discharge filter (150) can filter foreign substances in the air received inside the body (110) through the inlet (112). Accordingly, when air is discharged to the outside, foreign substances can be prevented from being discharged to the outside. For example, the filter (152) may include at least one of woolen fabric (cloth), PET, and steel.

[0084] The dehumidification unit (100) may include a guide (130) provided inside the body (110). Referring to FIG. 11, the guide (130) may divide the inside of the body (110) into an inlet path (170) and an outlet path (180).

[0085] The inlet passage (170) may extend from the inlet port (121) to the outlet (111). That is, the inlet passage (170) may be a passage connecting the outlet (111) and the inlet port (121) inside the body (110). Air introduced into the body (110) through the inlet port (121) may be supplied to the heat exchanger (70) by passing through the outlet (111) along the inlet passage (170). That is, air before dehumidification may be delivered to the heat exchanger (70) along the inlet passage (170).

[0086] The exhaust passage (180) may extend from the inlet (112) to the outlet port (122). That is, the exhaust passage (180) may be a passage connecting the inlet (112) and the outlet port (122) inside the body (110). Air introduced into the body (110) through the inlet (112) may travel along the exhaust passage (180) through the outlet port (122) to the outside of the cabinet (10). That is, air after dehumidification, dried by passing through the heat exchanger (70), may be discharged to the outside of the cabinet (10) along the exhaust passage (180).

[0087] Meanwhile, the guide (130) may include a curved portion (132). The guide (130) may be curved in a certain portion to provide a smooth airflow through the inlet passage (170) and the outlet passage (180). For example, referring to FIG. 11, the curved portion (132) may form a curved section on the outlet passage (180). The guide (130) may be curved so that the inlet passage (170) extends toward the rear of the body (110). However, it is not limited thereto. By including the curved portion (132) in the guide (130), air can be smoothly introduced or discharged.

[0088] Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11, the guide (130) may include at least one discharge rib (131) provided on the discharge channel (180). Specifically, the discharge rib (131) may be formed to extend horizontally outward from the guide (130). Accordingly, the discharge rib (131) may divide the discharge channel (180) into upper and lower regions. The discharge rib (131) may guide air received inside the body (110) through the inlet (112) to the outlet port (122). That is, the discharge rib (131) may allow the air after dehumidification to be easily discharged to the outside.

[0089] More specifically, the discharge rib (131) can suppress vortices that may occur in the discharge path (180). For example, if a discharge filter (150) is provided on the discharge path (180), air moving along the discharge path (180) toward the outlet port (122) may change direction and flow toward the inlet (112) due to the resistance of the discharge filter (150). That is, as vortices are generated, a problem may arise where the air after dehumidification is not discharged smoothly. To solve this problem, the discharge rib (131) can effectively guide the air flowing into the body (110) from the inlet (112) toward the outlet port (122), thereby suppressing vortices. Consequently, the air after dehumidification is discharged smoothly, and thus the dehumidification efficiency can be improved.

[0090] Specifically, the airflow is described with reference to FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 11 as follows. External humid air, i.e., air before dehumidification, can be introduced into the body (110) of the dehumidification unit (100) through the inlet port (121). The introduced air can pass through the outlet (111) along the inlet path (170) provided inside the body (110). The air passing through the outlet (111) can pass through the heat exchanger (70). Specifically, the air passing through the outlet (111) can pass through the evaporator (71) and the condenser (72) and exchange heat with the evaporator (71) and the condenser (72). Accordingly, the air passing through the heat exchanger (70) can become high-temperature dry air. Here, the meaning of 'high temperature' is that it is a temperature relatively higher than the air before passing through the heat exchanger (70), and does not mean that it is absolutely hot. Air from which moisture has been removed while passing through the heat exchanger (70) can pass through the inlet (21), the interior (23) and the outlet (22) of the drum (20) and be introduced into the body (110) of the dehumidification unit (100) through the inlet (112) of the dehumidification unit (100). At this time, a fan (80) may be placed in the flow path connecting the outlet (22) of the drum (20) and the inlet (112) of the dehumidification unit (110). The fan (80) can allow the dehumidified air to move smoothly. The air introduced into the body (110) can be discharged outside the cabinet (10) by passing through the outlet port (122) along the discharge flow path (180). Ultimately, air before dehumidification is introduced from the outside and dehumidified by heat exchange with the heat exchanger (70) inside the dryer (1), and the air after dehumidification can be discharged outside the dryer (1). Dehumidification operation (dehumidification mode) can be performed by this airflow.

[0091] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the front cover of the dehumidification unit illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a cross-section along line AA of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a cross-section along line BB of FIG. 12.

[0092] The dehumidification unit (100) may include an inlet port (121) provided at the front so that air is introduced through a second opening (65), and an outlet port (122) provided at the front so that air introduced through the inlet port (112) is discharged through the second opening (65).

[0093] A front cover (120) may be attached to the front of the body (110) of the dehumidification unit (100). An inlet port (121) and an outlet port (122) may be formed on the front cover (120). The front cover (120) can provide directionality to the air before and after dehumidification. That is, it prevents the air entering through the inlet port (121) (air before dehumidification) and the air exiting through the outlet port (122) (air after dehumidification) from mixing with each other. Accordingly, dehumidification efficiency can be improved.

[0094] The following describes examples for imparting directionality to the air before and after dehumidification.

[0095] For example, a plurality of inlet guide ribs (127) that guide air in a first direction may be formed in the inlet port (121). For example, the first direction may be the rear upper side (see FIG. 13). Additionally, when viewed from the front of the dehumidification unit, the plurality of inlet guide ribs (127) may extend diagonally into the inlet port (121) so that air is drawn in from the lower right direction. Adjacent inlet guide ribs among the plurality of inlet guide ribs (127) may be arranged side by side with a predetermined distance from each other. Each of the plurality of inlet guide ribs (127) may include a first surface (127a) facing upward, a second surface (127b) facing downward, a third surface (127c) facing forward, and a fourth surface (127d) facing rearward. When viewed from the front, they may be arranged at an angle so that the first surface (127a) is exposed more than the second surface (127b). When viewed from the side (e.g., line AA), the third surface (127c) may be positioned at an angle so that it is lower than the fourth surface (127d).

[0096] As another example, a plurality of discharge guide ribs (128) that guide air in a second direction may be formed in the outlet port (122). The second direction may be a direction different from the first direction. For example, the second direction may be the upper front side (see FIG. 14). Additionally, when viewed from the front of the dehumidification unit, the plurality of discharge guide ribs (128) may extend diagonally in the outlet port (122) so that air is discharged in the upper left direction. Among the plurality of discharge guide ribs (128), adjacent discharge guide ribs may be arranged side by side with a predetermined distance from each other. Each of the plurality of discharge guide ribs (128) may include a first surface (128a) facing upward, a second surface (128b) facing downward, a third surface (128c) facing forward, and a fourth surface (128d) facing backward. When viewed from the front, the second surface (128b) may be positioned at an angle so that it is exposed more than the first surface (128a). When viewed from the side (e.g., the BB line), the fourth surface (128d) may be positioned at an angle so that it is lower than the third surface (128c).

[0097] However, the shapes of the plurality of inlet guide ribs (127) and the plurality of outlet guide ribs (128) are not limited thereto and may include various shapes. As another example, unlike what is shown in the drawing, the shapes of the plurality of inlet guide ribs (127) and the plurality of outlet guide ribs (128) may be formed in opposite directions.

[0098] The front cover (120) may further include a protrusion (123). As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the dehumidification unit (100) is mounted, the protrusion (123) may protrude beyond the front (11) of the cabinet (10). Accordingly, the unit cover (40) of the dryer (1) is not closed, and the user can intuitively know that the dehumidification unit (100) is mounted on the dryer (1) by visually identifying the protrusion (123) while the unit cover (40) is open. In short, the user can prevent the mistake of attempting to operate the dryer (1) in a drying mode instead of a dehumidification mode while the dehumidification unit (100) is mounted on the dryer (1).

[0099] The protrusion (123) can be used by the user to hold the dehumidification unit (100). For example, the user can easily attach or detach the dehumidification unit (100) to or from the dryer (1) while holding the protrusion (123). That is, the protrusion (123) can serve as a kind of handle.

[0100] Meanwhile, the location of the protrusion (123) may be somewhere on the front of the dehumidification unit (100), and according to the present disclosure, the protrusion (123) may be positioned between the inlet port (121) and the outlet port (122) to be more advantageous for functioning as a handle.

[0101] At least one fixer (160) may be provided on the front of the front cover (120). The fixer (160) can secure the dehumidification unit (100) to the dryer (1). Specifically, a fixing groove (64) corresponding to the fixer (160) may be formed inside the cabinet (10). As the fixer (160) is fitted into the fixing groove (64), the dehumidification unit (100) can be securely fixed to the dryer (1).

[0102] The front cover (120) may include a cover mounting portion (125) for coupling with the body (110). The cover mounting portion (125) may be provided at the rear of the front cover (120). The body (110) may include a body mounting portion (114) for coupling with the front cover (120). The body mounting portion (114) may be provided at the front of the body (110). A plurality of mounting protrusions (115) are formed in the body mounting portion (114), and a plurality of mounting holes (126) corresponding to the plurality of mounting protrusions (115) may be formed in the cover mounting portion (125). As the body mounting portion (114) and the cover mounting portion (125) are coupled, the mounting protrusions (115) may be seated inside the mounting holes (116).

[0103] Additionally, the dehumidification unit (100) may further include a sealing member (190). The sealing member (190) may be provided between the body (110) and the front cover (120). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, it may be provided between the outer surface of the body (110) and the inner surface of the front cover (120). The sealing member (190) may serve to seal the body (110) so that air flowing inside the body does not leak out.

[0104] The dryer (1) may further include at least one unit sensor configured to detect a filter unit (50) or a dehumidification unit (100). The unit sensor may include a first sensor (410a) for detecting the filter unit (50) and a second sensor (410b) for detecting the dehumidification unit (100) (see FIG. 19).

[0105] The filter unit (50) may include a first identification unit (54). The first identification unit (54) may be provided on the front cover (52). The dehumidification unit (100) may include a second identification unit (124). The second identification unit (124) may be provided on the front cover (120). For example, the first identification unit (54) and the second identification unit (124) may be magnets. The first sensor (410a) may correspond to the first identification unit (54), and the second sensor (410b) may correspond to the second identification unit (124).

[0106] Additionally, the first identification unit (54) and the second identification unit (120) may be provided at different locations. Specifically, when the filter unit (50) is mounted on the dryer (1), the location of the first identification unit (54) may be different from the location of the second identification unit (124) when the dehumidification unit (100, 200) is mounted on the dryer (1). For example, the first identification unit (54) may be provided on the upper right side of the front cover (52), and the second identification unit (124) may be provided on the upper left side of the front cover (120). Accordingly, the dryer (1) can easily determine whether the filter unit (50) is mounted and / or whether the dehumidification unit (100) is mounted depending on the detection location.

[0107] When the first sensor (410a) detects the first identification unit (54), it can be recognized that the dryer (1) is equipped with a filter unit (50). At this time, the controller (400) can control the operation of the dryer (1) to perform a drying operation (drying mode). When the second sensor (410b) detects the second identification unit (124), it can be recognized that the dryer (1) is equipped with a dehumidification unit (100). At this time, the controller (400) can control the operation of the dryer (1) to perform a dehumidification operation (dehumidification mode). In other words, the controller (400) can determine whether to perform the dehumidification mode based on the signal received from the second sensor (410b).

[0108] In some situations, the user may operate the dryer (1) in dehumidification mode with the filter unit (50) installed, or operate the dryer (1) in drying mode with the dehumidification unit (100) installed, but in such cases, the dehumidification function or the drying function cannot be sufficiently performed. Therefore, the dryer (1) according to the present disclosure may be programmed so that it does not operate in dehumidification mode when the state in which the filter unit (50) is installed is detected by the controller (400), and does not operate in drying mode when the state in which the dehumidification unit (50) is installed is detected.

[0109] Meanwhile, the dryer (1) may include at least one detection sensor (420, see FIG. 19) configured to detect a drying object contained in a drum (20). If a drying object remains inside the drum (20), the drying object acts as an obstruction on the open flow path, which can significantly reduce dehumidification efficiency and consume a large amount of power during dehumidification operation. Accordingly, when the detection sensor (420) detects a drying object, the controller (400) may prevent the dehumidification mode from being performed. Additionally, when the detection sensor (420) detects a drying object, it may be displayed on the display (17b) to notify the user. Accordingly, the user can intuitively check the presence or absence of the drying object.

[0110] Specifically, the detection sensor (420) may include at least one of a weight detection sensor (not shown) and a moisture detection sensor (not shown). For example, if the weight detection sensor detects a weight exceeding the weight of the empty drum (20), it may be recognized that there is a drying object inside the drum (20). If the moisture detection sensor detects moisture exceeding a predetermined standard inside the drum (20), it may be recognized that there is an undried drying object inside the drum (20). That is, as the weight detection sensor and / or moisture detection sensor detect a drying object, the controller (400) may control the operation of the dryer so that the dehumidification operation (dehumidification mode) is not operated.

[0111] Next, a dehumidification unit (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Identical reference numbers or symbols indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function, so a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0112] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a dehumidification unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating the dehumidification unit illustrated in FIG. 15 in an exploded view. FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a planar cross-section of the dehumidification unit illustrated in FIG. 15 with the guide positioned at a first position. FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a planar cross-section of the dehumidification unit illustrated in FIG. 15 with the guide positioned at a second position.

[0113] As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the dehumidification unit (200) may include a body (210). The body (210) may include a body mounting portion (214) and a mounting projection (215) for coupling with a front cover (120). The body mounting portion (214) performs the same function as the body mounting portion (114) described above, and the mounting projection (215) performs the same function as the mounting projection (115), so a detailed description is omitted.

[0114] A front cover (120) may be attached to the front of the body (210). An intake filter (140) may be provided at the rear of the body (210). A sealing member (190) may be provided between the body (210) and the front cover (120).

[0115] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, since the dehumidification unit (200) has a rectangular shape with a wide width (W2) and a low height (H2), it is efficient to divide the width (W2) in half to form an inlet port (121) and an outlet port (122). That is, by configuring the area occupied by the inlet port (121) and the area occupied by the outlet port (122) on the front of the dehumidification unit (200) to be approximately the same, the flow velocity of the incoming air and the flow velocity of the outgoing air are formed to be equal.

[0116] An outlet (211) may be provided on the first side of the body (210) of the dehumidification unit (200). For example, the outlet (211) may be formed at the rear of the body (210). The outlet (211) may guide external air introduced into the body (210) through the inlet port (121) to the heat exchanger (70). That is, the outlet (211) may be in communication with the inlet port (121). The heat exchanger (70) may be positioned at the rear of the outlet (211), and the outlet (211) may be positioned to face the heat exchanger (70). The introduced external air is air before dehumidification, and may be humid air.

[0117] An inlet (212) may be provided on the second side of the body (210) of the dehumidification unit (200). For example, the inlet (212) may be formed on the side of the body (210). In FIGS. 16 to 18, the inlet (212) is shown as being formed on the left side of the body (210), but is not limited thereto and may be formed on the right side. The inlet (212) may receive air that has passed through the heat exchanger (70). The inlet (212) may be connected to an outlet port (122) so that the air that has passed through the heat exchanger (70) is discharged to the outside through the outlet port (122). Here, the air that has passed through the heat exchanger (70) is air that has been dehumidified by heat exchange with the heat exchanger (70), and may be high-temperature dry air.

[0118] Unlike the dehumidification unit (100) described above, the dehumidification unit (200) may include a guide (230) that is rotatably provided inside the body (210).

[0119] The guide (230) includes a rotation axis (231) that is rotatably coupled to the body (210), and the body (210) may include a coupling hole (240) corresponding to the rotation axis (231). The guide (230) may rotate within a predetermined range while the rotation axis (231) is inserted into the coupling hole (240). However, it is not limited thereto, and as an opposite configuration, the body (210) may include a rotation axis and the guide (230) may include a coupling hole.

[0120] As illustrated in FIG. 17, the guide (230) may be located at a first position (P1) that separates the inlet path (270) and the outlet path (280). The guide (230) may form the inlet path (270) by connecting the outlet (211) and the inlet port (121). The guide (230) may form the outlet path (280) that separates the inlet path (270) by connecting the inlet (212) and the outlet port (122). The inlet path (270) performs the same function as the aforementioned inlet path (170), and the outlet path (280) performs the same function as the aforementioned outlet path (180), so a detailed description is omitted.

[0121] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the guide (230) may be positioned at a second position (P2) to form a flow path (230a) by connecting the outlet (211) and the inlet (212). Additionally, while positioned at the second position (P2), the guide (230) may block the connection between the outlet (211) and the inlet port (121) and block the connection between the inlet (212) and the outlet port (122). The flow path (230a) may be a part of a closed flow path and may perform the same function as the flow path (50a) formed inside the filter unit (50).

[0122] The guide (230) may be configured to be movable between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2). Additionally, the guide (230) may be rotatably positioned. That is, the guide (230) can rotate from the first position (P1) to transition to the second position (P2). Additionally, the guide (230) can rotate from the second position (P2) to transition to the first position (P1).

[0123] For example, when the guide (230) is located at the first position (P1), an open flow path may be formed inside the dryer (1). At this time, both ends of the open flow path (i.e., the inlet port (121) and the outlet port (122)) may each be connected to the outside. That is, when the guide (230) is located at the first position (P1), the dryer (1) can perform a dehumidification operation (dehumidification mode). When the guide (230) is located at the second position (P2), a closed flow path may be formed inside the dryer (1). That is, when the guide (230) is located at the second position (P2), the dryer (1) can perform a drying operation (drying mode). In summary, the dehumidification unit (200) may change its operating mode (drying mode or dehumidification mode) depending on the rotation of the guide (230). Accordingly, the dryer (1) can easily switch between a drying mode for drying objects and a dehumidification mode for indoor dehumidification.

[0124] Meanwhile, the guide (230) may include a curved portion (234). The guide (230) may be curved in a certain portion so that the inlet passage (270) and the outlet passage (280) are formed smoothly. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the guide (230) is located at a first position (P1), the guide (230) may be formed to have a curved section on the outlet passage (280). Additionally, the guide (230) may be curved so that the inlet passage (270) extends toward the rear of the body (210). However, it is not limited thereto. By including the curved portion (234) of the guide (230), air can be smoothly introduced or discharged.

[0125] Meanwhile, the guide (230) can rotate automatically. For example, the guide (230) can receive rotational force as it is connected to a rotation motor (not shown).

[0126] Specifically, the guide (230) can automatically switch the flow path formed inside the dryer (1) from a closed flow path to an open flow path. That is, as the guide (230) moves from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1), the dryer (1) can be switched from a drying mode to a dehumidification mode. Additionally, the guide (230) can switch the flow path formed inside the dryer (1) from an open flow path to a closed flow path. That is, as the guide (230) moves from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2), the dryer (1) can be switched from a dehumidification mode to a drying mode. In other words, since the guide (230) is automatically rotatable, the user can easily select the drying mode or the dehumidification mode.

[0127] Accordingly, even when the dehumidification unit (200) is mounted on the dryer (1), the drying mode can be performed when the guide (230) is positioned at the second position (P2). In other words, to perform the drying mode, there is no need to detach the dehumidification unit (200) from the dryer (1) and then re-mount the filter unit (50) on the dryer (1). That is, the inconvenience of having to mount and / or attach separate parts (e.g., the filter unit (50)) is eliminated. Ultimately, according to the concept of the present invention, the dryer (1) can automatically switch flow paths, so the user can freely select the drying mode or the dehumidification mode.

[0128] Meanwhile, the guide sensor (430, see FIG. 19) of the dryer (1) can detect the position of the guide (230). Specifically, the guide sensor (430) can distinguish between the case where the guide (230) is in a first position (P1) and the case where it is in a second position (P2). For example, the guide sensor (430) can detect the positions of both ends (232, 233) of the guide (230) to distinguish between the case where it is in the first position (P1) and the case where it is in the second position (P2). Accordingly, the controller (400) can quickly distinguish between the drying mode and the dehumidification mode, and can prevent delays caused by switching the operating mode of the dryer (10). Ultimately, power consumption can be minimized.

[0129] Next, a dehumidification unit (300) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since identical reference numbers or symbols indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0130] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing a dryer equipped with a dehumidification unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a drawing showing a side cross-section of the dryer shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a drawing showing the base of the dryer shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 23 is a drawing showing the dehumidification unit shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 24 is a drawing showing the dehumidification unit shown in FIG. 23 from a different direction.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 20, a dehumidification unit (300) can be detachably mounted to the dryer (2). The dehumidification unit (300) can be mounted to the dryer (2) instead of the filter unit (50). The dehumidification unit (300) can be mounted inside the cabinet (10) through a second opening (65) provided on the front (11) of the cabinet (10). Specifically, the dehumidification unit (300) can be mounted in the unit receiving portion (61).

[0132] As illustrated in FIG. 22, the dehumidification unit (300) may be provided on the base (60). Specifically, the dehumidification unit (300) may be detachably mounted on the base (60).

[0133] In particular, as the dehumidification unit (300) is installed in the dryer (2), an open air passage may be formed inside the cabinet (10) of the dryer (2). An open air passage may be an air flow path (see arrow in FIG. 20) configured such that external air is drawn into the dryer (2), passes through the heat exchanger (70) and drum (20), and is discharged outside the dryer (2). Alternatively, the open air passage may be an air flow path configured such that external air is drawn into the dryer (2), passes through the heat exchanger (70), and is discharged outside the dryer (2). Both ends of the open air passage (inlet port (301) and outlet port (302) to be described later) are each connected to the outside, and the air flow may form an open loop.

[0134] As illustrated in FIG. 21, when a dehumidification unit (300) is mounted on the dryer (2), an open flow path can be formed inside the cabinet (10). Accordingly, the dryer (2) can perform a dehumidification operation (dehumidification mode). That is, the dryer (2) alone can implement both drying and dehumidification functions. Furthermore, the user does not need to separately provide a dryer and a dehumidifier. Ultimately, the dryer (2) according to the embodiment of the present invention has excellent effects in terms of space saving and cost reduction.

[0135] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the dehumidification unit (300) may include a body (310). An inlet port (301) and an outlet port (302) may be formed in front of the body (310). The inlet port (301) may be provided so that air is drawn in from outside the cabinet (10) through the second opening (65). The outlet port (302) may be provided so that air is discharged to the outside of the cabinet (10) through the second opening (65). Specifically, humid air from the outside may be drawn into the dryer (2) through the inlet port (301), and hot, dry air may be discharged from inside the dryer (2) to the outside through the outlet port (302).

[0136] An outlet (311) may be formed in a part of the body (310) of the dehumidification unit (300). For example, the outlet (311) may be formed in at least a part of the rear surface (313) of the body (110). However, it is not limited thereto, and the outlet (311) may be formed in a location different from that shown in the drawing. The outlet (311) can guide external air introduced through the inlet port (301) to the heat exchanger (70). That is, the outlet (311) may be in communication with the inlet port (301) and may be positioned adjacent to the heat exchanger (70). The external air introduced through the inlet port (301) is air before dehumidification and may be humid air.

[0137] An inlet (312) may be formed in another part of the body (310) of the dehumidification unit (300). For example, as shown in FIGS. 28, 30 and 31, the inlet (312) may be formed in at least a part of the upper surface and / or at least a part of the side surface. However, it is not limited thereto, and the inlet (312) may be formed in a location other than that shown in the drawings. The inlet (312) may receive air that has passed through the heat exchanger (70). Specifically, the inlet (312) may be in communication with the outlet port (302) so that the air that has passed through the heat exchanger (70) is discharged to the outside through the outlet port (302). Here, the air that has passed through the heat exchanger (70) is air that has been dehumidified by heat exchange with the heat exchanger (70), and may be high temperature dry air. Additionally, the air that has passed through the heat exchanger (70) may be air that has passed through the drum (20) after heat exchange with the heat exchanger (70) and has been discharged from the outlet (22) of the drum (20).

[0138] The dehumidification unit (300) may include a guide (330). The guide (330) may be provided inside the body (310). The guide (330) may divide the inside of the body (310) into an inlet passage (370) and an outlet passage (380). The guide (330) may include a curved portion. Accordingly, the inlet passage (370) and the outlet passage (380) can be formed smoothly, allowing air to move smoothly.

[0139] The inlet passage (370) may be a passage connecting the outlet (311) and the inlet port (301) inside the body (310). Air introduced into the body (310) through the inlet port (301) can travel along the inlet passage (370), pass through the outlet (311), and move to the heat exchanger (70). That is, air before dehumidification can be delivered to the heat exchanger (70) along the inlet passage (370).

[0140] The exhaust passage (380) may be a passage connecting the inlet (312) and the outlet port (302) inside the body (310). Air introduced into the body (310) through the inlet (312) can travel along the exhaust passage (380) and pass through the outlet port (302) to the outside of the cabinet (10). That is, air after dehumidification, dried by passing through the heat exchanger (70), can be discharged to the outside of the cabinet (10) along the exhaust passage (380).

[0141] The guide (330) may extend diagonally within the body (310). Referring to FIG. 25, when viewing from the front the area where the inlet port (301) and outlet port (302) of the dehumidification unit (300) are provided, the upper left corner may be defined as the first corner (391), the upper right corner as the second corner (392), the lower left corner as the third corner (393), and the lower right corner as the fourth corner (394). At this time, the diagonal direction may be the direction connecting the first corner (391) and the fourth corner (394). However, it is not limited thereto, and the diagonal direction may be the direction connecting the second corner (392) and the third corner (393). In addition, the diagonal direction may include a curve. That is, a certain part may be curved.

[0142] The inlet port (301) may be formed on one side based on the diagonal direction of the guide (330). For example, the inlet port (301) may include a grid-shaped frame.

[0143] The outlet port (302) may be formed on the other side based on the diagonal direction of the guide (330). For example, the outlet port (302) may include a plurality of outflow guide ribs (320). The plurality of outflow guide ribs (320) may serve to guide the air after dehumidification to be discharged smoothly. Additionally, adjacent outflow guide ribs among the plurality of outflow guide ribs (320) may be arranged side by side with a predetermined distance between them.

[0144] As illustrated in FIG. 26, the inlet port (301) and the outlet port (302) may be positioned on opposite sides with respect to the diagonal direction of the guide (330). The inlet port (301) and the outlet port (302) may be positioned on the same plane (e.g., the YZ plane in FIG. 19). For example, in the present disclosure, the dehumidification unit (300) may have a rectangular shape with a wide width (W3) and a low height (H3). Additionally, by configuring the area occupied by the inlet port (301) and the area occupied by the outlet port (302) on the front of the dehumidification unit (300) to be approximately equal, the flow rate of the incoming air and the flow rate of the outgoing air may be formed equally.

[0145] The dehumidification unit (300) may further include a protruding rib (340). The protruding rib (340) may protrude forward from the guide (330). Specifically, the protruding rib (340) may protrude forward and upward from the guide (330). Referring to FIG. 31, the protruding rib (340) can guide the air after dehumidification forward and upward, so that the air after dehumidification does not mix with the air before dehumidification. Accordingly, the dehumidification efficiency can be improved.

[0146] Additionally, the protruding rib (340) may protrude forward so that the unit cover (40) does not close. For example, the protruding rib (340) may protrude beyond the front (11) of the cabinet (10).

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 23, 25, 28, 30, and 31, the dehumidification unit (300) may further include a guide flange (350). The guide flange (350) may be provided on the discharge path (380). The guide flange (350) may be curved upward and backward from at least some of the plurality of discharge guide ribs (320). Specifically, the guide flange (350) may form a plurality of discharge guide paths (351) by partitioning at least a portion of the discharge path (380). Accordingly, the guide flange (350) may guide air to be discharged from the inlet (312) to the outlet port (302). That is, it may guide the air after dehumidification to be discharged smoothly. Ultimately, problems such as the air after dehumidification flowing back into the dryer (1) through the inlet (312) (e.g., vortex generation) can be suppressed, and dehumidification efficiency can be improved.

[0148] At least one fixer (360) may be mounted on the front of the dehumidification unit (300). The fixer (360) may be detachably mounted on the front of the dehumidification unit (300). The fixer (360) may secure the dehumidification unit (300) to the dryer (2). Specifically, a fixing groove corresponding to the fixer (360) may be formed inside the cabinet (10). As the fixer (360) is fitted into the fixing groove, the dehumidification unit (300) may be securely fixed to the dryer (2).

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 20, 29, and 30, the airflow is described as follows. External humid air, i.e., air before dehumidification, can be introduced into the body (310) of the dehumidification unit (300) through the inlet port (301). The air introduced into the body (310) flows along the inlet path (370) provided inside the body (310) and can pass through the outlet (311). The air passing through the outlet (311) can pass through the heat exchanger (70). Specifically, the air passing through the outlet (311) can pass through the evaporator (71) and the condenser (72) and exchange heat with the evaporator (71) and the condenser (72). Accordingly, the air passing through the heat exchanger (70) can become high-temperature dry air. It can become dehumidified air (air after dehumidification). Dehumidified air can be introduced into the inlet (21) of the drum (20) by the blowing force of a fan (80) provided at the rear on the base (60). The air introduced into the drum (20) can pass through the inside (23) and the outlet (22) of the drum. The air discharged from the drum (20) can be introduced into the inlet (312) of the dehumidification unit (300). The air introduced into the body (310) through the inlet (312) can be discharged to the outside by passing through the outlet port (302) along the discharge path (380). Ultimately, by installing the dehumidification unit (300) in the dryer (2), air before dehumidification can be introduced from the outside of the cabinet (10), and the introduced air can be dehumidified by heat exchange with the heat exchanger (70) inside the dryer (2) and discharged to the outside of the cabinet (10). Dehumidification operation (dehumidification mode) can be performed by this airflow.

[0150] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0151] 1, 2: Dryer 10: Cabinet 20: Drums 30: Door 50: Filter unit 60: Bass 100, 200, 300: Dehumidification unit 121, 301: Inlet Port 122, 302: Outlet Port 130, 230, 330: Guide 131: Discharge rib 340: Protruding rib 170, 270, 370: Incoming Euros 180, 280, 380: Emission Euros

Claims

Claim 1 A dryer comprising: a cabinet; a drum provided inside the cabinet to accommodate a drying object; a first opening provided on the front of the cabinet to introduce a drying object into the drum; a heat exchanger provided inside the cabinet to exchange heat with air; a second opening provided on the front of the cabinet to allow access to the heat exchanger; and a dehumidification unit for discharging air discharged from the drum to the outside of the cabinet and supplying external air to the heat exchanger, wherein the dehumidification unit comprises: an inlet port provided at the front to allow air to be introduced through the second opening; an outlet provided at the rear to guide the air introduced through the inlet port to the heat exchanger; an inlet port provided at the side to allow air discharged from the drum to be introduced; an outlet port provided at the front to allow the air introduced through the inlet port to be discharged through the second opening; and a guide for partitioning a first flow path extending from the inlet port to the outlet port and a second flow path extending from the inlet port to the outlet port. A dryer comprising an identification unit for detecting whether the dryer is equipped with the dehumidification unit. Claim 2 A dryer according to claim 1, wherein the inlet port and the outlet port are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Claim 3 A dryer according to claim 1, wherein the drum is rotatably disposed inside the cabinet and further comprises a fan disposed in the middle of a flow path leading from the inlet of the drum to the inlet. Claim 4 A dryer according to claim 1, wherein, with respect to a vertical line passing through the center of the first opening, the outlet port is positioned closer to the vertical line than the inlet port. Claim 5 In claim 1, the guide is a dryer that includes a curved section so that a curved section is formed in the second Euro. Claim 6 A dryer according to claim 1, further comprising a discharge rib that protrudes horizontally from the guide and divides the second Euro into upper and lower regions. Claim 7 A dryer according to claim 1, wherein the inlet port is positioned to the right of the outlet port, and a plurality of inlet guide ribs extending diagonally are arranged in the inlet port so that air is introduced from the lower right direction, and a plurality of outlet guide ribs extending diagonally are arranged in the outlet port so that air is discharged in the upper left direction. Claim 8 In claim 1, the dehumidification unit further comprises at least one of an intake filter for filtering foreign substances in the air introduced through the inlet port and an exhaust filter for filtering foreign substances in the air to be discharged through the outlet port. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 In claim 1, a dryer in which the area occupied by the inlet port and the area occupied by the outlet port are the same. Claim 11 A dryer comprising: a cabinet; a drum rotatably disposed inside the cabinet to accommodate a drying object; a first opening provided at the front of the cabinet to introduce a drying object into the drum; a heat exchanger disposed inside the cabinet to exchange heat with air; a second opening provided at the front of the cabinet to access the heat exchanger; and a dehumidification unit for discharging air discharged from the drum to the outside of the cabinet and supplying external air to the heat exchanger, wherein the dehumidification unit comprises: an inlet port provided at the front to allow air to be introduced through the second opening; an outlet port provided to guide the air introduced through the inlet port to the heat exchanger; an inlet port provided to allow air discharged from the drum to be introduced; an outlet port provided at the front to allow the air introduced through the inlet port to be discharged through the second opening; a guide for partitioning a first flow path extending from the inlet port to the outlet port and a second flow path extending from the inlet port to the outlet port; and a protrusion protruding from the front of the cabinet when the dehumidification unit is mounted. Claim 12 In claim 11, the above-mentioned protrusion is a dryer positioned between the inlet port and the outlet port. Claim 13 A dryer according to claim 11, further comprising a unit cover for opening and closing the second opening, wherein the unit cover is not closed when the dehumidification unit is mounted. Claim 14 Cabinet; a drum rotatably disposed inside the cabinet to accommodate a drying object; a first opening provided at the front of the cabinet to introduce a drying object into the drum; a heat exchanger disposed inside the cabinet to exchange heat with air; a second opening provided at the front of the cabinet to access the heat exchanger; and a dehumidification unit for discharging air discharged from the drum to the outside of the cabinet and supplying external air to the heat exchanger, wherein the dehumidification unit comprises: an inlet port provided at the front to allow air to flow in through the second opening; an outlet port provided to guide the air introduced through the inlet port to the heat exchanger; an inlet port provided to allow air discharged from the drum to flow in; and an outlet port provided at the front to allow the air introduced through the inlet port to be discharged to the outside through the second opening. A dryer comprising: a guide for forming a flow path inside the dehumidification unit; wherein the guide is movable between a first position that partitions a first flow path extending from the inlet port to the outlet port and a second flow path extending from the inlet port to the outlet port, and a second position that forms a third flow path extending from the inlet port to the outlet port. Claim 15 In claim 14, the above guide is rotatably arranged and the dryer rotates from the first position to the second position. Claim 16 In claim 14, the dryer in which the inlet port and the outlet port are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Claim 17 A dryer comprising: a cabinet; a drum rotatably disposed inside the cabinet to receive a drying object; a first opening provided on the front of the cabinet to introduce a drying object into the drum; a heat exchanger disposed inside the cabinet to exchange heat with air; a second opening provided on the front of the cabinet to access a unit receiving portion inside the cabinet; a filter unit that is mountable or detachable from the unit receiving portion through the second opening and provides a first flow path for supplying air discharged from the drum to the heat exchanger; and a dehumidification unit that is detachably mounted on the unit receiving portion when the filter unit is separated from the cabinet and provides a second flow path for discharging air discharged from the drum to the outside of the cabinet and a third flow path for supplying external air to the heat exchanger; wherein the filter unit is provided with a first identification portion and the dehumidification unit is provided with a second identification portion, and further comprising a first sensor corresponding to the first identification portion and a second sensor corresponding to the second identification portion. Claim 18 A dryer according to claim 17, further comprising a unit cover for opening and closing the second opening; wherein the unit cover is not closed when the dehumidification unit is mounted on the dryer. Claim 19 In claim 17, the dehumidification unit further comprises a dryer including a guide partitioning the second Euro and the third Euro. Claim 20 A dryer according to claim 17, further comprising a control unit that determines whether to perform a dehumidification mode based on a signal received from the second sensor.

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