Dehumidifier and method for producing same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dehumidifier and a method for producing same. A dehumidification module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises dehumidification members comprising membranes with which moist air comes into contact, thereby increasing the contact surface area therebetween and improving moisture separation. The dehumidification module comprises a plurality of individual dehumidification modules, each being a plurality of hollow fiber membranes of a first size (diameter) fixed into a single bundle, thereby obviating the need to fix the hollow fiber membranes one by one and rendering the production of dehumidification modules to be more convenient.

Description

Dehumidifying device and manufacturing method thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to a dehumidifying device and a method for manufacturing the same.

[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 and a manufacturing method thereof that can achieve 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 present invention aims to provide a dehumidifying device and a manufacturing method thereof, which can shorten the dehumidifying time by allowing dehumidification to be performed by passing through a dehumidifying module without requiring time for stabilization of the refrigeration cycle.

[0009] 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, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0010] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifying device and a manufacturing method thereof that facilitates the manufacture of individual dehumidifying modules by forming a plurality of hollow fiber membranes having very small diameters into a single bundle and performing primary potting using a first potting cap.

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifying device and a manufacturing method thereof that facilitates the manufacture of an entire dehumidifying module by secondary potting of a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules using a second potting cap.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a dehumidifying device and a method for manufacturing the same, which can increase the contact surface area of ​​air to a membrane module by arranging a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules between a first end cap and a second end cap and causing air to flow around the plurality of individual dehumidifying modules.

[0013] The present invention aims to provide a dehumidifying device and a method for manufacturing the same, in which a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules having small diameters are arranged and an air flow path can be formed through a space between the plurality of individual dehumidifying modules, thereby reducing pressure loss when air passes through a membrane module.

[0014] The present invention aims to provide a dehumidifying device and a manufacturing method thereof, which can improve moisture separation performance by configuring a first direction of intake flow of air to remove moisture and a second direction of flow of separated water vapor to be perpendicular to each other.

[0015] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dehumidifying device and a manufacturing method thereof that can move water vapor in air passing through a dehumidifying module into the hollow interior of a membrane by generating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the membrane using a vacuum pump.

[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] The above dehumidification module is configured to include a plurality of individual dehumidification modules formed into a bundle by fixing a plurality of hollow fiber membranes having a first size (diameter), thereby providing convenience in manufacturing the dehumidification module without the need to fix each hollow fiber membrane individually.

[0018] By providing a plurality of the above individual dehumidification modules and fixing the plurality of individual membrane modules to form an entire dehumidification module, there is convenience in manufacturing the dehumidification module.

[0019] The above individual dehumidifying modules are configured to have a length in the direction from the first end cap to the second end cap, and a plurality of membrane modules are densely arranged and spaced apart from each other, thereby preventing air from bypassing the dehumidifying modules and leaking, and reducing air pressure loss.

[0020] In particular, the individual dehumidifying module is arranged in a space between two adjacent individual dehumidifying modules, and a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules are arranged in a zigzag direction, thereby increasing the contact surface area of ​​the air with respect to the individual dehumidifying modules.

[0021] The above dehumidification module is arranged so that the direction in which air flows into the dehumidification module and the longitudinal direction of the dehumidification module are perpendicular to each other, and moisture separated from the dehumidification module can be discharged in the longitudinal direction of the dehumidification module, so that moisture separation performance can be improved.

[0022] In one aspect of the present invention, a dehumidifying device may include a plurality of dehumidifying modules, each of which includes a dehumidifying member composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes for separating moisture from humid air and a first fixing part for fixing the plurality of hollow fiber membranes; a first end cap provided at a first end side of the dehumidifying module and forming a connection port for discharging separated moisture; a second end cap provided at a second end side of the dehumidifying module and covering the dehumidifying module; and a second fixing part supported by the first end cap and fixing the plurality of dehumidifying modules.

[0023] The above first fixing portion may include a first potting portion formed by solidifying individual potting liquids so that the plurality of hollow fiber membranes can be joined to each other.

[0024] The above second fixing unit may include a second potting unit formed by solidifying the entire potting liquid so that the plurality of dehumidifying modules can be coupled to each other.

[0025] The above first fixing part or the above second fixing part is formed by hardening a potting liquid, and the potting liquid may be made of a urethane or epoxy material.

[0026] The end face of the first fixed portion forms an exposed surface that exposes the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to the outside, and the first end cap or the second end cap can be arranged to shield the exposed surface.

[0027] The end surface of the second fixed portion forms an exposed surface that exposes the ends of the plurality of dehumidifying modules to the outside, and the first end cap or the second end cap can be arranged to shield the exposed surface.

[0028] The above multiple dehumidifying modules can be arranged in multiple stages to form multiple rows and multiple columns.

[0029] The first fixing part may be arranged to be inserted into the second fixing part so that the second fixing part surrounds the outer surface of the first fixing part.

[0030] It may further include a panel provided between the first end cap and the second end cap and covering at least one side of the plurality of dehumidifying modules.

[0031] The above panel includes a first panel and a second panel, and the plurality of dehumidifying modules can be arranged between the first panel and the second panel.

[0032] The above dehumidifying member may be configured in the form of a bundle of at least several dozen hollow fiber membranes.

[0033] The above hollow fiber membrane may have a diameter of 450 μm or less, and the above dehumidifying member may have a diameter in the range of 4 to 8 cm.

[0034] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a dehumidifying device may include the steps of: installing a dehumidifying member composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes to separate moisture in humid air in a first potting cap, and supplying a first potting liquid to the first potting cap to form a first potting portion of an individual dehumidifying module; installing the individual dehumidifying module in a second potting cap, and supplying a second potting liquid to the second potting cap to form a second potting portion of an entire dehumidifying module; and attaching an end cap to the entire dehumidifying module.

[0035] The above individual dehumidifying module is characterized in that it is a module in which the first potting portion is provided on both sides of the dehumidifying member.

[0036] The above overall dehumidification module is characterized in that it is a module in which the second potting section is provided on both sides of a plurality of individual dehumidification modules.

[0037] The first potting cap may include an insertion portion for installing a plurality of dehumidifying members, and the step of forming the first potting portion of the individual dehumidifying module may include a step of forming the first potting portion by connecting a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules to each other.

[0038] It further includes a step of cutting a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules connected to each other, and is characterized in that the plurality of cut individual dehumidifying modules are installed in the second potting cap.

[0039] The step of attaching an end cap to the entire dehumidifying module may include the step of attaching a first end cap and a second end cap to both ends of the entire dehumidifying module.

[0040] The above manufacturing method may further include a step of installing a first panel and a second panel with the entire dehumidifying module interposed therebetween to prevent air from leaking laterally by bypassing the entire dehumidifying module.

[0041] 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.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, dehumidification can be performed by passing through a dehumidification module without requiring time for stabilization of the refrigeration cycle, so that the dehumidification time can be shortened.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dehumidification module using a membrane (hollow fiber membrane) is provided to increase the contact surface area between air and a dehumidification member.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily manufacture an individual dehumidification module by forming a plurality of hollow fiber membranes having a very small diameter into a single bundle and performing primary potting using a first potting cap.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the entire dehumidification module can be easily manufactured by secondary potting a plurality of individual dehumidification modules using a second potting cap.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by arranging a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules between the first end cap and the second end cap and causing air to flow around the plurality of individual dehumidifying modules, the contact surface area of ​​air with respect to the membrane module can be increased.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules having small diameters are arranged, and an air flow path can be formed through a space between the plurality of individual dehumidifying modules, so that pressure loss can be reduced when air passes through the membrane module.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first direction of the intake flow of air to remove moisture and the second direction of the flow of water vapor to be separated are configured to be perpendicular to each other, thereby improving moisture separation performance.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by generating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the membrane using a vacuum pump, water vapor in the air passing through the dehumidification module can be easily moved into the hollow interior of the membrane.

[0050] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Figure 1.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an individual dehumidification module according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a first potting cap.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the configuration of a first potting cap according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 3.

[0055] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 2.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules mounted between a plurality of first potting caps according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a plurality of first potting caps separated after a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules according to an embodiment of the present invention perform primary potting.

[0058] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the appearance after the above-mentioned multiple individual dehumidifying modules are separated through cutting.

[0059] Figure 10 is a drawing showing the state in which the above-mentioned multiple individual dehumidifying modules are secondarily potted using a second potting cap.

[0060] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of Figure 10.

[0061] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a dehumidification module after secondary potting of a plurality of individual dehumidification modules according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the bottom configuration of a dehumidification module after secondary potting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a method for manufacturing a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 15 is a drawing showing the flow of air and the flow of separated water vapor in a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 1.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the dehumidifying device (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a polyhedral shape. For example, the width (W1) of the dehumidifying device (10) in the first direction may be greater than the width (W2) in the second direction.

[0069] For example, the first direction may define the height of the dehumidifying device (10) and may correspond to the length direction of the dehumidifying module (120).

[0070] The above second direction can define the lateral direction of the dehumidifier (10). The width (W2) of the above second direction can define the transverse width of the suction area through which air is sucked into the dehumidifier (10).

[0071] The width (W1) of the first direction of the dehumidifier (10) may be the same as or different from the width (W3) of the third direction of the dehumidifier (10). The third direction may define the front-back direction of the dehumidifier (10). In Fig. 1, the width (W1) of the first direction is illustrated as being larger than the width (W3) of the third direction, but it is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0072] The forward and backward direction of the above dehumidifying device (10) can be understood as the direction in which air is sucked in and discharged.

[0073] The width (W3) in the third direction may correspond to the length of the row in the front-back direction in which a plurality of dehumidifying members (120) are arranged. The size of the width (W3) in the third direction may be adjusted depending on the dehumidifying capacity of the dehumidifying device.

[0074] The direction in which air is sucked in and discharged by the above dehumidifying device (10) and the direction in which the separated moisture is discharged may be different.

[0075] The third direction and the first direction may be orthogonal to each other. For example, the third direction may be the front-back direction of the dehumidifier (10) as shown in FIG. 1, and the first direction may be the up-down direction of the dehumidifier (10) as shown in FIG. 1. In this way, by making the first and third directions orthogonal to each other, the moisture separation performance of the dehumidifier may be improved (see FIG. 15).

[0076] The above dehumidifying device (10) may include a dehumidifying module (120) for removing moisture from the humid air sucked into the dehumidifying module (10).

[0077] The above dehumidifying module (120) can extend from the first end cap (110) toward the second end cap (115) so as to have a length in the first direction (up and down direction).

[0078] The above dehumidifying module (120) may have a cylindrical shape with a long length and an outer circumference. The outer circumference may constitute a contact surface with which moist air comes into contact.

[0079] The above dehumidifying modules (120) are provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple dehumidifying modules (120) can be arranged in multiple stages so that they can be relatively densely arranged within the housing (100).

[0080] For example, the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) may be arranged in multiple stages in the direction from one end of the dehumidifying device (10) to the other end, i.e., in the second direction. For example, a plurality of dehumidifying modules may be arranged in the first stage, a plurality of dehumidifying modules in the second stage, and a plurality of dehumidifying modules in the third stage, respectively.

[0081] From another perspective, the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) may be arranged in multiple stages in the direction from the front end to the rear end of the dehumidifying device (10), i.e., in the third direction.

[0082] In FIG. 1, the plurality of dehumidification modules (120) are indicated by drawing symbols as including a first dehumidification module (120a), a second dehumidification module (120b), and a third dehumidification module (120c), but as shown in FIG. 1, dozens or more dehumidification modules (120) may be provided.

[0083] According to the arrangement of a plurality of dehumidification modules (120) in this manner, a plurality of dehumidification modules (120) can be effectively arranged in the internal space of the housing (100) by placing one dehumidification module (120) in the space between two adjacent dehumidification modules.

[0084] In addition, the moist air sucked into the dehumidifying device (10) can easily contact the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) without bypassing the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) and thus moisture can be separated.

[0085] The above dehumidification module (120) may include a dehumidification member (121) capable of selectively separating moisture from humid air.

[0086] The above dehumidifying member (121) may include a membrane.

[0087] The above-mentioned dehumidifying member (121) may include a polymer membrane fiber (123, see FIG. 6) 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."

[0088] The above polymer membrane fiber (123) has a diameter of 450 μm or less, for example, about 400 to 420 μm, and may be composed of polysulfone or polypropylene.

[0089] 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.

[0090] The above polymer membrane fiber (123) can be provided in multiple strands.

[0091] The above dehumidifying module (120) may further include a first fixing part (150, see FIG. 7) that fixes the polymer film fiber composed of the plurality of strands.

[0092] The first fixing member (150) may be formed by filling and solidifying the interior of the first potting cap (200, see FIG. 3) in a liquid form to fix the positions of a plurality of dehumidifying members (121). The potting cap may be removed after the liquid material solidifies. For example, the first fixing member (150) may be formed of a urethane or epoxy material.

[0093] The above first fixed part (150) may be called a “first potting part.”

[0094] The above first fixing member (150) fills the space between the plurality of hollow fiber membranes (123) to fix the dehumidifying member, and the end of the dehumidifying member (121) can be exposed to the outside of the above first fixing member (150).

[0095] The above first fixing member (150) may include a one-side fixing member (150a, see FIG. 9) for fixing one end of the dehumidifying member (121) and a other-side fixing member (150b, see FIG. 9) for fixing the other end.

[0096] The above first fixed part (150a, 150b) can be understood as a fixed part formed during the first potting process.

[0097] Since the diameter of the hollow fiber membrane (123) is very small and the strength is weak, it is not easy to modularize the hollow fiber membranes by potting them one by one. Therefore, by forming a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (123) into a bundle and fixing the dehumidifying member (121) of the bundle by the first fixing member (150a, 150b), an individual dehumidifying module (membrane module) can be manufactured.

[0098] Accordingly, each dehumidification module (120) illustrated in FIG. 1 can be called an “individual dehumidification module (membrane module).”

[0099] The above dehumidifying device (10) may include a second fixing part (140) provided at both ends of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120). The second fixing part (140) may include a one-side fixing part (140a, see FIG. 12) provided at the lower end of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) and a other-side fixing part (140b, see FIG. 12) provided at the upper end of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120).

[0100] The above second fixing portion (140a, 140b) may be a portion formed when the potting liquid is filled into the second potting cap (300, see FIG. 10) and the potting liquid hardens.

[0101] That is, the second fixing part (140a, 140b) is a part formed by placing a plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) in the second potting cap (300) and pouring potting liquid, and can be understood as a fixing part that can constitute the entire module.

[0102] For example, the second fixing member (140) may be made of urethane or epoxy material. The second fixing member (140) may be called a “second potting member.”

[0103] An assembly of a plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) combined by the second fixing member (140a, 140b) may be called a “total dehumidifying module (membrane module).”

[0104] The dehumidifying device (10) may further include an end cap (110, 115) that supports the dehumidifying module (120). The end cap (110, 115) may support both sides of the dehumidifying module (120), i.e., the upper and lower parts.

[0105] The above end caps (110, 115) may include a first end cap (110) that supports one side (lower side) of the dehumidification module (120) and a second end cap (115) that supports the other side (upper side) of the dehumidification module (120).

[0106] The above first and second end caps (110, 115) can define the lower and upper ends of the air path passing through the dehumidifying module (120).

[0107] The first end cap (110) may include a connection port (114) to which a vacuum pump (500, see FIG. 15) is connected. The vacuum pump and the connection port (114) may be connected by a connection pipe (510, see FIG. 15).

[0108] For example, the connection port (114) may be formed on any one of the four side walls of the first end cap (110). However, this is not limited thereto, and the connection port (114) may also be formed on the bottom wall of the first end cap (110).

[0109] The water vapor discharged through the above connection port (114) is sucked into a vacuum pump and, in the process of being compressed at high pressure, is transformed into water and can be stored in a water tank (not shown). As another example, the water vapor discharged from the vacuum pump may be passed through an additionally equipped sensible heat exchanger to be condensed into water and stored in a water tank.

[0110] The above first end cap (110) may have a tray shape with an open top.

[0111] A first recessed portion (113) may be formed inside the first end cap (110). The first recessed portion (113) is formed to recess downward from the upper end of the first end cap (110), and may form an inner space of the first end cap (110).

[0112] The above first depression (113) can form a space in which high-humidity air (water vapor) containing moisture separated from the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) flows.

[0113] At least a portion of the second fixed portion (140) can be accommodated inside the first recessed portion (113).

[0114] The first end cap (110) may include a first support protrusion (112) that supports the lower portions of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120). The first support protrusion (112) protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the upper portion of the first end cap (110) and may support the lower edges of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120).

[0115] The above second end cap (115) may have a tray shape with an open bottom.

[0116] A second recessed portion (116) may be formed inside the second end cap (115). The second recessed portion (116) is formed to recess upward from the lower end of the second end cap (115), and may form an inner space of the second end cap (115).

[0117] By providing the first and second end caps (110, 115) to be closed on both sides of the above multiple dehumidifying modules (120), a negative pressure can be formed in the hollow interior of the dehumidifying member (121).

[0118] A vacuum pump (500, see FIG. 15) is connected to the dehumidifying device (10), and when the vacuum pump (150) 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).

[0119] Therefore, when moist air comes into contact with the outer surface of the dehumidifying member, moisture contained in the moist air is adsorbed onto the surface of the outer surface, and the adsorbed moisture can be selectively separated from the air by diffusing and then desorbing from the surface. The separated moisture can flow along the hollow inner space of the dehumidifying member.

[0120] At this time, the first and second end caps (110, 115) are arranged to shield both ends of the dehumidifying member (121), thereby facilitating the formation of negative pressure inside the dehumidifying member (121).

[0121] At least a portion of the second fixed part (140) can be accommodated inside the second recessed part (116).

[0122] The second end cap (115) may include a second support protrusion (117) supported on the upper portion of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120). The second support protrusion (117) may protrude from the lower inner circumference of the second end cap (115) and may be supported on the upper edge of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120).

[0123] The above dehumidifying device (10) may include panels (131, 135) provided on both sides of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120). The panels (131, 135) may include a first panel (131) provided on one side of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) and a second panel (135) provided on the other side.

[0124] The above-described plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) may be arranged between the first panel (131) and the second panel (135). The first and second panels (131, 135) may be arranged adjacent to the above-described plurality of dehumidifying modules (120), thereby preventing air from bypassing the above-described plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) and leaking laterally.

[0125] In addition, the external air of the dehumidifying device (10) can be prevented from being unnecessarily introduced to the side of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) by the first and second panels (131, 135).

[0126] The first and second panels (131, 135) may be provided between the first end cap (110) and the second end cap (115). In detail, one end of the first and second panels (131, 135) is supported by the first end cap (110), and the first and second panels (131, 135) may extend from the first end cap (110) to the second end cap (115).

[0127] The other end of the first and second panels (131, 135) can support the second end cap (115).

[0128] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an individual dehumidifying module according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a first potting cap, FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a configuration of a first potting cap according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, a dehumidifying member (121) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured by forming a bundle of multiple hollow fiber membranes (123).

[0130] For example, the hollow fiber membrane (123) has a diameter of about 400 to 420 μm, and dozens or hundreds of hollow fiber membranes (123) can be gathered to form the dehumidifying member (121). The diameter of the dehumidifying member (121) can be formed in a range of several centimeters, for example, about 4 to 8 cm.

[0131] Although not separately disclosed in the drawing, the outer surface of the dehumidifying member (121) may further include a packing member that surrounds the dehumidifying member (121) to maintain the shape of the dehumidifying member (121).

[0132] By means of the above packing member, the dehumidifying member (121) can be easily configured to include a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (123) forming a bundle.

[0133] The above-mentioned packing member is composed of a resin material, which provides strong water resistance and suppresses bacterial growth and mold growth. Furthermore, the packing member can protect the dehumidifying member (121) by blocking large dust particles in the air. For example, the packing member may be composed of polypropylene.

[0134] 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.

[0135] In order to fix the above plurality of hollow fiber membranes (123), a first potting process of the dehumidifying member (121) using the first potting cap (200) can be performed.

[0136] The above first potting cap (200) may include a cap body (210) having a bar shape.

[0137] The cap body (210) may include an insertion portion (220) that accommodates an end of the dehumidifying member (121). The insertion portion (220) may be configured to be sunken into the outer surface of the cap body (210).

[0138] The above insertion portions (220) may be formed in multiple numbers so that multiple dehumidifying members (121) can be inserted. The multiple insertion portions (220) may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cap body (210) and may be formed spaced apart from each other.

[0139] The above multiple insertion portions (220) can be arranged in a direction from one end of the first porting cap (200) toward the other end.

[0140] The cap body (210) may further include a connecting groove (230) that connects the plurality of inserts (220) and forms a path through which the potting liquid supplied to the first potting cap (200) flows.

[0141] A dehumidifying member (121) can be inserted into the insertion portion (220) of the first potting cap (200). The depth (Dp1) at which the dehumidifying member (121) is inserted may be less than 10% of the length of the dehumidifying member (121).

[0142] A dehumidifying member (121) can be installed in each of the above multiple insertion parts (220).

[0143] When the above multiple dehumidifying members (121) are installed in the first potting cap (200) and the potting liquid is supplied from one end of the first potting cap (200) (A), the potting liquid flows sequentially into the multiple insertion parts (220) through the connecting groove (230) (B).

[0144] At this time, the potting liquid can be supplied while the first potting cap (200) is tilted downward toward the other end so that the potting liquid can easily flow from one end of the first potting cap (200) toward the other end.

[0145] For example, the first potting cap (200) may be installed on a supporter (S) having an inclined surface. The inclined surface (F) of the supporter (S) may be inclined at a set angle (θ). The set angle (θ) may be approximately 10°.

[0146] As another example, the first potting cap (200) may be installed on a movable rail, and the potting liquid may be supplied to the plurality of inserts (220) while the first potting cap (200) moves on the rail.

[0147] As time passes after the above potting solution is supplied, the above potting solution may harden and form a first fixing portion (150, see FIG. 7). One side of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (123) constituting the dehumidifying member (121) may be fixed to each other by the above first fixing portion (150).

[0148] After forming one side fixing portion (150a) of the first fixing portion (150) on one side of a plurality of dehumidifying members (121), the plurality of dehumidifying members (121) can be turned over and the above process can be performed once again, and the other side fixing portion (150b) of the first fixing portion (150) can be formed on the other side of the plurality of dehumidifying members (121).

[0149] The potting solution supplied to form the first fixed portion (150) may be called “individual potting solution” or “first potting solution.”

[0150] Below, the subsequent manufacturing process is described with reference to the drawings.

[0151] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a state in which a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules according to an embodiment of the present invention are mounted between a plurality of first potting caps, FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a state in which a plurality of first potting caps are separated after a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules according to an embodiment of the present invention are first potted, FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a state after the potted plurality of individual dehumidifying modules are separated through cutting, FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a state in which the plurality of individual dehumidifying modules are secondarily potted using second potting caps, FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a state in which the plurality of individual dehumidifying modules are fixed by a fixing part after the second potting caps are separated, FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a dehumidifying module after a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules are secondarily potted according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a bottom configuration of a dehumidifying module after a second potting according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] First, referring to FIG. 7, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (123) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be formed into a bundle to form a dehumidifying member (121).

[0153] The above dehumidifying member (121) can be fixed by a first fixing member (150a, 150b) formed using a first potting cap (200a, 200b).

[0154] The above first potting cap (200a, 200b) may include a one-side potting cap (200a) for forming a one-side fixing part (150a) on one side of the dehumidifying member (121) and a other-side potting cap (200b) for forming a other-side fixing part (150b) on the other side of the dehumidifying member (121).

[0155] The above-described plurality of dehumidifying members (121) can be installed in one side potting cap (200a). In detail, one side of the above-described plurality of dehumidifying members (121) can be inserted into the insertion portion (220) of the one side potting cap (200a).

[0156] Potting liquid is supplied to the one-sided potting cap (200a), and the supplied potting liquid flows into the plurality of insertion parts (220) through the connecting groove (230). In the process of the potting liquid supplied to the plurality of insertion parts (220) solidifying, a one-sided fixing part (150a) is formed, and one side of the dehumidifying member (121) inserted into the insertion part (220) can be firmly fixed by the one-sided fixing part (150a).

[0157] The above multiple dehumidifying members (121) can be turned over and installed in the other side potting cap (200b). In detail, the other side of the above multiple dehumidifying members (121) can be inserted into the insertion part (220) of the other side potting cap (200b).

[0158] Potting liquid is supplied to the other side potting cap (200a), and the supplied potting liquid flows into the plurality of insertion parts (220) through the connecting groove (230). In the process of the potting liquid supplied to the plurality of insertion parts (220) solidifying, the other side fixing part (150b) is formed, and the other side of the dehumidifying member (121) inserted into the insertion part (220) can be firmly fixed by the other side fixing part (150b).

[0159] Figure 7 shows a state in which both sides of the above dehumidifying module (120) are inserted into one side potting cap (200a) and the other side potting cap (200b) and a first fixing part (150) is formed.

[0160] When the formation of the first fixing portion (150a, 150b) is completed, the one-side potting cap (200a) and the other-side potting cap (200b) can be separated. The one-side potting cap (200a) and the other-side potting cap (200b) may be made of a material that allows easy separation from the first fixing portion (150a, 150b). For example, the one-side potting cap (200a) and the other-side potting cap (200b) may be made of a polypropylene material.

[0161] Figure 8 shows a state in which one side fixing part (150a) and the other side fixing part (150b) are formed on one side and the other side of a plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) with the one side potting cap (200a) and the other side potting cap (200b) removed.

[0162] By means of the connecting groove (230) formed in the one-side potting cap (200a) and the other-side potting cap (200b), the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) can be connected to each other by means of a connecting portion (155).

[0163] The above connecting portion (155) can be configured to connect a plurality of one-sided fixing portions (150a) or a plurality of other-sided fixing portions (150b) to each other.

[0164] The above connection portion (155) can be cut to separate multiple dehumidifying modules (120). Each of the cut dehumidifying modules (120) can constitute an "individual dehumidifying module." Fig. 9 shows a manufactured multiple individual dehumidifying modules.

[0165] The end surface of the dehumidifying module (120) in which the one-side fixing portion (150a) and the other-side fixing portion (150b) are formed can form an exposed surface that exposes the end portion (123a) of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes (123) to the outside.

[0166] The end (123a) of the hollow fiber membrane (123) formed on the one-side fixing portion (150a) can communicate with the internal space of the first end cap (110). The end (123a) of the hollow fiber membrane (123) formed on the other-side fixing portion (150b) can communicate with the internal space of the second end cap (115).

[0167] Since the above end portion (123a) is fluidly connected to the internal hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (123), when the vacuum pump (500) operates, negative pressure (vacuum pressure) can easily be applied to the internal space of the first and second end caps (110, 115) and the internal hollow of the hollow fiber membrane (123).

[0168] In order to ensure that the above-mentioned end portion (123a) is discharged to the outside, the end surfaces of the one-side fixing portion (150a) and the other-side fixing portion (150b) may be thinly cut after the one-side fixing portion (150a) and the other-side fixing portion (150b) are formed.

[0169] Figure 10 shows a second fixing member (140) formed using a second potting cap (300) to fix a plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) to each other.

[0170] A plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) manufactured in FIG. 9 can be installed in the second potting cap (300).

[0171] The above second potting cap (300) has a tray shape with one end opened and may have multiple side walls.

[0172] One side of the above multiple dehumidifying modules (120) is located inside the second potting cap (300), and in this state, potting liquid can be supplied into the inside of the second potting cap (300). The amount of potting liquid supplied may correspond to the height of the side wall of the second potting cap (300) or may be slightly less than that.

[0173] When the supplied potting liquid hardens, a second fixing portion (140) can be formed. That is, a fixing portion (140a) of the second fixing portion (140) can be formed on one side of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120).

[0174] After the formation of the above-mentioned one-sided fixing portion (140a), the above-mentioned multiple dehumidifying members (121) can be turned over and installed in an additional second potting cap (300). The second potting cap for forming the above-mentioned one-sided fixing portion (140a) can be called a “one-sided potting cap,” and the above-mentioned additional second potting cap (300) can be called a “other-sided potting cap.”

[0175] In detail, the other side of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) is located inside the other side potting cap (300), and in this state, potting liquid can be supplied into the inside of the other side potting cap (300). The amount of potting liquid supplied may correspond to the height of the side wall of the other side potting cap (300) or may be slightly less than that.

[0176] When the supplied potting liquid hardens, a second fixing portion (140) can be formed. That is, a second fixing portion (140b) among the second fixing portions (140) can be formed on the other side of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120).

[0177] The potting solution supplied to form the second fixed portion (140) may be called “total potting solution” or “second potting solution.”

[0178] The second fixing member (140) may be arranged to surround the outer surface of the first fixing member (150). That is, the entire potting liquid flows in contact with the outer surface of the first fixing member (150), and when the entire potting liquid hardens, it is fixed to the outer surface of the first fixing member (150).

[0179] From another perspective, it can be understood that the first fixing member (150) is positioned to be inserted into the second fixing member (140).

[0180] Figure 12 shows a state in which one side fixing part (140a) and the other side fixing part (140b) are formed on both sides of the above multiple dehumidifying modules (120) and then one side potting cap (300) and the other side potting cap (300) are removed.

[0181] The material of the one-side potting cap (300) and the other-side potting cap (300) may be composed of a material that is easy to separate from the second fixing part (140a, 140b). For example, the one-side potting cap (300) and the other-side potting cap (300) may be composed of a polypropylene material.

[0182] The end portions (126a, 126b) of the dehumidifying module (120) in which the one-side fixing portion (140a) and the other-side fixing portion (140b) are formed may be exposed to the outside. The end portions (126a, 126b) may include a first end portion (126a) formed at one end of the dehumidifying module (120) and a second end portion (126b) formed at the other end of the dehumidifying module (120).

[0183] The first end (126a) may form a first exposed surface of the dehumidifying module (120), and the second end (126b) may form a second exposed surface of the dehumidifying module (120).

[0184] An assembly of multiple dehumidification modules (120) illustrated in FIG. 12 can constitute a “complete dehumidification module.”

[0185] A first end cap (110) can be coupled to the lower side of the entire dehumidification module, and a second end cap (115) can be coupled to the upper side of the entire dehumidification module.

[0186] Referring to Fig. 11, a plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) are provided, and the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) can be arranged in multiple stages so that they can be arranged relatively closely together.

[0187] For example, the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) may be arranged to form a plurality of rows in the second direction (left-right direction). The plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) may be arranged to form a plurality of columns in the third direction (front-back direction).

[0188] According to the arrangement of a plurality of dehumidification modules (120) in this manner, a plurality of dehumidification modules (120) can be effectively arranged even within a limited volume by placing one dehumidification module (120) in the space between two adjacent dehumidification modules.

[0189] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a method for manufacturing a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 14, the method for manufacturing the dehumidifying device (10) will be summarized and explained.

[0190] A plurality of hollow fiber membranes (123) having a very small diameter are prepared, and the plurality of hollow fiber membranes (123) are formed into a bundle to prepare a dehumidifying member (121).

[0191] The above hollow fiber membrane (123) is too thin to be easy to handle, but the bundle-shaped dehumidifying member (121) has a diameter that can be gripped by hand, so it can be easily handled (S11).

[0192] The above bundle-shaped dehumidifying member (121) can be placed in the first potting cap (200) and individual potting liquids can be supplied to the interior of the first potting cap (200). The first potting cap (200) can include a one-side potting cap (200a) and an other-side potting cap (200b) so as to supply potting liquids to one side and the other side of the dehumidifying member (121), respectively.

[0193] Using the above-mentioned one-sided potting cap (200a) and the other-sided potting cap (200b), individual potting solutions can be supplied to both ends of the dehumidifying member (121) and the individual potting solutions can be solidified. The solidified individual potting solutions can form first fixing parts (150a, 150b) that can fix both sides of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes (123) (S12).

[0194] After forming the first fixing portion (150a, 150b), the first potting cap (200) can be separated, and the plurality of dehumidifying members (121) connected to each other by the connecting portion (155) can be separated. For example, the connecting portion (155) can be cut by a cutting method, and the plurality of dehumidifying members (121) can be separated individually.

[0195] First fixing parts (150a, 150b) are formed on both sides of the above separated dehumidifying member (121), and the ends of the dehumidifying members (121) can form an exposed surface exposed to the outside. Each dehumidifying member (121) equipped with the first fixing parts (150a, 150b) can constitute an "individual dehumidifying module" (S13).

[0196] The above individual dehumidifying modules can be placed in a second potting cap (300) and the entire potting solution can be supplied to the inside of the second potting cap (300). The second potting cap (300) can include a one-side potting cap (300) and an other-side potting cap (300) so as to supply the potting solution to one side and the other side of the dehumidifying module (120), respectively.

[0197] The entire potting solution can be supplied to both ends of the dehumidifying module (120) using the one-side potting cap (300) and the other-side potting cap (300), and the entire potting solution can be solidified. The solidified entire potting solution can form a second fixing part (140a, 140b) that can fix both ends of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) (S14).

[0198] After forming the second fixing portion (140a, 140b), the second potting cap (300) can be separated. The ends of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) joined by the second fixing portion (140a, 140b) can form an exposed surface exposed to the outside. The plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) equipped with the second fixing portion (140a, 140b) can constitute an "entire dehumidifying module."

[0199] The first end cap (110) and the second end cap (115) can be combined at the top and bottom of the entire dehumidification module, and panels (131, 135) can be installed on both sides of the entire dehumidification module (S15).

[0200] Figure 15 is a drawing showing the flow of air and the flow of separated water vapor in a dehumidifying device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0201] Referring to Fig. 15, when the fan (600) connected to the dehumidifier (10) is driven, moist air can be sucked into the interior of the dehumidifier (10), i.e., toward a plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) (solid arrow). For example, the fan (600) can be installed on the discharge side of the dehumidifier (10).

[0202] The direction in which the above-mentioned humid air is sucked can form a direction in which a plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) extend, i.e. a direction crossing the vertical direction (front-back direction).

[0203] The above-described sucked humid air can be brought into contact with the dehumidifying member (121) of the plurality of dehumidifying modules (120). The moisture in the air that has come into contact with the dehumidifying member (121) can be adsorbed to the dehumidifying member (121) by the suction force of the vacuum pump (500) and desorbed into the internal hollow space of the dehumidifying member (121). The air (water vapor) containing the moisture can flow downward through the internal hollow space of the dehumidifying member (121).

[0204] In detail, by driving the vacuum pump (500), 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-mentioned water vapor can be introduced into the first depression (113) of the first end cap (110) from the lower portion of the dehumidifying module (120). In addition, the above-mentioned water vapor can be discharged to the outside of the dehumidifying device (10) through the connection port (114) and sucked into the vacuum pump (500) through the connection pipe (510).

[0206] The water vapor is compressed in the vacuum pump (500), and the water that has undergone a phase change during the compression process can be stored in a water tank (not shown).

[0207] Meanwhile, the air from which the moisture has been separated flows backwards and is discharged to the outside of the dehumidifier (10) and can be sucked in by the fan (600).

[0208] According to the configuration of this dehumidifying device (10), a plurality of dehumidifying modules (120) are densely arranged inside the housing (100), so that the contact surface area between the dehumidifying modules and the humid air can be increased, thereby improving the dehumidifying performance. In addition, there is an effect that the manufacturing of the dehumidifying module (120) can be facilitated.

[0209] 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 each including a dehumidifying member composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and a first fixing member for fixing the plurality of hollow fiber membranes, for separating moisture from humid air; A first end cap provided on the first end side of the above dehumidifying module and forming a connection port for discharging separated moisture; A second end cap provided on the second end side of the dehumidifying module and covering the dehumidifying module; and A dehumidifying device including a second fixing member that is supported by the first end cap and fixes the plurality of dehumidifying modules.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first fixed portion is a dehumidifying device including a first potting portion formed by solidifying individual potting liquids so that the plurality of hollow fiber membranes can be combined with each other.

3. In paragraph 1, The above second fixing unit is a dehumidifying device including a second potting unit formed by solidifying the entire potting liquid so that the plurality of dehumidifying modules can be coupled to each other.

4. In paragraph 1, A dehumidifying device in which the first fixing part or the second fixing part is formed by hardening a potting liquid, and the potting liquid is made of a urethane or epoxy material.

5. In paragraph 1, A dehumidifying device in which the end face of the first fixed portion forms an exposed surface exposing the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to the outside, and the first end cap or the second end cap is arranged to shield the exposed surface.

6. In paragraph 1, A dehumidifying device in which the end surface of the second fixed portion forms an exposed surface that exposes the ends of the plurality of dehumidifying modules to the outside, and the first end cap or the second end cap is arranged to shield the exposed surface.

7. In paragraph 1, A dehumidifying device in which the above-mentioned plurality of dehumidifying modules are arranged in multiple stages to form multiple rows and multiple columns.

8. In paragraph 1, A dehumidifying device in which the first fixing part is positioned to be inserted into the second fixing part so that the second fixing part surrounds the outer surface of the first fixing part.

9. In paragraph 1, A dehumidifying device further comprising a panel provided between the first end cap and the second end cap and covering at least one side of the plurality of dehumidifying modules.

10. In paragraph 9, A dehumidifying device wherein the above panel includes a first panel and a second panel, and the plurality of dehumidifying modules are arranged between the first panel and the second panel.

11. In paragraph 1, The above dehumidifying member is a dehumidifying device configured in the form of a bundle of at least several dozen hollow fiber membranes.

12. In paragraph 1, A dehumidifying device in which the hollow fiber membrane has a diameter of 450 μm or less and the dehumidifying member has a diameter in the range of 4 to 8 cm.

13. A step of installing a dehumidifying member composed of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes in a first potting cap to separate moisture from humid air, and supplying a first potting liquid to the first potting cap to form a first potting section of an individual dehumidifying module; A step of installing the individual dehumidifying module in a second potting cap and supplying a second potting liquid to the second potting cap to form a second potting part of the entire dehumidifying module; and A method for manufacturing a dehumidifying device, comprising the step of attaching an end cap to the entire dehumidifying module.

14. In paragraph 13, A method for manufacturing a dehumidifying device, characterized in that the individual dehumidifying module is a module having the first potting portion provided on both sides of the dehumidifying member.

15. In paragraph 13, A method for manufacturing a dehumidifying device, characterized in that the above entire dehumidifying module is a module in which the second potting portion is provided on both sides of a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules.

16. In paragraph 13, A method for manufacturing a dehumidifying device, wherein the first potting cap includes an insertion portion for installing a plurality of dehumidifying members, and the step of forming the first potting portion of the individual dehumidifying module includes a step of forming the first potting portion by connecting a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules to each other.

17. In paragraph 16, Further comprising a step of cutting a plurality of individual dehumidifying modules connected to each other, A method for manufacturing a dehumidifying device, characterized in that a plurality of cut individual dehumidifying modules are installed in the second potting cap.

18. In paragraph 13, The step of attaching an end cap to the entire dehumidifying module includes the step of attaching a first end cap and a second end cap to both ends of the entire dehumidifying module, A method for manufacturing a dehumidifying device further comprising the step of installing a first panel and a second panel with the entire dehumidifying module interposed therebetween to prevent air from leaking laterally by bypassing the entire dehumidifying module.

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