Dehumidifier

Abstract

A dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing which includes a suction grill formed at one surface thereof and an outlet formed at the other surface thereof; a dehumidification module which is provided within the housing; and a water tank which is detachably provided at one side of the housing and in which condensate water produced during a dehumidification process is stored, wherein: the dehumidification module includes at least a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a fan module; a vibrator which generates ultrasonic waves is provided at the bottom surface of the water tank; and a vapor hole through which atomized vapor is discharged is formed at one surface of the water tank.

Description

dehumidifier

[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidifier.

[0002] A dehumidifier is a device that lowers the humidity in a space where it is installed by sucking in air, removing the moisture contained in the air, and then discharging the dehumidified air back into the room.

[0003] In general, dehumidifiers are widely used to lower the humidity of indoor air during humid summers or to dry laundry quickly.

[0004] Dehumidifiers are categorized into desiccant and condensation types, depending on their dehumidification method. A condensation type dehumidifier can be described as one in which a refrigerant cycle is installed within the dehumidifier, and air drawn in by a fan passes through an evaporator, condensing the moisture contained in the air. The air is then heated and discharged back into the room as it passes through the condenser.

[0005] Conventional dehumidifiers are generally designed to collect condensate generated during the dehumidification process in a water tank and to discard the condensate that fills the water tank, as disclosed in the prior art below.

[0006] Prior art: Korean Patent No. 10-2125092 (June 15, 2020)

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifier capable of implementing a humidifying function by utilizing condensate generated during a dehumidification process.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing including a suction grill formed on one surface and a discharge port formed on the other surface; a dehumidifying module provided inside the housing; and a water tank detachably provided on one side of the housing and storing condensate generated during a dehumidifying process, wherein the dehumidifying module includes at least a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a fan module, and a vibrator for generating ultrasonic waves is provided on a bottom surface of the water tank, and a steam hole through which atomized steam is discharged is formed on one surface of the water tank.

[0009] The housing includes a base on which the water tank is detachably placed on the upper surface; and a vibrator deck mounted on the portion where the water tank is placed and electrically connected to the vibrator.

[0010] The water tank includes a tank body having the vibrator mounted on the bottom and the steam hole formed on the upper side, a tank cover covering the upper surface of the tank body and having a drain hole formed on one edge, and a drain pipe extending from the bottom surface of the tank cover corresponding to the drain hole.

[0011] The dehumidifier according to the present invention further includes a water level sensor mounted at an end of the drain pipe.

[0012] The above vibrator is characterized in that it can operate only when the water level inside the tank body is higher than the height of the water level sensor.

[0013] The dehumidifier according to the present invention further includes a floater mounted on the inner surface of the tank body to detect the full water level.

[0014] A drain guide is formed sunken into one side of the tank cover, the drain guide is formed to slope downward from one edge to the other edge, and the drain hole is formed on the other edge.

[0015] The dehumidifier according to the present invention further includes a drain pan that supports the condenser and the evaporator and guides condensate flowing down from the surface of the evaporator to the drain guide.

[0016] The bottom of the above tank body is characterized in that it is formed to slope downward from the outer edge toward the vibrator.

[0017] The above steam hole is characterized in that it has a predetermined vertical width and extends a predetermined length in the left-right direction from the front upper side of the tank body.

[0018] The dehumidifier according to the present invention further includes an opening / closing slider for controlling the opening degree of the steam hole.

[0019] The above opening / closing slider includes a slider body having a width greater than the vertical width of the steam hole, a grip portion extending from the front of the slider body, and a catch projection protruding from both side ends of the slider body.

[0020] It is characterized in that a slider guide for supporting the opening / closing slider is formed on the inner surface of the tank body corresponding to both side ends of the steam hole.

[0021] In a state where both side ends of the above opening / closing slider are inserted into the above slider guide, a plurality of engaging grooves into which the engaging projections are fitted are formed on the surface of the above slider guide facing both side surfaces of the above slider body.

[0022] The above opening / closing slider is characterized in that the plurality of catch grooves are formed at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction so that the opening / closing slider can adjust the opening of the steam hole.

[0023] According to the dehumidifier according to the embodiment of the present invention having the above configuration, there is an advantage in that the dehumidifier can be placed in a bathroom in winter to capture moisture generated during a bathing process in a water tank and then move it to a living room or room requiring humidification to humidify the room.

[0024] In addition, since the condensate collected during the dehumidification process can be used for indoor humidification, there is an advantage in that the number of times the water tank must be separated from the dehumidifier case to discard the condensate is reduced.

[0025] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the above dehumidifier.

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the water tank mounted on the base.

[0028] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the above base.

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the bottom of the water tank.

[0030] Figure 6 is a plan perspective view of the water tank.

[0031] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the water tank.

[0032] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the opening / closing slider.

[0033] Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tank body taken along line 9-9 of Figure 7.

[0034] Fig. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the water tank and base taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 3.

[0035] Hereinafter, a dehumidifier equipped with a so-called humidifying function according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0036] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a dehumidifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the dehumidifier.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dehumidifier (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing including a base (11), a case (12), and a top cover (13), a dehumidification module (described later) installed inside the housing, and a water tank (20) for storing condensate generated during the dehumidification process.

[0038] In detail, a number of wheels (16) are mounted on the bottom surface of the base (11) to facilitate movement of the dehumidifier (10). In addition, the case (12) is erected on the upper edge of the base (11), and the upper opening of the case (12) is shielded by the top cover (13).

[0039] In addition, a suction grill (121) for sucking indoor air is formed on the back surface of the case (12), and a filter module is mounted in front of the suction grill (121).

[0040] In addition, a discharge port (131) through which dehumidified air is discharged is formed on one side of the top cover (13), and the discharge port (131) is selectively opened and closed by the discharge cover (14).

[0041] A handle (15) is mounted on one edge of the top cover, and the handle (15) is formed in an n-shape so that the vertical portion can be inserted into the case (12) or withdrawn from the case (12). In addition, when the vertical portion is inserted to the maximum extent into the case (12), the upper surface of the horizontal portion of the handle (15), i.e., the portion to be held by hand, can form the same plane as the top cover (13).

[0042] A cutout is formed on one edge of the case (12) into which the water tank (20) is inserted, and the water tank (20) is detachable from the case (12). In addition, when the water tank (20) is mounted on the case (12), the outer surface of the water tank (20) forms a part of the case (12).

[0043] Meanwhile, the dehumidification module installed inside the case (12) (or housing) includes a compressor (31) that compresses refrigerant, a condenser (32) that condenses the refrigerant that has passed through the compressor (31), an expansion valve that expands the refrigerant that has passed through the condenser into a two-phase refrigerant, an evaporator (33) that evaporates the refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve, and a fan module (34) that sucks indoor air through the suction grill (121). In addition, the evaporator (33) is positioned in front of the suction grill (121), the condenser (32) is positioned in front of the evaporator (33), and the fan module (34) is positioned in front of the condenser (32).

[0044] The above condenser (32) and evaporator (33) are mounted on the upper surface of a drain pan (35). Then, the condensate flowing down from the surface of the evaporator (33) flows along the drain pan (35) and is collected in the water tank (20).

[0045] The discharge port (131) is located directly above the discharge port of the fan module (34), so that air sucked into the fan module (34) passes sequentially through the suction grill (121), the filter, the evaporator (33), and the condenser (32) and is discharged through the discharge port (131).

[0046] The air that flows into the case (12) through the suction grill (121) is dehumidified as it passes through the evaporator (33), and the moisture contained in the air is condensed. As a result, the suction air becomes a low-temperature, dry state as it passes through the evaporator (33). The low-temperature, dry air absorbs heat as it passes through the condenser (32), and as a result, it is changed into a high-temperature, dry state, and then discharged back into the room through the discharge port (131). Here, the high-temperature air can be understood as air that has a temperature slightly higher than the temperature of the indoor space in which the dehumidifier (10) is installed.

[0047] Meanwhile, a control box (17) for controlling the operation of the dehumidifying module and various driving means is accommodated inside the case (12).

[0048] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a water tank installed on a base, and Figure 4 is a perspective view of the base.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper surface of the base (11) can be divided into a water tank mounting portion (111) on which the water tank (20) is placed, a compressor mounting portion (112) on which the compressor (31) is placed, and a control box receiving portion (113) on which the control box (17) is placed.

[0050] In detail, the water tank mounting portion (111) is equipped with a vibrator deck (115) from which a contact pin (116) protrudes. In addition, a water tank support protrusion (114) protrudes from the edge of the water tank mounting portion (111) to support the lower edge of the water tank (20), thereby preventing the water tank (20) from being separated from the base (11).

[0051] Fig. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a water tank, Fig. 6 is a plan perspective view of the water tank, and Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the water tank.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the water tank (20) for storing condensate includes a tank body (21), a tank cover (25) covering the upper surface of the tank body (21), a tank handle (22) coupled to the tank cover (25), and a vibrator (24) mounted on the lower surface of the tank body (21).

[0053] In detail, the vibrator (24) includes an ultrasonic generator that generates ultrasonic waves. When the water tank (20) is mounted on the water tank mounting portion (111), the contact pin (116) comes into contact with the contact terminal (241) formed on the vibrator (24), and power is supplied to the vibrator (24).

[0054] A cover hole (253) is formed in the above tank cover (25), and an upper cover (26) can be rotatably mounted in the cover hole (253) around a cover hinge (261). A user can turn the upper cover (26) over and empty the condensed water stored inside the tank body (21) while the cover hole (253) is open by turning the water tank (20) over. Conversely, the user can fill the tank body (21) with water for humidification through the cover hole (253) by turning the upper cover (26).

[0055] Additionally, both ends of the tank handle (22) can be rotatably connected to the tank cover (25), and the part that the user holds can be formed round in an arch shape.

[0056] A drain guide (251) may be formed recessed at the rear end of the tank cover (25). The drain guide (251) may be formed to be inclined so as to become lower from one end to the other end. In addition, a drain hole (252) may be formed at the other end of the drain guide (251). The drain hole formed in the drain pan (35) is positioned directly above the drain guide (251), so that condensate falling into the drain pan (35) can be collected into the water tank (20) through the drain hole (252).

[0057] Meanwhile, a drain pipe (27) may be extended from the bottom of the drain hole (252). The drain pipe (27) may be extended upward from the bottom of the tank body (21) to a point spaced a predetermined height apart.

[0058] A water level sensor (28) may be mounted on the outer surface of the end of the drain pipe (27), and the water level sensor (28) may be understood as a low water level sensor. In addition, the vibrator (24) may be controlled to be operable from the time the water level of the condensate is detected by the water level sensor (28).

[0059] In detail, the operation of the vibrator (24) is enabled only when the minimum water level inside the tank body (21) is higher than the water level sensor (28), thereby preventing vapor in an atomized state generated by the operation of the vibrator (24) from being discharged to the outside of the water tank (20) through the drain pipe (27) and the drain hole (252).

[0060] In addition, a floater (212) is mounted on the inner surface of the tank body (21), and the floater (212) can be understood as a water level sensor. In addition, when the water level is detected by the floater (212), the dehumidifying operation is stopped, thereby preventing the phenomenon of condensate overflowing from the water tank (20).

[0061] In addition, a steam hole (211) is formed on the upper front side of the tank body (21), and the opening degree of the steam hole (211) can be adjusted by an opening / closing slider (23). The steam hole (211) has a predetermined width in the vertical direction and extends a predetermined length in the left / right direction, so that the atomized steam generated in the humidifying mode can be discharged into the room through the steam hole (211).

[0062] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the opening / closing slider, and Fig. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tank body taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 7.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the opening / closing slider (23) may include a slider body (231), a catch projection (233) protruding from both ends of the slider body (231), and a grip portion (232) protruding forward from the front of the slider body (231).

[0064] In detail, the grip portion (232) protrudes from the center of the slider body (231), but may protrude from the top of the slider body (231).

[0065] The vertical width of the slider body (231) may be formed to be greater than the vertical width of the steam hole (211). In addition, a receiving groove in which the grip part (232) is received may be formed at the center of the lower edge of the steam hole (211). When the grip part (232) is received in the receiving groove, the steam hole (211) is in a state in which it is maximally open, and when the grip part (232) touches the upper end of the steam hole (211), the steam hole (211) is in a state in which it is completely closed.

[0066] The above opening / closing slider (23) is provided so as to be able to slide up and down while in close contact with the inner surface of the tank body (21). To this end, a support means for supporting the slider body (231) is provided on the inner surface of the tank body (21).

[0067] The above-mentioned support means may include a pair of slider guides (213) formed on the back surface of the tank body (21) corresponding to the left and right edges of the steam hole (211). The slider guides (213) may be bent in a 'ㄷ' shape to support both side ends of the slider body (231).

[0068] In addition, a plurality of engaging grooves (214) may be formed spaced apart in the vertical direction on the inner surface of the slider guide (213) facing both sides of the slider body (231). Accordingly, when the slider body (231) is fitted into the slider guide (213), the engaging projection (233) may be inserted into one of the engaging grooves (214).

[0069] The opening degree of the steam hole (211) can be adjusted by the vertical spacing distance of the plurality of engaging grooves (214). For example, when the engaging projection (233) is inserted into the uppermost engaging groove (214), the steam hole (211) is completely closed, and when it is inserted into one of the engaging grooves (214) spaced downward from the uppermost engaging groove (214), the steam hole (211) is opened. In other words, the spacing distance between the vertically adjacent engaging grooves (214) can be considered to correspond to the opening degree of the steam hole (211).

[0070] The above-mentioned catch (233) may be provided in the form of a bearing that is inserted into the inside of the slider body (231) by an external force and then protrudes from the side of the slider body (231) when the external force is removed. Then, the user can appropriately adjust the opening degree of the steam hole (211) by holding the grip portion (232) and sliding the opening / closing slider (23) up and down.

[0071] Fig. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the water tank and base taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 3.

[0072] Referring to Fig. 10, when the water tank (20) is installed on the base (11), the contact pin (116) of the vibrator deck (115) comes into contact with the contact terminal (241) of the vibrator (24), and power is supplied to the vibrator (24).

[0073] In this state, when a humidification mode command is input through the command input unit provided in the dehumidifier (10), the vibrator (24) operates to vibrate the water stored inside the water tank (20) to generate vaporized steam. Then, the vaporized steam rises and is discharged indoors through the vapor hole (211).

[0074] The bottom of the tank body (21) can be inclined downward toward the vibrator (24), so that the condensate falling through the condensate pipe (27) can be collected by the vibrator (24). In addition, when the level of the condensate collected inside the tank body (21) is lower than the height of the water level sensor (28), the vibrator (24) can be prevented from operating even if the humidification mode command is input. At the same time, a message indicating that the amount of water for humidification inside the water tank (20) is insufficient can be output in text or voice form.

[0075] In addition, the user can adjust the opening degree of the steam hole (211) by moving the opening / closing slider (23) or can adjust the vibration intensity of the vibrator (24) appropriately to control the amount of vapor discharged into the room through the steam hole (211).

[0076] Additionally, when the condensate stored in the water tank (20) is not sufficient due to dry air in winter, the user can separate the water tank (20) from the base (11) and fill the water tank (20) with water.

Claims

1. A housing including a suction grill formed on one side and a discharge port formed on the other side; a dehumidifying module provided inside the housing; and A water tank is provided detachably on one side of the housing and stores condensate generated during the dehumidification process, The above dehumidification module includes at least a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a fan module, A vibrator that generates ultrasonic waves is provided on the bottom of the above water tank, A dehumidifier characterized in that a steam hole is formed on one side of the water tank through which vaporized steam is discharged.

2. In paragraph 1, The above housing, A base on which the water tank is detachably placed on the upper surface; and A dehumidifier including a vibrator deck mounted on a portion where the water tank is placed and electrically connected to the vibrator.

3. In paragraph 2, The above water tank, A tank body having the above vibrator mounted on the bottom and the above steam hole formed on the upper side, A tank cover covering the upper surface of the tank body and having a drain hole formed on one edge, A dehumidifier comprising a drain pipe extending from the bottom surface of the tank cover corresponding to the drain hole.

4. In paragraph 3, A dehumidifier further comprising a water level sensor mounted at the end of the drain pipe.

5. In paragraph 4, The above vibrator is, A dehumidifier characterized in that it can be operated only when the water level inside the tank body is higher than the height of the water level sensor.

6. In paragraph 4, A dehumidifier further comprising a floater mounted on the inner surface of the tank body to detect the full water level.

7. In paragraph 3, A drain guide is formed sunken into one side of the above tank cover, The above drain guide is formed to slope downward from one edge to the other edge, A dehumidifier characterized in that the drain hole is formed on the other side edge.

8. In paragraph 7, A dehumidifier further comprising a drain pan that supports the condenser and evaporator and guides condensate flowing down from the surface of the evaporator to the drain guide.

9. In paragraph 3, A dehumidifier characterized in that the bottom of the tank body is formed to slope downward from the outer edge toward the vibrator.

10. In paragraph 3, The above steam hole is, A dehumidifier characterized in that the tank body has a predetermined vertical width and extends a predetermined length in the left and right directions from the front upper side.

11. In paragraph 10, A dehumidifier further comprising an opening / closing slider for controlling the opening of the steam hole.

12. In paragraph 11, The above opening and closing slider is, A slider body having a width greater than the vertical width of the above steam hole, A grip portion extending from the front of the above slider body, and A dehumidifier including a catch projection protruding from both side ends of the above slider body.

13. In paragraph 12, A dehumidifier characterized in that a slider guide for supporting the opening / closing slider is formed on the inner surface of the tank body corresponding to both side ends of the steam hole.

14. In paragraph 13, A dehumidifier characterized in that, when both side ends of the opening / closing slider are inserted into the slider guide, a plurality of engaging grooves into which the engaging projections are fitted are formed on the surface of the slider guide facing both sides of the slider body.

15. In paragraph 14, A dehumidifier characterized in that the plurality of catch grooves are formed at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction so that the opening / closing slider can adjust the opening degree of the steam hole.

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