Dehumidifier

Abstract

A dehumidification device is disclosed. A dehumidification device according to the concept of the present invention comprises a main body including a processing chamber, a heat exchanger for cooling air discharged from the processing chamber, a water collection tank detachably housed inside the main body to collect water condensed in the heat exchanger, and a sensing unit for detecting the water level collected in the water collection tank, wherein the sensing unit detects whether the water collection tank is housed in the main body when the water collection tank is housed therein. The sensing unit may include a first terminal to which an electrical signal is input from the main body, a second terminal electrically connected to the first terminal when the water collection tank is housed in the main body, and a third terminal electrically connected to the first terminal when a certain amount of water is collected in the water collection tank.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dehumidifying device, and more specifically, to a dehumidifying device that detects the installation of a water collection tank. Background Technology

[0002] In the case of a dehumidifying device equipped with a heat exchanger, a collection tank may be provided to collect condensate discharged from the heat exchanger. In existing dehumidifying devices, a sensor may be provided to detect the condensate level inside the collection tank.

[0003] The existing sensor used a floating sensor inside the collection tank, and as the water level rose and fell, the floating sensor also rose and fell, and accordingly, the height of the collection tank had to be high.

[0004] In addition, when a sensor was used for water level detection, a separate sensor was required to detect whether the collection tank was attached or detached. The problem to be solved

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a dehumidifying device capable of detecting whether a water collection tank is stored and the water level of the water collection tank.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention provides a dehumidification device comprising a compactly designed water collection tank that reduces production and material costs.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention provides a dehumidification device with an extended lifespan of the sensing unit. means of solving the problem

[0008] A dehumidifying device according to the concept of the present invention comprises a main body including a processing chamber, a heat exchanger for cooling air discharged from the processing chamber, a water collection tank detachably housed inside the main body to collect water condensed in the heat exchanger, and a sensing unit for detecting the water level collected in the water collection tank, wherein the sensing unit detects whether the water collection tank is housed in the main body when the water collection tank is housed therein, and the sensing unit may include a first terminal to which an electrical signal is input from the main body, a second terminal electrically connected to the first terminal when the water collection tank is housed in the main body, and a third terminal electrically connected to the first terminal when a certain amount of water is collected in the water collection tank.

[0009] The sensing unit may include a connection terminal disposed on one side of the water collection tank to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0010] The sensing unit further includes a plurality of electrode members disposed on one side of the water collection tank, wherein the plurality of electrode members include a first electrode member connected to the first terminal and a second electrode member connected to the second terminal, and the connecting terminal may be coupled to the first electrode member and the second electrode member, respectively.

[0011] The first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected regardless of the water level in the water collection tank, and at least one of the first electrode member or the second electrode member protrudes into the interior of the water collection tank to transmit the electrical signal when a certain amount of water is collected in the water collection tank, and the plurality of electrode members includes a third electrode member protruding into the interior of the water collection tank to receive the electrical signal from at least one of the first electrode member or the second electrode member, and the third electrode member can be connected to the third terminal to transmit the electrical signal to the main body when it comes into contact with the water in the water collection tank.

[0012] The first electrode member and the second electrode member may be formed at different heights.

[0013] The sensing unit may include a processor that outputs the electrical signal to the first terminal and receives the electrical signal output from at least one of the second terminal or the third terminal.

[0014] It may further include a display unit that receives an electrical signal from the processor and displays information about the water level of the collection tank.

[0015] The sensing unit further includes a terminal case provided on the upper side of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal to cover the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal, and the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal each include a contact portion that contacts the plurality of electrode members, and the terminal case may include a detachment prevention portion that presses the contact portions on the upper side of the contact portions to prevent the contact portions from detaching.

[0016] The device further includes a base plate positioned below the above-mentioned water collection tank, and the water collection tank may include an opening formed at the top of the water collection tank to collect water discharged from within the main body, and a guide duct connecting the opening and the base plate to allow water discharged from the opening to flow to the base plate.

[0017] The guide duct is formed to slope downward from the opening toward the base plate, and water passing through the guide duct can be stored in the base plate.

[0018] It may further include a cover plate coupled to the base plate on the upper side of the water collection tank to cover the water collection tank, a water storage area formed between the base plate and the cover plate, and a water storage sensor coupled to the cover plate and protruding into the water storage area to sense water stored in the water storage area.

[0019] It may further include a water reservoir channel formed with a downward slope so that water discharged from the above opening flows from the guide duct to the water reservoir area.

[0020] When the above water storage sensor senses the stored water, it may further include a display unit that displays information about the stored water.

[0021] The apparatus further includes a door coupled to the main body to open and close the processing chamber, and an opening / closing detection sensor disposed at the bottom of the door to detect the opening and closing of the door, and can cut off the power flowing to the plurality of electrode members when the water level is detected through the third electrode member.

[0022] When the above opening / closing detection sensor detects that the door is closed again after being opened, it can supply power to the plurality of electrode members.

[0023] A dehumidifying device according to the concept of the present invention may include a main body including a processing chamber, a heat exchanger for cooling air discharged from the processing chamber, and a collection tank housed inside the main body to collect water condensed through a cooling process within the heat exchanger, the collection tank including an opening formed at the top of the collection tank through which water in the collection tank overflows, and a guide duct formed to be inclined downward so that water overflowing from the opening flows downward, a sensing unit for detecting the water level in the collection tank and sensing whether the collection tank is housed, and a base plate including a water storage area disposed below the collection tank to collect water flowing from the guide duct.

[0024] The above guide duct can be formed to slope downward from the opening toward the base plate.

[0025] It may further include a cover plate coupled to the base plate on the upper side of the base plate to form the above water storage area, and a water storage sensor coupled to the cover plate and protruding into the water storage area to sense water stored in the above water storage area.

[0026] A control method for a dehumidification device according to the concept of the present invention may include detecting a water collection tank housed in a main body based on whether the first electrode member and the second electrode member are energized, determining whether at least one of the first electrode member or the second electrode member is energized and the third electrode member is energized, and if the first electrode member or the second electrode member and the third electrode member are energized, cutting off the power supply to the first electrode member, the second electrode member, and the third electrode member.

[0027] It may further include sensing the opening of a door provided in the main body, sensing the closing of the door, and supplying power to the first electrode member, the second electrode member, and the third electrode member in response to the closing of the door. Effects of the invention

[0028] According to the concept of the present invention, a sensor installed in a water collection tank can measure both whether the water collection tank is filled and the water level inside the water collection tank.

[0029] According to the concept of the present invention, production and material costs are reduced, and the water collection tank can be designed compactly.

[0030] According to the concept of the present invention, maintenance costs can be reduced because the usage cycle of the sensor detecting the water level in the collection tank is extended. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a dehumidification device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the door of the dehumidification device shown in FIG. 1 in an open state. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the front of the dehumidification device shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the main configuration of the dehumidification device shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the main components of the dehumidification device illustrated in Figure 4 in disassembly. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the main configuration of the dehumidification device illustrated in Figure 4, taken along line VI-VI'. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the main configuration of the dehumidification device illustrated in Figure 4, taken from Ⅶ-Ⅶ'. FIG. 8 is a VIII-VIII' drawing of the main configuration of the dehumidification device illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 9 is a control block diagram according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a control flowchart according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0032] 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.

[0033] Additionally, the same reference numerals or symbols presented in each drawing of this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Meanwhile, terms such as "front," "rear," "left," and "right" 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.

[0037] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the direction in which the inner surface is visible when the door of the dehumidifier is opened is defined as the front, and based on this, the rear, left and right sides, and up and down sides are defined.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0039] A dehumidifying device may include various devices that handle dehumidification of a space, such as a garment care system or a shoe care system; however, for the convenience of explanation, the following description is based on a shoe care system.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a dehumidification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the door of the dehumidification device illustrated in FIG. 1 in an open state. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the front of the dehumidification device illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the shoe care device (1) may include a main body (10) forming an exterior and a door (20) rotatably coupled to the main body (10).

[0042] The main body (10) may be provided in the shape of a rectangular prism with an open front. An opening (10a) may be formed in the open front of the main body (10). A door (20) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (10) to open and close the open front of the main body (10). The door (20) may be coupled to the main body (10) through a hinge (23), etc.

[0043] The door (20) may include a hanging member (21) provided on a surface facing the interior of the shoe care room (30). At least one hanging member (21) may be provided. The hanging member (21) can be used to hang the handle (55) of the shoe support device (50), which will be described later, to easily store the shoe support device (50). However, it is not limited to this and may be used for hanging other configurations.

[0044] The door (20) may further include a display unit (22) provided on the front of the shoe care device (1). Depending on the type of shoe to be cared for, the user can set an appropriate care course for the shoe on the display unit (22). Through this, the temperature and humidity of the shoe care room (30) can be controlled to reduce damage to the shoe.

[0045] An opening / closing detection sensor (24) for detecting the opening and closing of the door (20) may be provided at the bottom of the door (20). The opening / closing detection sensor (24) may be a reed switch. However, it is not limited thereto and may include various types of sensors. If the opening / closing detection sensor (24) is a reed switch, the magnetic force is maintained when the door is closed and can be cut off when it is opened. Through this, the processor (200) can determine the opening and closing of the door (20). In the drawing, the location of the opening / closing detection sensor (24) is shown at the bottom of the door (20), but it is not limited thereto and can be placed at various locations. Additionally, an additional opening / closing detection sensor (24) may also be placed inside the main body (10).

[0046] The main body (10) may include an outer case (11) and an inner case (12) disposed inside the outer case (11). The main body (10) may include a shoe support device (50) provided inside the shoe care room (30) to support the shoe. The inner case (12) may be referred to as a case.

[0047] The main body (10) may be formed such that the length of the front extending in the first direction (X) and the length of the side extending in the second direction (Y) are different. That is, the length of the front (L1) may be formed to be longer than the length of the side (L2). As a result, the shoe care device (1) can be easily installed even in a narrow entrance. The length of the front may be the first length (L1), and the length of the side may be the second length (L2).

[0048] The main body (10) may include a machine room (40) equipped with a heat exchanger (47) for dehumidifying or heating the air inside the shoe care room (30).

[0049] The shoe care room (30) can form a space for receiving shoes. The shoe care room (30) may be configured to include an upper surface (12a), a lower surface (12b), a left side (12c), a right side (12d), and a rear surface (12e) provided in the inner case (12). The shoe care room (30) may be provided inside the inner case (12). The shoe care room (30) may be referred to as a processing room (30).

[0050] The inner case (12) may include a frame (not shown) provided to support the upper surface (12a), lower surface (12b), left side (12c), right side (12d), and rear surface (12e).

[0051] The shoe support device (50) can be installed on the left side (12c) or the right side (12d) of the shoe care room (30). That is, the shoe support device (50) can be installed so that the side of the shoe is visible when viewed from the front of the shoe care device (1). As a result, the length of the side can be made shorter.

[0052] The shoe support device (50) can be detachably installed in the shoe care room (30). At least one shoe support device (50) may be provided. The shoe support device (50) may be formed in a shape into which a shoe can be fitted.

[0053] A water collection tank (120) that is detachably provided from the main body (10) may be installed at the bottom of the main body (10). The water collection tank (120) may be placed at the bottom of the shoe care room (30).

[0054] The water collection tank (120) can be provided to facilitate the treatment of condensate by the heat exchanger (47).

[0055] The machine room (40) may be provided on the lower side of the main body (10). The machine room (40) may be provided on the lower side of the shoe care room (30). The water collection tank (120) may be provided on the lower side of the machine room (40).

[0056] A heat exchanger (47) may be provided to dehumidify and heat the air inside the shoe care room (30) as needed.

[0057] A heat exchanger (47) may be installed to supply heated air into the interior of the shoe care room (30). The heat exchanger (47) may include an evaporator (42), a condenser (43), and a compressor (41) through which a refrigerant circulates, and may be configured to dehumidify and heat the air.

[0058] As the refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator (42) of the heat exchanger (47), it absorbs the latent heat of the surrounding air, thereby condensing and removing moisture from the air.

[0059] When the refrigerant condenses in the condenser (43) after passing through the compressor (41), it can heat the surrounding air by releasing latent heat toward the surrounding air.

[0060] The evaporator (42) and the condenser (43) function as heat exchangers, so that air flowing into the machine room (40) by the blower fan (44) can pass through the evaporator (42) and the condenser (43) sequentially to dehumidify and heat.

[0061] The blower fan (44) may be provided as a centrifugal fan that sucks in air in the axial direction and discharges air toward the side duct. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0062] A heat exchanger (47) installed in a machine room (40) may include a connecting duct (46) connecting an evaporator (42), a condenser (43), and a blower fan (44), and the connecting duct (46) may be connected to a shoe care room (30) to form a connecting passage (46a) that circulates between the shoe care room (30) and the connecting duct (46).

[0063] The shoe care device (1) may further include a water tank (not shown), a steam generator (not shown), and a steam spraying device (not shown). The water tank may be placed at the bottom of the shoe care room (30). Water from the water tank may be supplied to the steam generator to be used to form steam. The water tank may be installed so as to be detachable from the main body to facilitate water replenishment.

[0064] A steam generator that forms steam by receiving water from a water tank may be provided in the machine room (40).

[0065] The steam generator can be connected to a water tank to receive water and generate steam, and may include a steam supply pipe (not shown) that guides the generated steam to a steam injection device (not shown).

[0066] The evaporator (42), condenser (43), and blower fan (44) can be arranged in the first direction (X) so that air flows in the first direction (X). Additionally, the steam generator can also be arranged along the first direction. By being arranged in the first direction (X), the length of the side can be reduced, making it easy to install in the entrance. The shoe care device (1) may further include a deodorizing device (45). The deodorizing device (45) can be placed within the machine room (40). The deodorizing device (45) can be placed within the connecting duct (46) to remove odors from the air passing through the shoe care room (30). In the drawing, the deodorizing device (45) is provided to the right of the blower fan (44), but is not limited thereto and can also be provided to the left of the blower fan (44).

[0067] The deodorizing device (45) may include a deodorizing filter (45a) and a sterilization lamp (45b). The deodorizing filter (45a) may include a ceramic filter. The sterilization lamp (45b) may include a UV lamp. However, it is not limited thereto, and the deodorizing filter (45a) may include various filters as long as it can remove odors from the air, and the sterilization lamp (45b) may include various devices as long as it can sterilize germs.

[0068] The shoe care room (30) may include at least one mounting plate (90). The mounting plate (90) may be placed within the shoe care room (30) to support shoes.

[0069] The mounting plate (90) may include a duct plate (90). The duct plate (90) may include an internal flow path (90b) as shown in FIG. 3. Heated air passing through the internal flow path (90b) may be sprayed toward the shoe from the injection port (90a) of the duct plate (90) and the injection port (91a) of the circular duct (91), respectively. Additionally, heated air may pass through the internal flow path (90b) and flow into the shoe care room (30) through the inlet of the shoe support device (50).

[0070] The shoe care room (30) may further include a supply port (60) and an outlet (31).

[0071] A supply port (60) may be formed on the side wall of the inner case (12). That is, the supply port (60) may be formed on the left side (12c) of the shoe care room (30). However, it is not limited thereto and may be formed on the right side (12d). At least one supply port (60) may be formed and may supply heated air into the shoe care room (30) to dry the shoes. The shape of the supply port (60) may be circular. However, it is not limited thereto and may include various shapes such as squares and polygons as long as it can supply heated air into the shoe care room (30) to dry the shoes.

[0072] The exhaust port (31) may be positioned at the front of the lower surface (12b) of the shoe care room (30). However, it is not limited thereto and may also be positioned at the rear and side of the lower surface (12b) of the shoe care room (30). Air that has dried shoes in the shoe care room (30) may flow through the exhaust port (31) to the connecting duct (46) to be described later.

[0073] The exhaust port (31) may include an exhaust hole (31a) and an exhaust grill (31b). However, it is not limited thereto, and the above configuration may be omitted if heated air can be smoothly supplied to the connecting duct (46).

[0074] The connecting duct (46) can be connected to the side duct (70) and the outlet (31) of the shoe care room (30). One end of the connecting duct (46) can be connected to the side duct (70), and the other end can be connected to the outlet (31). Air introduced through the outlet (31) can be dehumidified and then introduced back into the shoe care room (30) through the side duct (70) and the supply port (60).

[0075] A side duct (70) may be provided on the outer side wall of the inner case (12) in the second direction (Y) to make the front of the shoe care device (1) long and the side short. One end of the side duct (70) may be connected to at least one supply port (60), and the other end may be connected to a connecting duct (46). The side duct (70) may form a side flow path (71) provided for heated air to move to the supply port (60).

[0076] The shoe care room (30) may further include a shoe support device (50).

[0077] The shoe support device (50) can be detachably mounted on the inner side wall of the inner case (12). That is, the shoe support device (50) can be attached to the left side (12c) of the shoe care room (30). However, it is not limited thereto, and if heated air can be supplied, the shoe support device (50) can also be placed on the right side (12d) of the shoe care room (30).

[0078] Since the shoe support device (50) can be detached from the shoe care room (30), the shoe support device (50) can be detached to utilize the space when installing a shoe stand for long boots (not shown) to be described later in the shoe care room (30) or placing shoes on the stand plate (90).

[0079] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the main components of the dehumidification device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the main components of the dehumidification device illustrated in FIG. 4 in an exploded view.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the shoe care device may include a base plate (110) that supports a water collection container (120) from below and a cover plate (130) that covers the water collection container (120) from above.

[0081] The base plate (110) may include a seating area (111) on which a water collection tank (120) is seated, a water storage area (112) in which water overflowing from the water collection tank (120) flows and is stored, a water storage channel (113) that allows water overflowing from the water collection tank (120) to flow into the water storage area (112), a first coupling projection (114) protruding in a first direction to be coupled with a cover plate (130), and a second coupling projection (115) protruding upward to be coupled with the lower part of the water collection tank (120).

[0082] The seating area (111) can be formed to correspond to the lower case (121) so that the lower case (121) of the water collection tank (120) can be seated thereon. Accordingly, the seating area (111) can be provided in a roughly rectangular shape.

[0083] The water storage area (112) may be configured so that water discharged from an opening (124) provided on the upper side of the water collection tank (120) is stored through a water storage channel (113). The upper side of the water storage area (112) may be covered by a cover plate (130). A water storage sensor (170), to be described later, may be configured to sense whether there is water overflowing in the water storage area (112) and display it on a display unit (22).

[0084] The water reservoir channel (113) can be provided to slope downward from the settling area (111) toward the water reservoir area (112). Water falling downward through the drainage hole (121b) can flow into the water reservoir area (112) through the water reservoir channel (113).

[0085] The first connecting projection (114) can be connected to a connecting rib (133) provided on the cover plate (130) to prevent the base plate (110) and the cover plate (130) from being separated. The second connecting projection (115) can be connected to the lower case (121).

[0086] The cover plate (130) may include a fastening projection (131) provided to allow the terminal (140) to be coupled, a strength reinforcing portion (132) that reinforces the strength of the front portion of the cover plate (130), a coupling rib (133) coupled to the first coupling projection (114), a coupling hole (134) into which a water reservoir sensor (170) is inserted, and a support portion (135) that supports the terminal (140).

[0087] The fastening projection (131) may protrude upward so that the terminal (140) can be coupled to the cover plate (130). The fastening projection (131) may be coupled with a fastening hole provided in the terminal (140) to fix the terminal (140) to the cover plate (130). The fastening projection (131) may be provided in a pair to be coupled with one terminal (140). A pair of fastening projections (131) may be provided in multiple pairs. As shown in the drawing, since there are three terminals (140), the fastening projections (131) may be provided in three pairs along the left-right direction (X-direction). However, the number of fastening projections (131) is not limited to the example or as shown in the drawing above, and may be provided in various numbers and shapes corresponding to the number of terminals (140).

[0088] The strength reinforcement member (132) may be provided at the front end of the cover plate (130). The strength reinforcement member (132) can protect various components, such as the electrode member (100), from various components of the shoe care device provided on the upper side of the cover plate (130). The shape of the strength reinforcement member (132) is not limited to that shown in the drawing.

[0089] The connecting rib (133) can be formed to correspond to the first connecting projection (114) of the base plate (110). The connecting rib (133) can protrude downward. The connecting rib (133) can be provided in multiple numbers.

[0090] The coupling hole (134) may be provided so that the water reservoir sensor (170) passes through it. A fixing member (164) that is coupled to the water reservoir sensor (170) and fixes the water reservoir sensor (170) may be provided at the upper part of the coupling hole (134). The support member (135) will be described later.

[0091] The shoe care device may include a water collection tank (120) and a sensing unit (1000). The water collection tank (120) and the sensing unit (1000) may be positioned between the base plate (110) and the cover plate (130).

[0092] The water collection tank (120) may include a lower case (121) and an upper case (122). The upper case (122) and the lower case (121) may be provided in a roughly rectangular shape. However, the shape of the upper case (122) and the lower case (121) is not limited thereto. When the water collection tank (120) is not mounted on the main body (10), the upper case (122), the lower case (121), and the components coupled thereto may not be mounted on the main body (10). On the other hand, even if the water collection tank (120) is separated from the main body (10), the cover plate (130) and the base plate (110) remain mounted on the main body (10), so the components coupled to the cover plate (130) and the base plate (110) also remain mounted on the main body (10).

[0093] The lower case (121) may include a water collection area (121a) and a drain hole (121b). The water collection area (121a) may be connected to a heat exchanger (47) and configured to store water discharged from the heat exchanger (47) through a drain pipe (49). The water collection area (121a) may be configured in a shape corresponding to that of the lower case (121). The drain hole (121b) may be formed adjacent to the top of an extension wall (121c) that extends upward from the lower case (121). Water drained from the opening (124) and the guide channel (123a) may flow through the drain hole (121b) and through the water storage channel (113) to the water storage area (112).

[0094] The upper case (122) can be provided to cover the upper part of the lower case (121).

[0095] The shoe care device may include an opening (124) provided on the upper part of the upper case (122), a guide duct (123) connected to the opening (124), an insertion hole (125) provided on the upper part of the upper case (122) into which an electrode member (100) is inserted, and a stepped portion (126) having a step difference with the upper surface of the upper case (122).

[0096] The opening (124) can allow water overflowing from the water collection tank (120) to flow into the guide duct (123). The guide duct (123) can form a guide channel (123a). The insertion holes (125) may be provided in multiple numbers. The insertion holes (125a) may include a first insertion hole (125a), a second insertion hole (125b), and a third insertion hole (125c). A first electrode member (101) may be inserted into the first insertion hole (125a), a second electrode member (102) may be inserted into the second insertion hole (125b), and a third electrode member (103) may be inserted into the third insertion hole (125c). The number of insertion holes (125) is not limited to that shown in the drawing and can be formed in correspondence with the number of electrode members (100).

[0097] The shoe care device may include a sensing unit (1000) that detects the water level in a water collection tank (120) and a water level sensor (170) that detects the water level in a water storage area (112). The sensing unit (1000) may include an electrode member (100), a terminal (140), and a connection terminal (161).

[0098] The electrode member (100) may be mounted on one side of the water collection container (120). Specifically, the electrode member (100) may be mounted on the upper side of the water collection container (120). The electrode member (100) may be provided in multiple numbers. The electrode member (100) may include a first electrode member (101), a second electrode member (102), and a third electrode member (103). In the drawing, the multiple electrode members (100) protrude into the interior of the water collection container (120), but are not limited thereto. If at least one of the first electrode member (101) or the second electrode member (102) and the third electrode member (103) protrude into the interior of the water collection container (120), the water collection container (120) may be saturating the water level inside the water collection container (120) and whether the water collection container (120) is housed in the main body (10), as described below. That is, at least one of the first electrode member (101) or the second electrode member (102) may protrude into the water collection container (120), and the other of the first electrode member (101) or the second electrode member (102) may not protrude into the water collection container (120). The number of electrode members (100) is not limited to the above example and may include two or fewer or four or more. The heights of the plurality of electrode members (100) may be formed to be the same, but are not limited thereto. For example, the heights of the first electrode member (101) and the third electrode member (103) may be formed to be the same, and the second electrode member (102) may be formed to be longer or shorter than the first electrode member (101) and the third electrode member (103). Conversely, the height of the second electrode member (102) and the third electrode member (103) is the same, and the first electrode member (101) may be formed to be longer or shorter than the second electrode member (102) and the third electrode member (103).

[0099] The electrode member (100) may be provided in a rod shape. That is, the electrode member (100) may include an electrode rod. However, the shape of the electrode member (100) is not limited to the above-described example and may include various shapes. In addition, it is also possible for the first electrode member (101) and the second electrode member (102) to be formed integrally.

[0100] A terminal (140) may be disposed on one side of an electrode member (100) to contact the electrode member (100). Specifically, the terminal (140) may be disposed on the upper side of the electrode member (100). A plurality of terminals (140) may be provided. The terminal (140) may include a first terminal (141), a second terminal (142), and a third terminal (143). The terminal (140) may include a fastening hole into which a fastening projection (131) is inserted. The fastening hole may be formed in a number corresponding to the fastening projection (131).

[0101] A connecting terminal (161) may be provided between the electrode member (100) and the upper case (122). Specifically, the connecting terminal (161) may be connected to the first electrode member (101) and the second electrode member (102) respectively to allow the first electrode member (101) and the second electrode member (102) to conduct electricity. A washer (162) may be placed between the third electrode member (103) and the protrusion (127).

[0102] The shoe care device may include a terminal case (150) provided to cover a terminal (140), a washer (162), and a handle (180) mounted on the front end of an upper case (122).

[0103] The terminal case (150) can cover the terminal (140) from the top. The terminal case (150) can cover the top and left and right sides of the terminal (140) to prevent the terminal (140) from being damaged.

[0104] A handle (180) is positioned at the front end of the water collection container (120) to allow the user to pull out the water collection container (120) or attach it to the main body (10). The shape of the handle (180) is not limited to that shown in the drawing.

[0105] FIG. 6 is a drawing of the main configuration of the dehumidification device illustrated in FIG. 4, viewed along line VI-VI'. FIG. 7 is a drawing of the main configuration of the dehumidification device illustrated in FIG. 4, viewed along line VII-VII'.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the terminal (140) may include a connecting portion (140b) connected to the main body (10), a contact portion (140d) in contact with the electrode member (100), and an inclined portion (140c) provided between the connecting portion (140b) and the contact portion (140d).

[0107] The electrode member (100) may include a first electrode part (101a), a second electrode part (101b), and a third electrode part (101c). The first electrode part (101a) may be provided at the lowest side to form a head (101a). A portion of the first electrode part (101a) may be inserted into a protrusion (127). The second electrode part (101b) may be provided between the first electrode part (101a) and the third electrode part (101c) and may extend in one direction. The second electrode part (101b) may be inserted into the protrusion (127). The third electrode part (101c) may be provided at the uppermost of the plurality of electrode parts. At least a portion of the third electrode part (101c) may be inserted into the protrusion (127) and the stepped part (126) and may come into contact with a terminal (140). The third electrode (101c) can contact the terminal (140) to transmit and receive electrical signals.

[0108] The connection terminal (161) can be provided between the protrusions (127) of the upper case (122) of the electrode member (100). A packing member (163) can be placed between the connection terminal (161) and the protrusions (127).

[0109] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical signal can be transmitted from the main body (10) to the first terminal (141). In this case, if the water collection tank (120) is not mounted on the main body (10), the first terminal (141) and the first electrode member (101) do not come into contact, so an electrical signal may not be transmitted to the first electrode member (101).

[0110] Conversely, when the water collection tank (120) is mounted on the main body (10), the first terminal (141) contacts the first electrode member (101), and an electrical signal can be transmitted to the first electrode member (101). The electrical signal flowing to the first electrode member (101) can flow to the second electrode member (102) through the connection terminal (161). The electrical signal flowing to the second electrode member (102) can flow to the second terminal (142). The electrical signal flowing to the second terminal (142) can flow back to the main body (10). That is, when the water collection tank (120) is mounted on the main body (10), the electrical signal sent by the main body (10) to the first terminal (141) returns through the second terminal (142), so the shoe care device can recognize whether the water collection tank (120) is mounted on the main body (10). Accordingly, the mounting status of the water collection tank (120) can be displayed on the display unit (22) described later. In addition, if the water collection tank (120) is not mounted, the electrical signal does not return, so the display unit (22) can display that the water collection tank (120) is not mounted.

[0111] When the shoe care device is operated, the heat exchanger (47) can dehumidify the air inside the shoe care room (30). That is, the heat exchanger (47) can remove moisture discharged from the shoe care room (30). At this time, the heat exchanger (47) can form condensate. The condensate formed through the heat exchanger (47) can be stored in the water collection tank (120) through the drain pipe (49) and the drain hole (121b). When the shoe care device is operated continuously, the water level inside the water collection tank (120) can rise above a predetermined water level. At this time, the condensate inside the water collection tank (120) can come into contact with the electrode member (100).

[0112] That is, the condensate inside the water collection tank (120) can come into contact with a plurality of electrode members (100). Since the first electrode member (101) receives an electrical signal from the main body (10), the electrical signal can be transmitted to the third electrode member (103) through the water inside the water collection tank (120). Therefore, both the second electrode member (102) and the third electrode member (103) can transmit electrical signals to the main body (10). The main body (10) can detect this and recognize that the water level inside the water collection tank (120) has risen above a predetermined level. Accordingly, the display unit (22), which will be described later, can display that the water level of the water collection tank (120) has risen. That is, the display unit (22) can display an indication that the water in the water collection tank (120) needs to be emptied. The user can visually recognize that the water stored in the water collection tank (120) needs to be emptied.

[0113] In another embodiment, the second electrode member (102) and the third electrode member (103) may be formed to be longer than the first electrode member (101). That is, the second electrode member (102) and the third electrode member (103) may be taller than the first electrode member (101). When the condensate in the water collection tank (120) reaches a predetermined water level, the second electrode member (102) may come into contact with the condensate. At this time, if the third electrode member (103) also comes into contact with the condensate, an electrical signal is continuously transmitted from the first electrode member (101) to the second electrode member (102) through the connection terminal (161), so an electrical signal can be transmitted from the second electrode member (102) to the third electrode member (103) through the condensate. Through this, the electrical signal can be supplied to the processor (200).

[0114] According to one embodiment of the present invention, since the sensing unit (1000) can detect whether the water collection tank (120) is housed in the main body (10) and simultaneously detect the water level inside the water collection tank (120), no additional sensor is required, so material costs can be reduced when producing a dehumidifying device. In addition, since the size of the electrode member (100) does not need to be long, the size of the water collection tank (120) can be made compact.

[0115] The cover plate (130) may include a support member (135). The support member (135) may protrude upward. Accordingly, the support member (135) may support the terminal (140).

[0116] The upper case (122) may include an extension (122a) that extends upward to be combined with the handle (180).

[0117] The connecting portion (140b) can receive an electrical signal from the main body (10) or transmit an electrical signal to the main body (10). The connecting portion (140b) may be positioned above the contact portion (140d). The contact portion (140d) can receive an electrical signal from the electrode member (100) or transmit an electrical signal to the electrode member (100). The contact portion (140d) may be provided below the connecting portion (140b). The inclined portion (140c) may be provided in the middle of the connecting portion (140b) and the contact portion (140d) to connect the connecting portion (140b) and the contact portion (140d).

[0118] The terminal case (150) may include a first part (151), a second part (152), and a third part (153). The first part (151) may cover the connection part (140b) of the terminal (140). Thus, the connection part (140b) and the main body (10) can be stably connected without damaging the connection part (140b). The second part (152) may be provided between the first part (151) and the third part (153).

[0119] The third part (153) may be provided adjacent to the contact portion (140d) to cover the contact portion (140d) of the terminal (140). The third part (153) may be provided on the upper side of the contact portion (140d) to prevent the contact portion (140d) from bending upward and deviating from its proper position. The third part (153) may be referred to as the anti-deviation portion (153).

[0120] FIG. 8 is a VIII-VIII' drawing of the main configuration of the dehumidification device illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 8, the user may not empty the water stored in the collection tank (120) even after seeing the water emptying indicator on the display unit (22). In this case, if the shoe care device continues to operate, condensate may continue to be stored in the collection tank (120) and the water level may gradually increase. When the water level in the collection tank (120) reaches a level higher than the opening (124), the condensate may overflow and flow into the guide channel (123a) formed by the guide duct (123). The guide duct (123) may be formed to slope downward from the front to the rear.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 5, the guide channel (123a) and the reservoir channel (113) can be connected. That is, water that exits through the opening (124) and flows into the guide channel (123a) can flow into the reservoir channel (113). Since the reservoir channel (113) is also provided to slope downward, water that flows into the reservoir channel (113) can flow into the reservoir area (112). That is, water that overflows from the collection tank (120) can be stored in the reservoir area (112).

[0123] The shoe care device may include a water storage sensor (170) that detects water stored in a water storage area (112). The water storage sensor (170) can detect water in the water storage area (112) and display on the display unit (22) that water is present in the water storage area (112). Accordingly, the user can recognize that the water in the water collection tank (120) must be emptied promptly.

[0124] The water reservoir sensor (170) may include various types of sensors.

[0125] FIG. 9 is a control block diagram according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 9, the shoe care device may further include a processor (200). The processor (200) can transmit an electrical signal to the first terminal (141). As described above, if no electrical signal is returned from the second terminal (142), the processor (200) can recognize this and recognize that the water collection tank (120) is not installed. Accordingly, the processor (200) can control the display unit (22) to display whether the water collection tank (120) is installed on the display unit (22). Conversely, if an electrical signal is returned from the second terminal (142), the processor (200) recognizes that the water collection tank (120) is installed and can display whether the water collection tank (120) is installed on the display unit (22).

[0127] As another example, if an electrical signal is returned to the processor (200) through the third electrode member (103) and the third terminal (143), the processor (200) can display on the display unit (22) that water above a predetermined level has been stored in the water collection tank (120). That is, a water emptying indication can be displayed on the display unit (22).

[0128] Additionally, the processor (200) can display that the water is empty on the display unit (22) even when the water sensor (170) detects the water in the water storage area (112). That is, the processor (200) determines whether water has been collected in the water storage area (112) through the water sensor (170), and if water has been collected, it can display this on the display unit (22). Accordingly, the user can know that the water in the water collection tank (120) needs to be emptied.

[0129] Additionally, the processor (200) can supply or cut off power to the electrode member (100) as described below by the open / close detection sensor (24) sensing whether the door (20) is open or closed.

[0130] In the drawing, the processor (200) controlling the terminal (140), water reservoir sensor (170), open / close detection sensor (24), and display unit (22) is shown as a single unit, but is not limited thereto, and processors (200) controlling the terminal (140), water reservoir sensor (170), open / close detection sensor (24), and display unit (22) can each be provided.

[0131] FIG. 10 is a control flowchart according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 10, when the sensing unit (1000) detects whether the water collection tank (120) is mounted on the main body (10) (S1), it can detect whether the water level of the water collection tank (120) is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference water level (S2).

[0133] The shoe care device (1) can detect whether electrical current occurs between the multiple electrode members (100) and water within the water collection container (120) by contacting the multiple electrode members (100). Specifically, the processor (200) can detect whether electrical current occurs between the first electrode member (101) and the third electrode member (103), or whether electrical current occurs between the second electrode member (102) and the third electrode member (103). That is, it can detect whether electrical current occurs between the first electrode member (101) or the second electrode member (102), which has a longer length protruding into the water collection container (120), and the third electrode member (103). Through this, the processor (200) can display on the display unit (22) that the water level of the water collection container (120) is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference water level (S3). That is, the display unit (22) indicates that the water in the collection tank (120) needs to be emptied, and the user can recognize this.

[0134] The processor (200) can cut off power to the sensing unit (1000) when current flows between multiple electrode members (100) (S4). Specifically, it can prevent current from flowing through the electrode members (100). Accordingly, corrosion of the electrode members (100) can be delayed, and material costs associated with replacing the electrode members (100) can be reduced.

[0135] After the user empties the water from the water collection tank (120), the water collection tank (120) can be reattached to the main body (10) (S5).

[0136] After the user closes the door after the water collection tank is reinstalled, the open / close detection sensor provided at the bottom of the door can sense whether the door is closed (S6). That is, the processor (200) can determine whether the door is closed through the open / close detection sensor. When the processor determines that the door is closed, it can supply power to the electrode member (S7).

[0137] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when water in the water collection tank (120) exceeds a predetermined level and comes into contact with the electrode member (100), the power to the sensing unit (1000) is cut off, and power is supplied to the sensing unit (1000) only when the water is emptied, thereby slowing down the corrosion of the electrode member (100).

[0138] In addition, power can be resupplied to the electrode member (100) without any separate action other than the user opening and closing the door (20) to empty the water from the collection tank (120). Therefore, user convenience can be increased.

[0139] 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

[0140] 1; Shoe care device 10; main body 20: Door 30; Shoe care room 40; Machine room 50; shoe support 60; supply port 70; side duct 90; Duct plate 100; electrode member 110; Base plate 120; water tank 130; cover plate 140; terminal 150; terminal case 170; water reservoir sensor 200; processor

Claims

Claim 1 A dehumidifying device comprising: a main body including a processing chamber; a heat exchanger for cooling air discharged from the processing chamber; a collection tank detachably housed inside the main body to collect water condensed in the heat exchanger; and a sensing unit for detecting the water level collected in the collection tank, wherein the sensing unit detects whether the collection tank is housed when the collection tank is housed in the main body, and the sensing unit comprises: a first terminal to which an electrical signal is input from the main body; a second terminal electrically connected to the first terminal when the collection tank is housed in the main body; a third terminal electrically connected to the first terminal when a certain amount of water is collected in the collection tank; and a processor that outputs the electrical signal to the first terminal and receives the electrical signal output from the first terminal, which is received from the second terminal and the third terminal, respectively. Claim 2 In claim 1, the sensing unit is a dehumidifying device comprising a connecting terminal disposed on one side of the water collection tank to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the sensing unit further comprises a plurality of electrode members disposed on one side of the water collection tank, wherein the plurality of electrode members include a first electrode member connected to the first terminal and a second electrode member connected to the second terminal, and the connection terminal is coupled to the first electrode member and the second electrode member, respectively, a dehumidification device. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected regardless of the water level in the water collection tank, and at least one of the first electrode member or the second electrode member protrudes into the interior of the water collection tank to transmit the electrical signal when a certain amount of water is collected in the water collection tank, and the plurality of electrode members includes a third electrode member protruding into the interior of the water collection tank to receive the electrical signal from at least one of the first electrode member or the second electrode member, and the third electrode member is connected to the third terminal to transmit the electrical signal to the main body when in contact with the water in the water collection tank. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the dehumidification device wherein the first electrode member and the second electrode member are formed at different heights. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A dehumidifying device according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that receives an electrical signal from the processor and displays information regarding the water level of the water collection tank. Claim 8 In claim 4, the sensing unit further includes a terminal case provided on the upper side of the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal to cover the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal, and the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal each include a contact portion that contacts the plurality of electrode members, and the terminal case includes a detachment prevention portion that presses the contact portions on the upper side of the contact portions to prevent the detachment of the contact portions. Claim 9 A dehumidifying device according to claim 1, further comprising a base plate disposed below the water collection tank, wherein the water collection tank comprises an opening formed at the top of the water collection tank to collect water discharged from the main body, and a guide duct connecting the opening and the base plate to allow water discharged from the opening to flow to the base plate. Claim 10 In claim 9, the guide duct is formed to slope downward from the opening toward the base plate, and the water passing through the guide duct is stored in the base plate. Claim 11 A dehumidifying device according to claim 10, further comprising: a cover plate coupled to the base plate on the upper side of the collection tank to cover the collection tank; a water storage area formed between the base plate and the cover plate; and a water storage sensor coupled to the cover plate and protruding into the water storage area to sense water stored in the water storage area. Claim 12 A dehumidifying device according to claim 11, further comprising a water reservoir channel formed to be inclined downward so that water discharged from the opening flows from the guide duct to the water reservoir area. Claim 13 A dehumidifying device according to claim 11, further comprising a display unit that displays information about the stored water when the water storage sensor senses the stored water. Claim 14 A dehumidifying device according to claim 5, further comprising a door coupled to the main body to open and close the processing chamber, and an opening / closing detection sensor disposed at the bottom of the door to detect the opening and closing of the door, and cutting off power flowing to the plurality of electrode members when the water level is detected through the third electrode member. Claim 15 In claim 14, a dehumidifying device that supplies power to the plurality of electrode members when the opening / closing detection sensor detects that the door is closed again after being opened. Claim 16 A dehumidifying device comprising: a main body including a processing chamber; a heat exchanger for cooling air discharged from the processing chamber; a collection tank housed inside the main body to collect water condensed through a cooling process within the heat exchanger, the collection tank including an opening formed at the top of the collection tank for overflowing water within the collection tank, and a guide duct formed to slope downward so that water overflowing from the opening flows downward; a sensing unit for detecting the water level within the collection tank and sensing whether the collection tank is housed; and a base plate including a water storage area disposed below the collection tank to collect water flowing from the guide duct. Claim 17 In Clause 16, the dehumidification device is formed such that the guide duct slopes downward from the opening toward the base plate. Claim 18 A dehumidifying device according to claim 17, further comprising: a cover plate coupled to the base plate on the upper side of the base plate to form the water storage area; and a water storage sensor coupled to the cover plate and protruding into the water storage area to sense water stored in the water storage area. Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete

Images