Dehumidification device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dehumidification device. A dehumidification module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a dehumidification member that comprises a membrane with which humid air comes into contact, and thus the contact surface area between humid air and the dehumidification member is increased, improving the moisture separation performance. A dehumidification device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of dehumidification modules which are arranged by being stacked, and because humid air can be sucked-in through the space of the dehumidification modules, pressure loss in the device can be reduced.

Description

dehumidifier

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

[0002] A dehumidifier is a type of home appliance that lowers the humidity in a desired space by sucking in air from a desired space, removing the moisture contained in the air, and discharging the dehumidified air into the desired space.

[0003] Conventional dehumidifiers remove moisture by sucking in air from a desired space and passing it through a heat exchanger consisting of a condenser and an evaporator, thereby exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing through the condenser and the air passing through the evaporator.

[0004] The evaporator absorbs heat from the surrounding air by evaporating the liquid refrigerant, and the condenser releases heat by condensing the gaseous refrigerant, thereby transferring the heat to the surrounding air. In other words, the air passing through the heat exchanger exchanges heat with the refrigerant as it passes through the evaporator, thereby lowering its humidity. As the air with reduced humidity passes through the condenser, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant, thereby undergoing a drying process.

[0005] The dried air passing through the above heat exchanger is discharged to the desired space, thereby lowering the humidity in the air of the desired space.

[0006] These conventional dehumidifiers had the problem of causing discomfort to the user due to the temperature of the discharged air rising.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifying device capable of implementing constant temperature dehumidification without increasing the temperature of an indoor space by selectively separating moisture in the air through a dehumidifying module including a membrane without operating a refrigeration cycle.

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifying device having a dehumidifying module using a membrane (hollow fiber membrane) to increase the contact surface area between air and a dehumidifying member.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a dehumidifying device in which wet air is supplied to a space between a plurality of dehumidifying members formed in bundle units and moisture can be separated from the wet air, thereby preventing damage to a hollow fiber membrane forming the dehumidifying members even when the flow rate of the wet air increases.

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a dehumidifying device in which the inflow direction of wet air supplied to a dehumidifying module and the discharge direction of separated moisture are provided in parallel, and the wet air can flow into the space between a plurality of dehumidifying members, thereby forming a low pressure loss.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a dehumidifying device in which a header is provided at an end of a dehumidifying member and moisture separated through the dehumidifying member can be discharged through a connection port of the header, thereby facilitating discharge of air (water vapor) containing the moisture.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a dehumidifying device capable of increasing the contact surface area between humid air and a dehumidifying member by providing a guide plate between a plurality of dehumidifying modules to induce turbulence in the supplied humid air.

[0013] The present invention aims to provide a dehumidifying device having an end cap that is fluidly connected to the connection ports of a plurality of dehumidifying modules, and in which moisture separated from the dehumidifying modules can be easily discharged to the outside through the end cap.

[0014] The present invention aims to provide a dehumidifying device capable of preventing the alignment of a plurality of dehumidifying modules from being disturbed when a dehumidifying member shrinks by providing a fixed plate that supports a plurality of dehumidifying modules.

[0015] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifying device that provides a distribution plate so that the amount of moisture discharged from a plurality of connection ports can be evenly distributed when moisture is discharged through a connection pipe.

[0016] A dehumidifying module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a dehumidifying member composed of a membrane with which moist air comes into contact, thereby increasing the contact surface area between moist air and the dehumidifying member and improving moisture separation performance.

[0017] A dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of dehumidifying modules arranged in a stacked manner, and since humid air can be sucked through the space of the plurality of dehumidifying modules, the pressure loss of the device can be reduced.

[0018] A guide plate having at least one protrusion is provided between the plurality of dehumidifying modules, so that turbulence of moist air flowing into the space between the plurality of dehumidifying modules is induced, thereby increasing the contact surface area between the moist air and the dehumidifying member.

[0019] The above dehumidifying module includes a dehumidifying member having a length extending in a direction in which moist air is sucked, and a header provided at at least one end of the dehumidifying member, so that moisture discharged from the dehumidifying member can be easily collected by the header.

[0020] The above header includes a connection port and further includes an end cap forming a porthole connected to the connection port, so that the moisture can be easily discharged through the connection port and the porthole.

[0021] The above dehumidifier further includes a cover that shields the end cap, and the cover is provided with a connecting pipe so that moisture discharged from the porthole can be easily discharged to the outside of the dehumidifier.

[0022] The above end cap is equipped with a distribution plate, and by evenly distributing the water vapor discharged from a plurality of connection ports through the distribution plate, the water vapor can be easily discharged to the connection pipe, and the negative pressure (vacuum pressure) applied to each dehumidifying module can be evenly formed.

[0023] The above dehumidifying device includes a fixing plate that supports the plurality of dehumidifying modules, and the fixing plate forms a header hole into which a header of the dehumidifying module is inserted, thereby effectively fixing the position of the stacked dehumidifying modules.

[0024] In one aspect of the present invention, a dehumidifying device may include a plurality of dehumidifying modules each having a dehumidifying member composed of a polymer membrane fiber for separating moisture from humid air and a header provided at an end of the dehumidifying member and storing the separated moisture; an end cap connected to the header and forming a flow space for moisture discharged from the dehumidifying module; and a cover connected to the end cap and having a connecting pipe for discharging the moisture.

[0025] In order to allow the humid air sucked into the dehumidifying module to flow into the space between the plurality of dehumidifying modules, the plurality of dehumidifying modules may include a first dehumidifying module and a second dehumidifying module that are stacked in a first direction.

[0026] The polymer film fibers are configured to have a length in a second direction in which the wet air is sucked, and the second direction can be formed to intersect the first direction.

[0027] The above second direction and the above first direction can form directions that are perpendicular to each other.

[0028] The above header includes a connection port for discharging the moisture, and the end cap can be fluidly connected to the connection port to form a porthole for delivering moisture to the fluid space.

[0029] It further includes a fixed plate supporting the plurality of dehumidifying modules, and the fixed plate can form a plate hole into which a plurality of headers provided in the plurality of dehumidifying modules are inserted.

[0030] The above end cap may be arranged to cover the fixed plate while the fixed plate is coupled to the plurality of dehumidifying modules.

[0031] The above end cap may include a cap body that forms a flow space for moisture discharged from the header, and a partition wall provided in the cap body that separates the flow space for moisture into a first space portion and a second space portion.

[0032] The above header includes a first header provided at one end of the dehumidifying member and a second header provided at the other end of the dehumidifying member, and the first and second space portions can be fluidly connected to the first and second headers to receive moisture discharged from the first and second headers.

[0033] The end cap may further include a distribution plate formed with a plurality of communication holes to evenly distribute moisture discharged from the header into the flow space of the end cap.

[0034] The end cap includes a cap body forming a porthole connected to the header and a connecting rib protruding from the cap body, and the distribution plate can be supported by the connecting rib so as to be spaced apart from the porthole.

[0035] It may further include a guide plate interposed between the first and second dehumidification modules and causing the humid air sucked into the space between the first and second dehumidification modules to flow to at least one of the first dehumidification module and the second dehumidification module.

[0036] The above guide plate may include a plate body forming a through hole through which moist air passes; and a protrusion protruding from the plate body through the through hole and guiding the moist air to the first dehumidification module or the second dehumidification module.

[0037] The above through holes and protrusions are each provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple protrusions may include a first protrusion protruding from the first through hole toward the first dehumidifying module and a second protrusion protruding from the second through hole toward the second dehumidifying module.

[0038] The first and second protrusions are each provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple first protrusions and the multiple second protrusions can be arranged alternately in the direction in which the wet air is sucked.

[0039] The above header includes first and second headers extending further from the side end of the dehumidifying member, and a shielding plate covered by the end cap can be installed in the space defined by the side end of the dehumidifying member and the first and second headers.

[0040] In another aspect of the present invention, a dehumidifying device may include a dehumidifying member composed of a polymer membrane fiber for separating moisture from humid air; a first header provided at a first end of the dehumidifying member and forming a first internal space through which at least a portion of the separated moisture flows; and a second header provided at a second end of the dehumidifying member and forming a second internal space through which at least a portion of the separated moisture flows.

[0041] The dehumidifying device may include a fixed plate that forms a plate hole into which the first and second headers are inserted to support the first and second headers; and an end cap that is arranged to cover the fixed plate and is fluidly connected to the first and second headers to form a space through which moisture discharged from the first and second headers flows.

[0042] The space portion of the end cap may include a first space portion fluidly connected to the first header and a second space portion fluidly connected to the second header, and the end cap may include a partition wall separating the first and second space portions.

[0043] The end cap may include a porthole that is fluidly connected to the first header and the second header to transfer moisture to the fluid space, and the porthole may include a first porthole formed at a position communicating with the first space portion and a second porthole formed at a position communicating with the second space portion.

[0044] The end cap may further include a cover that shields the space portion and has a connecting pipe for discharging moisture from the space portion.

[0045] The assembly of the above dehumidifying member and the first and second headers constitutes a dehumidifying module, and the dehumidifying module is provided in multiple numbers, and may further include a guide plate formed with multiple through holes and multiple protrusions to guide the humid air sucked between the multiple dehumidifying modules to different dehumidifying modules.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, constant temperature dehumidification can be achieved without increasing the temperature of an indoor space by selectively separating moisture in the air through a dehumidification module including a membrane without driving a refrigeration cycle.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dehumidification module using a membrane (hollow fiber membrane) can be provided to increase the contact surface area between air and a dehumidification member.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since wet air is supplied to the space between a plurality of dehumidifying members and moisture can be separated from the wet air, even if the flow rate of the wet air increases, damage to the hollow fiber membrane constituting the dehumidifying members can be prevented.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the direction in which the wet air supplied to the dehumidifying module is supplied and the direction in which the separated moisture is discharged are provided in parallel, and the wet air can flow into the space between a plurality of dehumidifying members, so that a low pressure loss can be formed.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a header is provided at an end of a dehumidifying member, and moisture separated through the dehumidifying member can be discharged through a connection port of the header, so that air (water vapor) containing the moisture can be easily discharged.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a guide plate is provided between a plurality of dehumidifying modules to induce turbulence of the supplied moist air, thereby increasing the contact surface area between the moist air and the dehumidifying member.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an end cap is provided that is fluidly connected to the connection ports of a plurality of dehumidifying modules, and moisture separated from the dehumidifying modules can be easily discharged to the outside through the end cap.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by providing a fixed plate that supports a plurality of dehumidifying modules, the alignment of the plurality of dehumidifying modules can be prevented from being disturbed when the dehumidifying member shrinks.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when moisture separated by a distribution plate is discharged through a connecting pipe, the amount of moisture discharged from a plurality of connecting ports can be evenly distributed.

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 2 is a front view of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a dehumidification module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a guide plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 3.

[0061] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a part of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a plurality of dehumidifying modules supported by a fixed plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the configuration of a fixed plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a plurality of dehumidifying modules and their peripheral configurations according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the state with the cover removed from Figure 10.

[0066] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing the configuration of a distribution board according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing the configuration of an end cap and cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of Figure 13.

[0069] Figure 15 is a drawing showing the air flow in a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 16 is a drawing showing the configuration of a dehumidifier with the above dehumidifying device installed.

[0071] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known structures or functions will be omitted if they are deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0073] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a dehumidifying device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured to separate and discharge moisture from sucked humid air and discharge dehumidified air after the moisture has been separated.

[0075] Define the direction.

[0076] The direction in which the above-mentioned moist air is sucked toward the dehumidifier (10) is defined as the front, and the direction in which it is discharged is defined as the rear. Accordingly, the above-mentioned moist air can be sucked into the front end of the dehumidifying module (120) and discharged through the rear end.

[0077] The direction in which air (water vapor) containing moisture separated from the above dehumidifying module (120) is discharged can be defined as the side of the dehumidifying device (10). An edcap (110) and a cover (130) may be placed on the side of the above dehumidifying module (120).

[0078] The above dehumidifying device (10) may include a dehumidifying module (120) for removing moisture from the sucked humid air. The dehumidifying module (120) may have a length extending in the first direction (front-back direction).

[0079] The above dehumidifying module (120) may include a dehumidifying member (121) capable of selectively separating moisture from humid air and a header (125) provided on at least one side of the dehumidifying member (121) to support the dehumidifying member (121).

[0080] The above dehumidifying member (121) may include a membrane.

[0081] The above-mentioned dehumidifying member (121) may include a polymer membrane fiber (123) having a hollow fiber structure with excellent selectivity for moisture. The polymer membrane fiber (123) may be cut to a predetermined length and used. The polymer membrane fiber may be referred to as a "hollow fiber membrane."

[0082] The above polymer membrane fiber (123) has, for example, a diameter of about 400 to 420 μm and may be composed of polysulfone or polypropylene material.

[0083] A coating layer may be provided on the surface of the polymer film fiber (123) to increase the selectivity of moisture in the air. The coating layer may be composed of polyamide.

[0084] The above polymer membrane fiber (123) can be provided in multiple strands.

[0085] The above-mentioned plurality of polymer film fibers (123) can be arranged in a second direction (left-right direction or sideways) to form the dehumidifying member (121).

[0086] The above header (125) may be provided at both ends of the dehumidifying member (121). For example, a plurality of headers (125) are provided, and among the plurality of headers (125), a first header (125a, see FIG. 4) may be provided at the front end of the dehumidifying member (121), and a second header (125b, see FIG. 4) may be provided at the rear end of the dehumidifying member (121).

[0087] The polymer film fiber (123) may be fixed to the header (125) by a fixing member (122, see FIG. 4). For example, the polymer film fiber (123) may be individually fixed to the header (125), or, since the polymer film fiber (123) has a thin diameter, a plurality of polymer film fibers (123) may be bundled together and fixed to the header (125).

[0088] When the above-mentioned plurality of polymer film fibers (123) are configured in the form of a bundle, they can be surrounded by a packing member to form a bundle.

[0089] The above-mentioned packing member is composed of a resin material, which provides strong water resistance and inhibits bacterial growth and mold growth. Furthermore, the packing member can protect the dehumidifying member by blocking large dust particles in the air. For example, the packing member may be composed of polypropylene.

[0090] The above packing member may be configured to include a number of small holes through which moist air may pass. For example, the packing member may be configured as a mesh type.

[0091] Since the above polymer film fibers (123) are densely arranged to form a dehumidifying member (121), the contact surface area of ​​the moist air can be increased.

[0092] The above dehumidification module (120) is provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple dehumidification modules (120) can be arranged in a third direction (up and down direction). For example, the multiple dehumidification modules (120) can be arranged in a stacked manner in the third direction.

[0093] The above-described plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) are spaced apart from each other by a set distance, and the spaced apart space can form a path through which moist air is sucked and flows. Accordingly, the direction in which the moist air flows forms a first direction, which can correspond to the direction in which the dehumidifying member (121) or the hollow fiber membrane (123) extends. That is, the suction direction of the moist air and the extension direction of the dehumidifying member (121) can be parallel.

[0094] As illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) may include a first dehumidifying module (120a), a second dehumidifying module (120b), and a third dehumidifying module (120c) arranged in a third direction and spaced apart from each other.

[0095] The above dehumidifying device (10) may further include a guide plate (170) provided in the space between the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) and inducing turbulence of the sucked air to increase the contact surface area with the dehumidifying member (121).

[0096] Although only one guide plate (170) is shown in FIG. 3, it may be provided in each space between multiple dehumidifying modules (120).

[0097] The above guide plate (170) may include a first protrusion (173a) protruding toward one dehumidifying module (120) and a second protrusion (173b) protruding toward another dehumidifying module (120).

[0098] The above dehumidifying device (10) may further include an end cap (110) that is arranged on the side of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) and forms a vapor path (or may be referred to as a moisture path) through which vapor separated from the dehumidifying modules (120) flows.

[0099] The above end cap (110) may include a first space portion (112a) formed at a position corresponding to the first header (125a) and defining a first steam path, and a second space portion (112b) formed at a position corresponding to the second header (125b) and defining a second steam path (see FIG. 11).

[0100] The above end cap (110) may include a partition wall (115) that separates the first space portion (112a) and the second space portion (112b).

[0101] The end cap (110) may form a porthole (116, see FIG. 7) through which water vapor discharged from the dehumidifying module (120) passes. The porthole (116) may include a first porthole (116a) formed at a position communicating with the first space portion (112a) and a second porthole (116b) formed at a position communicating with the second space portion (112b).

[0102] The water vapor discharged from the first header (125a) can flow through the first space (112a) through the first port hole (116a), and the water vapor discharged from the second header (125b) can flow through the second space (112b) through the second port hole (116b).

[0103] The above end cap (110) may be provided on both sides of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120). The end cap (110) may include a first end cap (110a) provided on one side of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) and a second end cap (110b) provided on the other side.

[0104] The dehumidifying device (10) may further include a cover (130) covering the side of the end cap (110). The cover (130) may include a first cover (130a) covering the first end cap (110a) and a second cover (130b) covering the second end cap (110b).

[0105] The above cover (130) may include a cover body (131) having a size sufficient to cover the end cap (110). The cover body (131) may have a plate shape.

[0106] A connecting pipe (135) that guides the discharged water vapor to the outside of the dehumidifier (10) may be connected to one of the first and second covers (130a, 130b). For example, as shown in the drawing, the connecting pipe (135) may be provided to the second cover (130b). However, it may also be provided to the first cover (130a) instead of the second cover (130b).

[0107] The above connecting pipe (135) can protrude from the cover body (131) toward the outside of the dehumidifying device (10).

[0108] The above connecting pipe (135) is provided in multiple pieces on both sides of the cover (130), and may include a first connecting pipe (135a) and a second connecting pipe (135b).

[0109] The above dehumidifying device (10) may further include a shielding plate (150) arranged in a space between the side surfaces of a plurality of dehumidifying members (121) and the end cap (110). By means of the shielding plate (150), the sucked air can be prevented from leaking into the space and bypassing the dehumidifying member (121).

[0110] The above shielding plate (150) may include an insulating material with excellent insulating performance to prevent external air from flowing into the dehumidifier (10). The insulating material may include polyurethane foam.

[0111] The above shielding plate (150) may include a first shielding plate (150a) interposed between the first end cap (110a) and one side of the dehumidifying member (121), and a second shielding plate (150b) interposed between the second end cap (110b) and the other side of the dehumidifying member (121).

[0112] The above dehumidifying device (10) may include a fixed plate (160) that supports the dehumidifying module (120). The fixed plate (160) may be arranged to be fitted into the header (125) of the dehumidifying module (120).

[0113] The above fixed plate (160) may include a plate hole (163) into which the header (125) is inserted. The plate hole (163) may be formed to a size such that a plurality of headers (125) provided in a plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) can be inserted at once.

[0114] The above plate holes (163) are formed on both sides of the fixed plate (160), and a plurality of first headers (125a) and a plurality of second headers (125b) can be inserted into the plate holes (163) on both sides, respectively.

[0115] The above fixed plate (160) may include a first fixed plate (160a) provided on the inner surface of the first end cap (110a) and a second fixed plate (160b) provided on the inner surface of the second end cap (110b). The first end cap (110a) may cover the first fixed plate (160a), and the second end cap (110b) may cover the second fixed plate (160b).

[0116] The above dehumidifying device (10) may further include a distribution plate (140) installed on the second end cap (110b). The distribution plate (140) may guide the negative pressure (vacuum pressure) applied to the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) so that it can be evenly formed.

[0117] Since the above-described plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) have a structure in which they are stacked, the area of ​​the plurality of connection ports (126) provided in the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) may be somewhat large, and the area of ​​the connection pipe (135) may be somewhat small. In addition, the position at which the connection pipe (135) is connected may correspond to the middle height in the vertical direction among the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120).

[0118] For this reason, the negative pressure may not work well on the dehumidifying module (120) positioned relatively far from the connecting pipe (135), and the discharge of water vapor may not be easy. Therefore, by providing the distribution plate (140), a uniform negative pressure (vacuum) may be applied to the connecting ports (126) of a plurality of dehumidifying modules (120).

[0119] For this purpose, the distribution plate (140) can form a communication hole (142) that is fluidly connected to the porthole (116) of the second end cap (110b).

[0120] The above communication hole (142) can be flexibly connected to the connection port (126) of the header (125). Therefore, water vapor discharged from the dehumidifying module (120) through the connection port (126) can pass through the porthole (116) of the second end cap (110b) and then through the communication hole (142).

[0121] The above communication holes (142) are provided in multiple numbers and arranged in the third direction (up and down), and their sizes can be formed smaller than the connection ports (126). Accordingly, a negative pressure can be uniformly formed in the multiple communication holes (142).

[0122] The above distribution plate (140) may include a first distribution plate (140a) provided at a position covering the first port hole (116a) and a second distribution plate (140b) provided at a position covering the second port hole (116b).

[0123] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dehumidification module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a guide plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, a dehumidifying module (120) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a dehumidifying member (121) including a hollow fiber membrane (123) and headers (125a, 125b) provided at both ends of the dehumidifying member (121).

[0125] The above headers (125a, 125b) may include a first header (125a) provided at one end of the dehumidifying member (121) and a second header (125b) provided at the other end. The first header (125a), the dehumidifying member (121), and the second header (125b) may be arranged in the first direction (front-back direction).

[0126] The above hollow fiber membrane (123) may have a length extending in the first direction between the first header (125a) and the second header (125b).

[0127] The above hollow fiber membrane (123) is provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple hollow fiber membranes (123) can be arranged in the second direction (left and right direction).

[0128] The above dehumidifying member (121) may be provided in multiple pieces to form multiple layers in the third direction (up-down direction). The multiple dehumidifying members (121) may include a first dehumidifying member (121a) forming a first layer, a second dehumidifying member (121b) forming a second layer, and a third dehumidifying member (121c) forming a third layer.

[0129] The above first to third dehumidifying members (121a, 121b, 121c) may each include a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (123).

[0130] The above dehumidifying module (120) may further include a fixing member (122) for fixing the dehumidifying member (121). The fixing member (122) may be configured by being filled in a liquid form within a potting cap (not shown) and solidified to fix the positions of a plurality of dehumidifying members (121). The potting cap may be removed after the liquid substance solidifies. For example, the fixing member (122) may be configured of a urethane or epoxy material.

[0131] The dehumidifying member (121) equipped with the above-mentioned fixing member (122) can be installed in the first header (125a) and the second header (125b). For example, the fixing member (122) can be inserted into the interior of the first and second headers (125a, 125b) and attached to the inner surface of the first and second headers (125a, 125b).

[0132] The first and second headers (125a, 125b) may include an internal space (125c) through which water vapor passing through the hollow portion of the dehumidifying member (121) is discharged. An end portion of the dehumidifying member (121) may be exposed to the internal space (125c). Accordingly, water vapor separated from the dehumidifying member (121) may be discharged into the internal space (125c) through the end portion of the dehumidifying member (121).

[0133] The internal space (125c) provided in the first header (125a) may be referred to as a “first internal space,” and the internal space (125c) provided in the second header (125b) may be referred to as a “second internal space.”

[0134] A vacuum pump is connected to the above dehumidifying device (10), and when the vacuum pump is driven, a pressure difference occurs between the outside and inside of the dehumidifying member (121), and a negative pressure lower than the external pressure can be formed inside the dehumidifying member (121).

[0135] Therefore, when the moist air comes into contact with the outer surface of the dehumidifying member (121), i.e., the outer surface of the hollow fiber membrane (123), the moisture contained in the moist air is adsorbed to the outer surface, and the adsorbed moisture can be selectively separated from the air by diffusing and then being desorbed from the surface.

[0136] The air (water vapor) containing the separated moisture flows along the hollow fiber membrane (123) and can be discharged into the internal space (125c) of the first and second headers (125a, 125b) (dotted arrow).

[0137] The first and second headers (125a, 125b) may be provided with a connection port (126). The connection port (126) may be provided to protrude from the side ends of the first and second headers (125a, 125b).

[0138] The water vapor introduced into the internal space (125c) can be discharged from the first and second headers (125a, 125b) through the connection port (126).

[0139] A guide plate (170) may be provided in the space between the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120). The guide plate (170) may be provided only in one space between the first and second dehumidifying modules (120a, 120b), or may be provided in multiple spaces depending on the number of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120).

[0140] The above guide plate (170) may be placed between the header (125) of the first dehumidification module (120a) and the header (125) of the second dehumidification module (120b), or may be attached to at least one of the header (125) of the first dehumidification module (120a) and the header (125) of the second dehumidification module (120b).

[0141] The above guide plate (170) may have a flat shape and include a plate body (171) forming a through hole (172) and a protrusion (173a, 173b) protruding from the plate body (171).

[0142] The above through holes (172) are formed in multiple numbers, and the multiple through holes (172) can be formed evenly over the entire area of ​​the plate body (171). The through holes (172) can guide the wet air to flow from one surface of the guide plate (170) toward the other surface. That is, the wet air can pass through the through holes (172).

[0143] One side and the other side of the above guide plate (170) can form surfaces facing each other.

[0144] The above protrusions (173a, 173b) may be provided to protrude from the edge of the through hole (172). The protrusions (173a, 173b) may include a first protrusion (173a) that protrudes from the edge of the through hole (172) in a direction toward the first dehumidifying module (120a) and a second protrusion (173b) that protrudes from the edge of the through hole (172) in a direction toward the second dehumidifying module (120b).

[0145] The first protrusion (173a) may be provided at the corner of the first through hole among the plurality of through holes (172), and the second protrusion (173b) may be provided at the corner of the second through hole among the plurality of through holes (172).

[0146] The first and second protrusions (173a, 173b) are each provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple first protrusions (173a) and the multiple second protrusions (173b) can be arranged alternately in the direction in which air is sucked (first direction).

[0147] At least one of the first protrusion (173a) and the second protrusion (173b) may include a rib.

[0148] When wet air is sucked into the dehumidifying device (10), it can be sucked into the space between multiple dehumidifying modules (120). The sucked air flows along one side and the other side of the guide plate (170) and can interfere with the protrusions (173a, 173b).

[0149] The air interfered with by the above protrusions (173a, 173b) can flow by bending in the direction toward the first dehumidifying module (120a) among the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) or by bending in the direction toward the second dehumidifying module (120b) (turbulence induction).

[0150] For example, air hitting the first protrusion (173a) may be guided toward the first dehumidifying module (120a), and air hitting the second protrusion (173b) may be guided toward the second dehumidifying module (120b). By this air flow, the contact area of ​​the humid air with the first and second dehumidifying modules (120a, 120b) may increase.

[0151] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a part of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is a view showing a plurality of dehumidifying modules according to an embodiment of the present invention being supported by a fixing plate, FIG. 9 is a view showing a configuration of a fixing plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a plurality of dehumidifying modules and their peripheral configurations according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a cover is removed from FIG. 10.

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 11, a dehumidifying module (120) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a dehumidifying member (121) and headers (125) provided at both ends of the dehumidifying member (121).

[0153] The length of the header (125) in the second direction may be formed to be larger than the length of the dehumidifying member (121) in the second direction by a first size (W1). By this configuration, water vapor separated from the dehumidifying member (121) can easily flow into the header (125) of relatively large volume.

[0154] Accordingly, both ends of the header (125) may have a configuration that protrudes more than both ends of the dehumidifying member (121).

[0155] The above header (125) includes a connection port (126) for discharging water vapor, and the connection port (126) can protrude from the side end of the header (125) in a direction toward the end cap (110).

[0156] The above connection port (126) may be provided in each of the first and second headers (125a, 125b). The first header (125a) may be provided with a first connection port (126a), and the second header (125b) may be provided with a second connection port (126b).

[0157] The side end portion of the above dehumidifying member (121) and the first and second headers (125a, 125b) can define a receiving space (127) in which the shielding plate (150) is placed. Since the shielding plate (150) is placed in the receiving space (127), the phenomenon of the sucked air flowing through the receiving space (127) and bypassing the dehumidifying member (121) can be prevented.

[0158] The above dehumidifying device (10) may include an end cap (110) provided on the side of a plurality of dehumidifying modules (120). The end cap (110) may be arranged to cover the shielding plate (150).

[0159] The above end cap (110) can be arranged to cover the side ends of the first and second headers (125a, 125b).

[0160] As described above, the end cap (110) may include first end caps (110a, 110b) provided on both sides of the dehumidifying module (120).

[0161] The direction in which the first end cap (110a), the dehumidifying module (120), and the second end cap (110b) are arranged may be the second direction (left-right direction). The configurations of the first end cap (110a) and the second end cap (110b) may be identical.

[0162] The above end cap (110) may include a plate-shaped cap body (111) having a predetermined thickness and a plurality of portholes (116) formed through the cap body (111).

[0163] The above-mentioned plurality of portholes (116) can be formed in a plurality in the third direction corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of connection ports (126) provided in the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120).

[0164] The above porthole (116) may include a first porthole (116a) formed at a position corresponding to the first connection port (126a) and a second porthole (116b) formed at a position corresponding to the second connection port (126b).

[0165] The first porthole (116a) and the second porthole (116b) may each be formed in multiple numbers and arranged in the third direction.

[0166] When the end cap (110) is coupled to the side of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120), the first and second port holes (116a, 116b) can be flexibly connected to the first and second connection ports (126a, 126b) of the dehumidifying modules (120). For example, the first and second connection ports (126a, 126b) can be inserted into the first and second port holes (116a, 116b).

[0167] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the dehumidifying device (10) may further include a fixed plate (160) that supports the dehumidifying module (120).

[0168] The dehumidifying member (120) composed of the hollow fiber membrane (123) may have a phenomenon in which the shape is deformed due to shrinkage of the hollow fiber membrane (123) during the drying process in which a coating layer is provided on the surface of the hollow fiber membrane (123).

[0169] Accordingly, in order to prevent the end cap (110) from being difficult to attach due to a change in the shape of the dehumidification module (120) when attaching the end cap (110) to the side of the plurality of dehumidification modules (120), a fixing plate (160) may first be attached to the plurality of dehumidification modules (120).

[0170] The above fixed plate (160) may include a plate body (161) having a thin flat plate shape. The plate body (161) may be arranged to cover the shielding plate (150).

[0171] The above plate body (161) can form a plate hole (163a, 163b). The plate hole (163a, 163b) can be formed by penetrating at least a portion of the plate body (161).

[0172] The above plate holes (163a, 163b) may be formed in multiple numbers corresponding to the positions of the first header (125a) and the second header (125b). The plate holes (163a, 163b) may include a first plate hole (163a) into which the first header (125a) is inserted and a second plate hole (163b) into which the second header (125b) is inserted.

[0173] The first and second plate holes (163a, 163b) can be formed spaced apart from each other on both sides of the plate body (161).

[0174] The above plate body (161) may include first and second border portions (162a, 162b) defining the first and second plate holes (163a, 163b).

[0175] The first border portion (162a) above is a portion that defines the border of the first plate hole (163a), and the second border portion (162b) can define the border of the second plate hole (163b).

[0176] For example, when the first plate hole (163a) forms a square hole, the first border portion (162a) may be formed with four corners. When the second plate hole (163b) forms a square hole, the second border portion (162b) may be formed with four corners.

[0177] The first frame portion (162a) can support the outer surface of the first header (125a) when the first header (125a) is inserted into the first plate hole (163a). The second frame portion (162b) can support the outer surface of the second header (125b) when the second header (125b) is inserted into the second plate hole (163b).

[0178] The first and second headers (125a, 125b) are inserted into the first and second plate holes (163a, 163b) and the first and second frame parts (162a, 162b) support the first and second headers (125a, 125b), thereby preventing shrinkage or deformation of the dehumidifying module (120).

[0179] The above end cap (110) may be configured to cover the outer side of the fixed plate (160) while the fixed plate (160) supports the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120).

[0180] The above end cap (110) may include a cap body (111) forming first and second space portions (112a, 112b). The first and second space portions (112a, 112b) may be separated by a partition wall (115).

[0181] Accordingly, the water vapor discharged from the first connection port (126a) can flow to the first space (112a), and the water vapor discharged from the second connection port (126b) can flow to the second space (112b).

[0182] By the partition wall (115), the steam in the first space (112a) and the steam in the second space (112b) are separated to form steam passages of small volumes, so that negative pressure (vacuum pressure) can be easily formed in the first and second headers (125a, 125b).

[0183] The end cap (110) may further include connecting ribs (113a, 113b) provided in the first and second space portions (112a, 112b). The connecting ribs (113a, 113b) may protrude from the cap body (111) and may be configured to shield one side of the first and second port holes (116a, 116b).

[0184] The above connecting ribs (113a, 113b) may include a first connecting rib (113a) provided in the first space portion (112a) and a second connecting rib (113b) provided in the second space portion (112b).

[0185] The above connecting ribs (113a, 113b) may include a portion where the distribution plate (140) is mounted. The distribution plate (140) may be coupled to the end of the connecting ribs (113a, 113b) and may be positioned to face the connection port (126a, 126b).

[0186] A first distribution plate (140a) can be supported on the first connecting rib (113a), and a second distribution plate (140b) can be supported on the second connecting rib (113b).

[0187] The cover (130) is arranged to cover the first and second distribution plates (140a, 140b) and can form a pipe connection portion (132) to which a connection pipe (135a, 135b) is connected. Water vapor passing through the first and second distribution plates (140a, 140b) can pass through the first and second space portions (112a, 112b) and be discharged to the connection pipe (135a, 135b) through the pipe connection portion (132).

[0188] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the configuration of a distribution board according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the configuration of an end cap and a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13.

[0189] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, a distribution plate (140) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plate body (141) having a thin flat plate shape. The size of the plate body (141) may be formed to a size that can be placed on the connecting ribs (113a, 113b) and cover the connecting ports (126a, 126b).

[0190] The height at which the connecting ribs (113a, 113b) protrude from the cap body (111) may be greater than the height at which the connecting ports (126a, 126b) protrude from the cap body (111). Therefore, when the distribution plate (140) is placed on the connecting ribs (113a, 113b), the distribution plate (140) may be spaced apart from the connecting ports (126a, 126b).

[0191] The above distribution plate (140) can form a plurality of communication holes (142) that are formed penetrating the plate body (141). The plurality of communication holes (142) can be formed evenly over the entire area of ​​the plate body (141).

[0192] The above communication hole (142) may be formed as a hole of a fine size. The first diameter (d1) of the communication hole (142) may be formed to be smaller than the second diameter (d2) of the connection port (126).

[0193] The water vapor discharged from the above connection ports (126a, 126b) can be evenly spread over the entire area of ​​the plate body (141) when it meets the communication holes (142) spaced apart from the connection ports (126a, 126b). Accordingly, negative pressure (vacuum pressure) can be evenly applied to the plurality of communication holes (142).

[0194] The cover (130) may be arranged to cover the end cap (110). The cover (130) is arranged to cover the first and second space portions (112a, 112b) and the partition wall (115), and a connecting pipe (135a, 135b) may extend in the external direction of the cover (130).

[0195] The cover (130) may be provided at a position spaced apart from the distribution plate (140) by a set distance (S1). By spaced apart from the distribution plate (140), the water vapor discharged from the plurality of communication holes (142) can easily flow to the position where the connecting pipes (135a, 135b) are connected.

[0196] For example, the connecting pipe (135a, 135b) may be provided at a central height based on the third direction (up-down direction) of the cover (130). Since the cover (130) is spaced apart from the distribution plate (140), water vapor discharged from the communication hole (142) located at a different height from the connecting pipe (135a, 135b) can also be easily discharged through the connecting pipe (135a, 135b).

[0197] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing the air flow in a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 16 is a drawing showing the configuration of a dehumidifier in which the dehumidifying device is installed.

[0198] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be installed inside a housing (2) of a dehumidifier (1).

[0199] A fan (5) is installed inside the housing (2), and when the fan (5) connected to the dehumidifier (10) is driven, air can be sucked into the interior of the dehumidifier (10) through the suction portion (3) formed in the housing (2). For example, the fan (600) can be installed on the discharge side of the dehumidifier (10).

[0200] The direction of suction through the above suction portion (3) can be formed parallel to the first direction in which the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) extend, i.e., the front-back direction.

[0201] The wet air sucked in from the above suction portion (3) is introduced into the space between the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120), and can flow in the direction of contact with the dehumidifying member (121) by inducing turbulence by the protrusions (173a, 173b) of the guide plate (170).

[0202] Moisture in the air that comes into contact with the dehumidifying member (121) is adsorbed to the dehumidifying member (121) by the suction force of the vacuum pump (6) and can be desorbed into the internal hollow space of the hollow fiber membrane (123) that constitutes the dehumidifying member (121).

[0203] The air (water vapor) containing the above moisture flows along the dehumidifying member (121) and can be collected by the first and second headers (125a, 125b) provided at both ends of the dehumidifying member (121).

[0204] In detail, by driving the vacuum pump (6), a negative pressure lower than the external pressure can be formed inside the dehumidifying member (121). As air passes through the dehumidifying member (121), moisture contained in the air can come into contact with the surface of the dehumidifying member (121) and be adsorbed. Then, the adsorbed moisture can be selectively separated from the humid air by diffusing and then being desorbed from the surface.

[0205] The above water vapor can be discharged through the connection ports (126a, 126b) of the first and second headers (125a, 125b) and flow to the first and second space portions (112a, 112b) of the end cap (120) through the distribution plate (140).

[0206] And, the water vapor is discharged from the dehumidifier (10) through the connection pipe (135) of the cover (130) and can be sucked into the vacuum pump (6) via the pump connection pipe (6a). The pump connection pipe (6a) can be connected to the suction side of the vacuum pump (6) (dotted arrow in Fig. 16).

[0207] The water vapor is compressed in the vacuum pump (6), and the water that has undergone a phase change during the compression process can be stored in the water tank (7).

[0208] Meanwhile, the air from which the moisture has been separated can be sucked into the fan (5) after passing through a number of vacuum modules (120). Then, the air from which the moisture has been separated can be discharged to the outside through the discharge port (4) of the dehumidifier (1) (solid arrow in Fig. 16).

[0209] According to the configuration of this dehumidifying device (10), a dehumidifying module (120) using a hollow fiber membrane (123) can be provided to increase the contact surface area between air and a dehumidifying member, and since wet air can be supplied to the space between a plurality of dehumidifying members to separate moisture, even if the flow rate of the wet air increases, damage to the hollow fiber membrane (123) can be prevented.

[0210] In addition, the direction in which the wet air supplied to the dehumidifying module (120) is supplied and the direction in which the separated moisture is discharged are provided in parallel, and the wet air can flow into the space between the plurality of dehumidifying members (121), so that the pressure loss can be formed low.

[0211] In addition, since a header is provided at the end of the dehumidifying member (121), and moisture separated through the dehumidifying member (121) can be discharged through the connection port (126a, 126b) of the header (125a, 125b), discharge of water vapor can be facilitated.

[0212] A dehumidifying module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a dehumidifying member comprising a membrane with which moist air comes into contact, thereby increasing the contact surface area between moist air and the dehumidifying member and improving moisture separation performance. Therefore, it has significant industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A plurality of dehumidifying modules including a dehumidifying member composed of a polymer membrane fiber for separating moisture from humid air and a header provided at an end of the dehumidifying member and storing the separated moisture; An end cap connected to the above header and forming a flow space for moisture discharged from the dehumidifying module; and A cover is coupled to the end cap and includes a connecting pipe for discharging the moisture. A dehumidifying device including a first dehumidifying module and a second dehumidifying module stacked in a first direction so that the humid air sucked into the dehumidifying module can flow into the space between the plurality of dehumidifying modules.

2. In paragraph 1, A dehumidifying device in which the polymer film fibers are configured to have a length in a second direction in which the moist air is sucked, and the second direction is formed to intersect the first direction.

3. In paragraph 2, A dehumidifying device in which the second direction and the first direction form mutually perpendicular directions.

4. In paragraph 1, The above header includes a connection port for discharging the moisture, A dehumidifying device in which the above end cap is fluidly connected to the above connection port to form a porthole that transfers moisture to the fluid space.

5. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a fixed plate supporting the above plurality of dehumidifying modules, A dehumidifying device in which the above fixed plate forms a plate hole into which a plurality of headers provided in the above plurality of dehumidifying modules are inserted.

6. In paragraph 5, The above end cap is a dehumidifying device arranged to cover the fixed plate while the fixed plate is coupled to the plurality of dehumidifying modules.

7. In paragraph 1, The above end cap is, A dehumidifying device comprising a cap body forming a flow space for moisture discharged from the header and a partition wall provided in the cap body and dividing the flow space for moisture into a first space and a second space.

8. In paragraph 7, The above header includes a first header provided at one end of the dehumidifying member and a second header provided at the other end of the dehumidifying member, A dehumidifying device in which the first and second space sections are fluidly connected to the first and second headers to receive moisture discharged from the first and second headers.

9. In paragraph 1, A dehumidifier further comprising a distribution plate mounted on the end cap and forming a plurality of ventilation holes to evenly distribute moisture discharged from the header into the flow space of the end cap.

10. In paragraph 9, The end cap includes a cap body forming a porthole connected to the header and a connecting rib protruding from the cap body, A dehumidifying device in which the above distribution plate is supported by the above connecting rib so as to be spaced apart from the above porthole.

11. In paragraph 10, A dehumidifying device further comprising a guide plate interposed between the first and second dehumidifying modules and causing the humid air sucked into the space between the first and second dehumidifying modules to flow to at least one of the first dehumidifying module and the second dehumidifying module.

12. In paragraph 11, The above guide plate, A plate body forming a through hole through which moist air passes; and A dehumidifying device including a protrusion protruding from the plate body through the above-mentioned through-hole and guiding the humid air to the first dehumidifying module or the second dehumidifying module.

13. In paragraph 12, The above-mentioned through holes and protrusions are each provided in multiple numbers, A dehumidifying device, wherein the plurality of protrusions include a first protrusion protruding from the first through-hole toward the first dehumidifying module and a second protrusion protruding from the second through-hole toward the second dehumidifying module.

14. In paragraph 13, A dehumidifying device in which the first and second protrusions are each provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple first protrusions and the multiple second protrusions are arranged alternately in the direction in which the wet air is sucked.

15. In paragraph 1, A dehumidifying device in which the header includes first and second headers extending further from the side end of the dehumidifying member, and a shielding plate covered by the end cap is installed in the space defined by the side end of the dehumidifying member and the first and second headers.

16. A dehumidifying member composed of polymer membrane fibers for separating moisture from humid air; A first header provided at a first end of the dehumidifying member and forming a first internal space through which at least a portion of the separated moisture flows; A second header provided at the second end of the dehumidifying member and forming a second internal space through which at least a portion of the separated moisture flows; A fixed plate forming a plate hole into which the first and second headers are inserted to support the first and second headers; and A dehumidifier including an end cap arranged to cover the fixed plate and fluidly connected to the first and second headers to form a space through which moisture discharged from the first and second headers flows.

17. In paragraph 16, The space portion of the end cap includes a first space portion fluidly connected to the first header and a second space portion fluidly connected to the second header, The above end cap is a dehumidifying device including a partition wall separating the first and second space sections.

18. In paragraph 17, The end cap includes a porthole that is fluidly connected to the first header and the second header to transmit moisture to the fluid space, A dehumidifying device including a first porthole formed at a position communicating with the first space portion and a second porthole formed at a position communicating with the second space portion.

19. In paragraph 16, A dehumidifier further comprising a cover that shields the space of the end cap and has a connecting pipe that discharges moisture from the space.

20. In paragraph 16, The assembly of the above dehumidifying member and the first and second headers constitutes a dehumidifying module, and the dehumidifying module is provided in multiple units. A dehumidifying device further comprising a guide plate formed with a plurality of through holes and a plurality of protrusions to guide the humid air provided and sucked between the plurality of dehumidifying modules to different dehumidifying modules.

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