Ventilation apparatus

Abstract

The ventilation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing having an external air inlet and an internal air outlet formed on one side surface thereof and an internal air inlet and an external air outlet formed on the other side surface thereof, that faces the one side surface; an air purification module accommodated inside the housing and comprising a heat transfer element; an evaporator disposed between the air purification module and the external air outlet; a drain pan installed below the evaporator and receiving the evaporate generated by the evaporator; a suction fan module disposed inside the housing and having an outlet that is connected to the external air outlet; a discharge fan module disposed inside the housing and having an outlet connected to the internal air outlet; and a drainage module installed inside the housing, for discharging the condensate collected in the drain pan to the outside of the housing through the internal air outlet.

Description

ventilation device

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation device.

[0002] A ventilation device is a device that discharges indoor air to the outside and supplies fresh outdoor air to the inside, and its main component is a heat transfer element that allows only heat exchange without mixing the discharged indoor air and the incoming outdoor air.

[0003] Recently, hybrid ventilation devices that can perform cooling functions in addition to ventilation functions through heat exchange have appeared.

[0004] The prior art below discloses a composite ventilation device equipped with a refrigeration system that forms a cooling cycle using a refrigerant inside the ventilation device.

[0005] Conventional composite ventilation devices with this type of structure have the following problems.

[0006] First, a drain pan is installed on the bottom of the heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator, and since the depth of the drain pan is shallow, there is a very high possibility that condensate will overflow.

[0007] Second, an intake fan is installed in close proximity to the heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator. Therefore, when the cooling mode is selected and the intake fan operates, the velocity and pressure of the air passing through the evaporator causes condensate collected in the drain pan located at the bottom of the evaporator to splash and fly into the indoor space.

[0008] Third, if the condensate that has accumulated in the drain pan is not discharged in a timely manner, rust may occur on the heat exchanger fins or mold may grow on the surface of the heat exchanger.

[0009] Prior art: Korean Patent No. 2124364 (June 18, 2020)

[0010] The present invention is proposed to improve the above problems.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing having an outside air inlet and an inside air outlet formed on one side thereof, and an inside air inlet and an outside air outlet formed on the other side facing the one side thereof; an air purification module accommodated inside the housing and including a heating element; an evaporator disposed between the air purification module and the outside air outlet; a drain pan positioned below the evaporator and configured to receive condensate generated in the evaporator; a suction fan module disposed inside the housing and having a discharge port connected to the outside air outlet; an exhaust fan module disposed inside the housing and having a discharge port connected to the inside air outlet; and a drain module installed inside the housing and configured to discharge condensate collected in the drain pan to the outside of the housing through the inside air outlet.

[0012] The drain module includes a water level sensor located inside the drain pan and detecting a water level of condensate collected in the drain pan; an on-off valve that opens when the water level of condensate detected by the water level sensor reaches a set level; a suction pipe extending from the on-off valve; a drain pump to which an end of the suction pipe is connected; and a discharge pipe extending from an outlet of the drain pump.

[0013] The above discharge pipe is characterized in that it extends to a length that penetrates the above discharge port.

[0014] The above drainage module further includes a drainage nozzle provided at an end of the discharge pipe.

[0015] The above drainage module further includes a condensate storage tank to which the discharge port of the discharge pipe is connected; and a humidifying medium having one end extending into the interior of the condensate storage tank.

[0016] The above humidifying medium is characterized by being made of a porous material that absorbs moisture.

[0017] The above humidifying medium is characterized in that it is placed between the exhaust outlet and the outlet of the exhaust fan module.

[0018] The above drainage module further includes a driving motor that rotates the humidifying medium, and the humidifying medium is characterized in that it has a cylindrical shape.

[0019] The above drainage module further includes a condensate storage tank to which the discharge port of the discharge pipe is connected; and one or more ultrasonic vibrators installed inside the condensate storage tank, characterized in that one or more slits are formed on the upper surface of the condensate storage tank.

[0020] The above condensate storage tank is characterized in that it is arranged between the betting discharge port and the outlet of the exhaust fan module.

[0021] The ventilation device further includes an opening formed on a side of the housing corresponding to the outside air inlet and the inside air outlet; and an exhaust damper module selectively opening and closing the opening, and when the opening is opened, the space in which the exhaust fan module is installed and the outside space of the housing are connected.

[0022] The above exhaust damper module includes a damper motor; a link having one end connected to a shaft of the damper motor; and a damper having one end connected to an edge of the opening and the other end of the link connected thereto, selectively opening and closing the opening.

[0023] When the above drain pump and the above exhaust fan module operate, the opening is characterized in that it opens.

[0024] According to the ventilation device according to the embodiment of the present invention having the above configuration, there is an effect of preventing the phenomenon of condensate accumulated in the drain pan overflowing or flying into the room due to wind generated during the operation of the supply fan.

[0025] Additionally, since the condensate collected in the drain pan is quickly discharged outdoors, there is an advantage in that the problem of rust or mold growth on the heat exchanger fins is resolved.

[0026] Additionally, since there is no need for a condensate drainage path, there is an advantage in that condensate does not return to the drain pan and accumulate.

[0027] In addition, since the pipe structure for draining condensate from the ventilation device does not need to be extended, there is an advantage in that the cost of piping for draining condensate and the cost of installing piping are reduced.

[0028] Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view of a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation device.

[0030] Figure 3 is a bottom view showing the internal configuration of the ventilation device.

[0031] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a ventilation device taken along line 4-4 of Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of a main case constituting a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of a middle case constituting a main case of a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7 is a plan perspective view of the middle case.

[0035] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of an upper case constituting a main case of a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9 is a bottom view of the main case.

[0037] Figure 10 is a drawing showing the lower case separated from the bottom of the main case.

[0038] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the bottom of the lower case.

[0039] Figure 12 is a bottom perspective view of a drain pan coupled to a lower case of a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 13 is a plan perspective view of the above drain pan.

[0041] Figures 14 and 15 are enlarged views of a ventilation device equipped with a condensate drainage module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of a ventilation device equipped with a drainage module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drainage module taken along line 17-17 of Figure 16.

[0044] Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of a ventilation device equipped with a drainage module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drainage module taken along line 19-19 of Figure 18.

[0046] Figures 20 and 21 are enlarged views of a ventilation device equipped with a drainage module according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drainage module taken along line 22-22 of Fig. 20.

[0048] Hereinafter, a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the ventilation device, FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing the internal configuration of the ventilation device, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the ventilation device taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the ventilation device (10) according to the embodiment of the present invention is mainly installed on the ceiling, so that the user mainly recognizes the bottom surface of the ventilation device (10).

[0051] And, as shown in Fig. 1, the user can open the cover provided on the bottom of the ventilation device (10) to separate or replace the air purification module.

[0052] In detail, a ventilation device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a hexahedral housing (11) having an outer shape and an open bottom surface, a shield cover (16) covering the opened bottom surface of the housing (11), and a plurality of duct flanges (17) each mounted on two opposing side surfaces of the housing (11).

[0053] An outdoor air inlet (101) and an indoor air outlet (104) are formed at both ends of one side of the housing (11), respectively. In addition, an indoor air inlet (103) and an outdoor air outlet (102) are formed at both ends of the other side of the housing (11) facing the one side, respectively.

[0054] And, the external air inlet (101) and the internal air inlet (103) are formed at positions facing each other, and the internal air outlet (104) and the external air discharge outlet (102) are formed at positions facing each other.

[0055] And, the outdoor air flowing into the outdoor air inlet (101) is discharged indoors through the outdoor air outlet (102) located diagonally, and the indoor air flowing into the indoor air inlet (103) is discharged outdoors through the indoor air outlet (104) located diagonally. This is because the outdoor air and the indoor air flow in directions intersecting each other when passing through the air purification module, which will be described later, among the components accommodated inside the housing (11).

[0056] Meanwhile, the duct flange (17) includes an outdoor air inlet flange (171) mounted on the outdoor air inlet port (101), an outdoor air discharge flange (172) mounted on the outdoor air discharge port (102), an indoor air inlet flange (173) mounted on the indoor air inlet port (103), and an indoor air exhaust flange (174) mounted on the indoor air discharge port (104).

[0057] Optionally, a heating device (50) may be mounted on the outside air outlet (102). When the heating device (50) is mounted on the outside air outlet (102), the outside air outlet flange (172) may be mounted on the outlet of the heating device (50).

[0058] In addition, the ventilation device (10) further includes a case accommodated inside the housing (11), and a lower cover (15) provided between the case and the shield cover (16) to cover the bottom surface of the case. A passage hole (151) through which an air purification module, which will be described later, passes is formed in the lower cover (15).

[0059] The above case includes a lower case (14), a middle case (13), and an upper case (12), and the combination of the upper case (12) and the middle case (13) can be defined as a main case (100). The lower cover (15) is mounted on the bottom surface of the lower case (14) and is shielded by the shield cover (16). In addition, the shield cover (16) is rotatably coupled to the housing (11) to selectively shield the shield cover (16).

[0060] The ventilation device (10) further includes an air purification module (40), a cooling module, and a fan module installed inside the case. The cooling module includes components that constitute a refrigerant cycle using a refrigerant as a circulating fluid, and includes at least an evaporator (21) through which a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant flows. In addition, the evaporator (21) may be located on the outlet side of the air purification module (40).

[0061] The above fan module includes an intake fan module (19) that sucks in outdoor air and discharges it indoors, and an exhaust fan module (20) that sucks in indoor air and discharges it outdoors. The fan module includes a fan and a motor that rotates the fan module.

[0062] The above suction fan module (19) can be placed at a point where the outside air outlet (102) is formed, so that the outlet of the suction fan module (19) and the outside air outlet (102) are connected. In addition, the exhaust fan module (20) can be placed at a point where the inside air outlet (104) is formed, so that the outlet of the exhaust fan module (20) and the inside air outlet (104) are connected.

[0063] The air purification module (40) includes a module frame (41) and a heat transfer element (42) accommodated inside the module frame (41). Optionally, the air purification module (40) may further include at least one of a HEPA filter (43), a pre-filter (44), and a light filter (45). The light filter (45) refers to a filter that removes harmful bacteria such as dust mites attached to the outdoor air sucked into the air purification module (40) or the pre-filter (44) by using ultraviolet rays from a UV lamp.

[0064] The above air purification module (40) is arranged in order from the side closest to the outside air inlet (101) with a light filter (45), a pre-filter (44), a HEPA filter (43), and a heating element (42), so that the outside air flowing in through the outside air inlet (101) passes through the light filter (45), the pre-filter (44), the HEPA filter, and the heating element (42) sequentially and is then supplied to the room through the outside air outlet (102).

[0065] Optionally, the ventilation device (10) may further include an air cleaning module (30), and the air cleaning module (30) may be arranged between the evaporator (21) and the air cleaning module (40), or between the evaporator (21) and the suction fan module (19). That is, the air cleaning module (40), the air cleaning module (30), and the evaporator (21) may be arranged on a path through which outdoor air flows, and the arrangement positions of these components may be appropriately selected depending on the structure of the case, particularly the main case (100).

[0066] The fan module may be a centrifugal fan that sucks in air in an axial direction and discharges it in a radial direction, but is not necessarily limited thereto. When the fan module is a centrifugal fan, the discharge port of the suction fan module (19) is directly connected to the outside air discharge port (102). Therefore, the central axis of the outside air discharge flange (172) passes through the center of the discharge port of the suction fan module (19). In another aspect, it can be described that the central axis of the outside air discharge flange (172) (or the central axis of the outside air discharge port) and the fan axis of the suction fan module (19) are orthogonal.

[0067] On the other hand, in order to compactify the ventilation device (10) or to secure space inside the main case (100) when the specifications of the housing (11) are determined, the fan shaft of the exhaust fan module (20) may be arranged parallel to the central axis (L1) of the exhaust discharge flange (174) (or the central axis of the exhaust outlet). That is, the line (L2) passing through the center of the discharge port of the exhaust fan module (20) and the central axis (L1) of the exhaust discharge flange (174) may be designed to be perpendicular. In addition, an exhaust air flow transition space (106) is formed between the exhaust fan module (20) and the exhaust discharge port (104).

[0068] In other words, the mounting position of the exhaust fan module (20) is designed so that the central axis of the exhaust outlet (104) and the rotation axis of the exhaust fan module (20) are parallel.

[0069] Meanwhile, inside the main case (100), an outdoor air passage through which outdoor air flows and an indoor air passage through which indoor air flows are formed in a direction in which they intersect each other. In addition, the air purification module (40) is placed at the point where the indoor air and outdoor air flows intersect. In addition, among the indoor air passages, a first damper unit (22) is installed on the indoor air passage connecting the indoor air inlet (103) and the air purification module (40). The first damper unit (22) allows indoor air flowing into the indoor air inlet (103) to selectively flow to either the air purification module (40) or a bypass passage (described later). The bypass passage is formed between the middle case (13) and the lower case (14), and this will be described in more detail below.

[0070] In addition, a second damper unit (23) is installed inside the main case (100) to switch the flow path so that indoor air flowing into the indoor inlet (103) and toward the bypass flow path flows to the outdoor air flow path where the evaporator (21) is installed. That is, the bypass flow path and the outdoor air flow path can be selectively connected by the second damper unit (23). Specifically, in a situation where rapid cooling is required, indoor air flowing into the indoor inlet (103) can pass through the evaporator (21) and then be discharged back into the room through the outdoor air discharge port (102) by the operation of the second damper unit (23).

[0071] Meanwhile, the ventilation device (10) further includes a control box (18) that controls the operation of various components accommodated inside the housing (11). The various components may include the fan module (19, 20), the damper unit (22, 23), the air cleaning module (30), and the light filter (45). In addition, the control box (18) may be mounted on the side of the housing (11), specifically, on the indoor side.

[0072] Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of a main case constituting a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, the main case (100) can be understood as a combination of the upper case (12) and the lower case (13), as described above.

[0074] Inside the main case (100), an external air path and an internal air path are formed in an intersecting direction. An external air inlet (101) and an internal air outlet (104) are formed on one side of the main case (110), and an internal air inlet (103) and an external air outlet (102) are formed on the other side. Some of the four air passage holes (101 to 104) are formed on the side of the upper case (12), and the remaining some are formed on the side of the lower case (13). When the lower case (13) and the upper case (12) are combined, a completely circular hole is formed.

[0075] Inside the main case (100), a supply air introducing area (1001), a supply air discharge area (1002), an exhaust air introducing area (1003), an exhaust air exhausting area (1004), an air purification module mounting area (1005), a bypass guide area (1006), an exhaust air entrance area (1007), and the exhaust flow conversion space (1060) are each defined.

[0076] The air intake port (103) is formed on one side of the main case (100) defining the edge of the exhaust inlet area (1007), and a first damper hole (106) is formed on the side of the exhaust inlet area (1007) corresponding to the opposite side of the air intake port (103). Then, the first damper unit (22) is mounted in the first damper hole (106).

[0077] Additionally, one end of the bypass guide area (1006) is connected to a side of the exhaust inlet area (1007) where the first damper hole (106) is formed or a side orthogonal to a side where the intake port (103) is formed.

[0078] In addition, the air purification module mounting area (1005) is formed at a point where the supply air path and the exhaust air path intersect. The air purification module mounting area (1005) is formed with first to fourth sides being formed continuously in correspondence with the shape of the air purification module (40).

[0079] The above air inlet area (1001) is defined between the outside air inlet (101) and the first side of the air purification module mounting area (1005).

[0080] The exhaust inlet area (1003) is defined between the second side of the exhaust inlet area (1007) and the air purification module mounting area (1005). Then, the exhaust inlet area (1003) and the exhaust inlet area (1007) are selectively connected by the operation of the first damper unit (22).

[0081] The above bypass guide area (1006) connects the exhaust inlet area (1007) and the inlet of the bypass flow path, and the outlet of the bypass flow path is connected to the exhaust discharge area (1004). The first side and the second side are adjacent sides.

[0082] The above air supply discharge area (1002) is defined between the air supply discharge port (102) and the third side of the air purification module mounting area (1005). The second damper hole (107) is formed at the boundary surface of the air supply discharge area (1002) and the bypass guide area (1006). The bypass guide area (1006) and the air supply discharge area (1002) are selectively connected by the operation of the second damper unit (23). The third side is located opposite the first side.

[0083] In addition, the exhaust discharge area (1004) extends from the fourth side of the air purification module mounting area (1005) to the exhaust flow conversion space (1060). In addition, an exhaust fan mounting hole (105) is formed at the boundary surface dividing the exhaust discharge area (1004) and the air purification module mounting area (1005), and the exhaust fan module (20) discharge port is connected to the exhaust fan mounting hole (105).

[0084] The above exhaust fan mounting hole (105) and the air outlet (104) are formed on a vertical plane intersecting each other, so that indoor air flowing along the exhaust discharge area (1004) is discharged to the air outlet (104) after its flow direction is changed in the exhaust flow conversion space (1060).

[0085] The above exhaust discharge area (1004) and the above supply air discharge area (1002) are partitioned by a fluid separation wall, so that mixing of exhausted indoor air and incoming outdoor air is prevented.

[0086] The above exhaust fan module (20) is placed in the exhaust discharge area (1004), and the above suction fan module (19) is placed in the supply air discharge area (1002).

[0087] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a middle case constituting a main case of a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a plan perspective view of the middle case.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the middle case (13) includes a bottom surface (131) to which the top surface of the lower case (14) is coupled, an upper surface (132) to which the bottom surface of the upper case (12) is coupled, and a side surface (133) connecting the top surface (132) and the bottom surface (131).

[0089] The above side (133) includes a first side (133a), a second side (133b), a third side (133c), and a fourth side (133d). The first side (133a) and the third side (133c) face each other, and the second side (133b) and the fourth side (133d) face each other.

[0090] An external air inlet groove (1331) and an internal air discharge groove (1334) are formed on the first surface (133a), and an internal air inlet groove (1333) and an external air discharge groove (1332) are formed on the third surface (133c).

[0091] The above external air inlet groove (1331) forms half of the external air inlet port (101), and the above internal air discharge groove (1334) forms half of the internal air discharge port (104). The above internal air inlet groove (1333) forms half of the internal air inlet port (103), and the above external air discharge groove (1332) forms half of the external air discharge port (102).

[0092] An upper bypass groove (1311) is formed on the edge of the bottom surface (131) of the above middle case (13).

[0093] In detail, the inlet end (one end) of the upper bypass groove (1311), which forms part of the bypass path, is connected to the other end of the bypass guide area (1006). Indoor air flowing into the bypass guide area (1006) is guided to the upper bypass groove (1311) in a ventilation mode. In addition, the outlet end (the other end) of the upper bypass groove (1311) is connected to the exhaust discharge area (1004).

[0094] The upper bypass groove (1311) may be formed in an n-shape along the edge of the middle case (13) to surround the lower edge of the air supply discharge area (1002).

[0095] An extension arm (135) has a predetermined width and extends a predetermined length toward the first surface (133a) from an edge corresponding to the lower end of the second surface (133c) of the bottom surface (131) of the middle case (13). A flow guide wall (136) is formed at an end of the extension arm (135). The flow guide wall (136) extends a predetermined length from both side ends of the extension arm (135) toward the second surface (133b) and the fourth surface (133d), and extends a predetermined height toward the upper surface (132) of the middle case (131). The flow guide wall (136) may extend to the same height as the height of the side surface (133).

[0096] The above extension arm (135) separates the bottom surface of the bypass guide area (1006) and the bottom surface of the exhaust inlet area (1007). In another aspect, it can be explained that the bottom surface of the bypass guide area (1006) is reduced by the width of the extension arm (135).

[0097] A first damper mounting portion (1312) is recessed into the inner edge of the fourth surface (133d) corresponding to one side of the first damper hole (106) and into one side of the flow guide wall (136) corresponding to the other side of the first damper hole (106). Then, both sides of the first damper unit (22) are fitted into the first damper mounting portion (1312).

[0098] In addition, a second damper mounting portion (1313) is formed by recessing into the other side of the flow guide wall (136) corresponding to one side of the second damper hole (107) and into the inlet end of the upper bypass groove (1311) corresponding to the other side of the second damper hole (107). Then, both sides of the second damper unit (23) are fitted into the second damper mounting portion (1313).

[0099] The other end of the above-mentioned fluid guide wall (136) contacts one of the four corners of the air purification module (40) and supports one corner of the air purification module (40).

[0100] Meanwhile, a lower flow separation wall (134) extends from the inner edge of the outlet end of the upper bypass groove (1311). The lower flow separation wall (134) forms a lower portion of the flow separation wall.

[0101] A pipe receiving portion (1341) is formed stepwise upward on the lower surface of the lower flow separation wall (134). The organ (211) and the liquid pipe (212) extending from the evaporator (21) pass through the pipe receiving portion (1341). That is, the organ (211) and the liquid pipe (212) extend to the lower side of the lower flow separation wall (134).

[0102] Additionally, a pipe guide protrusion (137) protrudes from the inner surface of the first surface (133a). One side of the pipe guide protrusion (137) supports the side surface of the air purification module (40), and the other side forms a portion of the edge of the exhaust discharge area (1004).

[0103] A liquid pipe receiving groove (1371) and an organ receiving groove (1372) are formed on the lower surface of the above pipe guide jaw (137), respectively. The liquid pipe (212) and the organ (211) passing through the pipe receiving portion (1341) of the lower flow separation wall (134) extend along the organ receiving groove (1372) and the liquid pipe receiving groove (1371), respectively, and pass through the first surface (133a).

[0104] In addition, an air purification module support jaw (138) protrudes from the inner surface of the fourth surface (133d), and one side of the air purification module support jaw (138) supports the side of the air purification module (40), and the other side forms the edge of the exhaust inlet area (1003).

[0105] One side of the above air purification module support jaw (138) is formed to face one side of the above pipe guide jaw (137).

[0106] Meanwhile, a suction fan receiving groove (1323) is formed in a recessed manner on one side of the upper surface (132) of the middle case (13). The suction fan receiving groove (1323) is formed in a corner area where the second surface (133b) and the third surface (133c) meet. The outside air discharge groove (1332) formed on the third surface (133c) communicates with the suction fan receiving groove (1323).

[0107] In addition, an exhaust flow diversion surface (1322) defining a bottom surface of the exhaust flow diversion space (1060) is formed on the upper surface (132) corresponding to the corner area where the first surface (133a) and the second surface (133b) meet. In addition, an exhaust fan mounting wall defining one side of the flow diversion space (1060) is formed on the upper surface of the middle case (13), and an exhaust fan mounting groove (1321) is formed on the exhaust fan mounting wall. An exhaust discharge groove (1334) is formed on the first surface (133a). A line (L2) passing through the center of the exhaust fan mounting groove (1321) and a line (L1) passing through the center of the exhaust discharge groove (1334) are perpendicular to each other. That is, the indoor air flowing in through the exhaust fan mounting groove (1321) is turned 90 degrees and discharged to the outdoors through the exhaust discharge groove (1334).

[0108] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of an upper case constituting a main case of a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the main case.

[0109] Referring to Fig. 8, the upper case (12) is placed on the upper surface of the middle case (13) and covers the open areas formed on the inside of the middle case (13). In addition, protruding walls corresponding to the shape of the upper surface of the middle case (13) extend from the lower surface of the upper case (12).

[0110] In detail, the upper case (12) includes a bottom surface (121) that is in close contact with the upper surface of the middle case (13), an upper surface (122) that is the opposite surface of the bottom surface (121), and a side surface (123) that connects the bottom surface (121) and the upper surface (122).

[0111] And, the side surface (123) includes a first surface (123a), a second surface (123b), a third surface (123c), and a fourth surface (123d). The first surface (123a) forms the same surface as the first surface (133a) of the middle case (13), and the second surface (123a) forms the same surface as the second surface (133b) of the middle case (13). And, the third surface (123c) forms the same surface as the third surface (133c) of the middle case (13), and the fourth surface (123d) forms the same surface as the fourth surface (133d) of the middle case (13).

[0112] An external air inlet groove (1231) and an internal air discharge groove (1234) are formed on the first surface (123a). The external air inlet groove (1231) and the external air inlet groove (1331) of the middle case (13) are combined to form a complete external air inlet port (101). The internal air discharge groove (1234) and the internal air discharge groove (1334) of the middle case (13) are combined to form a complete internal air discharge port (104).

[0113] An internal air inlet groove (1233) and an external air discharge groove (1232) are formed on the third surface (123c). The internal air inlet groove (1233) and the internal air inlet groove (1333) of the middle case (13) are combined to form a complete internal air inlet port (103). The external air discharge groove (1232) and the external air discharge groove (1232) of the middle case (13) meet to form a complete external air discharge port (102).

[0114] A first air purification module support jaw (126) protrudes from the inner surface of the first surface (123a), and the first air purification module support jaw (126) is in close contact with the pipe guide jaw (137) of the middle case (13).

[0115] The flow diversion space (106) is formed by recessing in the lower edge area of ​​the upper case (12) where the exhaust discharge groove (1234) is formed. When the upper case (12) is coupled to the upper surface of the middle case (13), the exhaust flow diversion surface (1322) forms the lower surface of the flow diversion space (106).

[0116] And, an exhaust fan mounting wall (129) defining one side of the euro conversion space (106) is formed on the bottom surface of the upper case (12), and an exhaust fan mounting groove (1291) is formed in the exhaust fan mounting wall (129). And, the exhaust fan mounting groove (1321) of the middle case (13) and the exhaust fan mounting groove (1291) are combined to form a complete exhaust fan mounting hole (105: see FIG. 5).

[0117] An upper flow separation wall (124) extends diagonally from the bottom surface of the upper case (12) corresponding to the corner portion of the above-mentioned euro conversion space (106), and the upper flow separation wall (124) is in close contact with the lower flow separation wall (134) of the middle case (13) to complete a complete flow separation wall (see FIG. 5). The end portion of the flow separation wall functions as a module support wall that supports one corner of the air purification module (40).

[0118] On the lower surface of the upper case (12) corresponding to the upper surface directly above the air supply inlet area (1001), the air supply discharge area (1002), the exhaust inlet area (1003), the exhaust discharge area (104), the air purification module mounting area (1005), the bypass guide area (1006), and the exhaust inlet area (1007) formed in the middle case (13), an air supply inlet area (1001), an air supply discharge area (1002), an exhaust inlet area (1003), an exhaust discharge area (104), an air purification module mounting area (1005), a bypass guide area (1006), and an exhaust inlet area (1007) having the same shape and size are formed.

[0119] A flow guide wall (125) protrudes from the bottom surface of the upper case (12) and is in close contact with the flow guide wall (136) of the middle case (13). In addition, a first damper mounting portion (1212) is formed by being sunken in at a position corresponding to the first damper mounting portion (1312) of the middle case (13), and a second damper mounting portion (1213) is formed by being sunken in at a position corresponding to the second damper mounting portion (1313) of the middle case (13). That is, a first damper mounting portion (1212) is formed at one end of the flow guide wall (125), and a second damper mounting portion (1213) is formed at the other end.

[0120] Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 3, the evaporator (21) is placed between the air purification module (40) and the suction fan module (19), the upper surface of the evaporator (21) is shielded by the upper case (12), and a drain pan (24), which will be described later, is placed on the lower surface.

[0121] Evaporator support ribs (127) protrude from the bottom surface of the upper case (12) corresponding to the two short-side edges among the upper surface edges of the evaporator (21).

[0122] Referring to Fig. 9, the two evaporator support ribs (127) protrude from the inlet-side edge point of the outside air discharge area (1002). Each of the evaporator support ribs (127) is formed in a form that is bent multiple times to wrap around the upper edge of the evaporator (21).

[0123] Meanwhile, the evaporator (21) includes an evaporator body (211) composed of an evaporation pipe and a heat exchange fin, and a support channel (212) mounted on a short side of the evaporator body (211) to support the evaporation pipe.

[0124] The above support channel (212) has a cross-sectional shape that is bent in an approximately n-shape, and a channel support wall (139b) that supports the support channel (212) may be formed on the inner edge of the inlet end of the upper bypass groove (1311). That is, one of the two support channels (212) is supported by the channel support wall (139b). The channel support wall (139b) is formed at a position adjacent to one of the two evaporator support ribs (127).

[0125] A channel support wall (139a) may also be formed at a point adjacent to another one of the two evaporator support ribs (127). In addition, an end of the other one of the two support channels (212) may be closely fixed to the channel support wall (139a).

[0126] Figure 10 is a drawing showing the lower case separated from the bottom of the main case, and Figure 11 is a perspective view of the bottom of the lower case.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the case of the ventilation device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main case (100) and a lower case (14) coupled to the bottom surface of the main case (100). In detail, the main case (100) is defined as a combination of the upper case (12) and the lower case (13), and the lower case (14) is coupled to the bottom surface of the middle case (13).

[0128] The lower case (14), like the upper case (12) or the middle case (13), includes an upper surface (41), a lower surface (142), and a side surface (143), and the side surface (143) includes a first surface (143a), a second surface (143b), a third surface (143c), and a fourth surface (143d).

[0129] Each of the first to fourth surfaces (143a to 143d) above forms the same surface as each of the first to fourth surfaces (123a to 123d) of the upper case (12) and each of the first to fourth surfaces (133a to 133d) of the middle case (13).

[0130] On the upper surface of the lower case (14), a lower bypass groove (1411) is formed that is coupled to the upper bypass groove (1311) of the middle case (13), and the upper bypass groove (1311) and the lower bypass groove (1411) are coupled to complete a complete bypass path.

[0131] An air purification module insertion hole (145) and a drain pan mounting hole (144) are formed in the above lower case (14).

[0132] A module support wall (1415) extends from the upper surface (141) corresponding to one edge of the air purification module insertion hole (145), and the module support wall (1415) touches the lower surface of the end of the flow separation wall. In detail, when the lower case (14) is coupled to the lower surface of the middle case (13), the module support wall (1415) touches the lower surface of the end of the lower flow separation wall (134) of the middle case (13). Here, the end of the module support wall (1415) touches a portion other than the pipe receiving portion (1341), and thus does not interfere with the organ (211) and the liquid pipe (212) passing through the pipe receiving portion (1341).

[0133] And, at a certain point of the upper surface (141) corresponding to the direct lower side of the pipe receiving portion (1341), a pipe receiving groove (1414) is formed to receive the liquid pipe (212) and the organ (211).

[0134] An organ receiving groove (1413) and a liquid pipe receiving groove (1412) are formed in a recessed manner on the upper side of the first surface (143a) of the lower case (14) corresponding to the first surface (133a) of the middle case (13), and are coupled to the liquid pipe receiving groove (1371) and the organ receiving groove (1372) of the middle case (13).

[0135] Meanwhile, a drain pipe receiving groove (1421) is formed in a sunken manner on the bottom surface of the lower case (14), one end of the drain pipe receiving groove (1421) is connected to the drain pan mounting hole (144), and the other end extends to the side surface (143) of the lower case (14). For example, the other end of the drain pipe receiving groove (1421) may extend to the first surface (143a).

[0136] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of a drain pan coupled to a lower case of a ventilation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a plan perspective view of the drain pan.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the drain pan (24) of the ventilation device (10) according to the embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the drain pan mounting hole (144) formed in the lower case (14) to shield the drain pan mounting hole (144).

[0138] The evaporator (21) is placed on the upper surface of the drain pan (24), and the condensate flowing from the evaporator (21) is collected in the drain pan (24).

[0139] In detail, the drain pan (24) includes an evaporator mounting portion (241), a condensate collecting portion (242) formed at one end of the evaporator mounting portion (241), and a drain port (243) extending from one edge of the condensate collecting portion (242).

[0140] The above drain pan (24) is composed of a bottom portion (24a) where condensate falls and a side portion (24b) erected along the edge of the bottom portion (24a), and the drain port (243) can protrude a predetermined length from the side portion (24b).

[0141] A plurality of flow guides (244) protrude from the bottom portion (24a) so that condensate flowing from the evaporator (21) can be guided toward the drain port (243). The drain port (243) is connected to the drain pipe receiving groove (1421) of the lower case.

[0142] Hereinafter, various embodiments of a condensate drainage module for discharging condensate collected in the drain pan to the outside of the ventilation device (10) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0143] Figures 14 and 15 are enlarged views of a ventilation device equipped with a condensate drainage module according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a condensate drain module (60) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a water level sensor (61) installed in the drain pan (24), an on-off valve (62) connected to the upper side of the water level sensor (61), a suction pipe (63) extending from the on-off valve (62), a drain pump (64) in which an end of the suction pipe (63) is connected to an inlet, and a discharge pipe (65) extending from an outlet of the drain pump (64).

[0145] Some components of the above drainage module (60) can be accommodated in the flow conversion space (106: see FIG. 4) defined inside the case (100).

[0146] In detail, the discharge pipe (65) may extend to the outdoors through the discharge port (104) and the discharge flange (174) of the housing (11). Specifically, the discharge pipe (65) may pass through the discharge port (104) and the discharge flange (107) across the flow conversion space (1060). In addition, a drain nozzle (651) may be additionally mounted at the end of the discharge pipe (65). When the drain nozzle (651) is mounted, the condensate discharged through the discharge pipe (65) is sprayed in the form of misty vapor or fog. Then, the phenomenon of condensate droplets falling to the ground and hitting the heads of passersby can be prevented.

[0147] In more detail, the water level sensor (61) includes a float sensor that rises as the water level of the condensate collected in the drain pan (24) increases. In addition, the opening / closing valve (62) automatically opens when the water level sensor (61) reaches a set water level, thereby enabling drainage by the drain pump (64). The set water level refers to a water level at which it is determined that the condensate needs to be discharged to the outside of the ventilation device (10).

[0148] Meanwhile, an opening (111) is formed on one side of the housing (11), specifically, on the side where the outside air inlet (101) and the inside air outlet (104) are formed, and the opening can be opened and closed by an exhaust damper module (70).

[0149] The above exhaust damper module (70) may include a damper motor (71), a link (72) connected to the damper motor (71), and a damper (73) connected to an end of the link (72). The damper (73) is rotatably connected to an edge of the opening (111), so that the opening (111) can be selectively opened and closed by operation of the link (72) as the damper motor (71) is driven. The exhaust damper module (70) may also be defined as a third damper unit.

[0150] The above opening (111) can be defined as an external air inlet hole and can be opened in rapid cooling mode to allow external air to flow into the exhaust discharge area (1004, see FIG. 5).

[0151] The operating mode in which condensate is collected in the above drain pan (24) is the operating mode in which the above evaporator (21) operates.

[0152] For example, referring to FIG. 3, in the ventilation cooling mode, the suction fan module (19) and the exhaust fan module (20) operate simultaneously, the first damper unit (22) is opened, and indoor air passes through the air purification module (40) and is then discharged to the exhaust discharge area (1004). Therefore, in the ventilation cooling mode, even if the opening (111) is not opened by the exhaust damper module (70), the drainage module (60) can operate to discharge condensate to the outdoors.

[0153] However, in the rapid cooling mode, i.e., the operation mode in which indoor air passes through the evaporator (21) without exchanging heat with outdoor air and is then supplied back into the room through the outdoor air outlet (102), the first damper unit (22) closes the first damper hole (106) and the second damper unit (23) opens the second damper hole (107). Therefore, when the suction fan module (19) operates, indoor air passes through the evaporator (21) through the second damper hole (107) and is then supplied into the room through the outdoor air outlet (102).

[0154] In order to discharge the condensate to the outside of the ventilation device (10) in the rapid cooling mode, the exhaust damper module (70) must operate to open the opening (111). In addition, in order to discharge the condensate, the exhaust fan module (20) operates together with the operation of the drain pump (64). Then, the outdoor air flows into the exhaust discharge area (1004) where the exhaust fan module (20) is installed through the opening (111). In addition, the sucked outdoor air passes through the flow conversion space (1060) and is discharged outdoors through the internal exhaust outlet (104). At this time, the air passing through the internal exhaust outlet (104) is discharged outdoors together with the condensate in an atomized state.

[0155] In summary, when condensate is accumulated in the drain pan (24) but the operation of the ventilation device (10) is stopped or in rapid cooling mode, the opening (111) is opened to discharge the condensate and the exhaust fan module (20) is operated.

[0156] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a ventilation device equipped with a drainage module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drainage module taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16.

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the drainage module (60a) according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the drainage module (60) according to the first embodiment, except that the drainage nozzle (651) is mounted at the outlet of the discharge pipe (65).

[0158] In detail, the drainage module (60a) according to the second embodiment includes a condensate storage tank (66) in which an end of a discharge pipe (65) is accommodated, and a humidification medium (67) having one end connected to the interior of the condensate storage tank (67). In addition, the configuration from the water level sensor (61) to the discharge pipe (65) is the same as that of the drainage module (60) according to the first embodiment. The humidification medium (67) can be understood to mean a component made of a porous material, including a filter having excellent moisture absorption capacity.

[0159] The above humidifying medium (67) is placed between the exhaust outlet (67) and the exhaust outlet of the exhaust fan module (20).

[0160] According to the present embodiment, the outlet of the discharge pipe (65) extends into the interior of the condensate storage tank (66), so that when the drain pump (64) operates, the condensate collected in the drain pan (24) moves and is stored in the condensate storage tank (66). And, as illustrated, one end of the humidifying medium (67) extends into the interior of the condensate storage tank (66).

[0161] Accordingly, as the level of the condensate stored in the condensate storage tank (66) rises, one end of the humidifying medium (67) is submerged in the condensate. Then, the condensate is absorbed into the humidifying medium (67), and the humidifying medium (67) absorbs the condensate and becomes wet. Then, the exhaust fan module (20) operates so that outdoor air or indoor air is introduced into the flow conversion space (1060). Then, the air introduced into the flow circulation space (1060) evaporates moisture that has permeated the humidifying medium (67) while passing through the humidifying medium (67) and is discharged to the outside of the ventilation device (10).

[0162] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a ventilation device equipped with a drainage module according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drainage module taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

[0163] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the drainage module (60b) according to the third embodiment is mostly identical in configuration to the drainage module (60a) according to the second embodiment, but differs in the structure for evaporating the condensate stored in the condensate storage tank (66).

[0164] In detail, this embodiment is characterized in that a humidifying unit (68) is mounted instead of the humidifying medium (67) according to the second embodiment.

[0165] Specifically, the humidifying unit (68) includes a driving motor (683), a rotation shaft (682) connected to the motor shaft of the driving motor (683), and a humidifying medium (681) mounted on the outer surface of the rotation shaft (682) and rotating as one body with the rotation shaft (682).

[0166] The above humidifying medium (681) may be formed of the same type of porous material as the humidifying medium (67) of the second embodiment, but may be formed in a cylindrical shape. In addition, a portion of the upper side of the humidifying medium (681) may penetrate the bottom surface of the condensate storage tank (66) and be introduced into the condensate storage tank (66).

[0167] According to this structure, when the drain pump (64) operates and the condensate collected in the drain pan (24) is supplied to the condensate storage tank (66), the condensate seeps into the humidifying medium (681).

[0168] In addition, when condensate is supplied to the condensate storage tank (66), the driving motor (683) operates to rotate the humidifying medium (681). Then, the condensate is evenly permeated throughout the humidifying medium (681). In addition, the exhaust fan module (20) operates to cause outdoor air or indoor air to flow into the exhaust fan module (20), and the air forced to flow by the exhaust fan module (20) passes through the humidifying medium (681) and evaporates moisture absorbed in the humidifying medium (681) while being discharged to the outdoors.

[0169] FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 are enlarged views of a ventilation device equipped with a drainage module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the drainage module taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 20.

[0170] Referring to FIGS. 20 to 22, the drainage module (60c) according to the fourth embodiment is different from the previous embodiments in that an ultrasonic generator (69) is applied instead of a humidifying medium as a means for vaporizing condensate.

[0171] In detail, the remaining structure is the same as the previous embodiments except that one or more ultrasonic generators (69) are mounted inside the condensate storage tank (66), so a duplicate description is omitted.

[0172] One or more slits (661) are formed on the upper surface of the condensate storage tank (66). Accordingly, the atomized vapor generated by the ultrasonic generator (69) is discharged to the outside of the condensate storage tank (66) through the slits (661). Then, the atomized vapor, together with indoor or outdoor air sucked in by the exhaust fan module (20), is discharged to the outside through the exhaust flange (174).

Claims

1. A housing having an external air inlet and an internal air outlet formed on one side, and an internal air inlet and an external air outlet formed on the other side facing said one side; An air purification module housed inside the housing and including a heating element; An evaporator disposed between the air purification module and the outside air outlet; A drain pan placed on the lower side of the evaporator to receive condensate generated in the evaporator; A suction fan module disposed inside the housing and having an outlet connected to the outside air outlet; An exhaust fan module disposed inside the housing and having an exhaust outlet connected to the exhaust outlet; and A ventilation device including a drainage module installed inside the housing and discharging condensate collected in the drain pan to the outside of the housing through the drain outlet.

2. In paragraph 1, The above drainage module, A water level sensor placed inside the drain pan to detect the water level of condensate collected in the drain pan; An on-off valve that opens when the level of condensate detected by the above water level sensor reaches a set level; A suction pipe extending from the above opening / closing valve; A drain pump to which the end of the above suction pipe is connected; and A ventilation device including a discharge pipe extending from the outlet of the above drain pump.

3. In paragraph 2, A ventilation device, characterized in that the above exhaust pipe extends to a length that penetrates the above exhaust outlet.

4. In paragraph 2, The above drainage module, A ventilation device further comprising a drain nozzle provided at an end of the above discharge pipe.

5. In paragraph 2, The above drainage module, A condensate storage tank to which the discharge port of the above discharge pipe is connected; and A ventilation device further comprising a humidifying medium having one end extending into the interior of the condensate storage tank.

6. In paragraph 5, A ventilation device characterized in that the above humidifying medium is made of a porous material that absorbs moisture.

7. In paragraph 5, A ventilation device, characterized in that the humidifying medium is placed between the exhaust outlet and the outlet of the exhaust fan module.

8. In any one of paragraphs 5 to 7, The above drainage module, Further comprising a driving motor for rotating the above humidifying medium, A ventilation device characterized in that the above humidifying medium is formed in a cylindrical shape.

9. In paragraph 2, The above drainage module, A condensate storage tank to which the discharge port of the above discharge pipe is connected; and Further comprising one or more ultrasonic vibrators installed inside the condensate storage tank, A ventilation device characterized in that one or more slits are formed on the upper surface of the condensate storage tank.

10. In paragraph 9, A ventilation device, characterized in that the condensate storage tank is disposed between the exhaust outlet and the outlet of the exhaust fan module.

11. In paragraph 2, An opening formed on the side of the housing corresponding to the outside air inlet and the inside air outlet; and Further comprising an exhaust damper module that selectively opens and closes the above opening, A ventilation device characterized in that when the above opening is opened, the space in which the exhaust fan module is installed and the external space of the housing are connected.

12. In paragraph 11, The above exhaust damper module, damper motor; A link having one end connected to the shaft of the damper motor; and A ventilation device comprising a damper, one end of which is connected to an edge of the opening and the other end of the link is connected, selectively opening and closing the opening.

13. In paragraph 12, A ventilation device characterized in that the opening is opened when the drain pump and the exhaust fan module are operated.

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